The Journal/Maldives editorial

Maldives Opens Bids for 15 Resort Sites: Complete 2026 Guide.

Four tenders, 15 sites, 2,200 minimum beds and USD 24.64 million in floor acquisition costs—every location, deadline, incentive and halal requirement explained.

Resortlife Editorial·Aug 22, 2026·2 min read

Read the cover story

The issue

Editors' picks

Worth your evening.

Hand-selected

guides·Jun 29, 2026·2 min read

The Rise of the Wellness Travel in Maldives.

Maldives resorts now offer tailored wellness programs including yoga, meditation, and sleep therapy to help travellers recharge in a natural setting.

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guides·Oct 15, 2026·2 min read

Ayurveda in the Maldives: Resorts With Ayurvedic Spas

guides·Oct 14, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Family Holiday Guide: Is It Really Kid-Friendly?

The DispatchLive from the islands

Happening across the resorts.

All dispatches

CROSSROADS Maldives Achieves Official OECM Status, Advancing Singha Estate and S Hotels & Resorts’ Commitment to Marine Conservation

SustainabilityN°01

Oct 2026

CROSSROADS Maldives Achieves Official OECM Status, Advancing Singha Estate and S Hotels & Resorts’ Commitment to Marine Conservation.

via Visit MaldivesRead

SustainabilityN°02

Oct 2026

Milaidhoo Maldives celebrates #10 in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveller 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Milaidhoo MaldivesRead

CulinaryN°03

Oct 2026

Milaidhoo Maldives welcomes chef Laurence Tan of Michelin-starred JAG.

Milaidhoo MaldivesRead

NewsN°04

Oct 2026

Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives unveils “Celebrate more, feel more” for the final quarter of 2026.

Grand Park Kodhipparu, MaldivesRead

All dispatches

The Journal — index

Contents

The archive.

40 entries

Seeing Manta Rays and Whale Sharks from a Maldives Resort

guides·Oct 13, 2026·2 min read

New

Seeing Manta Rays and Whale Sharks from a Maldives Resort.

57 Maldives resorts list manta ray dives and 17 list whale shark encounters. Learn where to base yourself, when to go, and what not to promise.

Read the full story

Overwater vs Beach Villa: Which Is the Best Maldives Accommodation?

New

guides·Oct 12, 2026·2 min read

Overwater vs Beach Villa: Which Is the Best Maldives Accommodation?

The iconic overwater villa or a beachfront retreat with sand at your doorstep: find the Maldives stay that suits you.

Read the story

guides·Oct 8, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Family & Group Villas: Two to Four Bedrooms

95 of 191 Maldives resorts list villas with two or more bedrooms. See real examples, how sleeping limits work, and what to check for groups.

Read the story

guides·Oct 6, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Private Pool Villas: Where to Find Them

155 of the 191 Maldives resorts we list offer a private pool villa. Here is which atolls have the most, and what to ask before you book one.

Read the story

guides·Oct 3, 2026·3 min read

The Maldives: Your Ultimate Guide to Island Life, Luxury and Adventure

Read the story

editorial·Sep 14, 2026·2 min read

The 10 Most Iconic Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

Resort Life Travel breaks down the 10 most iconic luxury resorts in the Maldives, from Soneva Fushi's barefoot luxury to Velaa Private Island's exclusivity, and what makes each one worth booking.

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editorial·Sep 9, 2026·3 min read

The Best Pools in the Maldives: A Guide to the Archipelago's Most Spectacular Waters

The Maldives has always been defined by water, but nowhere is that more true than at its resorts. Across the atolls, infinity pools blur into open ocean, private villa pools dissolve into lagoons, and record-breaking stretches of turquoise now rival the reef itself as a reason to visit. From Sun Siyam Olhuveli's 210-metre pool to private infinity pools built into nearly every villa at Huvafen Fushi, this is where the Maldives' luxury reputation is made.

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editorial·Sep 3, 2026·2 min read

The Maldives' Underwater Restaurants: What Actually Sets Each One Apart.

Discover the unique features of Maldives underwater restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining and wine cellars to breakfast and nightlife.

Read the full story

guides·Jul 12, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Package Holidays: What's Included & How to Book

Maldives holiday packages combine accommodation, meals, and transfers into one booking, offering travellers a convenient and cost-effective escape.

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guides·Jul 7, 2026·2 min read

How a Local Maldives DMC Improves Client Satisfaction

Partnering with a local Maldives DMC provides travel agents with on-the-ground support, expert resort knowledge, and efficient, personalized service.

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guides·Jun 27, 2026·2 min read

Most Exclusive & Luxury Maldives Resorts

The Maldives is home to some of the world's most exclusive private island resorts, where privacy, personalized service, exceptional design, and extraordinary experiences define luxury. These are among the finest ultra-luxury resorts in the country.

