Private islands, overwater villas, and lagoons so clear the fish look like they're floating on air – the Maldives is the ultimate escape.
✨Holidays to Maldives 2026 highlights
🌊 Crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 50 metres – perfect for snorkelling and diving
🏠 Iconic overwater villas with glass floors and direct lagoon access
🐢 Swim alongside sea turtles, manta rays and even whale sharks
🍽️ World-class dining from underwater restaurants to private beach dinners
💆 Spa treatments overlooking the Indian Ocean – relaxation doesn't get better than this
🎉 3 Fun Facts About the Maldives
It’s got more islands than you’ve had hot dinners – The Maldives boasts over 1,190 islands! Yep, it’s basically the ultimate island-hopping paradise.
🥞The Maldives is flatter than a pancake – With the highest point being a whopping 2.4 meters above sea level, you won’t find any hills to hike here.
🍻A pint of beer typically costs between $6 to $10 USD (about £5 to £8), depending on where you are, but you won't get these views or this weather back home.
Looking to go All Inclusive? Take a look at our favourite All Inclusive Maldives holidays here!
🗣️ Local Lingo — Talk Like a Maldivian
Dhivehi is the national language of the Maldives and has been shaped by various languages including Arabic, French, Portuguese, Persian and English. The good news? English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so you'll never be stuck, but knowing a few words of Dhivehi goes a long way. Locals absolutely love it when visitors make the effort, and the smiles you get back are worth every stumbled pronunciation.
🤝 Assalaamu Alaikum — The go-to greeting, meaning "peace be upon you." The Maldives is a Muslim nation and this is how locals say hello. The response is "Wa Alaikum Assalaam." Use it when you arrive at a local island and you'll immediately earn serious respect.
☀️ Baajjaveri hendhuneh — Good morning. Hard to pronounce, brilliant to try. Even a half-decent attempt will get you a big smile from the resort staff.
🙏 Shukuriyaa — Thank you. Simple, easy to remember, and one of the most useful words you'll use all holiday. Bodu Shukuriyaa means "thank you very much", save that one for when the floating breakfast arrives.
🆘 Salaamai kurey — Help! Hopefully you'll never need it, but worth knowing just in case.
🌙 Maruhabaa — Welcome. You'll hear this constantly from resort staff from the moment you step off the seaplane. Now you can say it back.
💡 Quick Tip — The Maldives is a Muslim country and the population follows Islamic customs. Handshakes are common, but if you're a man meeting a woman, let her offer her hand first, if she doesn't, a nod or a smile is a perfectly respectful greeting.
Where to Stay on your holidays to the Maldives
The Maldives works differently to most destinations – each resort has its own private island, so choosing your hotel means choosing your entire experience. From intimate boutique hideaways to sprawling family-friendly resorts, here's how to find your perfect pillow.
For Honeymoons & Couples 💑
If it's just the two of you, North Malé Atoll and the outer atolls are where the magic happens. Private resort islands in these areas offer the iconic overwater villas, secluded beaches, and candlelit dinners on the sand that make the Maldives the world's go-to honeymoon destination. For something extra special, COMO Cocoa Island and JOALI Maldives are consistently rated among the most romantic stays in the entire archipelago, intimate, stunning, and genuinely unforgettable.
The Maldives is made for romance. Overwater villas with private pools, sunset cruises, candlelit dinners on the sand – it's the ultimate "just married and just loving life" destination.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa – Adults-only with overwater villas, infinity pools, and dining designed for date nights. Just 25 minutes by speedboat from the airport.
Saii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton – Overwater living with stunning sunsets and dolphin spotting. Part of the CROSSROADS complex with multiple dining options.
Baros Maldives – Intimate and elegant, Baros has been welcoming honeymooners for over 50 years. World-class house reef and a Lighthouse restaurant with panoramic ocean views.
For Families 👨👩👧👦
Families are best suited to South Malé Atoll or the larger resort islands with easy speedboat access from the airport, keeping transfers short and stress levels lower. Look for areas with shallow, calm lagoons and resorts offering kids' clubs and multiple dining options. Anantara Dhigu in South Malé Atoll and Kuramathi Maldives in Rasdhoo Atoll are brilliant area picks, spacious, diverse facilities, and reef-safe shallow waters that little ones absolutely love.
