4 Days in Maldives: A Perfect Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip

So you’re planning your dream vacation, writing down notes on your laptop and putting together the details of where you want to go. You decide you want to go to Maldives, a string of island nations known for its beach beauty and marine uniqueness. You dive deeper into the finer details and see that there’s quite a lot to do and a lot of places to see. Then you wonder how many days it would take to go from island to island in an attempt to experience everything. Let us take that pressure off your shoulders.

4 days in Maldives is all you need to experience this tropical haven to its fullest. And rather than trying to see everything, let us help you figure out what the must-see places are. Let’s go day by day as we jot down your perfect itinerary for an unforgettable trip!

Day 1: Exploring Male’ Island

Arrival and Check-In

Male’ is the capital of Maldives and is known as the economic hub of the nation, along with its neighbouring islands Hulhumale’ and Villingili. If you feel like staying the night after exploring this urban jungle, here’s some of the best hotels for a comfortable stay in Male’.

1. Samann Grand

Samann Grand is a 4 star hotel that sits close to the coastline of Male’. They have six room categories, one restaurant, a meeting room and a few activities you can partake in. Let’s take a look at the finer details.

Accommodation

• Deluxe Double/Twin Room with Ocean View & Private Balcony (20 sqm)
• Deluxe Double Room with Ocean View & Private Balcony (27 sqm)
• Super Deluxe Room with Ocean View & Private Balcony (28 sqm)
• Executive Suite with Private Balcony (28 sqm)
• Samann Suite with Private Balcony (33 sqm)
• Two Bedroom Family Suite with Private Balcony (61 sqm)

They all come with the same amenities, which are:

• Complimentary High –Speed Wifi Internet
• Individually controlled air conditioning
• Speed controlled ceiling fan
• Telephone in Room
• HD TV with a wide selection of satellite channels
• Private Balcony with Ocean View
• In Room Safety Deposit Box
• Minibar, Tea coffee making facilities & Complimentary bottle of water daily
• Guest amenities / Toiletries
• Attached bathroom w/hot & cold fresh water
• Rain shower
• Hair dryer
• Luggage Rack
• Ironing facilities
• 220V-240V Sockets

Dining

Samann Grand has a restaurant on its top floor known as the Cloud Restaurant, which serves breakfast, has an à la carte menu and has in-room dining / room service.

Activities

The hotel has a few things on offer you can do to if you wish to do so, such as:

• A snorkelling trip
• A sandbank picnic
• A sunset & dolphin cruise
• Island hopping
• A tour of Male’ city
• Night fishing
• Watersports
  • Canoe Rent
  • Jet Ski Rent
  • Banana and Fun Tube
  • Standup Paddle
  • Windsurfing
  • Water Ski & Wakeboarding

2. The Somerset Hotel

The Somerset Hotel is a 4 star hotel that comes equipped with three room categories, a bistro, a gym and excursion options. Below are the finer details.

Accommodation

• Superior Double Room (20m²)
• Executive Superior Room (25m²)
• Business Deluxe Suite (32m²)

The rooms have the same amenities (with the exception of double beds for the Superior Double Room and King Size beds for the other two rooms) between them:

• ADSL Internet Connection
• Bathrobes and Slippers
• Bathroom with en-suite Shower
• Cable-Satellite TV
• Ceiling Fan
• Closet
• Coffee Machine
• Dining Table
• Direct Dial Telephone
• Electronic Locks
• Fine selection of Bathroom Amenities
• Flat Screen TV
• Full-Length Mirror
• Guest Laundry
• Hairdryer
• Interactive TV
• Iron and ironing board
• Living Room
• Magnifying Mirror
• Mini bar
• Modern Furnishing
• Movie and Sport Channels
• Non-smoking rooms available
• Private Balcony
• Razor Plug
• Safe Deposit Box
• Self controlled air conditioner
• Soundproof Windows
• Weight Scale
• Writing Desk

Dining

The Somerset Hotel has a bistro on its premises that serves international food, such as Indian, Srilankan, Italian and more.

• Activities

Here are few of the things you can do while at Somerset:

• Diving
• Snorkelling
• Watersports
• Whale Submarine ride

3. Manhattan Business Hotel

Manhattan Business Hotel is a 4 star establishment that has within it 6 room categories, a Manhattan Fish Market restaurant, a spa & salon, a banquet hall, a Conference Room & Business Centre and activities for the travelling tourist. Let’s break it down:

Accommodation

• Standard Twin Room
• Standard Double Room
• Standard King Room w/Balcony & Ocean View
• Deluxe Room w/Balcony & Ocean View
• Suite Room w/Balcony & Ocean View
• Presidential Suite Room w/Private Terrace & Ocean View

They all come with just about the same amenities:

• Complimentary wifi
• Complimentary water
• Air conditioning
• Minibar with beverages and snacks
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• Fine selection of bathroom amenities
• Bathrobes and slippers
• In-room safe
• Flat Screen TV with HD channels
• IDD service
• Hair dryer
• Bathroom scale
• Rain shower with bathtub
• In-room iron and ironing board
• Spa

Their spa has quite a few offerings to choose from, such as:

• Hydrotherapy
• Aromatherapy
• Stone massages
• Manicure
• Pedicure
• Foot massages
• Sauna

Activities

Take your pick from their selection of activities:

• Watersports
• Scuba diving
• Fishing trip
• Whale submarine ride

4. Maagiri Hotel

Maagiri Hotel is a 4 star establishment that has three room categories, three dining options, events & meeting hosting, wedding & other celebration hosting options, a gym and a variety of activities.

Accommodation

• Premier Room (22 – 24 sqm)
• Junior Suite (41 sqm)
• Executive Suite (50 sqm)

The amenities for rooms are as follows (the Junior Suite and Executive Suite has as an in-room iron and ironing board, complimentary drinking water, a separate living space, a balcony and an IP TV which are unavailable for the Premier Room):

• Complimentary wifi
• Air conditioning
• Minibar with beverages and snacks
• Tea/coffee making facilities
• In-room safe
• 43″ LED TV in living room
• Smart TV Checkout
• IDD service
• Hair dryer
• Bathroom scale
• Rain shower and hand shower
• Same day laundry service

Dining

Maagiri has three dining options for you to choose from:

• Coffee Curve (lighter meals and drinks)
• Faru (buffets, meals and à la carte selections)

Activities

• Diving
• Fishing
• Snorkelling, etc

Key Attractions

Male’ has a number of key attractions, in cultural, religious and historic form that are sure to catch your eye. These are some of the must-see places for Male’ that you absolutely cannot miss out on.

1. Hukuru Miskiy

Built in 1658, the Hukuru Miskiy (meaning Friday Mosque in Dhivehi, the Maldivian language) serves as a symbol to the intricate and talented craftsman ship Maldivians were capable of in the 15th century and continues being a place of cultural and religious importance to this day, with Friday prayers still being a weekly tradition.

2. Maldives Islamic Centre and the Grand Friday Mosque

This impressive structure was opened in 1984 and houses the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and the Grand Friday Mosque, a beautiful marble structure that has a capacity of 5,000 people, making it one of the largest mosques in South Asia.

3. Muleeaage Palace

Muleeaage is the home of the ruling President at any given point and has served presidents since 1952, with the building being opened in 1919. The architecture has traditional Maldivian markings and structure and has been kept in pristine condition since its inception.

4. Sultan Park and Independence Square

Sultan Park and Independence Square are located right around the corner to each other and quite close to the Grand Friday Mosque, making this area a tourist hotspot in Male’. The park has a kids play area and seating areas for those who want to relax in this shaded and cool park. Independence Square (or Republic Square) is located right across the jetty and is a large open area, making for an exquisite sight as the ocean breeze wafts past.

Local Experiences

Along with the key attractions, there are some places you should go to to really experience what Male’, and by extension the whole of Maldives, is like. In Male’, make sure you scout out the following!

