Take the Family holiday rating 
| Capital City | Male |
|---|---|
| Flying Time | 10.50 hours  |
| Carbon Footprint | 9.75 tonnes CO2 |
| Timezone | GMT +5 |
| Local Currency | Rufiyaa |
If your idea of a perfect holiday is a pristine white beach, spectacular blue water and crowds of fisherman bringing your lunch in, then the Maldives is for you. The Maldives are made up of 1190 islands spread over atolls, ring-like coral formations that enclose lagoons. It's these formations that makes the Maldives so spectacularly beautiful and also make them a wonderful destination for scuba divers, attracted by the tropical fish that gather around coral. The islands of the Maldives are not a place for budget holidays however, but it is growing more and more popular with families, and is no longer islands full of honeymooners. Many of the resorts are on otherwise uninhabited islands.
Following the Tsunami, from which the Maldives were very badly affected with 19 of 83 resorts forced to close, new hotels are still appearing thick and fast, with a 20% increase of UK holidaymakers in 2007 compared with 2006 figures.
The busiest holiday season in the Maldives is between December and April, which coincides with the North East Monsoon, which provides little wind and dry conditions. June is the worst month of the South West Monsoon which brings rain and wind. Temperatures, generallly speaking, vary little, with an annual daily average of 32 °C, and a water temperature of between a delicious 28 and 30 °C, so go on people, dive in!
You are likely to have to change flights from the UK, for example, in Dubai or Singapore. British Airways operate flights frequently, as do many other airlines; - many regional airports change in Paris. The only international airport in the Maldives is Malé International Airport, on Huhule Island a few kilometres from the capital. Sea transfers are also available between islands. Find the best flight deals with partners Expedia. Note that the Maldives are GMT+5 hours.
Whether you are after a beach side bungalow or something a little more grand, such as a Beach Villa at the wonderfully luxurious Hilton Resort and Spa, there is a surprising number of resorts to choose from given that Robinson Crusoe would not look out of place here. More equally luxurious family options include the One and Only Kanuhara Resort, (check out their water villas!), and terrific value at Kurumba Village. Thomson offer great deals in some excellent resorts on 5 of the 1,190 coral islands, as do Virgin holidays where you can save 5% by booking online and even more with Virgin's great Maldives offers.
If your family have ever had any interest in diving or snorkelling then this is the place to do it. The underwater life is, if possible, even more beautiful than on dry land. Spectacular coral reefs, thousands of different tropical fish and often the larger inhabitants of the ocean can be viewed just yards below the surface. The resorts offer every type of dive package.
Mini-submarines can take you out or glass-bottomed boats for families with smaller children (or parents who are slightly more risk-adverse!).
The Maldives are becoming known as a surfing destination, perfect for beginners.
For those who have had enough fun underwater, the resorts are fully equipped to entertain you in many other ways; wonderful dining, shows, gambling, or if you just want to put your feet up, there are a million white beaches on which to do so.
You will most likely be staying at a resort island and therefore eating resort food. Most resorts boast top international chefs who will serve up wonderful international food, much of it with a strong Indian bias and a very heavy reliance on fabulous fresh seafood.
Costs range from about £600 off peak to £1300 peak season per person. A good way of reducing the cost of your holiday may be to go in March or April towards the end of the busiest season, but whilst you can still enjoy wonderful weather.
by Tom Masters
Buy from Amazon.co.uk - Save £40
No nonsense indispensable guide to the Maldives. Resort reviews, special diving chapter, and insights into environmental and cultural issues.
by Helmut Debelius
Buy from Amazon.co.uk - Save 35%
Indo-Pacific fish guide, especially those living in the coral reefs - covering the Maldives to the Philippines
Take the Family
5 Star Resort offering pure relaxation as well as an active holiday experience. Barefoot luxury with a deserted tropical island feel. More
* from £1385 per person for 7 nights, includes flights, breakfast, and transfers.
The ultra-modern villas offer a perfect location for an abundance of diving, with complimentary children's club More
*
A deluxe resort framed by an ocean setting of incredible beauty, with Spa, watersports and children's club More
* from £2,779 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and breakfast
A luxury resort offering the Infinity Spa, amazing watersports and diving opportunities and clubs for children and teenagers More
* from £2,453 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and half board
An exclusive resort set on a private coral island, with blue seas, white beaches and a superb Spa on it's own island More
* from £2,481 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and breakfast
A paradise hideaway, offering watersports, a luxurious Spa and clubs for children More
* from £2,696 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and breakfast
A top boutique resort, with stunning beaches and house reef just 10m away More
* from £1,916 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and breakfast
Take the Family
5 Star fabulous Spa resort in beautiful setting of two islands, a superb lagoon and fantastic beaches! More
* from £1095 per person for 7 nights, includes flights, breakfast, and transfers.
A sophisticated 5 Star atmosphere and luxurious accommodation with kids club. Aye Kurumba!! More
* from £879 per person for 7 nights, includes flights, breakfast, and transfers.
