As the world's top Maldives expert, I've visited nearly EVERY resort... and can stop you wasting thousands. Here are my hand-picked 25 choices for the best holiday you've ever had. Don't go without reading this first
But with holidays to this Indian Ocean archipelago often costing thousands of pounds and there being so many islands to choose from, each offering its own take on the private island experience, it can be tricky to know which hotel to choose.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Tourists warned to NOT do these five things on holiday to avoid fines costing hundreds
Tourists have been warned not to do five specific things on holiday to avoid fines costing hundreds. Millions of Brits will be jetting off this summer and most won't want to be landed with additional charges during their travels. UK holiday provider has revealed the hidden costs that can crop up on holidays. From bringing extra guests without permission to losing the holiday home key, there's plenty that can go wrong and lead to surprise fees. One thing that could see an unsuspecting tourist slapped with a fine is taking home the towels or robes. Hotels and holiday homes often provide bath and hand towels, as well as dressing gowns for added comfort. Unbeknownst to some, they aren't for keeps. According to guests have been hit with charges of up to £150 for taking them home. They recommend asking the owner where the items were purchased from, instead of helping themselves. Although it may be an accident, losing the holiday home key could bring a hefty charge too. Keys are small and easily lost, especially while trying to balance several bags and cases too. But losing them could be expensive, with locksmith services, lock replacement and key cutting coming to a £375 charge. Holidays can sometimes be chaotic and leaving the accommodation in a reasonable condition may feel difficult but it's essential to avoid an added cost. The holiday provider revealed messy tourists can face cleaning fees ranging from £50 to a whopping £200. They recommend checking the host's policy in advance. It may be difficult to be packed and ready to leave by a certain time, especially early in the morning. But checking out late can also lead to extra charges. Some holiday home owners charge up to £80 per hour for departures past the agreed time, according to Finally, another thing holidaymakers should avoid is bringing extra visitors to stay with them. Bringing additional guests where not agreed or paid for can lead to fees usually between £15 to £40 per person.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The surprisingly illegal things tourists can get in trouble for - from chewing gum to dancing
There's plenty of things to consider when visiting somewhere new - from the language, different cuisine, to cultural norms. Rules and laws vary across countries, too, and some may seem surprising to foreigners. Dubai has strict regulations around government buildings, while in France, drivers should be aware of a certain type of footwear when driving. In Venice, pigeons are a no-go for feeding, and in Singapore, lovers of chewing gum might struggle. Read on below to find out all the surprisingly illegal things around the world. Dubai In the United Arab Emirates, people are prohibited taking photographs of government buildings. The UK Foreign Office warns: 'It is illegal to take photos of some government buildings and military installations. 'Hobbies like bird watching and plane spotting may be misunderstood, particularly near military sites, government buildings and airports.' Greece A popular destination for its sandy beaches, white buildings and delicious cuisine. But tourists visiting Greece should be mindful of what shoes they wear when sightseeing historic structures. High heels have been banned from landmarks in Athens, including the Acropolis and the Epidaurus Theatre, since 2009. Anyone not following the rule could be hit with a €900 fine, according to the The Express. Italy While in Venice, visitors may be enamoured by the many characterful pigeons, but they are prohibited from feeding them. It's been illegal to do so since 2008, when the sale and distribution of grain to feed pigeons was banned. At the time, according to Reuter s, the pesky birds were pecking at marble statues in the cities looking for crumbs. France Any holidaymakers driving through France should be careful of their footwear choice. Drivers are prohibited from wearing 'unsuitable footwear' according to Travel And Tour World. Officers often check those in popular holiday hotspots for the mistake. Sweden Previously in Sweden, venues including nightclubs and bars needed a permit for customers to be allowed to legally dance. The Swedish government said in 2023 it intended to scrap the 67-year-old law that required owners of night clubs and bars to obtain a license for dancing. Instead, it was proposed that they would have to register with the police, according to AP. Sri Lanka Many tourists enjoy taking photographs during their holidays as keepsakes. However, it is prohibited to take pictures with Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. The UK Foreign Office notes: 'Do not pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.' Singapore Though perfectly acceptable to consume in the UK, chewing gum is restricted in Singapore. According to the Economic Times, it is illegal to import, sell or carry gum in the country. Those doing so need a medical prescription, and only dental gum is allowed. The law was made in an attempt to help keep the country clean, and stop damage to pavements. Egypt While in Egypt, it is prohibited to use drones without official permission. The Foreign Office warns against using the tech and says, 'It is illegal to use radio-controlled helicopters or drones to take photos near sensitive sites. 