1. Male’ Fish Market

The Male’ Fish Market is the heart of the fishermen in this country, where they go out to sea long before dawn and haul back their catches to be butchered and sold to the residents of this town. The fish are extremely fresh and run out by the afternoon and is something to be experienced at least once.

2. Royal Garden Cafe’ and local eateries

The Royal Garden Cafe’ was built on the Sultan’s Royal Compound from a past monarch’s time and has kept some of the intricate architecture from that time, making the place a slight time capsule. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and have International, Indian and local tastes.

Your Day 1 out of 4 days in Maldives is already filled to the brim and ready to be explored! Let’s move on to what your Day 2 can look like!

Day 2: Discovering Baros Island

Travel to Baros Island

Before we even talk about travelling to the island, let’s talk about the island itself. Baros Island is home to Baros Maldives, a long-standing resort that has been serving tourists the authentic Maldivian experience since 1973. Travelling to Baros is quite easy as it’s located in North Male’ Atoll, the same atoll Velana International Airport is in. A 25 to 30 minute speedboat ride will have you relaxing on the island’s shores. 

Romantic Escapes

Baros Maldives is one of the best places for a romantic retreat and some of their experiences are evidence of that.

• Lighthouse Lounge Bar

Located along the coastline, this overwater restaurant looks out into the endless ocean and serves as an exceptional spot for some sundowners. As the live band plays songs to soothe, you’re served a glass of booze while you spend time with your loved one, with the sun setting in the background, ending your day with a gentle ocean breeze.

• Piano Deck

Be cast out onto the fringes of the lagoon where a shaded wooden deck sits perched up on columns, with nothing but the sea to keep you company. Enjoy International cuisine and local tastes in the morning, afternoon or night. Whether you want a meal at sunset or sunrise at this unique setting, Baros Maldives has you covered.

Top Attractions

The island of Baros has some fantastic islands around it, so much so that it would be worthwhile to take a trip and experience them during your 4 days in Maldives. Here are some of these islands.

• Ihuru Island

Ihuru Island is home to Dhawa Ihuru Maldives (previously known as Angsana Ihuru Maldives), an all-inclusive resort that’s been in service since the early 2000’s, with a relaunch in early 2023. It is an all-beachfront resort, with three different category options to choose from. They have one restaurant (international cuisine), one bar and an in-villa dining option (Indian, Chinese, Western, Japanese and Maldivian flavours). The 8lements Spa offers a wealth of relaxation with their treatments, with a large variety of activities to choose from if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous. Choose a Maldives package from any of their selections and get yourself a discount at Dhawa Ihuru Maldives today!

• Velavaru Island

Velavaru Island features Angsana Velavaru Maldives, a 5 star resort that sits atop a magnificent lagoon. They have six beachfront accommodation options and three overwater options, along with three restaurants and a pool bar. The Angsana Spa has varied categories of treatments, offering facials, body polishes, baths, and more, ensuring you enter a state of deep relaxation. Make memories with their range of activities that are meant to entertain and inspire.

• Vabbinfaru Island

Located on Vabbinfaru Island, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Maldives is a beachfront property with five room categories, two restaurants, one bar, a world-class spa and a myriad of activities both above and underwater. This resort offers you the chance to experience their sister resort, Dhawa Ihuru Maldives with their Twin Island Experience. 

• Bandos Island

This island is home to Bandos Maldives, the second resort to open in Maldives. With over 50 years of experience in the industry, this resort has been serving new and returning guests the authentic Maldivian experience that everyone’s been after. They’re equipped with seven beach villa categories and one overwater villa category. They have 2 restaurants, 2 bars, a cafe’ and a bar x grill, all of which offer international cuisine. The Orchid Spa has an extensive menu with various body treatments, salon services and treatments for children. Their Dive Bandos dive centre will take you on amazing excursions, dives, snorkelling trips and more that covers more than 40 dive sites. They also have a Maldives package catered to couples that just got married with their Honeymoon Bliss Offer, which is valid until 31st October 2025.