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guides·Jun 24, 2026·2 min read

Which Maldives Atoll Should You Choose? A Guide to Finding the Perfect Island Escape?

Select the ideal Maldives atoll by matching your travel goals, such as diving in Ari, surfing in South Male, or finding seclusion in Raa Atoll.

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guides·Jun 21, 2026·2 min read

Adults-Only vs Family Resorts in the Maldives: Which Is Right for You?

Choose between Maldives adults-only resorts for privacy and romance or family-friendly properties for kids clubs, family villas, and group activities.

Read the story

news·Jun 17, 2026·2 min read

Top Exotic Destination Travel Trends for 2026: What Travel Agents Need to Know

Discover the key exotic destination travel trends shaping 2026, from sustainable luxury and immersive wellness to private island escapes and authentic cultural experiences. Essential insights for travel agents planning ahead.

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guides·Jun 14, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Surf Breaks 2026: Every Named Reef Point, By Atoll.

From Pasta Point to Blue Bowls — the 23 named reef passes that define Maldivian surfing, organised by atoll, with season, skill level, access and where to stay.

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guides·Jun 14, 2026·3 min read

New Routes, New Opportunities: How Expanded Air Connectivity Is Giving the Maldives a World Cup-Worthy Advantage

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 inspires millions to travel, the Maldives is strengthening its position as the perfect post-tournament escape. With new and expanded international flight routes making the destination more accessible than ever, travel professionals have a unique opportunity to create seamless multi-destination journeys that combine the excitement of football's biggest event with the luxury and tranquility of island life.

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guides·Jun 12, 2026·2 min read

A Different League: Why the Maldives Is the Perfect World Cup 2026 Add-On for Your Clients

As the world tunes in to FIFA World Cup 2026, savvy travel professionals have an opportunity to pair football's biggest spectacle with one of the world's most desirable destinations. Discover how the Maldives can help drive higher-value bookings, longer stays, and unforgettable client experiences both on and off the pitch.

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guides·Jun 11, 2026·2 min read

Building the Ultimate Maldives Dream Team

Because every unforgettable Maldives holiday deserves a winning line-up of experiences.

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editorial·Jun 7, 2026·2 min read

The NASA Star Algorithm That IDs Every Whale Shark

The algorithm that lets researchers tell one whale shark from another was built to map stars for the Hubble Space Telescope. Here's how astronomy ended up counting the Maldives' largest fish.

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guides·Jun 2, 2026·2 min read

Why solo travellers are choosing the Maldives right now?

The world's most romantic destination is no longer just for two. Here's everything solo travelers need to know.

Read the story

guides·Jun 1, 2026·2 min read

Sustainable Tourism Trends in the Maldives

Sustainable tourism in the Maldives is reshaping the future of island travel, with eco-luxury resorts, marine conservation initiatives, renewable energy adoption, and responsible guest experiences leading the way. As demand grows for environmentally conscious travel, the Maldives is proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist.

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news·May 31, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Tourist Arrivals Continue to Grow Despite Global Challenges.

Discover why Maldives tourist arrivals continue to increase despite global uncertainty, strengthening its position as one of the world's most resilient and sought-after travel destinations.

Read the full story

guides·May 22, 2026·2 min read

Vaavu Atoll Maldives: Diving, Channels & Resorts 2026

Vaavu Atoll is the Maldives' diving heartland

Read the story

guides·May 18, 2026·3 min read

Best Luxury Resort Excursions in the Maldives

Luxury travel in the Maldives is evolving beyond villas and overwater experiences. Today’s travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful, personalised excursions that combine culture, storytelling, marine discovery and authentic island connection. From private sandbank escapes to heritage-led journeys and wellness experiences, curated resort excursions are becoming one of the defining elements of modern luxury travel in the Maldives.

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guides·May 11, 2026·2 min read

Where to Stay in the Maldives

A DMC-led guide on where to stay in the Maldives based on top-performing resorts. Detailed insights into why each resort sells, booking drivers, and market demand trends.

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guides·May 4, 2026·2 min read

The Complete Maldives Honeymoon Planning Guide for 2026

The non-marketing guide to a Maldives honeymoon. Atoll first, then resort. Adults-only vs mixed. What the honeymoon package actually includes — and where the real costs hide.

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guides·May 4, 2026·2 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Maldives Overwater Villas

Not all water villas are equal. What the four sub-types really are, which atolls deliver the house reef to match, and where the premium is actually earned.

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agent-hub·May 4, 2026·2 min read

Why Travel Agents Are Switching to a DMC for Resort Bookings

Travel agents are moving beyond simple hotel bookings and rethinking how they source resort stays.

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guides·May 4, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Weather by Month: The Complete 2026 Travel Guide.

