The Maldives is a little slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean, just southwest of Sri Lanka and India. With 1,200 islands to choose from, it’s basically the ultimate island-hopping dream, where crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches are just the beginning.
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Maldives holidays
Ready for a holiday that’s as dreamy as it looks? Let’s make it happen.
With 26 breathtaking atolls, each with its own unique charm, nothing compares to Maldives for honeymooners, sun-seekers, and anyone craving pure escapism. Think silky white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and private overwater villas made for romance and relaxation. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a sun-warmed pier, diving into vibrant coral reefs, or unwinding with a beachfront massage, the Maldives is paradise, no filter needed.
Paradise is waiting, whenever you're ready
Popular hotels in the Maldives
Why choose Virgin Atlantic Holidays?
Big trips, local departures
Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle - ready when you are. With our partner flights, your next big trip starts closer than you think.
Essential information for the Maldives
We fly direct to the Maldives daily
Fly to Male International Airport in the Maldives from London Heathrow. Between 1st May - 27th October 2026 you can fly daily with our partner airline, Emirates.
10-11 hour flight time.
There's a Maldives holiday to suit all budgets
Things to do and see in the Maldives
Beaches
Family-friendly action
Honeymoon ideas
Shopping
The beaches in the Maldives are the stuff of daydreams - think powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees. Whether you're diving into epic water sports, sipping cocktails at a beachfront bar, or soaking up a romantic sunset, every moment feels straight out of a postcard.
Popular times to visit the Maldives
The Maldives is at its dazzling best during the winter months, making December to April the most popular time to visit, when sunshine reigns, skies stay blissfully clear, and luxury escapes are in full swing.
Need more travel tips or holiday help?
The Maldives is made up of about 1,200 islands, scattered across 26 beautiful coral atolls. While not all of these islands are inhabited, many are home to dreamy resorts, perfect for escaping to your own slice of paradise. Whether you're exploring secluded beaches, diving into crystal-clear waters, or soaking up the luxury, there's no shortage of stunning spots to discover in this tropical wonderland.
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate all year round, meaning warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and a touch of humidity. If you’re after the best weather, plan your trip between December and April - this is the driest season, with clear blue skies, long sunny days, and the perfect conditions for beach lounging, snorkelling, and sunset cocktails.
A direct flight from London to the Maldives takes around 10 to 11 hours. But trust us, those white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters are more than worth the journey.
Good news... you don’t need a visa to visit the Maldives. When you arrive in this island paradise, you’ll get a free 30-day visa on arrival. You will need to complete and submit your Traveller declaration form (within 72 hours) electronically via IMUGA, both pre-departure and pre-return. Each member of your party including children must complete the form and you must take a photo or screenshot of the QR code on completion of the form.
The Maldives is 4 or 5 hours ahead of the UK, depending on the time of year:
- During UK winter (GMT) – The Maldives is +5 hours ahead
- During UK summer (BST) – The Maldives is +4 hours ahead
Some resorts even have their own ‘island time’ (usually an hour ahead of Malé time) to give guests extra daylight for beach lounging and sunset cocktails. Because why not?
Create the ultimate getaway in paradise
What's better than visiting one new place? Visiting two, or even three - all in one trip! If you're thinking of taking a trip to the Maldives, why not combine it with some other dreamy destinations over in the East, and create a holiday of a lifetime. Here's a couple of suggestions for you: