All-Inclusive Maldives Holidays

The Maldives, or the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelagic state in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean. It sits about 750 km from the Asian continent’s mainland, southwest of Sri Lanka and India.

The Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands that are grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, which are home to countless wildlife. There are 187 species of coral that form the reefs of the republic, and over 2,000 different species of fish.

Out of the 1,192 islands, only 189 are inhabited, and Malé is both the capital and the biggest city.

If you're considering these picturesque islands for your next visit, you’ll be happy to know that visitors don’t need to apply for a visa, no matter their country of origin. All you need to get in is a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and the funds you’ll need to be self-sufficient while in the country.

When travelling to the Maldives, most visitors arrive at the Velana International Airport, which is on Hulhulé Island. At Club Med, we can book your flight with a roundtrip transfer from the airport, so you can enjoy a carefree vacation.

We offer transport from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Cairns, Adelaide, Hobart, and Launceston.

There’s really no one-size-fits-all answer for when you should start looking at a Maldives resort, as it depends on personal preference. The island nation is warm and sunny all year round, but there is a wet and a dry season. Of course, there are pros and cons to each one.

Between the months of November and April, there’s very little precipitation, and the temperatures are warm. It’s ideal for sunbathers and those looking to relax by the beach, sipping on an ice-cold beverage. However, one drawback is that, during those months, there’s a pretty high volume of tourists.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for lower prices and ideal scuba-diving conditions, consider going between May and October. The reefs during this period are majestic, with colours and sea life rarely seen elsewhere. There are brief periods of heavy rainfall, but the storms usually move quickly through the archipelago. When it’s not raining, the Maldives see the ideal 26°C weather.

With its rich heritage, you’ll find religious traditions entrenched in the culture of the Maldives. It has been an Islamic nation since the 12th century, which is why you’ll see many mosques in the capital, Malé.

One thing to consider is that public displays of affection, like hand-holding and kissing, are illegal, as is alcohol. However, given that the islands mostly rely on tourism, you’ll be able to find alcohol in a Maldives resort

Malé is a tightly-packed, colourful hotspot where Maldivians gather, and if you want to be truly immersed in the culture, it should be on your list. In addition to the Artificial Beach, Malé has vibrant fish markets, which just overwhelm the senses.

Also, to see more of Maldivian culture, you can head on over to the Old Friday Mosque, which dates back to 1656. It features incredibly intricate decoration, but you will need permission to go inside.

Another must-see sight of Malé is the National Museum, which holds a large collection of historical artifacts. There, you can see stone objects, as well as fragments of royal antiquities from the Buddhist era.

Most people visit the Maldives to see the pristine beaches, clear waters, and to lounge around in the sun. And don’t get us wrong, there’s nothing wrong with that!

But you should know that the cultural melting pot that is the Maldives is something so incredibly unique, it shouldn’t be missed. The cohesive blend of Indonesian, Sri Lankan, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, and African influences is truly a sight to behold.

The local cuisine is exquisite, as are the mellifluous cords of the islands and they truly make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you want to experience the crystal clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches, you can hit up Thulusdhoo, which is an island 28 kilometres north of Malé. The island has its own beach, reserved specifically for tourists, as well as an incredible reef nearby.

For those looking to snorkel and explore the sea life, you have to visit Thingiri Point, as it’s one of the best spots. There, you can see manta rays and sharks, as well as all the other vibrant and fascinating flora and fauna.

Hulhumale Island is the place where the nostalgia of the past meets the thrill of the future in the Maldives. It’s an artificial, reclaimed island that lies 8 kilometres northeast of the coast of the capital. Hulhumale is ideal for those looking for the perfect blend of urban and island life.

If you want to do a bit of shopping during your trip to a Maldives resort, Hulhumale is the place to be. There’s the Redwave Mega Mall, along with plenty of local and charming shops run by Maldivians.

And for a bit of thrill, travellers can visit the world’s largest submarine or explore the depths of the Indian Ocean while scuba diving and snorkelling. There’s even something for the avid fishermen, as they can learn about the traditional fishing methods from the locals there.

For travellers who are always on the lookout for something new, exciting, and never-before-seen, the Coralarium is a great spot. It’s the world’s first inter-tidal art museum, created by artist Jason Decaires Taylor.

It’s the Maldives' first coral regeneration project, and it comprises a semi-submerged gallery space. There, visitors can see sculptural works of art on the skyline, seabed, and inter-tidal waterline.

There’s a staircase that leads snorkelers to the museum, where they can observe coral reefs and sea life. Visiting the Coralarium is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make sure to bring your underwater camera.

