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?