The small collection of island paradises is one of the most unspoilt destinations you’ll find anywhere. Clear blue sea laps against pristine white sandy beaches, tropical palm trees sway in the gentle breeze, transport is by private boat or seaplane and the majority of these tiny islands host just one resort hotel each.

It is a dream destination for total relaxation, plus the abundant marine life and unspoilt coral make it a diver’s paradise. The Maldives can be enjoyed as a single stay holiday or as a stopover or multi-centre destination.

Weather
The Maldives lies north of the equator in the Indian Ocean and has a tropical climate. The best time for swimming and snorkelling is between December and April, although the Islands are popular all year round. There are two monsoons, one from the southwest between May and November bringing the heaviest rain, the other from the northeast from November to April.

Local Customs
The majority of Maldivians are Sunni Muslims and travellers should respect local sensibilities. In cities and towns people may be offended by shorts or revealing dresses and these can attract unwelcome attention. It is best for both men and women to cover their legs and shoulders, although in most tourist areas Maldivians are used to seeing western men wearing shorts. Women should cover their heads if entering a mosque or sanctuary.

The Maldives has strong anti-drug laws that carry severe penalties. No pornography is allowed (or any material considered offensive under Islamic law). Same-sex relationships are not tolerated and carry jail sentences and fines. Alcohol consumption is confined to the resorts. Dress is informal but nudism and topless bathing is prohibited. On visits to inhabited islands it is important to respect local customs that adhere to conservative dress codes, and public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited.

Visas
British passport holders do not require a visa to enter the Maldives.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend that your protection against Tetanus, Typhoid, infectious Hepatitis and Polio is up to date. Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites as cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus have been reported in the Maldives.

It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations being visited. You can contact your GP or any of the following organisations:

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight Duration
Flight time to Male from Colombo (Sri Lanka) is 1.5 hrs with Sri Lankan Airlines.

Accommodation
In the Maldives we normally use four and five star hotels.

The board basis offered at our featured hotels differs according to where you stay. As well as bed and breakfast options, half board includes breakfast and dinner, full board also includes lunch and the all inclusive option offers all meals as well soft drinks and some alcoholic drinks, land and water sport facilities. However, exactly what is included differs from resort to resort, so please ask at the time of booking for the exact inclusions.

Transfers
Transfers between Male airport and the resorts are normally by "dhonis" or local boats, speedboats and, depending on the distance from the airport, seaplane. Transfers usually only operate during daylight hours so depending on flight arrival and departure times it might be necessary to overnight at the airport hotel in Male.