Whether you’re seeking a honeymoon or babymoon, a school holiday escape or an intergenerational celebration, a blow-the-budget dream trip or to mark an important milestone in your life, the Maldives ticks all the boxes – and it always has. Encapsulating the ultimate in affluent, exclusive travel, this collection of almost 1,200 islands is teeming with picture-perfect beaches, breathtaking resorts, graceful wildlife and exciting activities, and has been attracting travellers from all nationalities and walks of life for decades. And in 2025, the Maldives are as relevant as ever, thanks to an ever-evolving restaurant scene, gorgeous resorts brimming with dedicated staff, and the unfailingly beautiful scenery.
If the 200 occupied islands and circa 170 resorts sound a tad daunting, fear not: we’ve teamed up with the experts at Turquoise Holidays to collate the ultimate guide to the archipelago’s latest and greatest hotels, restaurants and activities in 2025 – and beyond. ‘The Maldives continues to capture the imagination of travellers worldwide with its breathtaking natural beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism,’ says Lucy Coleman, Turquoise Holidays’ Maldives expert. ‘As the world becomes more conscious of environmental impacts, the Maldives has taken strides in eco-friendly initiatives, ensuring that its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life remain unspoiled. This commitment to sustainability, combined with luxurious accommodations, means the Maldives has remained a relevant and enticing destination over time.’
Family-run since its genesis in 2002, Turquoise Holidays has its roots in breathtaking honeymoons, but is the go-to luxury travel advisor for family holidays and once in a lifetime celebrations, too – meaning the versatility of the Maldives is Turquoise Holidays’ bread and butter. ‘We are the Maldivian specialists,’ Lucy says. ‘With this deep understanding of the destination, Turquoise crafts bespoke itineraries that cater to individual preferences, ensuring each trip is truly unforgettable. Our partnerships with top resorts guarantee exclusive offers and unique experiences not available elsewhere.’
Here’s why the Maldives should (still) top your bucket list – plus an insider’s guide to the best resorts to book for your next adventure.
Sun, sand, azure sea waters: all sounds like a pretty standard summer holiday. So what sets the Maldives apart? ‘Guests visiting the Maldives can indulge in experiences that are exclusive to this idyllic archipelago,’ says Lucy. ‘From sleeping in overwater bungalows with glass floors to diving with majestic manta rays and whale sharks, the Maldives offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature. The unique Maldivian culture, with its rich history and distinct traditions, adds another layer of depth to any visit.’
Is It Just For Honeymooners?
The Maldives has a long-held reputation for hosting honeymooners on idyllic, blow-the-budget fly-and-flop holidays backdropped by romantic sunsets, with an added dollop of snorkelling. But this archipelago isn’t just for newlyweds. ‘Recent booking trends indicate a rise in multi-generational family trips and wellness-focused holidays,’ Lucy explains. ‘While honeymooners continue to flock to the Maldives, there is a growing demographic of families and solo travellers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. This shift reflects a broader trend towards personalised and meaningful travel experiences.’
‘When selecting a resort or island, consider the type of experience desired,’ Lucy recommends. ‘Couples may prefer the seclusion of smaller islands, while families might opt for resorts with kid-friendly activities. Adventure seekers will love islands offering water sports, while foodies should look for resorts with diverse culinary offerings.’
Here are eight perfect Maldives resorts to know in 2025.
Just a 40 minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport, Coco Bodu Hithi epitomises Maldivian beauty. Sandy walkways wind through indigenous vegetation and coconut trees, with the sound of the lapping waves always in earshot. Whether it’s an island villa on the beach or an overwater abode, every room is complete with its own pool and direct access to the turquoise lagoon. The sea is the site of many activities, from snorkelling and diving to windsurfing. Or, on dry land, tennis, badminton and volleyball await, or why not practise yoga in paradise?
Shake off the Maldives’ glitzy reputation at Milaidhoo, where barefoot luxury is the order of the day and nature shines all the brighter amid understated interiors. Effortlessly luxurious, you’ll call one of 90 indoor-outdoor villas home, from pool villas hidden among the soft white sands to water pool villas perched on stilts over the ocean. Foodies are treated to three restaurants and two bars, and while all stays include breakfast and dinner at the all-day restaurant, Milaidhoo‘s Gourmet Plan is made for the epicureans among us. Think modern ‘island influenced’ cuisine on a dhoni deck, a la carte on the shore and sundowners with your toes in the sand.
This resort is preceded by its chic reputation: when it first opened in 1995, Soneva Fushi injected new life into the Maldivian castaway concept, blending luxury with environmental sensitivity in a balance that resorts worldwide have been replicating ever since. It all stems from a respect for our beautiful natural environment, and the necessity to protect it. And who wouldn’t feel bolstered to preserve mother nature when faced with Soneva Fushi’s spellbinding scenery? Think lush greenery, pristine beaches, and a vibrant UNESCO-protected reef just beyond the shore.
