Asia · beach
Maldives
Maldives
Overwater bungalows, crystal lagoons, and sunsets that redefine paradise
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry northeast monsoon (December–April) brings calm seas, sunshine, and ideal diving visibility. The southwest monsoon (May–October) delivers higher humidity, frequent rain squalls, and rougher waters, though many resorts remain open with lower rates.
When to visit
Award flights from the US
Economy
Singapore KrisFlyer
via Chase UR / Amex MR → Singapore KrisFlyer
+ $120 taxes
Transfer Chase UR or Amex MR to KrisFlyer; fly Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) to Male (MLE). Excellent service and a smooth connection at Changi.
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
via Chase UR / Amex MR / Capital One → Flying Blue
+ $150 taxes
Transfer Chase UR, Amex MR, or Capital One Miles to Flying Blue; fly via Amsterdam or Paris on KLM/Air France codeshares to Male. Promo Rewards sales can drop this to 52K–60K.
Business / First
Singapore KrisFlyer
via Chase UR / Amex MR → Singapore KrisFlyer
+ $200 taxes
Singapore Airlines Suites or Business Class JFK–SIN–MLE. One of the best business class products in the world; transfer from Chase UR or Amex MR.
Aeroplan
via Chase UR / Amex MR → Aeroplan
+ $175 taxes
Book Singapore Airlines Business via Air Canada Aeroplan — often better availability than KrisFlyer itself. Transfer from Chase UR or Amex MR.
Cash equivalent: economy ~$1,400 · business ~$6,500 roundtrip from NYC
Award hotels
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Hyatt
Isolated atoll location accessible by seaplane or speedboat; stunning overwater and beach villas; top-rated house reef.
W Maldives (Fesdu Island)
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy Category 8 property; iconic overwater bungalows; excellent snorkeling right off the deck.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
Hilton
Recently opened resort near Male; easier speedboat access; solid family-friendly amenities alongside romantic options.
What to see & do
Overwater Bungalow Sunrise
Wake up in a glass-floor overwater villa and watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean — an experience unique to the Maldives.
House Reef Snorkeling & Diving
Most resorts sit atop vibrant coral reefs teeming with reef sharks, rays, and technicolor fish just steps from your villa.
Whale Shark & Manta Ray Encounters
South Ari Atoll is one of the world's best spots to swim alongside whale sharks year-round; mantas peak June–November.
Male Fish Market & Old Friday Mosque
Explore the bustling capital's colorful fish market and the 17th-century coral-stone Friday Mosque on a half-day excursion.
Sandbank Picnic
Resort boats whisk you to a deserted white sandbank in the middle of the ocean for a private champagne lunch — pure magic.
Underwater Restaurant Dining
Several resorts offer fully submerged restaurants where you dine surrounded by the reef — Ithaa at Conrad Maldives is iconic.
Monthly weather
| Month | Low | High | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 77°F | 88°F | |
| Feb | 77°F | 89°F | |
| Mar | 78°F | 90°F | |
| Apr | 79°F | 91°F | |
| May | 79°F | 90°F | |
| Jun | 78°F | 88°F | |
| Jul | 78°F | 87°F | |
| Aug | 78°F | 87°F | |
| Sep | 78°F | 88°F | |
| Oct | 78°F | 88°F | |
| Nov | 77°F | 88°F | |
| Dec | 77°F | 88°F |
Best cards for this trip
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