'Do not import, use or produce drones in Egypt unless the Egyptian Ministry of Defence gives you permission beforehand. 'Anyone who uses or imports drones without permission could get a prison sentence of up to 7 years or a fine of 5,000 to 50,000 Egyptian pounds.' Maldives Holidaymakers should be mindful when relaxing in public beaches and local areas of what swimwear they're wearing. The Foreign Office advises: 'You should be sensitive to local dress standards when outside holiday resorts, including on beaches used by locals.' They add that men and women should 'have arms and upper legs covered when bathing'. 'Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.' While some beaches on private resorts are more relaxed with the rules and allow bikinis and other swimwear, according to Explore.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Officials urge caution on mosquito bites abroad amid rise in chikungunya cases
Health officials have urged people to take precautions against mosquito bites while on holiday amid a rise in cases of chikungunya among travellers returning from abroad. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also detected the first cases of the emerging disease oropouche virus in the UK, all of which were linked to travel from Brazil. Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquito bites, the symptoms of which include a sudden fever and joint pain. According to UKHSA, most people recover within two weeks, although the joint pain can last for months or even years in some cases. Serious complications are not common, but in rare cases the disease can be fatal, particularly in very young or older people, or those with underlying health conditions. The latest travel-associated infections report from UKHSA shows there were 73 cases of chikungunya reported between January and June 2025, compared to 27 cases for the same period last year. The majority were linked to travel to Sri Lanka, India and Mauritius. All cases were reported in England, primarily in London. There is currently no risk of onward transmission of chikungunya, as the two species of mosquito that transmit the disease are not established in the UK, UKHSA said. The illness mainly occurs in Africa and Asia, specifically southern Asia, although cases have been reported in Europe and parts of North America. However, this year there have been outbreaks in the Americas and Asia, with surges in China and the Indian Ocean islands of Reunion, Mayotte and Mauritius. Dr Philip Veal, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: 'Chikungunya can be a nasty disease and we're seeing a worrying increase in cases among travellers returning to the UK. 'While this mosquito-borne infection is rarely fatal, it can cause severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, sensitivity to light and skin rashes. Thankfully symptoms usually improve within a few weeks, but joint pain may last for months or longer. 'It is essential to take precautions against mosquito bites when travelling. 'Simple steps, such as using insect repellent, covering up your skin and sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets can greatly reduce the risk.' Two chikungunya vaccines are approved for use in the UK and are available to buy after an assessment at a private travel clinic. Meanwhile, the first UK cases of oropouche virus, which is spread by midge bites, have been detected by UKHSA. The three cases were all associated with travel to Brazil. The flu-like illness can cause a fever, headaches, joint pain, muscle pain, chills, nausea and vomiting. Officials urged anyone who becomes unwell with these symptoms after travel to affected areas, including parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean, to seek urgent medical advice. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), before late 2023, oropouche virus was mostly reported near the Amazon rainforest area. However, in 2024, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Guyana, Peru and the Dominican Republic reported locally transmitted cases of the disease. The UKHSA report also shows a rise in travel-associated cholera cases in the UK, with eight cases in the first half of the year compared to just one in 2024. Most cases were linked with travel to India and Ethiopia. There was also a 67% decrease in the number of dengue cases reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from January to June, and there were just four cases of zika virus during the period, down from nine in 2024.
