How long should you stay in the Maldives?

Overwater villas perched above crystal-clear waters – check. Long days lazing on perfect, powder-soft beaches – for sure. The ultimate indulgence, with every detail taken care of – naturally. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a long-overdue getaway or a relaxing finale after a high-octane adventure, the Maldives is the undisputed VIP of island escapes.

But here’s the big question: how long should you spend in this paradise? Should it be a short burst of luxury or a slow, lingering retreat? The answer depends on your travel style, and we’re here to help you decide.

Holiday in the Maldives 

The Maldives is castaway escapism dialled all the way up. Think glamorous resorts, world-class restaurants and scenery that’s straight from a screensaver. With amber-hued sandbank strolls and starlit nights in overwater villas, it’s easy to see why it’s a magnet for honeymooners and old romantics. And families? They come for snorkelling safaris, top-notch kids’ clubs and the thrill of jumping straight into the ocean from their villa.  

It can be tricky to know how long you need to fully appreciate the magic of the Maldives. If you’re wondering whether you can get the full experience in a few days or if you should really go all-in with a longer stay, we’ve got the answers. 

Things to consider when deciding how long to stay 

A few things come into play when deciding on the perfect amount of time in the Maldives. First, let’s talk budget – while you can find great deals, the more luxurious resorts do come with a heftier price tag. And let’s not forget about flights, transfers and those extra experiences you’re going to want to add into the mix, like diving excursions or sunset cruises. 

Secondly, jet lag and travel time. A 10 to 12-hour flight to get here can make you want to slow down once you arrive. Plus, you might need to hop on a seaplane or speedboat to reach your resort. All of this means you need to leave enough time to get into the relaxed mindset the Maldives is known for. 

Finally, think about what you want to do. If you’d be happy with a few days dedicated to lounging by the pool, snorkelling and indulgent spa sessions, a shorter stay could be just the recharge you need. If you want to pack in activities like diving and island hopping, a longer stay gives you plenty of time to explore without feeling against the clock.

Short stays vs. longer stays: Which is best? 

Trying to decide whether go for a quick trip or take your time? Let’s break it down: 

Shorter stays (Five nights) 

Five nights is ideal for those who want to dip their toes into Maldivian paradise without taking too much time off work. You can totally make the most of it, lounging by the beach, sipping cocktails and sitting down to indulgent meals under the stars. If you’re pairing it with another destination – say, Sri Lanka – this is the perfect way to experience a little slice of paradise without committing to a full-on two-week holiday. Plus, five nights is still plenty of time to wine, dine and relax at one of the most popular resorts, such as the divers’ mecca of Sandies Bathala or ultra-chic Velassaru Maldives.

Longer stays (7-14 nights) 

If you can stretch your stay a bit longer, the Maldives gets even better. A seven-to-ten-night trip will give you enough time to do everything – and do it well. Take that beginner’s scuba diving lesson, book that beachfront dinner, maybe try out an exciting water sport or two. If you really want to experience the Maldives in all its glory, stay for two weeks – mix things up with stays at two different resorts, like Kuramathi Maldives and Kandolhu Maldives. 

So, how long should you stay? In a nutshell, most people find that seven nights is just right. It gives you enough time to relax, explore and really get into that laid-back island vibe. But if you’ve got the luxury of a little extra time, go for ten nights or two weeks to really savour it. After all, the Maldives isn’t a place you want to rush through. 

How to make the most of your time in the Maldives 

There’s so much to do while you’re in the Maldives. From diving and snorkelling sessions to thrilling water sports and island-hopping trips, boredom isn’t an option. And when you’re ready to relax, the beach and spa are calling. Here’s a taster of what you can get up to:

Snorkelling & diving 

The Maldives is built for water lovers. With its crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant marine life, snorkelling and diving are a must. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced diver, there’s nothing quite like exploring the stunning coral reefs – you might even spot a whale shark or two at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort. 

Spa & wellness 

If you’re looking to relax, you’ve come to the right place. Many resorts, like Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa, offer first-class spa treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Imagine a deep tissue massage with the sound of the ocean as your soundtrack. Plus, many resorts now offer yoga and wellness retreats, giving you the chance to restore both your body and mind. After a long week of diving and adventure, a couple of days at the spa is the ultimate reward. 

Dining 

From chilled beach dinners to Michelin-worthy meals, the Maldives is a mecca for foodies. Resorts like Dhigali Maldives serve up everything from freshly caught seafood to international dishes from around the world. Many of the resorts also offer out-of-this-world private dining experiences, like candlelit dinners on a deserted island or feasting below the waves in a showstopping sub-aquatic restaurant. 

Water sports 

For those who like their holidays a little more active, get your adrenaline fix with one of the Maldives’ many water sports. Try paddleboarding, jet skiing or even kitesurfing above the big blue. Reethi Faru offers a full range of thrilling activities. And if you’re looking to kick things up a notch, try out a parasailing adventure or wakeboarding for a serious adrenaline rush. 

Local island visits

An afternoon out exploring the Maldives beyond your resort is a fantastic way to get a true feel for Maldivian life. Many resorts offer an excursion to a local island, where you can immerse yourself in the culture, shop for traditional handicrafts and meet the welcoming island communities.

Sunset cruises 

Taking a sunset cruise in the Maldives may be a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason – there’s no better way to appreciate the Indian Ocean’s natural beauty. Sip a glass of crisp Champagne, soak up the view and keep an eye out for playful pods of dolphins along the way. Golden hour in the Maldives is as picturesque as it gets. 

Experiencing local culture  

The Maldives isn’t just about lounging on beaches and trips to the spa – there’s also plenty of local culture to immerse yourself in. Book a traditional Maldivian cooking class to learn how to replicate that island flavour back home or discover the art of Boduberu drumming. If you’re interested in the history of the Maldives, visiting the capital, Malé, makes for a great day trip. There you can explore the local markets, historical sites and the national museum for a taste of Maldivian culture. 

This feature was created on 3rd December 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.