Most importantly pack spare clothes, medication and swimming gear in your hand luggage - main luggage can sometimes (though rarely) be delayed.

Lightweight, loose clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Long dresses, skirts, and chino shorts/ trousers are perfect for evenings. 
Some beach cover-ups provide sun protection during the day and can be easily slipped on and off as needed. Ladies may want to bring a scarf for modesty at the airport and when visiting local islands.
Swimwear and Spare in hand luggage
Sun hat for extra protection. 
Sandals and flip-flops    
Diving/beach shoes
Camera
Memory card
Underwater camera
Small emergency sewing kit
Smartphone
Chargers and adapters (maybe a 4 gang 1m extension for multiple charging)
Toiletries
Passport
Copy of hotel booking 
Copy of travel insurance
Copy of passports saved on phone.
Money (Maldivian Rufiyaa or US Dollars) 
Insect repellent
Snorkel
Dry bag/beach bag
Books
Travel pillow
Credit/debit card
Medication  (* Hand luggage) Opiates banned if travelling through Middle East
Sunglasses
After sun
Books
Travel pillow
Snacks that won’t melt

What not to bring
Alcohol - prohibited in the Maldives, so skip the duty-free purchases. 
Warm clothes
Evenings remain warm, so you won’t need heavy clothing.
A neck tie or suit

What is your comfortable budget? There are over 160 resort islands and this is a quick way to streamline your choices.

Is there any activity that is an absolute ‘must have’ such as snorkeling from the shore, tennis, evening entertainment or bicycles? Simply mark these on our Resort Attributes section and all relevant islands will be presented/excluded for you.

Do you want WiFi in your room, a Water Villa with Slide, a private pool, a la carte dining included, non-motorised water sports included or a wheelchair accessible villa?

All of these can be marked and filtered with the Resort Attributes section.

What time will you arrive/depart to Male Velana International airport? This may dictate the type of transfer you consider as seaplanes fly between set times – an arrival after 15:30 or departure before 09:15 may preclude a seaplane transfer.

Some islands do not have All Inclusive; water villas sea defences in the lagoon – all of these can be filtered.

Of course, we understand that this can be a little overwhelming due to the huge number of choices and variables so if you're in any doubt, get in touch and we'll assist with recommendations based on your requirements. 

There is a wide kaleidoscope of mealplans available in Maldives :-

Bed & Breakfast

Half Board (Breakfast and Evening Meal)

Half Board Plus (Breakfast, Evening Meal and mealtime Drinks)

Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Meal)

Full Board Plus (Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Meal and mealtime Drinks)

All Inclusive (Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Meal plus all daytime Drinks (normally 11:00 until 23:00))

All Inclusive Superior (Breakfast, Lunch and Evening Meal plus all daytime Drinks including branded products (normally 11:00 until 23:00))

Any of the above may include a la carte options as well as buffet – please enquire.

Some islands may also offer dining in an underwater restaurant.

The cut off between whether a drinks inclusive package is worthwhile for you is around 3 alcoholic drinks of an evening.
Less than 3 may mean a different mealplan is financially better for you.

Even non alcohol drinkers may find an All Inclusive plan is worthwhile when you consider the cost of soft drinks, smoothies, tea and coffee, mocktails etc.

The best time to visit the Maldives depends on what you want to do, but generally the dry season (November to April) is
the best time for clear skies, sunshine, and minimal rainfall: 

January to March
The water is calm and clear, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. 
You can expect around nine hours of sunshine per day, with average temperatures of around 29°C (84°F). 

April
The last of the dry months, but humidity and rainfall increase from the middle of the month. 

December
A popular time for an island Christmas and New Year holiday. 
You can expect long hours of sunshine, but there is a risk of rain and storms. 

The wetter season is from May to October, and it's characterized by more rain, stronger winds, and temperatures close to 30°C. 
This season does not herald weeks of rain and storms (normally) but means the risk of a
30 minute shower is increased over the January to March season.
Most importantly, hotel rates are lower during this period - as much as 60% lower than January to March.

Here are some other things to consider when planning your trip to the Maldives:-
Whale sharks and manta rays
You can see whale sharks and manta rays in Ari from January to April, and in Baa from June to September. 

Sea turtle nesting
In June, sea turtles lay their eggs on the beaches, so you should tread carefully and follow guidance to avoid disturbing them. 

As a UK based Tour Operator we can offer holidays including international flights, transfers and
accommodation from UK airports (all protected by the TTA and ATOL).

If you are based outside of the UK we can happily arrange your transfers and Maldives accommodation (still protected by the TTA).

From the UK international flights can be provided by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic as a direct flight between London and Male Velana Airport (Virgin only fly during the UK winter season November to April). BA will also link to LHR from regional airports such as Manchester, Edinburgh, Jersey etc.