Meeru Island Resort & Spa – One of the larger islands with kids' pools, six restaurants, and activities from football to snorkelling. Great value all-inclusive option.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma – Spacious villas, a kids' club, and a fantastic house reef. Six restaurants mean no mealtime battles.
Kuredu Island Resort – Huge island with golf, diving centre, and separate adults-only section if you need a breather. Brilliant for families with older kids.
For Luxury 🌟
For pure, uncompromising luxury, head to the outer atolls, Baa Atoll, Ari Atoll, and Noonu Atoll are where the most spectacular private resort islands sit. Further from the airport means more remote, more exclusive, and more extraordinary. Think seaplane arrivals, glass-floor villas, and house reefs teeming with marine life. Soneva Jani in Noonu Atoll and One&Only Reethi Rah in North Malé Atoll set the standard for what Maldivian luxury can look like.
When only the very best will do. Private pools, butler service, and the kind of details you'll remember forever.
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Fourteen restaurants, an award-winning spa, and villas with private pools. All-inclusive here means genuinely all-inclusive.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo – All-overwater resort with villas featuring glass floors and direct ocean access. Just 15 minutes from the airport.
Constance Moofushi – Barefoot luxury on a pristine island with one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. Adults-only and all-inclusive.
For All-Inclusive Peace of Mind 🍹
All-inclusive resorts are spread across the atolls, but South Ari Atoll is a brilliant spot to base yourself, great value resorts, easy seaplane or speedboat access, and you're right in whale shark territory as a bonus. Private resort islands anywhere in the Maldives make all-inclusive the smart choice, when there's nowhere else to go, having everything sorted means you can properly switch off from the moment you arrive.
Adaaran Club Rannalhi – Great value all-inclusive with overwater villas, spa, and excellent snorkelling. Just 35 minutes from the airport.
Fihalhohi Island Resort – Classic Maldivian charm with water villas, diving centre, and a relaxed atmosphere. Strong all-inclusive package.
Diamonds Thudufushi – Italian-run resort with superb food, beautiful beach, and easy access to whale shark territory in South Ari Atoll.
Best Value Options 💰
The Maldives on a budget is absolutely possible, you just need to know where to look. Local inhabited islands like Maafushi and Dhiffushi offer guesthouses, local restaurants, and a genuine glimpse into everyday Maldivian life at a fraction of the private island price. Staying close to Malé and the surrounding islands, like Bandos Maldives just 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport, also cuts transfer costs significantly and keeps things affordable without sacrificing that stunning Maldivian scenery.
The Maldives doesn't have to break the bank. These resorts deliver the dream without the premium price tag.
Embudu Village – Authentic Maldivian atmosphere, excellent house reef, and no pretension. Just 25 minutes from the airport.
Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi – Larger island with both beach and water villas. Good all-inclusive value and a surf break nearby.
Best For Marine Life
Baa Atoll is the undisputed winner here, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to Hanifaru Bay, one of the world's most spectacular manta ray feeding sites. South Ari Atoll is the go-to for whale shark encounters, with sightings possible year-round. If incredible diving and snorkelling is the whole point of your trip, these two areas should be at the very top of your list.
🏝️ Overwater vs Beach Villas
It's the big decision. Both have their charms, and they're both giving luxury vibes no matter which way you swing it... so, we guess it depends on what you're fancying when you jet off... Have you got the kids in tow? Or is it a romantic retreat for you and the better half?
Overwater Villas:
Direct lagoon access – roll out of bed and into the sea
Glass floor panels to watch the fish below
Usually more private with uninterrupted ocean views
Premium price, but it's the iconic Maldives experience
Beach Villas:
Step straight onto the sand
Often more space, sometimes with private gardens
Better for families with young children
Generally more affordable
😘 Maldives holidays for honeymooners
There's a reason the Maldives tops every honeymoon list. Private islands mean genuine seclusion. Overwater villas mean waking up to turquoise lagoons and the resorts have turned romance into an art form.
