
We spill the tropical beans in our ultimate cheat sheet to Maldives, from amazing hotels to travel advice for first-timers.
A world of turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and luxury that’s straight out of a daydream – there’s nothing quite like the Maldives. We’re sure that everyone who’s travelled to the palm-fringed paradise for a short vacay can attest to this.
This archipelagic state and country in South Asia lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India and is situated in the Indian Ocean with over 1,000 islands and 26 atolls stretched across the archipelago. Each island hosts one hotel, so we don’t recommend island-hopping across the Maldives as there’s no public mode of transportation – unless you’ve booked a stay on every island.
Guide to Maldives: How to get there from Singapore

The best time to visit the Maldives… is between November and April. Avoid travelling during the monsoon season from May to November. However, the weather can get a little cranky, so check the weather forecast while planning. Four to five days is sufficient time to make the most out of your holiday in the Maldives.
Travelling from Singapore… takes about four-and-a-half hours for non-stop flights. Singapore Airlines is currently the only airline that flies direct to Malé (the capital of Maldives). If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, airlines such as Scoot and Air Asia have multiple flights with stopovers at Kuala Lumpur or Sri Lanka. Just be wary of layover timings.
Tips for first-time travellers

For novice travellers, seaplanes or speedboats are the usual modes of transportation to your accommodation. Most hotels and resorts don’t include this in the cost of your stay, so factor in the cost and arrange timings with the hotel. Nobody wants to spend the bulk of their first day in Maldives waiting at the airport lounge.
Having said that, your seaplane and speed boat timings back to Malé are just as crucial. The lounges in the departure terminal are equipped with basic amenities but they’re pretty sparse for the number of travellers waiting to depart. If the lounges are too crowded and you have some time before your departing flight, drop your luggage at the 24-hour baggage storage located in the arrival plaza area and explore Malé.
The capital of Maldives spans just 8.3 square kilometres so you can cover its entirety in under three hours. Places to visit include the National Museum of Maldives, the Sultan Park, Muliaage (the official residence of the president), the Tsunami Monument, Grand Friday Mosque (the largest in Malé), Old Friday Mosque (the oldest in the country dating from 1656), Victory Monument, and the bustling fish market.
Best hotels in the Maldives and full board deals
Picking a hotel to stay in The Maldives is like opening a box of your favourite chocolates. All hotel prerequisites hit the mark with elite diving centres, culinary gems, relaxing spas and, of course, scenic ocean views. It boils down to personal preference, type of vacation (is it a honeymoon or vacay with kids?), special experiences or events organised by the hotels, and budget.
Most resorts offer the option of half-board, which means on top of breakfast, you’ll get a dinner buffet, while full board means you get breakfast, lunch and dinner. These can limit the damage compared to ordering a la carte.
Tip: If you’re planning on consuming more alcohol, we suggest going for all-inclusive options (they include breakfast, lunch, dinner and other experiences) to get the most bang for your buck.
Below, we’ve listed a range from luxury stays to boutique resorts that are all equally magical.
1. Villa Park, Maldives

If you live for the tropics but also want to experience postcard-perfect views of the ocean, this is your best bet. Located on Nalaguraidhoo Island in the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, it’s shaded by the jungle and coconut trees. It’s also within arm’s reach of the island’s diving centre, leisure facilities, and restaurants. This is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives boasting 462 overwater and beachfront villas, plus a total of 11 restaurants and bars, and a spa.
Stay at the Water Villa for a secluded hideaway with views of the turquoise lagoon. Families will love the two-bedroom Family Beach Villas for private terraces with beach access and close proximity to dining spots.
Villa Park, from approx. $430/night, Sun Island, South Ari Atoll, 09110, Maldives
2. The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

Turn your wildest island fantasies into reality at The Standard, Maldives. Picture this: you’re lounging on your private deck, with the sea breeze kissing your skin, and a pristine plunge pool just beckoning you for a refreshing dip. With 115 villas to choose from – some perched above the turquoise waters and others nestled right along the sandy shore – you’ll have your own slice of heaven to revel in.
Embrace your inner explorer and snorkel through the vibrant underwater world of the protected house reef. Or set sail on boating escapades and plunge into the depths with deep diving experiences. Need to unwind? The Standard Spa has a communal hammam, an aroma steam room that’ll send your senses into a frenzy, and daily doses of rejuvenating yoga.
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, from approx. $343/night, Huruvalhi Island Raa Atoll, 09110, Maldives
3. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Ditch the chaos of your daily grind and dive headfirst into a lap of luxury at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives. This five-star hotel in Maldives sprawls across Emboodhu Finolhu island, in the middle of one heck of a colossal lagoon. Brace yourself for some serious tropical paradise vibes – this slice of heaven is nicknamed the Three Coconut Isle. It’s a real hotshot for flaunting vibrant flora and fauna while being wrapped up in coral reefs.
Sixty-four plush suites and villas sit pretty with sparkling Indian Ocean views that’ll make you pinch yourself. The two-bedroom Rehendi Presidential Suite is drop-dead gorgeous with a titanic freshwater pool and sundeck, two ‘salas’ (living rooms) and a hammock suspended over the lagoon.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, from approx. $948/night, Emboodhu Finolhu, South Malé Atoll, 02117 Maldives
4. The Residence Maldives Fallsmaafushi