Direct flights can be arranged with:-
                               British Airways
                               Virgin Atlantic

Indirect flights can be arranged with:-
                               Qatar Airways from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff.
                               Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
                               Etihad from London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
                               Sri Lankan from London Heathrow.
                               Turkish Airlines from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.
                               Gulf Air
                               Austrian Airlines
                               Lufthansa
                               Singapore Airlines

The Maldives is a great place for families with children, with many activities to keep kids entertained. 

Here are some things to do:-

Visit a resort: Stay at a resort with a kids club, water park, or swimming pool. Some resorts also offer childminders so parents can relax. 

Explore the water: Go snorkeling, flyboarding, kite surfing, or catamaran sailing. 

Visit a local island: Experience the local culture by visiting a budget-friendly island like Maafushi. 

Visit an island with a floating water park for aqua fun. 

Watch baby turtles hatch: Witness marine life in its natural environment. 

Take a sunset cruise: Enjoy a sunset cruise. 

Play in the sand: Explore the sandy beaches. 

Look for wildlife: Look for lizards, hermit crabs, and bats. 

Take a boat ride: Go on a boat ride

Personally I have travelled to the Maldives with my children from the age of 13 months.
During the white noise transfer of seaplane, domestic flight or seaplane they have normally nodded off because of the senses overload. 
When our boys were young we chose islands with a Kids Club - some were just an airconditioned room with some board games and lego - others
offered much more advanced activities such as treasure hunts, pizza baking, a visit to the underwater restaurant, trampolining, a climbing wall, climbing the obstacles of an inflatable aqua park, a submarine tour, making mocktails, fingernail painting, zipwire into a swimming pool, learn Dhivehi, learn to paddle board or surf, dolphin/turtle spotting, kayaking, cinema on the beach.
Note I did not mention any handicrafts - our 3 boys are not really into making necklaces or pretty lace pictures - but these are also widely available in the Kids Clubs.

The Maldives is a paradise for water lovers, but it also has plenty of activities for those who prefer to stay on land.

Most resorts offer a wide range of water activities such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also go on a sunset cruise, dolphin watching, swimming with whale sharks or on a fishing trip. If you are lucky, you might even spot manta rays or whale sharks.

If you prefer to stay on land, you can enjoy beach volleyball, tennis, yoga or cycling. Some resorts also have golf courses or mini golf. You can also pamper yourself with a spa treatment or indulge in a romantic dinner on the beach.

It’s worth noting that most resorts organize other activities too, such as cooking classes, cultural shows or excursions to nearby islands. You can also explore the local markets and taste the delicious Maldivian cuisine. It will just depend on the resort you choose, so make this choice wisely to be sure you’re enjoying the trip. 

Visit local villages, overwater obstacle course, coral planting, painting, yoga, martial arts, pilates, stargazing, flyboarding, skydiving, glamp in a bubble dome, bodu beru, cocktail mixology classes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, banana boat ride, jet ski, dine underwater, parasailing, catamaran sailing, cinema under the stars, Maldivian cooking – there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

Yes, your funds are fully protected.

If you are booking accommodation only from either the UK or overseas then your booking is protected by the TTA (our membership number is Q443X) and their Consumer Protection Scheme (https://thetravelnetworkgroup.co.uk/faqs/). This is in addition to any protection you may receive from a Credit Card or Travel Insurance.

UK and Overseas customers receive 100% financial protection for their holiday - whether it is accommodation only or flight + accommodation. Funds paid to us are directed to a joint account with the TTA - and we can only access those funds once you have completed your trip.

If you book a flight and accommodation package from within the UK then on top of the TTA protection you will also be protected under the ATOL scheme (either through our partnership with Hummingbird Travel ATOL10656 or by the ATOL Angel scheme run by the TTA).

When you go ahead and make a deposit we agree to fix your costs. This means that your pricing is guaranteed and will not increase (there may be minimal changes in flight taxation). Following your booking the £/$ or €/$ exchange rate may improve/worsen - we will not seek to charge you more because of any changes as we fix your exchange at time of booking. Also following your booking an island may remove some Special Offers so as the price increases (we will not charge you more) or they may introduce new Special Offers (we will not charge you less) - you can plan safe in the knowledge that your holiday cost will not change.

What Is an All-Inclusive Resort?

To understand whether all-inclusive resorts are worth it, it’s essential to first understand what an all-inclusive resort is. An all-inclusive resort provides guests with a comprehensive package that typically includes accommodation, meals, drinks, activities and sometimes even excursions - all for one upfront price. This contrasts sharply with traditional travel options, where guests often book accommodations, meals and activities separately, leading to unexpected costs and logistical challenges.

