
The Maldives is the definition of paradise: overwater villas above glassy turquoise water, private house reefs, and total seclusion. It is the ultimate honeymoon, and one of the trips I am asked about most. Here is how to choose.
The Maldives is one-island-one-resort, so choosing your resort is choosing your trip. You reach it by seaplane or speedboat from Malé, which shapes the vibe and the cost, and every resort has its own character, from barefoot-chic to ultra-luxury.
The dry season, roughly November to April, brings the best weather and clearest water. It is a year-round destination, but that window is prime.
With hundreds of resorts and no way to island-hop, matching you to the right one is everything, and it is exactly what I do, with VIP perks and transfers arranged. Because it is a long-haul flight, it is worth reading whether business class is worth it for the trip.
A local’s picks for hotels, Old San Juan food and bars, El Yunque, and the islands.
Read the guide →Parrandas, coquito, Three Kings Day, and the island’s months-long Christmas.
Read the guide →Region by region, from Casa de Campo to Punta Cana, Las Terrenas, and Santo Domingo.
Read the guide →