850 ReviewsIt’s the details that define a journey.
The intention behind each decision.
Begin with a conversation.
Depart for your international flight to Malé, the gateway to the Maldives.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
November - April
The ultimate authentic holiday to the Maldives, this itinerary lets you get an unparalleled insight into local life with accommodation in comfortable guesthouses.
Most visitors to the Maldives stay on private resort islands, which are not permanently inhabited apart from hotel staff, meaning tourists and local communities are generally kept separate.
However, since 2009, it has also been possible to stay on inhabited islands. This offers a rare and rewarding alternative, opening up the chance to experience the Maldives beyond the classic postcard image. It will particularly appeal to discerning travellers who want to combine time in a beautiful resort with meaningful encounters with local people, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary daily life of this unique island nation.
Maldives Off the Beaten Track
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
Skip
Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2
Villimale
On arrival, transfer to your hotel on Hulhumale and relax after your flight. Once settled, you can visit Villimale island and sample some delicious local hedikaa canapes, or ‘short eats’.
You’ll travel to Villimale by local ferry via Male, through the bustle of the city and onward to the more tranquil shores of this quieter nearby island.
The cafe where you’ll enjoy your hedikaa overlooks the capital, and it’s a great place to begin your adventure. Wander through pastel-coloured streets and see everyday life where you’re unlikely to meet any other tourists.
Day 3
Male and Huraa
See the highlights of Male on a guided walking tour through the city. Starting from the ancient heart of the capital, learn about the founding father of the country, Abu Al Barakat, who brought Islam to the once Buddhist island nation from Morocco in the 14th century. Explore ancient mosques with beautiful gravestones dating to before Napoleonic times, visit the bustling fish market and see how the locals de-bone huge freshly caught tuna fish.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at The SeaHouse Cafe, ideally situated near the ferry terminals. The smoothies are delightful and the views rather beautiful over the capital island.
After lunch, hop on a boat and travel to your first local island, Huraa. Settle into your local guesthouse, enjoy a dip at a local or a ‘bikini’ beach (whichever you prefer, but note you will need to be appropriately covered at the local beach), and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant nearby.
Day 4
Huraa
This morning, your guide will take you on a tour of the island, where you can meander through the beautiful pastel-coloured streets. Make your way to a mangrove and kayak in this unique ecosystem before moving on to a shipyard to see where fibreglass boats are made for local fishermen. You’ll also visit a rihaakura business – this is an incredibly popular Maldivian fish paste akin to marmite.
Enjoy a free period around lunchtime to refresh and relax on the beach. Late afternoon, board a fishing boat and try to catch something for your dinner — don’t worry, seasoned fishermen’ll accompany you in case you don’t hook anything.
In the evening, enjoy the fruits of your labours and tuck into delicious fresh fish.
Day 5
Huraa to Dhiffushi
After breakfast at your local guesthouse, enjoy a morning snorkelling trip and swim with the beautiful multi-coloured marine life.
Leave Huraa late afternoon to travel to Dhiffushi. Dinner is at your guesthouse.
Day 6
Dhiffushi
After breakfast, take a tour of Dhiffushi and spend some time learning how to cook a proper Maldivian lunch with the ladies of a local family.
The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure, relaxing on the beach or there are plenty of watersports, diving centres and snorkelling opportunities to be had.
Days 7 - 10
Resort Island
After an early breakfast, travel back to Male and transfer by speedboat to a resort island. Enjoy three full days at your leisure, relaxing in the Maldives. Here you’ll be able to indulge in a well-deserved G&T or glass of wine and relax in luxurious surroundings.
There are various activities to enjoy, including diving lessons, tennis games and excellent spa treatments.
Day 11
Return home
Return home from Male.
Amazing adventure in India & The Maldives
A tour in India taking on Delhi Agra Ramathra and Jaipur. Lots of excursions included and excellent hotels. Then onto Maldives for 5 nights at a lovely resort with experiences included.
Alex
7 March 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
Make
this yours.
Start Planning
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own)
Carefully selected guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transport
Gratuities
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in.
As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person.
Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices.
We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start.
Meet Our Maldive Expert
Holly is a true Maldives enthusiast, with a talent for designing holidays that balance the iconic highlights with the quieter, more secluded corners of the islands. Whether it’s a family-friendly island escape, a romantic overwater retreat, or a relaxed adventure across turquoise atolls, Holly loves curating trips that surprise and delight ETG travellers.
“This trip is perfect for travellers who want more than just a luxury resort experience. You’ll explore vibrant local islands, meet Maldivian communities and still experience the stunning beaches and turquoise lagoons that make the Maldives so special.”
Holly
Maldives Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the Maldives. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences in the Maldives
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about the Maldives
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been curating immersive Maldives holidays since 2006, long before the islands became a mainstream destination. Our deep-rooted local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and passion for meaningful travel make us the ideal choice for discovering the Maldives beyond the ordinary.
Over nearly two decades, we’ve developed unique experiences that blend natural beauty, comfort, and flexibility. Whether it’s staying in overwater villas above turquoise lagoons, snorkelling with manta rays, or exploring local island communities with expert guides, we design every journey to reveal the real heart of the Maldives, not just the resort highlights.
With our thoughtful planning and in-country support, you’ll have peace of mind while enjoying a tailored adventure that suits your interests and travel style. We don’t do off-the-shelf holidays — we create personalised journeys that capture what’s truly special about the Maldives.
The Maldives is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is generally between November and April. This dry season brings sunshine, calm seas and the best conditions for snorkelling and diving. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, May and October can also be great options, often with lower prices and fewer tourists.
Every ETG holiday to the Maldives is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), chauffeur guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Maldives specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to the Maldives
Wondering when to visit the Maldives? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to the Maldives will give you a more detailed breakdown of the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.
