Maldives holidays

And, if all of that relaxing leaves you wanting to do something more active, many of the islands offer yoga lessons, will lend you snorkelling equipment and will help set up diving lessons to explore some of the world's most spectacular diving sites. The brightly coloured coral and tropical fish make any snorkelling or diving trip rewarding, and keep an eye out for manta rays and whale sharks.

Evenings on the islands complement the relaxed days and visitors can watch the sun go down with a pre-dinner drink, enjoy good food in a luxurious restaurant and then sip on after-dinner cocktails. While travellers won't have wild nights out on the Maldives, certain islands have more bars than others or offer evening entertainment, so do your research to find the island for you.
After a relaxed evening, you will look forward to retiring to your room as the accommodation in the Maldives is top class. Couples wanting a secluded break with a romantic backdrop can stay in a stilted water villa and enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea, while those preferring to be on dry land could opt for a beach villa or suite and roll out of their beach-side room on to the sand every morning.

And, families after a luxurious break needn't dismiss the Maldives as the reserve of honeymooners as, with almost 100 resorts, many have child-friendly facilities including kids' clubs and children's swimming pools.

The islands are grouped geographically into 26 atolls - including North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll, South Ari Atoll, Meemu Atoll and BAA Atoll. When visiting, travellers will fly into Male International Airport (MLE) and will be transported to their accommodation by speedboat or seaplane. If you want to see more of the islands' capital than an airport lounge, it is possible to take a day trip there. Attractions include Theemuge Palace, the oldest mosque in the Maldives - Hukuru Miskiiy, and the local markets selling everything from local food to souvenirs. Other excursions could include a day island hopping or going on a night fishing trip.

If you are planning a trip to the Maldives and need some help, read our fact file below and use TravelSupermarket's search tool to find the cheapest deals.

When to go

Weather temperatures in the Maldives tend to remain at 25-30C throughout the year, so visit at any time for some much-needed sunshine. However, it is more likely to rain during the southwest monsoon season between May and November. April tends to be the hottest month and between  December and April is usually dry.

Events

Independence Day celebrations; July 26; Male':
The Maldives celebrate their independence from the British (gained in 1965) on July 26 every year. The official celebrations are in Male's Republic Square and school children put on performances while the National Security Services parade through the streets.

National Day; Male' and other islands:
On the first day of the third month of the Islamic calendar (Rabee ul Awwal), National Day commemorates Muhammad Thakurufaanu's victory over the occupying Portuguese forces in 1573. Spectators line the streets to watch marches and parades

 Best of Maldives holidays for...
• Active types: One of the best ways to explore the atolls is with mask and fins. Budding Jacques Cousteaus can experience one of the world's top dive sites with wrecks, caves and reefs teeming with wrasse, shark and barracuda.
• Kids and teens: The long lagoon of Huvafen Fushi is a safe place for little ones to try their hands at water sports - while parents supervise from the beachfront veranda! Exotic, gentle breezes are ideal for beginners' windsurfing lessons, and the shallows are perfect for canoeing.
• Free and cheap: Make a short cultural pit stop in the pastel-painted city of Malé on your way to the islands. A small fee is charged for entry to the National Museum, which is set in landscaped sultan's gardens and packed with royal paraphernalia like costumes and sedan chairs.
• Grown-up families: Travel like the locals and hop between Kaafa Atoll islands in a traditional dhoni motorised boat. Your day trip includes picnics under swaying palms and snorkels in crystal-clear lagoons.
• Relaxing: Drift into island life on the laid-back Bandos island on your Maldives holidays. Abandon your shoes and spend hours in your hibiscus-shaded hammock between beach yoga and aromatherapy massages in the spa.
• Romance: Desert island love affairs bloom on the sands of the remote honeymoon resorts of Hudhuveli and Baros. A personal butler will serve bubbly to your candlelit lagoon-side table for two as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
• Babies and toddlers: Family-friendly islands like Kuramathi and Fihalhohi have beach clubs to entertain the kids. Marshmallow-barbecuing on the beach, face-painting and splash pools keep them amused for hours.