What to expect:
Floating breakfasts delivered to your villa
Private sandbank dinners with personal chefs
Couples' spa treatments overlooking the ocean
Sunset dolphin cruises with champagne
Stargazing from your private deck
Best honeymoon resorts:
Baros Maldives – Intimate, elegant, legendary house reef
Centara Ras Fushi – Adults-only, great value luxury
Constance Moofushi – Barefoot luxury, exceptional diving
🏖️ What are the best beaches to visit in the Maldives?
The Maldives isn’t just serving beaches – it’s serving the beaches. We’re talking silky sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibes that range from romantic hideaways to snorkellers’ playgrounds. Here are some of the best beach spots to dip your toes in:
Bikini Beach, Rasdhoo Island – soft sands and turquoise water, perfect for budget-friendly travellers looking for that postcard Maldives vibe.
Veligandu Island Beaches – secluded stretches made for couples’ selfies, honeymoon strolls, and general “we’re never leaving” energy.
Reethi Beach, Fonimagoodhoo Island – a snorkelling hotspot with plenty of sunshine, ideal for active travellers chasing coral and cocktails.
Nalaguraidhoo Beach, Sun Island – bright blue waters and lush backdrops, perfect for nature lovers who want beauty with a side of adventure.
Cocoa Island Beaches – luxury meets laid-back. These sands are made for spa lovers, yoga fans, and anyone needing max chill.
Fulhadhoo Beach, Baa Atoll – quiet and unspoiled, this is the one for travellers chasing tranquillity away from the busier resort islands.
Dhigurah Beach, South Ari Atoll – one of the longest in the Maldives (3km!), loved by families and whale-shark spotters alike.
🌴 Your Maldives holidays 2026 travel guide
Things to do for families in the Maldives
Snorkelling & dolphin cruises – warm, shallow lagoons are perfect for little paddlers, with dolphins stealing the show out at sea.
Whale Submarine ride – hop in a yellow sub and explore the reefs without even getting wet – kids will love it.
Resort kids’ clubs – mini clubs, babysitting and daily activities = happy little ones, happy parents.
Kayaks & paddleboards – calm waters make it easy to splash about together without any stress.
Things to do for couples in the Maldives
Sunset cruises – set sail with champagne in hand while the sky does its thing – romance, Maldives-style.
Private sandbank dinners – a table on your own patch of sand with the ocean as your backdrop.
Couples’ spa sessions – massages, facials and Jacuzzis designed for two – total holiday goals.
Stargazing on the beach – lay back, spot the Milky Way and listen to the waves roll in.
Things to do for adventure seekers in the Maldives
Jet skiing & parasailing – speed across lagoons or take to the skies for that Bond-worthy thrill.
Diving with whale sharks – South Ari Atoll is the spot for once-in-a-lifetime encounters with these gentle giants.
Night snorkelling – grab a torch and see the reef light up after dark – it’s surreal in the best way.
Surfing in the wet season – from May to October, the Maldives serves up waves that’ll get your heart racing.
Things to do for foodies in the Maldives
All inclusive buffets – pile your plate high with seafood, curries and international flavours – no one’s judging.
Private beach dining – lobster, candlelight and your toes in the sand – classic Maldives magic.
Fine dining restaurants – expect Michelin-level dishes and wine lists as impressive as the views.
Cooking classes – pick up Maldivian favourites like Mas Huni and impress your mates back home.
🤿 Diving & Snorkelling
The Maldives is one of the world's top diving destinations. Visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres, water temperatures stay warm year-round, and the marine life is extraordinary.
What you might see:
Manta rays (especially in Baa Atoll and Ari Atoll)
Whale sharks (South Ari Atoll is a hotspot)
Sea turtles (common at most resort house reefs)
Reef sharks (white-tip and black-tip varieties)
Over 2,000 species of fish
Don't dive? No problem. Many resorts have house reefs you can snorkel from the beach – no boat required. Some of the best marine life is in water shallow enough to stand in.
Best times for diving:
🌊 Dry Season (November–April) — Calm seas, exceptional visibility up to 50 metres, and perfect conditions for beginners and experienced divers alike.
