Flights: You can catch a flight from several major UK airports including Birmingham, London Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle and London Gatwick.

Passport/visa requirements: British nationals can get a tourist visa which is valid for 30 days. Your passport must also be valid for a minimum of 6 months. Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the latest visa information, travel advice, and current travel health news.

Packing essentials: Light and breezy summer clothes and beachwear that isn’t too revealing. The Maldives is a Muslim country, so if you are out visiting local islands, try to wear conservative clothing that covers your knees and shoulders (keep a scarf handy to cover long hair) in order to obey local laws.

Geography

The Maldives is made up of 26 ring-shaped atolls and over 1,000 coral islands and is the world’s most geographically dispersed country. This means that wherever you stay, you will feel as if you’re on your own private island within the Indian Ocean.

Malé is the most populated, and the most central city of the tropical islands. It is well known as the place for tourists to find the best shopping centres and restaurants, as well as being the island closest to the main airport. The North & South Male Atoll area is one of the most popular areas for Maldives holidays, thanks to a huge range of adventure activities and plenty of opportunities to explore.

There are many more islands at the centre of the Maldives closer to Malé City, including Ari Atoll, Maafushi, Kuramathi, Meeru Island, Rangali and Rasdhoo to name just a few. Further to the south, there are a few more islands including Havadhu Atoll, Thinadhoo, Rathafandhoo and Madaveli.

Regardless of which island you visit, you’ll find stunning white sand beaches scattered across each, including Bikini Beach, Coca Island, Veligandu and Hulhumale Island. For picturesque tropical scenery you can't go wrong with a Maldives holiday to the Baa Atoll, which was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011 and is home to truly incredible wildlife.

Attractions & Sights

The Grand Friday Mosque is situated in Manadhoo to the north and is the biggest in the country, attracting tourists and locals alike. Vaadhoo is located close by and is well-known for a natural phenomenon that turns the Indian ocean seawater electric blue. Reethi Beach, in the same area, is a 27-acre island known for its beautiful resort, dive centre and the world-class spa at the famous One&Only Reethi Rah.

The Dive Club, in Malé Island, offers noteworthy activities such as an underwater scooter trip, scuba diving, fishing and island hopping.

Travellers will find plenty to astound them in the Maldives, including underwater nightclubs, swimming with whale sharks, fascinating cultural landmarks and plenty of white sandy beaches that really do look too good to be true.

Depending on the location of the island you are staying on, you should be able to easily access other islands to partake in numerous activities. You could also head to the most built-up island in your proximity and seek out more adventures. The Maldives has so many opportunities, with water sports, markets, luxurious spas and shipwrecks to explore to name just a few. This means that in amongst lounging around in your serene island paradise you can also get active.

Be pampered

The Maldives boasts some of the best luxury spas in the world, making it one of the world's top spa holiday destinations and an ideal choice for a relaxing break. Chances are, if you’re lucky enough to stay in the Maldives, you’re likely to be staying at a hotel that also has spa services included. Popular Maldives spa hotels include The Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, W Retreat & Spa and Huvafen Fushi.

Enjoy the crystal clear waters

A trip to the Maldives isn’t complete without getting out on the water. Malé is one of the best places in the Maldives to book water sports activities or boat tours in the area. It will also help you access other islands more easily through island hopping tours, allowing you to see more and choose your favourite from there. There are also snorkelling safaris available on many islands due to the abundance of house reefs and marine life to observe in the area. The house reefs at iconic resorts such as Huvafen Fushi and Embudu Village are amongst our team's favourites.

Common activities available include exploring shipwrecks, snorkelling with turtles and whale sharks, submarine tours, scuba diving, water skiing, banana boating, kiteboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing and windsurfing. For something a little more relaxing on the waves, why not try whale or dolphin watching on your next holiday?

Family adventures

Kurumba and Olhuveli Beach Resort are favourites for families looking for a perfect holiday that suits both parents and children, with children's clubs and babysitting services, both readily available.

The Conrad Rangali has an in-house marine biologist, who will bring the seabed to life for young explorers. Seeing turtles, octopuses, manta rays, and exotic fish darting in amongst the reef will almost certainly mean that they return home as lifelong marine enthusiasts.

Find a bargain

If you’re staying near Malé (for example at a nearby resort like Centara Ras Fushi or Baros Maldives, then you will be spoilt for choice if you’re looking to head out to shop. With the Malé local market and Centro Mall on Hulhumale in close proximity to neighbouring islands, you’ll have plenty of options to find the best shopping in the Maldives. Alternatively, seek out Le Cute in Malé or the STO Trade Centre (also in Malé) for great deals on local produce including tourist mementos, handcrafted items and electronic gadgets.