How to Make the Most of Your Stay in the Maldives

From indulging in spa treatments by the Indian Ocean and dining in an underwater restaurant to fishing and kayaking, the Maldives is brimming with exciting things to see and do. Browse through our guide and find out how best to spend your time in this glittering archipelago, along with suggestions on places to stay.

From swimming with sharks to marvelling at bioluminescent waters, here are the top things to see and do during your stay in the Maldives.

The Maldives is best known for having spectacular beaches; think turquoise waters and white sands lit by a magenta sunset. Temperatures here rarely fall below 25C (77F) even during the winter, so sunbathing is a must. Alternatively, swim beside friendly reef sharks hanging out in coral atolls and lagoons; the best places to spot sea creatures are the Baa and Ari atolls and the Maaya Thila dive site. It’s also worth deep-water diving and snorkelling amid manta rays, sea turtles and barracuda around Kuda Huraa, a coral island with warm waters – just don’t forget your waterproof camera. Kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding are also fun activities to try here.

Once acquainted with the natural beauty of the Maldives, it’s time to explore the rich culture of the country. Join the people dancing bodu beru, a popular folk dance, on a beach or board a traditional dhoni boat to tour the coral reefs as you feast on deck and learn about Maldivian traditions. Hop from island to island, but be sure to dress respectfully – in long shorts or skirts – as locals follow strict Muslim conventions. Don’t miss the Grand Friday Mosque in the Islamic Centre, Malé, which is the largest in the Maldives and one of the biggest in South Asia – its grand, golden dome and woodcarvings are impressive. The islands are also home to talented craftsfolk, so explore the various galleries and shops hosting art and jewellery made of natural materials such as palm leaves, coral, wood, shells and stones. Mat weaving and boat building are also renowned crafts here.

On another note, Halloween might not usually be a big event in the Maldives, but in 2021 things will be a little different. Cult Excape will see travel, music and culture combine for the first-ever festival in the region. The event will take place across two luxury resorts and promises to be a non-stop party.

You can’t say you’ve truly experienced the Maldives until you’ve tried the amazing food. Dishes such as Maldivian curry with tuna or garudiya (a fish soup with lime, chili, rice, curry leaves, onions and coconut) are among the delicious highlights. Order them at a restaurant by the sea – or even an underwater one – and you’ll understand why food is like a ritual here. For breakfast, try mas huni, which includes tuna, onion, coconut and chili (seafood is very much part of breakfast here), and for a quick bite, try a hedhikaa (snack), such as gulha (pastry balls stuffed with smoked fish) or keemia (deep-fried fish rolls).

Spa treatments are a core element of the Maldivian holiday experience. There’s no better way to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul than by spending an entire day at one of the plush spas here. Opt for a soothing massage inside a waterside cabana and listen to the waves as your muscles relax one by one. If you’re looking for something even more mystical, visit Huvafen Fushi, a luxury resort on the North Malé Atoll that houses a spa that’s 8m (26ft) below the surface of the water. Sip on ginger tea and let the skilled masseurs bring you into a state of utter tranquillity as you gaze through your glass window at the brightly coloured marine life gliding past.

Okay, so the Maldives isn’t actually home to a sea full of stars, but it is home to fascinating bioluminescent waters that glow as if they’re filled with stars. This Sea of Stars is a phenomenon that occurs towards the end of summer in the Maldivian reefs and it’s caused by phytoplankton called lingulodinium polyedrum. They thrive here and when the waves move, they emit light as a defence mechanism (similar to the one used by fireflies), thus creating this otherworldly effect. Vaadhoo island in the Raa Atoll is the best-known spot to see the Sea of Stars in action.

While dreamy beaches and coral reefs are the essence of the Maldives, there’s no denying that the capital Malé is pretty. This small island, with a population just over 227,000, is in fact one of the most densely populated cities on earth. Apart from the aforementioned Grand Friday Mosque, Malé is also home to the quaint Old Friday Mosque (the oldest mosque in the archipelago, dating to 1656) plus the National Museum, which displays artefacts on Maldivian history. Take a stroll around the verdant Sultan Park and don’t forget to pass by the bustling fruit and fish market to shop for fresh produce, including dried fish, papaya, mango and coconut. If you come early in the morning, you might see local fishermen arriving with their catch and, if you ask nicely, some will even teach you how to fillet a fish.

Many of the glamorous resorts in the Maldives can only be accessed by a two-engine seaplane, a glorious flight that guarantees splendid views. Imagine taking in the different shades of blues and greens as you happily float above the beautiful archipelago. Of course, not all hotels are accessed exclusively by plane, but you can still book a flight to glide over the Indian Ocean and watch as the ocean crashes into coral reefs and sandbars, creating magical ring-shaped patterns.

Take your pick from luxury resorts floating in the water or artistic havens housing submerged sculptures. These are our top places to stay during a trip to the Maldives.