🦈 Wet Season (May–October) — Don't let the name put you off. This is actually prime time for manta rays and whale sharks, with plankton-rich waters bringing them closer to the surface. Surfers love this season too.
💡 Quick Tip — Even if you've never dived before, most resorts offer beginner discover dives with certified instructors in the lagoon. You could go from never diving to swimming with turtles on the same day. The Maldives makes it that easy.
🗺️ More Places to Visit
The Maldives is a destination in its own right, but its location in the Indian Ocean puts some of the world's most extraordinary countries within easy reach. Here's what's worth adding to your trip.
🌿 Sri Lanka — Just an hour's flight away and the most popular twin-centre combination for good reason. Ancient temples, rolling tea plantations, elephant safaris, and the stunning fort city of Galle, spend a week exploring first, then collapse onto your overwater villa. Perfect contrast, perfect trip.
🏛️ India — Kerala is a brilliant add-on, just a short hop across the Indian Ocean. Palm-fringed backwaters, spice markets, and Ayurvedic wellness retreats set you up perfectly for full Maldives relaxation mode. Or go full contrast with the colour and chaos of Rajasthan first.
🏙️ Dubai — Most UK flights connect through Dubai anyway, so why not make a proper stopover of it? A couple of nights of gold-dipped glitz before barefoot island living is a combination that genuinely works brilliantly.
🕌 Oman — Dramatic forts, vast sand dunes, ancient souks, and mountain landscapes that feel a world away from turquoise lagoons. A few days in Muscat before landing in paradise is one of those trip combinations that just works.
🌏 Singapore — A brilliant stopover en route with zero wasted transit time. World-class food, stunning architecture, and a city that genuinely delivers in 48 hours. Add it to both ends of the trip and you've got three destinations for the price of one long-haul flight.
Just a heads up, the departure process for those travelling to the Maldives has changed. Please see the FAQs below for more info.
Also, effective 12 AM on 15/12/2024, the Maldives has implemented a comprehensive ban on vaping products. Therefore, you're prohibited from bringing e-cigarettes, vapes and vaping devices into the Maldives; these items will be confiscated at the airport and disposed of.
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Weather in Maldives
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Alright, let's dive straight into what you're really here for: the Maldives weather lowdown!
From December to April, you're in for a treat. The weather in the Maldives is as close to perfect as it gets. You can expect temperatures happily lounging between 27°C and 29°C. It's that consistent glow-up that has everyone raving. Sun, sand, sea – it's like the Maldives rolled out its VIP list, and guess what? You're on it.
Now, from May to November, let’s keep it real; there's a bit of rain. But the Maldives, being the overachiever it is, makes a shiny pearl out of this rainy stint. Sure, there are showers, but they're brief. And between those rainy moments? Yup, the sunshine is back, claiming its spot like, "Surprise, bet you thought you'd seen the last of me."
So, the take-home message? The Maldives weather is, in a word, gawjuss. Whether you're up for snorkelling adventures or just chilling with a refreshing drink by the beach, the Maldives delivers. And remember, even when it's a tad wet, it's all part of the package. Pack those flip-flops, grab your sun hat, and get ready for your stun Maldives holidays.
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FAQs
Adaaran Maldives Hotels Competition - Terms & Conditions
Adaaran Maldives Hotels Competition - Terms & Conditions
Promoter: This promotion is organised by On the Beach Limited, whose registered office is 5 Adair Street, Manchester, M1 2NQ (“Promoter”).
Eligibility: The promotion is open to all UK residents aged 18 years or over, except employees of the Promoter, their families, agents or any third party directly associated with administration of this promotion.
How to enter:
To enter, participants must:
have a valid Instagram account which is set to ‘public’ at the time of the promotion;
follow both @onthebeachholidays and @adaaranresorts on Instagram;
like the Maldives Competition post on Instagram (the “Grid Post”);
and repost to the Grid Post to their story and tag a friend (a different account).
The promotion opens 8AM GMT 19/01/2026 until 4PM GMT 01/02/2026 (inclusive). Entries received before or after this time will not be valid and will not be entered into this promotion. Maximum one entry per person. Multiple entries will not be accepted.