Maldives weather by month, 2026: rainfall, sea temps and the best time to visit. Dry season Nov–Apr, value deals May–Oct, plus manta & whale-shark windows.

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guides·Mar 31, 2026·2 min read

Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide 2026: Navigating the Atolls

The 2026 planning guide to the Maldives — 1,190 islands, 26 atolls, 179 resorts, 911 guesthouses — with verified transfer logistics, seasons, and what's changed this year.

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resorts·Mar 31, 2026·2 min read

Top 5 Ultra-Luxury Resorts Opening This Year

Soneva Jani, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Joali, Velaa, One&Only Reethi Rah — what actually distinguishes ultra-luxury, who each resort is right for, and the 2026 rate bands.

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agent-hub·Mar 31, 2026·2 min read

How to Sell the Maldives: Overcoming Price Objections

A B2B masterclass — ten positioning moves, scripts that actually close, and the single biggest mistake new agents make selling the Maldives to first-time buyers.

Read the story

news·Mar 30, 2026·2 min read

New Direct Flights to Male Announced for Winter 2026

BA and Virgin from Heathrow, Gulf connections that still win on price, and a fresh map of European seasonal directs for winter 2026 — with booking windows that matter.

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editorial·Mar 30, 2026·2 min read

The Disappearing Art of Coral Propagation

Inside Reefscapers — the 25-year-old coral restoration programme at Four Seasons that's planted 9,000+ frames and half a million fragments. What's working, and what we're honestly buying.

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guides·Mar 27, 2026·2 min read

Best Time to Visit the Maldives: A Month-by-Month Guide

The honest month-by-month breakdown. Iruvai vs Hulhangu, manta season at Hanifaru, whale sharks in South Ari, and where the pricing actually moves.

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guides·Mar 25, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Transfer Costs: Speedboat $150+, Seaplane $450+.

Real 2026 Maldives transfer costs: speedboat $150–$400, seaplane $450–$800, domestic flight $450–$700 return per adult — plus daylight cutoffs and family fares.

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guides·Mar 23, 2026·2 min read

Top 10 Dive Sites in the Maldives Every Diver Should Experience

From Hanifaru Bay's manta feeding frenzies to the hammerhead dawn dive at Rasdhoo — the ten sites that have consistently produced extraordinary experiences across two decades.

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guides·Mar 23, 2026·2 min read

Maldives on a Budget: Guesthouses, Local Islands and Hidden Gems

The second Maldives — 911 guesthouses on 100+ local islands, at 20% of the resort cost. What it looks like, the dress code, the alcohol rules, and the hybrid trip we book most.

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guides·Mar 20, 2026·2 min read

Travelling to the Maldives with Children: The Complete Family Guide

The Maldives works brilliantly with children if you pick the right resort. Age-by-age guidance, transfer logistics, and which resorts to avoid — honestly.

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guides·Mar 16, 2026·2 min read

Sustainable Travel in the Maldives: How to Visit Responsibly

Bleaching events, sea-level rise, reef-safe sunscreen, and what separates a resort with a real restoration programme from one with a PR programme. The honest account.

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New

guides·Oct 13, 2026·2 min read

Seeing Manta Rays and Whale Sharks from a Maldives Resort

57 Maldives resorts list manta ray dives and 17 list whale shark encounters. Learn where to base yourself, when to go, and what not to promise.

Read the story

New

guides·Oct 12, 2026·2 min read

Overwater vs Beach Villa: Which Is the Best Maldives Accommodation?

The iconic overwater villa or a beachfront retreat with sand at your doorstep: find the Maldives stay that suits you.

Read the story

guides·Oct 8, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Family & Group Villas: Two to Four Bedrooms

95 of 191 Maldives resorts list villas with two or more bedrooms. See real examples, how sleeping limits work, and what to check for groups.

Read the story

guides·Oct 6, 2026·2 min read

Maldives Private Pool Villas: Where to Find Them

155 of the 191 Maldives resorts we list offer a private pool villa. Here is which atolls have the most, and what to ask before you book one.

Read the story

guides·Oct 3, 2026·3 min read

The Maldives: Your Ultimate Guide to Island Life, Luxury and Adventure

Read the story

editorial·Sep 14, 2026·2 min read

The 10 Most Iconic Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

Resort Life Travel breaks down the 10 most iconic luxury resorts in the Maldives, from Soneva Fushi's barefoot luxury to Velaa Private Island's exclusivity, and what makes each one worth booking.

Read the story

The Library · Evergreen guides

Looking for the reference guides, not the news?.

Insights is timely — dispatches, weather notes, deal news, essays. Travel Guides is evergreen — reference guides to Maldives stays, costs and flights, Sri Lanka seasons, itineraries and places, and native-language Maldives editions.

Evergreen guides·Maldives + Sri Lanka·Native-language editions

Browse Travel Guides Or talk to the team