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Maldives Luxury Travel: A Sample Itinerary

Days 1 - 3

Your Indian Ocean journey begins in the Maldives' pristine atolls before exploring Sri Lanka's ancient heritage and diverse landscapes.

Day one welcomes you to your overwater villa in the Maldives, where 1,192 coral islands form 26 atolls scattered across the equator. The crystal-clear waters and house reefs offer immediate snorkeling from your doorstep, while sunset dolphin cruises reveal pods that have navigated these waters for millennia. Your second day offers pure relaxation with spa treatments over turquoise lagoons, plus sandbank picnics on temporary islands that emerge at low tide. Day three features diving or snorkeling at renowned sites like Banana Reef, the Maldives' first marine protected area established in 1972, where manta rays and whale sharks migrate through channels between atolls.

Days 4 - 7

Days four through seven transition to Sri Lanka's cultural triangle and ancient kingdoms.

Your fourth day flies to Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital, exploring Pettah Market's chaotic energy and colonial Fort district reflecting Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences since the 16th century. Day five journeys to the Cultural Triangle, visiting Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first capital from 377 BC, where the sacred Bo Tree grown from a cutting of Buddha's original tree still thrives after 2,300 years. Your sixth day explores Polonnaruwa's 12th-century ruins showcasing advanced irrigation systems that sustained ancient kingdoms, plus cycling through village landscapes where rice cultivation continues using traditional methods. Day seven ascends Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the 5th-century "Lion Rock" palace built 200 meters above surrounding plains, featuring ancient frescoes and mirror walls covered in centuries of visitors' graffiti.

Days 8 - 12

Your final stretch combines Sri Lankan highlands with a luxurious Maldivian farewell.

Day eight travels to Kandy, the last independent kingdom until British conquest in 1815, visiting the Temple of the Tooth housing Buddha's relic and witnessing traditional Kandyan dancing performances preserving centuries-old culture. Day nine ventures into tea country around Ella, where British plantations transformed the landscape in the 1860s, offering scenic train rides through hills carpeted with emerald tea bushes. Your tenth day returns to the Maldives for underwater dining experiences and water villa luxury, embracing the contrast between cultural immersion and tropical paradise. Day eleven offers final adventures like swimming with whale sharks - the world's largest fish - or simply lounging on pristine beaches where the only footprints are your own. Day twelve concludes with seaplane transfers offering aerial views of coral atolls scattered like emeralds across endless blue, carrying memories of two destinations showcasing both ancient Buddhist heritage and pristine marine paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

BEST TIME

TAILORED TRIPS

from £2500 pp, per night

Maldives - Colombo - Kandy - Ella

Days 1 - 3

The Blissful Maldives

Days 4 - 7

Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle

Days 8 - 12

Iconic Experiences of The Maldives

Trip Highlights

Day 1

The Maldives archipelago welcomes you with overwater dining and sunset views, introducing 1,192 coral islands where ancient maritime cultures evolved in harmony with rising sea levels.

Your arrival in the Maldives, a nation comprising 26 atolls formed by coral growth on ancient volcanic peaks now submerged beneath Indian Ocean waters, begins with dinner on stilted platforms extending over lagoons where bioluminescent plankton create natural light shows. These low-lying islands, with an average elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level, represent one of the world's most vulnerable nations to climate change, making each sunset dinner a poignant reminder of paradise's fragility.

Days 2 - 4

Days two through four immerse you in marine adventures and cultural experiences, from coral reef exploration to traditional island life and culinary traditions.

Day two's snorkeling expeditions reveal coral gardens supporting over 2,000 fish species, including whale sharks and manta rays that migrate through Maldivian waters seasonally. Sunset cruises aboard traditional dhoni boats, whose distinctive curved prows have navigated these waters for over 1,000 years, provide dolphin watching opportunities while celebrating maritime traditions that sustained Maldivian communities long before tourism development.

Your third day explores uninhabited islands where sandbank picnics demonstrate the geological processes that created this archipelago through coral growth and sediment accumulation over millions of years. Day four balances spa treatments using traditional Ayurvedic techniques with cooking classes featuring Maldivian cuisine that blends South Asian spices with fresh seafood, reflecting the islands' position along ancient Indian Ocean trading routes.

Days 5 - 6

Your final days offer choices between underwater exploration and leisurely beach relaxation, perfectly capturing the Maldives' appeal as both adventure destination and tropical retreat.