Prize: There is 1 prize to be won. The prize is a £2,500 On The Beach UK holiday voucher which is redeemable against a package holiday (including flights and accommodation) for any duration and board basis to one of the following Adaaran Maldives hotels: Club Rannalhi, Prestige Vadoo, Hudhuran Fushi, Select Meedhupparu booked by www.onthebeach.co.uk (the “Prize”).
The following terms apply to the Prize:
The Prize cannot be redeemed against hotel only, group or cruise bookings.
The Prize must be redeemed by 31/12/2026 and travel completed by 31/12/2027. If the Prize has not been booked, taken up and concluded by this date, the Prize shall be deemed forfeited. No extension is possible.
The Prize can only be redeemed by the winner and used against one booking only. The Prize is subject to availability and some dates may not be available for the winner to book which will be made known to the winner at the time of booking.
The Prize can only be redeemed against accommodation at the winner’s choice of the following Adaaran Maldives hotels: Club Rannalhi, Prestige Vadoo, Hudhuran Fushi, Select Meedhupparu for any duration and board basis. The Prize cannot be redeemed against any other hotel.
At least one member of the travelling party must be aged over 18 or over.
The Prize has a maximum value of £2,500 only. Any cost above this amount is the responsibility of the winner of the Prize and must be paid in full at the time of booking. No alternative payment plan or method shall be available to a winner in any circumstance.
If the booking is cancelled after redeeming the Prize, no refund will be given in respect of the value of the Prize and the Prize cannot be then applied to a different booking.
The Prize does not include travel insurance, spending money, any amounts payable locally such as resort fees, tourist and/or other taxes, ancillaries such as seat reservations and baggage and any other items or expenses not listed in the Prize description. The winner and their companion(s) are responsible for charges that apply for any food, beverages or services outside of their chosen board basis plans. All such costs and expenses will be the responsibility of the winner and members of their travelling party.
The Prize does not include transfers in the UK to or from the chosen UK airport. The winner and their travelling party are responsible for arranging and paying for transfers to and from the chosen UK airport.
The winner and their travelling party are responsible for ensuring they hold a valid passport and any necessary visa to travel, hold all adequate travel insurance policies, and comply with any other terms and conditions applicable to the Prize.
Any bookings made to redeem the Prize are also subject to the Promoter’s separate Terms of Business which can be found at https://www.onthebeach.co.uk/terms_of_business (“Terms and Conditions”), and the terms and conditions of the suppliers of the flights, accommodation and any transfers which are available on request.
Any optional purchases or supplements are subject to the Terms and Conditions. Any changes to the Prize after booking are subject to amendment fees as detailed in the Terms and Conditions.
It is the responsibility of the winner to inform the Promoter of any wheelchair or similar access requirements for the winner and/or their companion when taking up the Prize, and to adhere to any applicable health and safety guidelines.
Any fees or costs associated with or incidental to the acceptance or use of any Prize (other than delivery of the same in accordance with these terms) will be the responsibility of the winner.
The Prize is subject to availability and the Promoter reserves the right to replace the Prize with an alternative prize of equal or higher value.
The Prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and has no cash value. No cash equivalent will be given.
Winner selection: 1 winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries and contacted via Instagram direct message within 7 days of the closing date. The winner must confirm their acceptance of the Prize within 7 days of notification. If no confirmation is received, the Prize will be forfeited and awarded to the next winner using the same process as detailed above. Once accepted, the winner will receive the Prize by email or direct message.
How to redeem: The winner will be notified how to redeem the prize within 7 days of accepting the prize and confirming their eligibility.
Other terms:
The winner’s surname and respective counties of residence (if known) can be obtained by sending a direct message via @onthebeachholidays (Instagram). By entering, you consent to such information being disclosed on request.
Entrants must ensure their entry complies with all applicable laws and regulations. It must not contain any illegal, offensive, discriminatory, defamatory, or inappropriate material. The Promoter reserves the right to disqualify any entries which do not comply with these requirements.
The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any late, lost or misdirected entries including but not limited to entries not received due to technical disruptions, network congestion, loss in service of online entry mechanisms, computer error in transit or any other reason.
The promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) or any other social network.
The decision of the Promoter regarding any aspect of the promotion is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into about it.
Entrants are deemed to have accepted and agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions upon entry. The Promoter reserves the right to refuse entry or refuse to award the Prize to anyone in breach of these terms and conditions.
The Promoter reserves the right to hold void, cancel, suspend, or amend the promotion at any time and without liability where it becomes necessary to do so.
Insofar as is permitted by law, the Promoter, its agents and distributors will not in any circumstances be responsible or liable to compensate the winner or accept any liability for any loss, damage, personal injury or death occurring as a result of taking up the Prize except where it is caused by the negligence of the Promoter, its employees, agents or distributors. Entrants’ statutory rights are not affected.
The Promoter will process personal data in line with its privacy policy, which can be found at: https://www.onthebeach.co.uk/privacy
The promotion will be governed by English law and entrants to the promotion submit to the jurisdiction of the English courts.
What’s the average flight time from the UK/Ireland to the Maldives?
What’s the average flight time from the UK/Ireland to the Maldives?
It takes 13 hours on average to fly between the UK/Ireland and the Maldives - long-haul flights mean plenty of time for inflight snacks, plenty of TV, quality time with a book, or just a good nights kip.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and the Maldives?
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and the Maldives?
The Maldives is GMT +4, making it four hours ahead of the UK/Ireland - the jet lag might hit you a lil, but you'll be marvelling at all the beauty the Maldives has to offer we doubt you'll really notice.
What currency will I need for the Maldives?
What currency will I need for the Maldives?
The currency in the Maldives is the Madivian rufiyaa.
What languages are spoken in the Maldives?
What languages are spoken in the Maldives?
Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives. English is also widely spoken in the
holiday resorts.
How does the transfer to my hotel work in the Maldives?
How does the transfer to my hotel work in the Maldives?
Transfers in the Maldives can sound a little confusing, but don't worry. All you need to know is that your flight from the UK will land at Male International Airport (otherwise known as Velana International Airport), and from here you'll be transferred to whichever island your hotel is on.
Transfers will be via either:
Domestic aircraft (with a 20kg hold luggage allowance and 5kg hand luggage allowance)
Seaplane (with a 20kg hold luggage allowance and 5kg hand luggage allowance)
Speedboat (no luggage restrictions)
You’ll be escorted to the departure point by airport staff, and your departure time will be confirmed the night before. Other flight arrivals or sudden changes in weather might mean you need to wait up to 3 hours before boarding the transfer.
If you’re travelling via seaplane, flights can only operate between 09:00 and 15:00. If you land in Male after 15:00, or if there are any sudden weather changes, you’ll need to stay overnight in an airport hotel. Don’t worry – if this is the case then we’ll be in touch to make the arrangements! It’s also worth noting that, like most holiday transfers, seaplanes will stop at multiple resorts on the way.
Do I need to fill out a Traveller Declaration form?
Do I need to fill out a Traveller Declaration form?
Yes, you'll need to complete a 'Traveller Declaration' form 96 hours before you arrive in the Maldives. However, you are no longer required to fill out this form when leaving the Maldives which makes the process that bit simpler.
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Is the tap water safe to drink?
Stick to bottled water, which is provided free at most resorts.
Is all-inclusive worth it in the Maldives?
Is all-inclusive worth it in the Maldives?
Generally yes. Since each resort is on a private island with no outside options, all-inclusive gives peace of mind and often works out cheaper than paying as you go.
Is the Maldives good for families?
Is the Maldives good for families?
Absolutely. Many resorts have kids' clubs, shallow lagoons perfect for paddling, and family-friendly activities. Look for larger islands with more facilities.
How much spending money do I need?
How much spending money do I need?
On all-inclusive, you'll need very little – perhaps $50-100 per day for spa treatments, excursions, or premium drinks. On half-board, budget $100-150 per day for extras.
Can I island hop?
Can I island hop?
Some resorts arrange excursions to local islands or nearby uninhabited sandbanks. Full island-hopping itineraries are less common in the Maldives – most people stay at one resort.