Imagine stepping into a tropical paradise where everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. You can indulge in gourmet meals, refreshing cocktails, and exciting activities - all included in your package. This seamless experience is one of the key draws of all-inclusive resorts. It’s simply a place where you can relax and unwind.

Key Takeaways

Simple and Convenient: All-inclusive resorts make holiday planning straightforward, allowing guests to focus on relaxation rather than logistics.

Perfect for Any Escape: Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family experience or a solo adventure, an all-inclusive caters to a diverse range of travellers - either you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family experience or a solo adventure, an all-inclusive caters to a diverse range of travellers.

Why Travellers Choose All-Inclusive Resorts

Stress-Free Planning

One of the most significant advantages of all-inclusive resorts is the stress-free planning they offer. Imagine a scenario where your only responsibility is to enjoy your time away. From meals to activities, everything is included in your package, allowing you to unwind without worrying about where to eat or what to do next.

This ease of planning is especially beneficial for families and groups, where coordinating different schedules and preferences can be challenging. With an all-inclusive resort, everyone can find something to enjoy, making it a great choice for all types of travellers.

Cost-Effectiveness: Value for Your Money

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it in terms of value? Many travellers believe they are. Paying one upfront price often leads to significant savings, particularly for those who enjoy dining out and engaging in various activities. By covering meals, drinks and entertainment, guests can avoid hidden costs that typically arise during holidays.

For budget-conscious travellers looking for luxury, an all-inclusive can provide an affordable way to enjoy high-end amenities and experiences without overspending. The ability to indulge in everything from fine dining to exciting excursions, all while knowing you’ve already covered the costs, adds to the appeal of this holiday style.

Access to Unlimited Amenities

One of the standout features of all-inclusive resorts is the extensive range of amenities available. From multiple swimming pools and relaxing spas to fitness centres and entertainment options, guests have access to a wealth of facilities designed to enhance their experience. Many resorts also offer guided tours, water sports and recreational activities, all included in the price.

The abundance of amenities means that guests can tailor their experience to their preferences without worrying about incurring additional costs. Whether you want to lounge by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or participate in adventurous excursions, the choice is yours.

Ideal for Families and Groups

Families and larger groups often find all-inclusive resorts particularly appealing. These resorts typically offer a wide variety of activities that cater to different age groups and interests, ensuring that everyone has something to enjoy. From kids’ clubs with supervised activities to adult-only pools and nightlife options, there truly is something for everyone.

Think of it like a buffet of experiences—there’s no need for anyone to feel left out, as the resort’s offerings can satisfy a range of tastes and preferences. Families can bond over shared experiences, while friends can explore their interests together, all within the same beautiful setting.

How Many Days Should You Spend at an All-Inclusive Resort?

When planning your getaway, you might wonder how many days to spend at an all-inclusive. A typical recommendation is to aim for a stay of about four to seven days. This length allows you to fully immerse yourself in the resort’s offerings without feeling rushed.

When Is an All-Inclusive Resort Not Worth It?

Despite their many advantages, all-inclusive resorts may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some scenarios where an all-inclusive might not be the best choice.

Limited Time

For some travellers, an all-inclusive resort may not be the best fit, especially if the trip is shorter or focused on particular activities. If you're only staying for a few days or have specific experiences in mind, you may find that a fixed itinerary with designated activities might not match your interests or schedule.

Whether it's a focus on water sports, adventure excursions, or unique cultural experiences, a more flexible accommodation option may provide better opportunities for you to tailor your trip to your preferences. Of course, you can also just enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience by staying at a water villa with a pool slide.

Preference for Personalised Experiences

While the all-inclusive model offers convenience, the upfront cost may not be justified for travellers who don’t intend to fully utilise the resort’s extensive amenities. For those with a shorter stay or a more specific focus on certain activities—whether that’s relaxing in a private villa, exploring local landmarks, or taking part in specialised excursions—opting for a hotel or holiday rental might provide better value.

You may prefer paying only for what you need without committing to an all-inclusive package that includes activities or services you won't use.

Are All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It? Final Verdict

In conclusion, while all-inclusive resorts may not be the right fit for everyone, they offer considerable value for those seeking convenience, variety and cost-effectiveness. The benefits of all-inclusive resorts are compelling, especially for families and groups looking for a hassle-free getaway experience.

Ultimately, it’s essential to weigh the advantages of all-inclusive resorts against your personal travel style and preferences. If the idea of an all-in-one escape excites you, it may just be the perfect choice for your next adventure.

Ready to find out if an all-inclusive resort is for you? Start planning your next getaway today drop us an email and we can chat about which resort suits you best.