We all know the Maldives is one of the dreamiest places on earth: but what are its most out-of-this-world experiences?
Travellers head to the Maldives in search of relaxation, adventure and luxury, but above all – to have their breath taken away. This slice of postcard perfection is one of mother nature’s most spectacular feats, and luxury resorts are constantly innovating to come up with new ways for visitors to engage with its splendour.
There are plenty of experiences to be found for those who search out the extraordinary, from diving under the cover of darkness to glamping in an inflatable pod. Here are our picks of the most exceptional.
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Go glamping in an inflatable pod by the ocean
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences has created a new and quirky way to experience the Maldives. In addition to the traditional overwater villa option you can go glamping in a completely clear, inflatable pod that sits besides the lapping waters of the lagoon. Offering 360-degree views of the stars and surrounding scenery, this secluded, climate-controlled pod certainly offers more luxuries than you’d find on your average camping trip. Indoor and outdoor showers, a plunge pool, steam room and sauna are all on hand, with overnight packages offering champagne, spa treatments and private barbecue dinners. Where do we sign up?
Images Courtesy of Amilla 
Images Courtesy of Amilla
Stargaze in an observatory
The Maldives is blissfully isolated, meaning it enjoys minimal light pollution – and excellent visibility when it comes to stargazing. Luxury resort Soneva Fushi is home to one of the finest observatories in the Maldives, with a telescope for celestial gazing and astronomers on hand to answer any questions guests may have about the night sky. As the comforting silence and endless skies envelop you, you’ll feel a million miles from the thrum of everyday life.
Dine with sea life in an underwater restaurant
You’re pretty much guaranteed a breathtaking sunset over dinner in the Maldives – but did you know you can also eat underwater? Conrad Maldives Rangali Island led the charge with the world’s first-ever undersea restaurant, Ithaa, which sits five metres below the surface. Through its glass walls, guests enjoy a front-row seat to the Indian Ocean’s aquatic playground, where colourful fish, turtles, stingrays and dolphins dart around intricate coral gardens.
Today, you can do everything from dining to sleeping (and even enjoying spa treatments) underwater, as a string of luxury resorts evolve this concept.
Read more: Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Play in the Maldives
Watch a movie under the stars
Picture this: palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, your toes buried in powdery white sands, a cocktail in-hand and a nostalgic movie on the big screen. Can you think of a finer way to spend an evening? The chilled vibes of the Maldives have been taken to another level by some resorts, which are offering movie nights on the beach beneath the stars. Soneva Fushi offers exclusive hire of its Cinema Paradiso, where you can lay back and enjoy a film on the overwater screen while indulging in cocktails, popcorn and chef-made nibbles. Bliss.
Freefall over the islands on a skydive
The Maldives archipelago is one of the dreamiest landscapes on earth, and there’s no better way to take in its beauty than with a bird’s-eye view. In February 2020, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa became the first ever Maldives resort to offer skydiving – a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. From an altitude of around 3,000 metres, you’ll experience the adrenaline rush of an initial freefall drop before gliding peacefully over azure lagoons and emerald islands, like tiny gem-drops in the Indian Ocean. You’ll never feel more alive.
Go diving in the black of night
We all know that the Maldives is one of the most sought-after places in the world for scuba diving and snorkelling – but if you’re looking for that extra thrill, give it a try at nighttime. Under the cover of darkness, you’ll slip into the inky black waters with a UV light, illuminating the underwater world in neon colours. It’s a completely different way to observe life beneath the surface and for aquatic adventurers, a real bucket list experience. Give it a try at Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences.
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