Relaxation and Leisure

If you want nothing more than to kick back and take a load off, Baros Maldives invites you to Serenity Spa, where wellness and relaxation come together in beautiful harmony. The spa has a large variety of categories to choose from, such as:

• Serenity Spa Ceremonies
• Full Body Indulgences
• Massages
• Facial treatments
• Mani-Pedi
• ‘Create Your Own Spa’ Programme
• Yoga
• Add ons / À la carte options

If you’d rather relax by yourself, pull up a chair and relax on the deck of your Water Villa, Baros Two Bedroom Residence or any of their 6 other accommodation options. Stargazing is quite common on resorts as there isn’t a lot of light pollution, due to the islands being far apart.

Day 3: Adventure and Luxury at Mirihi Island

Travel to Mirihi Island

Mirihi Island is home to Mirihi Island Resort Maldives, a cosy island spanning 350 metres in length and 50 metres in width with a 6 km house reef. A 30 minute journey via seaplane is the best way to cover this 85 km distance from Velana International Airport. You can also get to the island by taking a domestic flight from the airport if you’re looking for a cheaper option. You will most likely have to pair the flight with a speedboat transfer to get to Mirihi Island as the island doesn’t have a landing strip. If you want to get to Mirihi Island directly from Baros Island, we suggest you contact your booking assistant (hopefully MadlyMaldives!) and have them arrange the transport for you. 

Luxurious Stay

Mirihi Island Resort Maldives has four room categories you can choose from and they all share the same amenities, with a special welcome surprise exclusive to two of the categories. Below are the rooms and their details:

• Beach Villa (53 m²)
• Water Villa (53 m²)
• Mirihi Maa Beach Suite (180 m²)
• Fenurihi Water Suite (160 m²)

The amenities available to you from all rooms are:

• Free wi-fi
• King and / or Twin size bed
• Private sundeck
• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fan
• Bluetooth speaker
• Minibar
• Sparkling or still water
• Nespresso machine
• Personal safe
• Choice of bedding
• Champagne on arrival (exclusive to Mirihi Maa Beach Suite and Fehurihi Water Suite)

Natural Beauty

A lot of this island’s beauty lies in the waters of the island and close by dive sites, being located in South Ari Atoll and all. The resort’s dive centre, Ocean-Pro Diving has access to 50 dive sites that can be reached within an hour via boat. If you love snorkelling and diving, have the dive centre arrange a trip for you where you’ll get to see and swim close to whale sharks, manta rays, majestic coral reefs and more. 

Entertainment Options

The resort has much more to offer, with their activities covering:

• Private dinner or champagne picnic on the beach
• Maldivian Tiffin Set
• Private beach cinema
• Snorkelling with mantas
• Night snorkelling
• Wedding related activities (vow renewal, proposals and more)
• Cruises that covers either dining, dolphin watching and more
• Fishing at dawn or dusk
• House reef exploration & much more

If you love food, then you’ll love the resorts two restaurants, bar and wine lounge:

• Dhonveli Restaurant
  • Buffet-style international and seafood dishes
    
• Muraka Restaurant
  • Fine dining contemporary menu covering Japanese, Maldivian and other international cuisine
    
• Anba Bar
  • Worldwide rums, cocktails and more with live band performances
    
• Ruhgandu Wine Lounge
  • 300 old and new world wines to be sampled at their Wine Tastings

The list is quite long and there are lots of other things they offer so click here to find out more!

Day 4: Huvahendhoo and Rangali Island

Morning at Huvahendhoo Island

Huvahendhoo Island is home to Lily Beach Resort & Spa Maldives, a close 25 minute seaplane ride to South Ari Atoll from Velana International Airport. Take this time to explore the underwater flora and fauna by diving or snorkelling at nearby dive sites, hop on a semi-submarine to take a look underwater without getting wet or make use of the resorts HamacLand floating platform, allowing for true privacy in the middle of the ocean.