Day five provides options for diving expeditions to explore deeper coral formations and shipwrecks, or dolphin watching excursions where spinner dolphins perform acrobatic displays in waters that have supported marine life for millennia. Your sixth day embraces pure beach leisure on pristine coral sand beaches where palm trees lean over turquoise lagoons, offering final moments in paradise before departure from these remarkable islands where traditional Islamic culture adapts to modern tourism while confronting the existential challenge of rising sea levels.

BEST TIME

TAILORED TRIPS

from £2500 pp, per night

Discover The Maldives

Day 1

Renowned Beaches

Days 2 - 4

Exploring the Reefs

Days 5 - 6

Marine Life

Trip Highlights

Arrive in the Maldives amid stunning overwater dining experiences where bioluminescent plankton light up the lagoons, highlighting the Maldives’ fragile beauty as one of the world’s lowest-lying nations.

Snorkel vibrant coral gardens teeming with over 2,000 fish species, and cruise on traditional dhoni boats to spot dolphins while celebrating ancient maritime traditions.

Discover uninhabited islands with sandbank picnics that illustrate the geological origins of this coral archipelago shaped over millions of years.

Indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments and Maldivian cooking classes blending South Asian spices with fresh seafood, reflecting rich cultural influences from Indian Ocean trade routes.

Choose between diving shipwrecks and coral reefs or relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches, savoring final moments in a tropical paradise confronting climate change’s challenges.

Best Luxury Hotels in the Maldives: Conte's Seasonal Picks for 2025

Soneva Secret

Kunfanadhoo, Maldives

Soneva Secret is an ultra-private and exclusive resort located on the hidden island of Kunfunadhoo in the Maldives. The resort’s spacious and luxurious overwater and beachfront villas provide guests with absolute privacy and stunning views of the turquoise waters.

With personalized service and bespoke experiences, guests can enjoy world-class dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding. Soneva Secret’s unique design and eco-friendly approach make it an extraordinary destination for those seeking luxury, seclusion, and a once-in-a-lifetime Maldives experience.

Aerial view of a luxury overwater villa in clear turquoise waters, featuring thatched roofs and a slide, with a tropical island in the background.

Bright tropical interior with a cozy couch, opening to a serene pool and ocean view framed by palm trees and soft, flowing drapes.

A group of people enjoy a night under a starry sky on a deck, illuminated by candles, with the Milky Way visible above.

Aerial view of a tropical resort with overwater bungalows, a sandy beach, and a seaplane on turquoise waters under clear skies.

Amilla Fushi

Maldives

Amilla Fushi is an exclusive luxury resort in the Maldives, offering a stunning collection of villas and residences set on a private island surrounded by crystal-clear waters. The resort features contemporary design and spacious accommodations, each offering direct access to the beach or stunning ocean views.

Guests can enjoy world-class dining, unwind at the spa, or take part in water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and paddle-boarding. With its focus on privacy, personalized service, and exceptional experiences, Amilla Fushi is the perfect destination for those seeking a unique and luxurious Maldives escape.

Romantic beach dining setup under a canopy at sunset, with ocean waves and soft clouds in the background. Lanterns add a warm glow.

A serene seaside terrace with a wooden deck, an infinity pool, and lounge chairs, overlooking tranquil blue waters and a clear sky.

Aerial view of a tropical island resort featuring overwater bungalows, lush greenery, and crystal-clear blue waters surrounding the shore.

A serene beachfront restaurant with elegantly set tables, vibrant floral centerpieces, and views of calm waters and distant islands.

Six Senses Laamu

Maldives

Six Senses Laamu is where castaway fantasy meets eco-luxury reality. Tucked away in the remote southern atolls, it’s a place where bicycles replace buggies and shoes are joyfully optional. Villas hover over crystal-clear water or nestle under coconut palms, all crafted from natural materials with thoughtful, playful design.

Manta rays drift below the decks; sunrise yoga and overwater hammocks set the tone. Everything - from the food to the spa to the smiles - feels deeply connected to place. It’s not just a resort, it’s a slower, simpler way of being that stays with guests long after they leave.

A colourful seaplane rests on a white sandbank surrounded by clear turquoise waters, offering a tropical getaway vibe.

A cultural exhibit featuring woven baskets, a drum, and traditional textiles under a thatched roof with lush greenery outside.

Elegant outdoor lounge with colourful cushions at sunset, overlooking a tranquil bay with boats, creating a serene vacation atmosphere.

A cozy waterfront lounge with colorful cushions at sunset, overlooking calm waters and a distant boat in the serene horizon.