The Maldives has long been the stuff of fantasy: white-sand atolls dotted throughout a brilliant turquoise sea, overwater villas perched above lagoons with water so clear you can see to the bottom.
It’s a destination synonymous with romance and luxury, often thought of as the ultimate honeymooners’ domain.
Yet that perception is quietly shifting. Kiwi travellers are increasingly discovering that the exotic archipelago offers something entirely different to our traditional Pacific island favourites: a blend of jaw-dropping natural beauty, exploration both above and below water, and unparallelled luxury.
Malaysia Airlines makes the journey from New Zealand to the Maldives straightforward, with 10 weekly departures from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur, 11 weekly departures from Kuala Lumpur to the Maldives, and a seamless two-hour connection through Kuala Lumpur and same-day arrival in the Maldives’ capital, Malé, when taking a night flight from Auckland.
This means travellers departing from Auckland will touch down in the Maldives by late morning – ideal timing for resort check-in. Travellers from Christchurch, Queenstown or Welington can also connect via Sydney or Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur and beyond on the Qantas codeshare.
Flying Malaysia Airlines has the added benefit of the carrier’s Bonus Side Trip programme, allowing travellers to add one of eight Malaysian destinations including Penang and Langkawi for only the additional taxes.
Turn your Maldives trip into a two-part adventure – a street food-filled detour in Penang, a cultural immersion in Kuching, or a fun theme park excursion in Johor Bahru – before unwinding in one of the top wellness destinations in the world.
From Malé, a speedboat or seaplane whisks you across jewel-toned water to your private island, where lunch might be the classic, fihunu mas – fresh fish, usually tuna, marinated in spices and smoked over an open flame or charcoal grill.
You’ll immediately notice what sets the Maldives apart. Its atolls are formed entirely of coral, creating perfect rings around lagoons that glow in shades of blue rarely seen elsewhere. The water is shallow, warm and calm, yet just beyond the lagoon edge is some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling, where manta rays, turtles and colourful fish dart around brightly coloured coral reefs.
With year-round temperatures hovering between 24 and 30 degrees and water temperatures much the same, days unfold slowly. Wake to the sound of the ocean beneath your villa, step directly into the lagoon for a morning swim, and spend afternoons drifting between the beach and the spa.
Or explore Maldivian life on shore, through the country’s conservation programmes for both turtles and corals, to handicraft shopping at Chaandanee Magu market, browsing everything from lacquerware to textiles. Swoop into the holiday spirit by enjoying one of the islands’ many sea swings.
Although privacy and exclusivity are part of the destination’s appeal, travellers can immerse themselves in the country’s rich blend of South Asian, East African and Arab influences, reflected in its cuisine, crafts and warm hospitality. Many resorts offer cultural excursions or cooking classes, giving travellers a glimpse into the traditions that shape daily life across the islands.
Enjoy sunset dinners by the beach, or dine in an underwater restaurant, surrounded by fish gliding through the vast coral gardens overhead.
Malaysia Airlines ensures getting to the Maldives is a premium experience too, thanks to the airline’s new A330neo, which began operating last year. Introduced on New Zealand routes last year, it is one of the youngest aircraft in the region, combining contemporary design with enhanced comfort and featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, 4K-enabled screens, ergonomic seating and generous stowage space.
It offers fully enclosed business class suites, ergonomic economy class seating, and state-of-the-art inflight entertainment, ensuring you ease into the laid-back Maldives state of mind long before you arrive.
Book a trip to the Maldives flying Malaysia Airlines at: www.malaysiaairlines.com/nz