Step into a world where relaxation is the name of the game and the crew is ready to pamper you like a VIP rockstar. The Residence Maldives Fallsmaafushi is like a match made in heaven between nature and luxury. Traditional Maldivian vibes meet modern chic, all designed to make you feel like a star.
You’ve got your pick of awesome villas – some right on the beach and others floating on water. Imagine waking up with the beach as your front yard, or sliding from your deck straight into the crystal-clear waters. As if that’s not enough, they’ve got epic dining and myriad activities to dive into – from chilling on sandy beaches to diving into the deep blue for snorkelling adventures. Other facilities include a spa by Clarins, a beachfront infinity pool, a kids’ club, library, dive centre, hair salon and yoga deck. Perfect for when you’re flying solo, rolling with your crew, or on a family escapade.
The Residence Maldives Fallsmaafushi, from approx. $373/night, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, 2088 Maldives
5. The Ritz Carlton Maldives

For the ultimate splurge fest, there’s nothing quite like The Ritz Carlton Maldives. Perched above the crystal-clear waters and cosily tucked into the sandy beach nooks, the villas perfectly blend island vibes with a splash of contemporary flair. Imagine your living space extending seamlessly from inside to outside – these villas totally encapsulate that.
Get ready to feast your eyes on stunning water views, take a dip in your very own infinity pool, soak up the sun on your private sundeck and, of course, bask in the exclusive care of your personal butler, Aris Meeha. It’s like having a magical genie, but in a resort. Indulge in a diverse culinary journey with dining options varying from exquisite seafood at Iwau to Aperitivo hour at La Locanda.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, from approx. $2,327/night, North Malé Atoll, 20013, Maldives
6. W Maldives

We’re still basking in our recent stay at W Maldives. You’re whisked away to the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives, on Fesdu Island. The resort has 77 private villas waiting for you – some perched right above the water and some just steps away from the sandy shore. So, whether you’re up for some solo lounging or you’re rolling with a crew, this place has got you covered in style.
Don’t forget to dip into the award-winning Away Spa while you’re at it. The hotel also organises various activities for guests throughout the year, from the ‘She Shakes’ series, an exciting event that spotlights female mixologists making a mark in the industry, to the ‘Sweat it Out’ fitness sojourn with world-class trainers. And did we mention its own private island, Gaathafushi, which you can rent out for the night? Absolute bliss.
W Maldives, from approx. $966/night, Fesdu Island North Ari Atoll, 09110, Maldives
7. Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

Experience a splash of luxury in the middle of the Indian Ocean at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island. This place is like a secret hideout for anyone who’s craving some serious chill time. With 67 villas spread between the sandy shores and above the water, you’re in for a treat. And we’re not just talking about your regular vacation – we’re talking wellness on a whole new level.
There’s a spa that’s basically an arena for relaxation, where they’ll pamper you like royalty with treatments inspired by the island’s natural beauty. The island also has six different restaurants, an infinity pool, a fitness centre, and over 50 sports activities (including a waterpark) to make your inner adventurer do a happy dance.
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, from approx. $1,921/night, North Malé Atoll, 00000 Maldives
8. Island Luxury Fulhadhoo Boutique Hotel

Let your mind wander to a place where white sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and the sea flaunts a shade of turquoise. Fulhadhoo Island is a little paradise where the locals are all about spreading good vibes and warm welcomes. The beach is so stunning that it’s proudly waving its flag as the top 25 beaches in the world.
Located around 100km northwest of Malé and in the heart of Horsburgh Atoll, this luxury boutique hotel is also part of the Unesco Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve for pure natural beauty. Stay at one of the four roomy pool view rooms, where open-air bathrooms on the upper floor let you enjoy the views while you soak in the tub. And the four deluxe rooms are just a hop, skip, and a jump from the ocean.
Island Luxury Fulhadhoo Boutique Hotel, from approx. $424/night, Piraad Hingun North Beach Side, Fulhadhoo 06110, Maldives
9. Joali Maldives

Nestled amidst the lush palm trees and surrounded by the sparkling turquoise waters, Joali is not just a resort – it’s an art lover’s dream come true. It’s located in the Raa Atoll, which is one of the world’s biggest and deepest atolls. You’re in for a treat with brilliant blue waters, a whole bunch of sea life, and white sand beaches.
Forget regular villas – these are 73 eco-chic wonders that redefine the word ‘glamour’, from beach villas and over-water villas to expansive residences filled with artworks and indulgent amenities. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the art studio and gallery where interactive projects and nature-inspired collections by local artisans await.
Joali Maldives, from approx. $2948/night, Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
10. Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort

Rock it out on the western edge of the Baa Atoll, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, at Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. We’re talking about a piece of heaven where dolphins casually drop by your lagoon and you can snorkel with majestic manta rays at Hanifaru Bay. The resort has 14 dive sites right off the beach, a 220-metre house reef bursting with life, and an additional Fares reef that’s just 600 metres away from the shore. Grab your complimentary snorkel gear and come face to face with reel sharks, whale sharks, stingrays and green sea turtles.
Visualise yourself in stylish studios and villas that feel straight out of a travel magazine. Take your pick from 176 studios, beach villas, over-water villas and pavilions, each suited to your budget. Or assemble your crew at the Avani four-bedroom beach pavilion, which sleeps eight adults and four children. Each pavilion consists of two Avani Sea View Studios on the upper floor and two Avani Beach Studios by the beach, so there’s lots of space for everyone.
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, from approx. $600/night Fares Island, Baa Atoll, 20077 Maldives
From hidden island gems to the tastiest bites under the sun, Maldives is your ticket to the most unforgettable island adventure. Ready to dive in?