Did you know that the Maldives are known for having shores that illuminate at night thanks to the bioluminescent plankton? In addition to the already diverse marine life, which includes manta rays, whale sharks, and over 2,000 species of fish, most islands are also the host to bioluminescent plankton.

Keep in mind, however, that this isn’t an all-year-round spectacle, as the plankton show up during the high season, which is mid-summer to mid-winter. That’s when these fascinating creatures come together to create one of the most stunning shows the islands have to offer.

The Maldivian islands sit on the equator, which means that the sunshine in your luxurious Maldives resort is pretty strong. So when you pack for your holiday, make sure you have sunscreen with a high SPF, and lots of it. Also, pack sun protection items like hats, visors, and breathable fabrics to cover up with if need be.

When choosing your sunscreen, make sure to find one that is reef-safe. As the striking reefs are one of the Maldives’ main attractions, by choosing reef-safe sunscreen, you’re helping preserve them.

As we mentioned earlier, Maldives is home to over a thousand islands, each more beautiful and charming than the next. Of course, visiting them all is impossible, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on all this sparkling paradise has to offer. If you don’t want to leave your luxurious resort every few days, you can charter a boat or take a tour to an atoll close to you. Top things to do in the Maldives.

The Maldives is gorgeous all year round with temperatures between 26˚C and 32˚C. The best time of year to visit depends on what you’re hoping to see and do while there. The dry season is from November until April, and the monsoon season starts in May and lasts until October, with June being the wettest month.

The most popular time to visit the Maldives is between December and March. Fortunately, because the Maldives consists of many smaller islands with private resorts, it never really gets overcrowded, even during peak tourist season. If you’re looking for more affordable Maldives packages, planning a trip during the low season could save you some money. And even during the monsoon season, the Maldives has plenty to offer, from swimming and relaxing to private tours.

On honeymoon or in search of a journey that’s truly timeless? Head for the Maldives. This small country made up of 1200 islets, just 200 of them inhabited, is a natural treasure. On one of the uninhabited islets, enjoy an all-inclusive package in the Maldives with just coconut palms, fine sand and whispering waves for company. From your Club Med Kani resort, visit the islets by seaplane, enjoying a bird’s eye view of the colourful lagoons and coral reefs.

Leave the air and head for the ocean. Your stay in the Maldives continues with a trip to Ari Atoll aboard a glass-bottom boat: ideal for observing the aquatic ballet of fish dancing around the coral reefs. Then dive into the waters off North Malé Atoll at Manta Point for some unexpected encounters during your all-inclusive package in the Maldives: just opposite the atoll of your Club Med Finolhu Villas resort, you can swim with manta rays and sharks. Completely harmless, they’ll be happy to come up close and say hello.

Much more than just an idyllic setting, the Maldives have an identity forged by a range of different influences. In Malé, which in Sanskrit means "big house", the Maldives National Museum bears witness to the Indian, Muslim, Buddhist and Portuguese civilisations that live side by side in the country. Malé is also an island of traditions, as you’ll see for yourself at its picturesque market: around stalls of exotic multicoloured fish, folklore and trading rituals provide a real spectacle for you to enjoy every day. A spectacle that’s tinged with the kindness of the locals who’ll welcome you into this "big house" and provide some great tips on where to savour grilled bonito or help you seek out a secret islet. Everything you need to make your stay in the Maldives even more memorable.

The Maldives National Museum is one of the great cultural symbols of the Maldives. In Malé, with its modern yet understated architectural setting, the museum guards behind its doors a wealth of artefacts. Pre-Islamic antiquities, thrones and armour uncover the roots of the Maldives, in what has today become a haven for the country’s rich art history.

Witness the spine-tingling ballet of the manta ray by heading for Maradhoo. This secluded Indian Ocean paradise promises breathtaking underwater thrills. The diving clubs are on hand to offer a warm welcome and all the advice you may need. Located to the west of Addu Atoll, you can reach this magnificent natural site by boat from your Club Med Kani resort.

Strolling through the market, you’ll discovery an hallmark of Malé folklore. A vast array of fish of all sizes are laid out before you on the ground, on mats, to make negotiating as simple as possible. An extraordinary experience, very typical of Malé, that is a must-see during your all-inclusive stay in the Maldives.

Located on the Medu Ziraye Magu in Malé, the Old Friday Mosque is one of the oldest monuments in the Maldives. Built in the 17th century from coral, this place of worship, also known as Hukuru Miskiy, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architectural ornaments provide a perfect example of the fusion of Maldivian and Moorish influences here. An enriching and informative destination during your all-inclusive stay in the Maldives. Excursions in the Maldives.

A surf destination on the rise, the Maldives provide a great range of left and right reef breaks which will leave any surfer super stoked. Discover more.