The ultimate Maldives escapes

‘No news, no shoes’ is the way of life in the Maldives

With crystal blue waters and private white sand islands, it's easy to switch off from everyday life and zone out in a tropical paradise.

There are plenty of unique experiences too, from the pinch-me feeling of waking up in an overwater villa to snorkelling with turtles and manta rays. And what could be better than watching a movie under the stars?

Here are our top choices for the perfect Maldives holiday in 2024, whether you're looking for a somewhere to relax and recharge, a secluded getaway or great value for money.

Unwind on a wellness island at Kagi Maldives Spa Island 

Kagi Maldives Spa Island is waiting to perk you up with restorative yoga sessions, nourishing meals and soothing spa therapies above its glistening lagoon. 

Self-care is the order of the day at this cutting-edge boutique resort and the immersive Baani Spa is one of the Maldives’ most in-demand wellness retreats. Perched above the lagoon, Baani has four ocean-view treatment rooms, a yoga sound room and the Spa Corner restaurant where delicious healthy dishes are whipped up to help you recharge your body and mind. 

The soothing theme continues in the resort’s 50 villas – all have a private infinity pool and a calm beach-chic design. Bag an Ocean Villa for golden sunset views and direct access to the water.

Holiday on a tropical island for less at Sandies Bathala 

This petite 4* island has been popular for years with divers from all around the globe. It’s simple and laid-back, offering all the key Maldives ingredients at great value – which is why we’ve secured it exclusively for Kuoni guests in the UK. 

There’s a stunning house reef that surrounds the island, where you can spot colourful fish, reef sharks and turtles. You can snorkel from the beach at lots of our featured islands but at Bathala you can also go diving straight from the beach – so there’s no need to do an ungraceful back-roll entry from a boat. 

We recommend booking the all-inclusive option – which includes all meals, wine and beer, evening cocktails and a daily snorkelling tour – because the most relaxing holiday is one where you don’t have to worry about the bills totting up at the end of your stay.

Get space and seclusion at Emerald Maldives

5* Emerald Maldives has all the best bits of a tropical luxury beach escape: excellent watersports and activities, a tropical spa and a great choice of top-quality food. It cleverly caters for all kinds of travellers – restaurants range from casual to fine dining and there are rooms designed for couples, families and friends travelling together. 

This cool and contemporary retreat is located in the Raa Atoll, which is one of the most secluded and least developed atolls in the Maldives. There’s a huge sense of space on the island – half of the huge rooms are perched over the ocean and some have incredible indoor/outdoor pools – and there are lots of ways that you can get out on the water to feel total freedom. The watersports centre has kayaks, sailing boats and windsurfs (as well as jet skis that you can use for a supplement) so it’s pretty easy to while away a few hours on the lagoon. Choose the Deluxe All Inclusive option to get your meals and drinks included, plus added extras like guided snorkelling trips and excursions.