Ahhh the Maldives – the Indian Ocean archipelago is the stuff tropical daydreams are made of. For many people around the world, the 1,190 atolls and islands that make up this nation are reserved for honeymoons and once-in-a-lifetime holidays.
Living in the UAE, we are just four hours from the capital of Male, which makes visiting this paradisaical land much more of a reality. The upcoming Eid holiday means that most people will have four days off work, and that just happens to be around the ideal amount of time to discover one of the many islands of the Maldives.
And while Eid is just around the corner, there are still a few special offers available to book. To help you get on your way, we’ve rounded up a list of Maldives deals valid over Eid Al Fitr.
Getting there
It's just over four hours from the UAE to Velana International Airport in the capital city of Male. At the time of writing, economy fares on flights from Dubai to Male with Emirates started at Dh2,646 departing on Monday 3 June and returning on Thursday June 6.
If you’re willing to factor in a stopover in exchange for flying business class, book with Sri Lankan Airlines on the same dates and you can find fares from Dh3,987. With a business class ticket you will be able to spend your layover in comfort at the lounge in Colombo airport, making those extra few hours easy to deal with.
From the capital, Etihad economy fares start from Dh2,940 flying to Male on Monday June 3 and returning on Thursday June 6.
If you really want to save a few more dirhams, try reserving your trip with two separate flight bookings. This can take a bit of playing around with flight times and fares but can save you some money. We used Skyscanner to track down the cheapest flights on sale over Eid.
We found an Emirates flight to Colombo departing Dubai on Sunday 2 June in the late evening and reaching Colombo in time for a SriLankan flight that touches down on Maldivian sand at 2.30 pm on Monday afternoon. The return route has the same stopover, and the total cost of both bookings was Dh2,009.
Where to stay? Budget and blow out
Getting to the Maldives is almost the easy part as once you are there, there is a huge plethora of accommodation to pick from it can be hard to narrow down your options. Here are a few places worth considering, and where there is still availability to book a stay over Eid.
One&Only Reethi Rah
This ultra-luxury but family-friendly resort offers deep-sea adventures, amazing wellness activities and fully serviced private villas where you'll truly want for nothing. Located on one of the largest islands in North Malé Atoll, expect coral-filled waters, blue lagoons and pristine sands. Over Eid, rates start from Dh6,243 per villa per night. Book online at oneandonlyresorts.com
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli
This slice of paradise is a good pick for a family holiday. Teens will can head to Socialite, a game zone deep in the jungle where they can play air hockey, table tennis, PS4 and more. Little ones will love the children's club where yoga, marine awareness, scavenger hunts and more are on offer. Adults can sit back and relax with complimentary butler-service. You can also dine in a wide variety of eateries and the whole family can head out on the resort's luxury yacht. From June 3 to June 8, you can book a Beach Villa with rates starting at Dh5,651 per night, including breakfast. Book online at www.stregismaldives.com
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
For a budget break, you could do a lot worse than the Holiday Inn Kandooma Island. Put all your connotations of no-frills hotels aside, this resort is gorgeous. Expect palm-tree dotted shores, a sparkling infinity pool and pretty beach villas complete with outdoor showers. Book the Family Fun package for two adults and two children up to age 12, with prices starting at less than Dh600 per night based on a minimum three-night stay. Kids eat free and a complimentary dolphin or sunset cruise is included for the whole family. Transfers are extra but you'll get a 50 per cent discount on the 40-minute speedboat ride. Book this deal at maldives.holidayinnresorts.com
The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah
Be one of the first to check in at The Residence Maldives Dhigurah in the southern Gaafu Alifu Atoll where coral reefs and spectacular marine life are in their prime. To celebrate the opening of the resort, which is connected to The Residence Maldives on the pristine Falhumaafushi island, you can save up to 40 per cent on best available rates which means one-bedroom villas start from Dh2,085. You'll also be upgraded to an all-inclusive plan and, if you book for at least four nights, transfers will be complimentary. Book your stay at cenizaro.com
Baros Maldives
Looking for a romantic escape? Head to Baros Maldives just 25 minutes by boat from Male and an adult-focussed retreat where kids under eight are not permitted. Hideaway in your own Deluxe Villa where you'll have total privacy, an open-air bathroom and your own tropical garden. The blissful Baros package can be booked over Eid with prices starting at Dh2,423 per night, and a minimum stay of three nights. For this rate, you'll also get speedboat transfers, daily breakfast and dinner, 15 per cent of spa treatments and late check out or early check in. Find out more or book at baros.com
Taj Coral Reef
If you want to spend the Eid holidays underwater, then the Taj Coral Reef is a great pick. A scuba diver's dream location, explore a 30-year-old shipwreck that teems with thousands of colourful fish, or descend 100 feet in to the ocean aboard the world's largest deep-diving passenger submarine. Over Eid, rates start at Dh1,469 per night including breakfast and when you book for three nights, you'll get speedboat transfers and non-motorized water sports activities at the resort complimentary. Reserve your stay at www.tajhotels.com.
Packages = a hassle-free holiday
With Eid being literally just around the corner, it might be easier to let someone else take care of all the details for you and book a package deal that includes flights and hotels as one. As well as using a local travel agent, you can check out the holiday deals from the regional airlines.
Emirates holiday package
Emirates Holidays has a three-night package that includes return flights from Dubai and a stay at Kandima Maldives in the Dhaalu Atoll on a bed and breakfast basis. Great for divers with hammerhead sharks in the vicinity, it's also home to the Maldives largest swimming pool. Stay in a Sky Studio on a bed and breakfast basis from Dh4,198, flights and taxes included, but transfers to the island cost extra. Book at emiratesholidays.com
Etihad
If you'd prefer to fly from Abu Dhabi, Etihad Holidays are offering a three night stay at Safari Island Resort in North Ari Atoll for Dh4,203 including taxes and flights, but excluding transfers to the island. Flights depart on Monday June 3 at 1am and return on Thursday June 6 at 11.50pm and you'll bed down in a Maldivian style bungalow with beach and seafront views. Book your holiday at etihadholiday.com