Niyama Private Islands epitomise the next-generation take on the Maldives. Cool and contemporary, expect two islands linked by a bridge and aptly named ‘Chill’ and ‘Play’. The former is home to the Drift Spa and a state-of-the-art gym, while the latter is home to FLOAT, the water activities base offering snorkelling, diving, jet-skiing, water-skiing, wakeboarding and even seabobbing – like an underwater rocket propelled sea scooter. Niyama is also the Maldives’ only island with its own surf break right from the beach. The perfect blend of wind-down beach days, and wind-up activities you’ll never forget.
All-inclusive isn’t just for the sun-and-sea, fly-and-flop holidaymakers – and that’s ever so important at Constance Moofushi. A marine haven, non-motorised water sports like pedal boating, kayaking and windsurfing are all complimentary, wrapped up in an offering that also boasts delicious freshly-caught fish at beach grill Alizée every evening and daily-changing cuisine at barefoot restaurant Manta. A 30 minute boat ride from no less than 32 dive sites teeming with manta rays, whale sharks and turtles, Constance Moofushi is also perfectly located for divers looking to swim with the wildlife the Maldives is famed for.
From couples to families, Heritance Aarah perfectly blends relaxation with adventure, all underpinned by utterly exceptional service. Nothing says relaxation quite like a dedicated butler at your disposal, always ready to recommend activities, answer queries, arrange bookings and go the extra mile. A small yet spacious island, find recreational spaces hidden around each manicured corner, from a football pitch to padel courts to the overwater Medi Spa. And with seven restaurants and three bars to choose from, you never need dine on the same (delicious) morsel twice; think sunset cocktails at Sky Bar, toes-in-the-sand Asian buffet at Ranba, an exceptional overwater chef’s table experience at Hathaa, and plenty more.
Welcome to Dhidhoofinolhu: one of the Maldives’ largest islands at 2 km long and 200 metres wide. That adds up to 4 km of beach, with eight restaurants and five bars scattered amid the sugar-soft sand, as well as a handful of thatched-roof villas and pavilions angled toward sunrise or sunset. Families of all ages, shapes and sizes are well-equipped here at the LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort, with PLAY offering a wealth of activities for 3 to 11 year olds (think treasure hunts, beach games, arts and crafts), while too-cool-for-school 12 to 17 year olds will love Studio 17, where language classes, cooking sessions, beach sports and island adventures will live long in adolescent memories. For budding mini-mes, there’s even a youth spa with a special menu of treatments.
The utter isolation of Six Senses Laamu is what really sets it apart. Set across Olhuveli Island, one of the Maldives’ furthest-flung resorts, a one-hour scenic seaplane ride is rewarded with a haven of pristine beaches, vibrant waters and lush greenery – and money-can’t-buy tranquility. Pedal around the island’s winding pathways to your overwater, beach or lagoon villa, enjoying picture-perfect Indian Ocean views all the while. Form lifelong memories with romantic sunset cruises, couples massages and beach dinners, and drift away come day (on a hammock strung overwater) or night to the sound of gentle waves lapping onshore.
‘The Maldives enjoys warm weather year-round, making it a prime destination at any time,’ says Lucy. ‘However, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when travellers can expect sunny skies and calm seas, perfect for snorkelling and sunbathing.’
Must-Know Dining Experiences
As sustainability and luxury evolve in meaning, so too do resorts and restaurants. The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most picturesque and distinctive eateries, perfect for everything from overwater sundowners to memorable beach picnics. ‘Tree Top Dining at Soneva Fushi offers an unforgettable experience among the lush canopy,’ Lucy recommends. ‘While overwater Japanese fine dining (with Peruvian influences) at Joali is backdropped with stunning sunset views.’
Lucy also recommends ‘the chill-out’ ambience of Fanditha at One&Only Reethi Rah with its divan-bolsters and Arabian carpets in the sand’. Meanwhile at Milaidhoo, ‘uniquely for the Maldives, guests can enjoy a modern interpretation of island influenced cuisine,’ Lucy says. ‘Dine on deck at the resort’s dhoni-shaped signature restaurant, which is perched on stilts over the water.’
How To Make The Most Of Your Maldivian Adventure
‘To make the most of a Maldives holiday, guests should explore beyond their resort,’ Lucy suggests. ‘Day trips to local islands offer insights into Maldivian culture, while excursions like dolphin watching and sandbank picnics provide unforgettable memories. For those seeking adventure, diving and snorkelling excursions reveal the vibrant underwater world.’
BOOK IT
For personalised recommendations and bespoke itinerary suggestions, contact the Turquoise Holidays team today by phone or email, or book an appointment via video or at one of the beach house inspired offices in London or Buckinghamshire at turquoiseholidays.co.uk/enquire
