Top 5 Destinations to Pair with Maldives

If you’re searching for Maldives on a map, you’ll find it is but a dot in the Indian Ocean located south-west off the far coasts of Sri Lanka and India. Known as Republic of Maldives, Maldive Islands, or simply Maldives, the smallest of the Asian countries consists of about 1200 ringed and clustered coral islands and sandbanks, also known as atolls. Each luxe property and atoll have been thoughtfully designed to make you feel like you have the world to yourself, and after such a challenging year, what better place could you find to relax and recharge? With 99% of Maldivian territory being water, there is no shortage of marine exploration or recreational time spent with sun and sand.

We recommend visiting between November and April, although Maldives is really a year-round destination based on your atoll of choice. And since it’s quite a long way to get to the pristine beaches and clear waters of Maldives, the country you decide to pair with it for a well-rounded journey just may affect your month of choice.

Here are our top 5 destinations to explore before making your way to this island paradise.

1. Dubai
Before relaxing in your Maldivian overwater villa, treat yourself to the luxurious Emirati experience Dubai has to offer. Tea at the Burj Al Arab, a Desert Safari experience, and dinner on a yacht await before hopping on your direct flight to Maldives. We’d recommend February through April to get the best of the desert oasis and tropical tranquility this pairing has to offer.

2. India

Looking for the best of both worlds? We’ve got you covered. Come explore the many treasures of India, from colorful markets and opulent palaces, to historical hotels and the majestic Taj Mahal. In India you can get your daily dose of exploration in before tuning out the world at your Maldivian resort of choice. Visiting between October and March will provide preferred conditions while you discover the treasures both destinations have waiting for you.

3. Sri Lanka
With daily direct flights to Maldives, the jewel of the Indian Ocean is the perfect stopover before settling into the idyllic scenes of island life. Feast on local cuisine, take a train through tea country, or set out in search of leopards in Wilpattu National Park. For ideal weather conditions, a visit from November to March would be best for exploration and relaxation.

4. Singapore
A cultural melting pot, Singapore beckons travelers with sites of days long past and treasures of a progressive vision for the future. This shopping haven is an excellent cityscape to explore before continuing to the many Maldivian atolls. Optimal travel months are from December to May to get a dose of signature sightseeing before diving into the Indian Ocean.

5. Turkey
This may surprise the everyday traveler, but there are direct flights between Istanbul and Maldives. Discover the many gems Turkey has to offer from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque to hookah bars and the caves of the Goreme Valley. Idyllic conditions are best experienced from March through May, but don’t let that stop you – you can visit all year round!

Still not sure which to choose? Our Destination Experts are well equipped to help you decide based on your travel preferences.

Mark Perera, Product Director