Maldives

To experience authentic Maldivian culture, visit a so-called ‘local island’ such as Maafushi ©Tobias Helbig/Getty Images Luxury resorts may be utterly blissful, but they exist entirely within their own private-island bubbles. To experience authentic Maldivian culture, you’ll need to visit a so-called ‘local island’ such as mahi-mahi direct from fishermen and wander whitewashed streets as the call to prayer summons mosque-going crowds. Remember – Maldives is a Muslim nation; bikinis and speedos are fine at many hotels, but modest clothing is the norm elsewhere. If you are keen to island hop and explore, it's worth planning ahead to find Relax and unwind If you’ve chosen to travel to the Maldives, chances are you’re looking to do some serious chilling. If the chalk-white sands and pastel-pink sunsets aren’t enough to soothe away your stress, an exceedingly indulgent massage certainly is. The sleep-enhancing treatment at Not on a budget? It doesn’t get more opulent than the spa at dhoni (traditional boat). From deep-conditioning Parisian coiffeur–approved hair treatments and four-hand massages to meditation and ocean-view aerial yoga classes, a day here is like having a vacation within a vacation. For more fun in the sun, check out Swim with whale sharks If swimming with whale sharks is on your travel bucket list, you’re in luck. The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to spot them year-round – especially if you make Alifu Dhaalu Atoll ( Try Maldivian cuisine Step...

Want to be the envy of all your friends? Just casually drop "I’m holiday-making in the Maldives" into conversation, preferably in the dead of winter. Nothing screams "paradise" quite like the Maldives, a 26-atoll chain of islands with powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and dreamy overwater bungalow resorts.

Want to be the envy of all your friends? Just casually drop "I’m vacationing in the Maldives" into conversation, preferably in the dead of winter. Nothing screams "paradise" quite like the Maldives, a 26-atoll chain of islands with powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and dreamy overwater bungalow resorts. Snorkeling! Personally, I would never go to a resort without a house reef as I would be missing out on what is the best thing about the Maldives — the underwater world! The amount and variety of fish are incredible, and for first-timers being able to swim with sharks and turtles is such an amazing experience (in fact it never gets less amazing!). Swimming with the fishes (sorry, couldn't resist) in the Maldives is a life-changing experience, so far removed from most people's day-to-day life that it has the power to change your whole perspective. For many of us, there is no going back — a holiday that isn't shared with a shark or ten is just not worth the bother. Have to say it's the diving for me, amazing corals and fish, and if you time, the months you travel and location the opportunity to dive with Manta, whale sharks or 200+ sharks at the mouth of a channel is amazing. With Fuvahmulah, the addition of tiger sharks, oceanic manta, hammerheads, and threshers makes this a one-of-a-kind location for diving. Throw in the remoteness, and on a clear night, unbelievable skies, it's a paradise hard to replicate. What is the best way to get there? Flying: Velana International Ai...

Ready for a holiday? As a year-round destination, it’s almost always a good time to go to Maldives. However, if you want guaranteed sunshine, it's best to aim for December to March for your visit. Outside those months there will be plenty of sunshine, but it will be broken up by rain and clouds - though you may save a bit of money. Whatever you decide, you will still get the quintessential Maldives experience. Here’s how to choose the best month to go to Maldives. Editor's note: during High Season: December to February Best time for guaranteed sunshine Maldives enjoys its best weather from December to February. Travelers can expect little rain, low humidity and blue skies. However, Christmas and New Year holidays involve huge price hikes and often resorts require minimum stays of five days or more. Get trusted guidance to the world's most breathtaking experiences delivered to your inbox weekly with our Shoulder Season: March to April Best time for heat-seekers The great weather continues until the end of April, when temperatures are at their hottest. The surf season begins in March and continues until October. While this is the traditional shoulder season, the prices do jump during Easter. Storms and rain are more likely, but the weather remains warm and resorts are at their cheapest. Prices will rise in August to coincide with European summer holidays. The marine life is more varied on the western side of atolls at this time. January This is high season in Maldives, with ...