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Maldives TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

A collection of coral atoll necklaces covered with emerald palms and set between turquoise lagoons in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is perhaps the ultimate tropical paradise.

Why Go

 To experience the world's ultimate overwater bungalows amid secluded, decadent, all-inclusive resorts.

Maldives Hotels

Your resort experience will probably comprise the entirety of your trip to the Maldives, so choose carefully. The vast majority of the country’s nearly 100 resorts are found near Malé in the North Malé and South Malé Atolls. The instant you step out of customs, your resort representative will literally take you by the hand and lead you to your speedboat or seaplane, load your luggage, unload your luggage, and take you to your room. Your resort will have everything: restaurants, bars, spas, pools, and water sports centers offering everything from diving and kayaking to windsurfing and sailing. Most resorts provide free trips to nearby properties, figuring the more you see the likelier you’ll return. Keep in mind that most resorts cater to the upscale/luxury market, so be prepared to spend a bit of money for paradise. That said, you can find budget and moderate accommodations if you’re up for a more rustic version of paradise.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Bathala Island
With half-board singles starting at $130, this is a rustic bargain, but with A/C, hot & cold outdoor showers, and stellar... great value

Cocoa Island
The COMO Shambhala spa center is a highlight on this 350-yard long island of white sand, wild palms, and hibiscus. Another... spas | expensive

Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa
Perched over two islands linked by a bridge, this Hilton property boasts suites with private treatment rooms and 10 bars and... culinary | spas | expensive

Naladhu
A tiny island, even by Maldivian standards, this near-perfect retreat boasts perhaps the most beautiful villas in the... luxury | spas | expensive

One and Only Kanuhura
One of the only traditional arts and cultural centers at any resort in the Maldives, Haruge (“meeting place” in... family | spas | smart splurge | expensive

One and Only Reethi Rah
Huge by Maldivian standards, come to this 130-villa-strong gem for serious Euro-glam luxury and lots of private space –... luxury | spas | expensive

Bathala Island
With half-board singles starting at $130, this is a rustic bargain, but with A/C, hot & cold outdoor showers, and stellar... great value

Cocoa Island
The COMO Shambhala spa center is a highlight on this 350-yard long island of white sand, wild palms, and hibiscus. Another... spas | expensive

Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa
Perched over two islands linked by a bridge, this Hilton property boasts suites with private treatment rooms and 10 bars and... culinary | spas | expensive

Naladhu
A tiny island, even by Maldivian standards, this near-perfect retreat boasts perhaps the most beautiful villas in the... spas | trendy | expensive

One and Only Kanuhura
One of the only traditional arts and cultural centers at any resort in the Maldives, Haruge (“meeting place” in... family | spas | smart splurge | expensive

One and Only Reethi Rah
Huge by Maldivian standards, come to this 130-villa-strong gem for serious Euro-glam luxury and lots of private space –... spas | trendy | expensive

Naladhu
A tiny island, even by Maldivian standards, this near-perfect retreat boasts perhaps the most beautiful villas in the... luxury | spas | expensive

One and Only Reethi Rah
Huge by Maldivian standards, come to this 130-villa-strong gem for serious Euro-glam luxury and lots of private space –... luxury | spas | expensive

Maldives Restaurants

The Maldives is not a place where you pick and choose your restaurants every evening – unless your resort happens to have more than one. But if you go resort hopping, you can chow down at a steak joint on one island and then return to a Thai or Italian place that evening on your home base. And while Malé is no one’s idea of a foodie paradise, don’t miss the chance to experience an authentic Maldivian eatery.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Baan Huraa
Sample regional Thai specialties like ghoong makham (wok-fried scampi with crisp red onion and tamarind sauce) at this... family | thai

Soneva Gili
Choosing where to dine – on your villa roof deck, in a starlit pontoon boat, in an underground gourmet cellar, on a... family

Evening Glory
Sit next to a local fisherman and enjoy authentic Maldivian cuisine – based around seafood with south Indian flavors... seafood

Olive Tree
Sit around the One & Only Kanuhura’s large central swimming pool, where waiters cross a small bridge to bring you... mediterranean

Tapasake
Huge by Maldivian standards, come to this 130-villa-strong gem for serious Euro-glam luxury and lots of private space –... smart splurge | trendy

The Living Room
Al fresco dining with a mix of inventive Asian and Western dishes and a wine cellar that’s a sculptural marvel and a... patio | casual

Ufaa
The design is as cool and fabulous as the food, modern interpretations of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine with an emphasis on... trendy | seafood

Baan Huraa
Sample regional Thai specialties like ghoong makham (wok-fried scampi with crisp red onion and tamarind sauce) at this... family | thai

Soneva Gili
Choosing where to dine – on your villa roof deck, in a starlit pontoon boat, in an underground gourmet cellar, on a... family

Evening Glory
Sit next to a local fisherman and enjoy authentic Maldivian cuisine – based around seafood with south Indian flavors... seafood

Olive Tree
Sit around the One & Only Kanuhura’s large central swimming pool, where waiters cross a small bridge to bring you... mediterranean

Tapasake
Huge by Maldivian standards, come to this 130-villa-strong gem for serious Euro-glam luxury and lots of private space –... smart splurge | trendy

The Living Room
Al fresco dining with a mix of inventive Asian and Western dishes and a wine cellar that’s a sculptural marvel and a... patio | casual

Ufaa
The design is as cool and fabulous as the food, modern interpretations of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisine with an emphasis on... trendy | seafood

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