Did you know that long before the Maldives became a top destination for luxury travelers and honeymooners, it was a favorite with travel operators offering packaged group holidays?

In the early days of tourism on the islands, group packages to the Maldives from Europe were in high demand. During this time, group travelers constituted the majority of tourists entering the archipelago.

The primary reason why the Maldives is perfect for group travel is that even with certain restrictions, it manages to offer entertainment and excursions for everyone.

Changes in group travel

There’s been a considerable change in the way we travel over the past few decades. Earlier, most tourists enjoyed the comfort and convenience of traveling in groups, even with people they did not know. Nowadays, everyone wants to do their own thing, resulting in trends such as solo travel.

However, group travel is still very much alive. But unlike before, more people are now planning holidays in large groups with their friends and family members.

Group travel, undoubtedly, comes with its own set of difficulties, from making bookings for multiple people to managing every individual’s whim and wish.

Consequently, not every destination is structured to satisfy the needs of several different travelers simultaneously.

The Maldives, though, is unique in more ways than one. And even though its “one island, one resort” policy at first glance might seem limiting, it’s anything but that.

So, if you are thinking about a fun-filled vacation with your loved ones, give the Maldives a thought. To help you decide, here are seven reasons why the Maldives is perfect for a group holiday.

Note: While we focus on resorts in the Maldives, most of the reasons (not all) below are valid if you stay on a public island.

Variety of accommodations

Having over 150 resorts spread out across the archipelago, the Maldives provides visitors with an abundance of living possibilities. While some of these resorts cater to a niche clientele, most can accommodate couples, families, and groups.

The more noteworthy part about retreats in the Maldives is that they offer an array of accommodations. This particularly favors groups with different dynamics (couples, families, solo travelers) in their mix. Moreover, it is possible to select rooms based on the individual budgets of group members.

For example, in a group with a young couple, a family, and maybe an independent traveler, everyone can have a room as per their preference. Overwater villas are ideal for couples. A beach villa with a plunge pool is best for families who need more living space. As for solo travelers or non-couples, they can opt for cheaper garden rooms or bunk together to cut their living costs.

However, since the entire group stays on the same island, they can still enjoy every other aspect of the vacation together.

Convenient transportation

Unlike other travel destinations where you land at an airport and take a taxi to your hotel, transportation in the Maldives requires a bit of pre-planning.

Moreover, unless you are taking a local ferry to an inhabited island, transportation can prove to be a significant cost factor in your holiday budget.

When traveling as a couple or a family, most people prefer to take a shared speedboat or a seaplane. The choice depends on your budget and the distance of the island from Malé Airport.

When traveling with friends and family, the one advantage is that depending on the size of the group, it is possible to rent a private speedboat to your resort.

By booking a private speedboat, you need not wait at the jetty for other passengers and can depart at your convenience. Additionally, the transfer cost per person typically comes out to be the same or even cheaper in many cases. 

A range of amenities

One big reason the Maldives is perfect for group holidays is that private islands have a cornucopia of amenities to please individual preferences.

Although group members can enjoy the beach and many other activities, everyone wants to have a little bit of “me time” as well.

So, when the sun restricts outdoor activities, children can enjoy a parent-free yet supervised time at the resort’s kid’s club. Adults can indulge in one of Maldives’ bespoke spa treatments. While at the same time, other group members can take a refreshing dip in the pool, sweat it out on the treadmill, or read a book lounging on their private sundeck.

The choice in water sports is equally varied. Thrill-seekers can go for jet skiing, paragliding, or banana boat rides. Those who prefer a gentler experience can kayak in the calm waters of the Indian Ocean or snorkel over the island’s house reef.   

Diverse extra-curricular activities 

A group holiday on a Maldivian resort creates the perfect balance wherein guests spend time together as well as alone. Helping them in this endeavor, resorts often organize events that encourage all the residents to mingle and have a merry time.

Cultural performances such as the Boduberu dance, beach bonfires, theme parties, karaoke, and festival celebrations are occasions where the entire group can have a gala time.

Resorts also plan events for different ages. So, you’ll find treasure hunts, lessons on Maldivian marine life, and several other activities for families with younger children that may be a part of the larger group.

Similarly, there are also extra-curricular activities that focus on specific interests. Cooking and language classes, coral planting, and professional photography sessions are activities that members can enjoy separately or together as a group.

Excursions for all interests

Very much like the amenities and extra-curricular activities, you’ll find a good assortment of excursions while residing in a Maldivian resort.

Among the more popular tours that a group can take as one are a dhoni sunset cruise, a dolphin watching tour, a sandbank picnic, and a full-day visit to a nearby public island.

However, several excursions might appeal to individuals only, such as scuba diving and fishing. The best part of a group holiday in the Maldives is that everyone has ample time to enjoy what they want. But they still get to spend memorable moments together at the end of the day. 

Excellent food options

Arguably the biggest challenge to tackle when traveling in a group is managing everyone’s dietary requirements. That’s where staying on a resort in the Maldives proves to be highly beneficial.

It is but expected that people in a group will have different culinary requests. When going to a single restaurant, it isn’t always possible for each person to get what they really want.

In Maldivian resorts, there are typically multiple on-site restaurants plating a variety of cuisines. Furthermore, the lavish buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner services are brimming with delicious recipes from around the world.

From Indian, Japanese, and Chinese to Italian, vegan, or traditional Maldivian food, a buffet at a resort guarantees delectable preparations that satiate every palate.  

Money-saving deals

One significant advantage of group travel is that it eventually turns out to be a lot cheaper. You can quickly start saving money by group booking your airline tickets to the Maldives. After that, write to the resorts you like the most and ask them for any group deals and discounts.

Most private island retreats also offer full- or half-board options. Again, this is an excellent option for group holidaymakers. An unlimited full- or half-board meal choice lets you enjoy food and drinks without having to keep a tab on who is having what.

Moreover, discounts don’t just end with room bookings and food. You are more likely to get better deals on day trips, boat rides, and water sports when traveling as a group.

Why is the Maldives perfect for group holidays?

Here’s a quick rundown on why you must plan your next holiday with friends and family to the Maldives.

One island – You get to stay on one island together, creating a party-like atmosphere for the entirety of your trip.

Private – Although there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy group excursions, you can still find places and time on the resort to indulge in individual activities.

Food – Without having to run around a city or an island, you can relish a range of cuisines and culinary delights at the same resort. As a result, everyone can have a meal together and eat food that they personally like.

Activities – There are choices galore when it comes to amenities, extra-curricular activities, and outings. From kids to the elderly and couples to families, there is something for everyone in the group.

Cheaper – A group holiday in the Maldives is considerably more affordable as you can save on transport, tours and get a good hotel package deal.