Many people only see the Maldives as the ultimate private-island escape; a chance to decompress after exploring Asia. But there’s a richer side to the country waiting.
Alongside its 170 private resort islands, the archipelago has nearly 200 inhabited local islands, with cultural depth and traditional daily life. It’s a world where you can try hedhikaa, hear the evening call to prayer, and watch local fishermen return with the day’s catch. Yet most travellers simply fly right over them.
Working with our local partner out there, we weave in experiences on these lived-in islands that most companies skip: a coral nursery dive at Villimalé, mangroves and stargazing from the ferry at Huraa, a market visit followed by cooking with a family who’ll host you in their home.
Our selective shortlist of twelve resorts puts these two worlds side by side on purpose. Take Barefoot Eco Hotel, on the island of Hanimaadhoo, where the community shares its customs with you. Contrast that with Gili Lankanfushi, a private-island sanctuary, just a short speedboat ride from Malé. Two very different versions of the same extraordinary country.
The escape you’ve daydreamed about for years. World-class diving. Total decompression. A rare chance to connect with the country’s communities. We help you figure out which version you need, and design how the Maldives fits into your journey, whether as a gentle start or a peaceful finale to your time in Sri Lanka or India.
We design trips you wouldn’t have known to ask for.
Our Unique Holidays in The Maldives
Relaxing, immersive, life-affirming adventures that show you the best of the destination. Packed with experiences that connect you to the country and are kind to its people and environment.
In Our Travellers’ Words
ETG look outside the box
With ETG, we have visited extraordinary places
Amazing adventure in India & The Maldives
Meet Our Experts
“The Maldives is fabulous way to round off a holiday. And it doesn’t have to be predictable. Here at ETG, we have plenty of off-beat expriences up our sleeve to share with you.”
Lola
The Maldives Specialist
The Maldives' Hotels, Chosen In-House
Online, most Maldives resorts look identical, it can be hard to choose. Our collection is small on purpose. Some are barefoot and simple, some are much more swish. Here are the ones we recommend again and again.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to The Maldives
The ETG Maldives Edit is our experts’ edit of hotels, experiences and holiday tips. Get your complimentary copy today.
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Important FAQs about The Maldives
The dry season runs from November to April, with the best visibility for diving and snorkelling and the most settled weather. May to October is the wet season: expect more rain and occasional rough seas, but also lower prices, fewer visitors, and manta rays from May to November. The Maldives is a year-round destination; the right time depends on what you’re going for.
We’ve stayed in a significant number of them and keep a short list on purpose. Every resort we recommend, we’ve assessed ourselves: the house reef, the pace, the food, the feel of the place at different times of year. When we say Landaa Giraavaru for marine life or Baros for classic romance, that’s a considered judgement, not an algorithm.
Yes, for the right family and the right resort. Some resorts are designed around couples and would feel wrong with children; others are excellent for families, with shallow lagoons, activities put on for younger ones, and space to spread out. We’ll steer you to the right one.
Yes, and it’s one of the pairings we design most often. Sri Lanka into the Maldives is a natural sequence: the culture and movement of one country resolves into the stillness of the other. It works because the contrast is designed, not just bolted together. We can also combine the Maldives with India or Southeast Asia, depending on where you’re travelling from and how much time you have.
Not in the usual sense. Every Experience Travel Group trip to the Maldives is private and designed for the person taking it, but we don’t do “tailor-made”, and that’s deliberate. Because “tailor-made” assembles a trip around what you asked for, from hotels and tours anyone can book. We design around why you’re travelling, using experiences we’ve built ourselves, boutique hotels we’ve scouted out and matched to you, and trusted guides and drivers we’ve worked with for years. That lets us reach parts of the country you wouldn’t have known to ask for.
- All your accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels
- Private drivers throughout
- Carefully chosen local guides
- All activities and experiences (some secret!)
- Many meals and snacks throughout
- All regional transport
- International flights on request
- 24/7 in-country support