Afternoon at Rangali Island

Rangali Island is home to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, a resort that holds a unique experience available to just a few resorts in Maldives. Enter The Muraka, the world’s first underwater residence spanning two floors, one above water and the other below it. A 180-degree acrylic dome houses the master bedroom underwater, with a fantastic view right into the open ocean. Having been thoroughly tested, this residence has proven to be safe to accommodate people that want to spend their vacation sleeping with the fishes, so to speak. They also have 13 other accommodation options both above water and on the island, ranging from two to six people villas for couples, families and groups of travelling friends:

• Two Bedroom Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool (fits 4 guests)
• Beach Villa (fits 4 guests)
• Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool (fits 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children)
• Three Bedroom Beach Suite with Pool (fits 6 guests)
• Sunset Water Villa with Pool (fits 3 guests)
• Sunrise Water Villa (fits 2 guests)
• Deluxe Water Villa with Pool (fits 3 guests)
• Grand Water Villa (fits 3 guests)
• 2 Bedroom Grand Water Villa (fits 4 guests)
• Grand Water Villa with Pool (fits 3 guests)
• 2 Bedroom Grand Water Villa with Pool (fits 4 guests)
• Premier Water Villa with Pool (fits 3 guests)
• Two Bedroom Rangali Ocean Pavilion with Pool (fits 6 guests)

The underwater antics don’t end there as they also have the world’s first underwater restaurant, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which rests five metres below the surface of the water. Enjoy lunch or dinner with Maldivian and Western tastes, seated next to a 180-degree acrylic dome, with views of marine life and the coral reef visible to you as you dine.

Additional Must-Visit Islands

Let’s go through some islands we think should make the honourable mentions list!

Fihalhohi Island

One of the reasons Fihalhohi Maldives is well-known is due to their spa services. The Huvandhumaa Spa offers an extensive range of massages, facials, mani-pedi services and special packages perfect for the individual and for couples. Another reason is because of their amazing house reef which also has a sunken shipwreck that’s well worth exploring. They are quite accommodating as they have a free daily scuba lesson for those who are new to diving and the offering of a dive with NITROx for those who are more experienced. 

Veligandu Island

Veligandu Island is home to Veligandu Island Resort & Spa Maldives, a resort that is currently undergoing upgrades to its facilities and will reopen in November 2024. They’re currently accepting reservations from November 2024 to October 2025. This island is a secluded piece of paradise that is currently offering a Maldives package that has 40% in savings for your trip, to mark the upcoming reopening in November by the name of the Reopening Celebration Offer. End your year with a trip here and spend your days waking up on the beach or above water, with relaxation being the only consequence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many days to spend in the Maldives?

A1: Four days is ideal if you want to vacation in Maldives. You can cover just about the most important and exciting bits this island nation has to offer.

Q2: Which month is the best month to visit the Maldives?

A2: If you’re looking for a sunny vacation, November to April is your best bet as this is the dry season / summer season in Maldives.

Q3: How expensive is it to visit Maldives?

A3: Outside of their local currency Rufiyaa, Maldives utilises USD in all of its resorts, with a lot of inner islands also accepting USD as a currency if needed. You will end up spending quite a bit, close to somewhere around $3,000 USD to $4,000 USD, sometimes $5,000 USD for around four to six days in the country, IF you’re staying at a resort. If you’re staying at guesthouses and getting around using local means, you’ll spend much, much less than that.

Q4: What to do in the Maldives for 4 days?

A4: Maldives is all about the views and relaxation. Spend your time tanning on the beach, discovering the beauty of the underwater world snorkelling along coral reefs and seeing its denizens, take a trip to the inner islands to see island culture at its purest or go for a swim in one of the clearest waters in the world. 

Q5: Can you drink alcohol in Maldives?

A5: Only in the resorts. As Maldives is an Islamic nation, alcohol is strictly prohibited in the islands, apart from resort islands. 

Q6: Can unmarried couples visit Maldives?

A6: Yes, Maldives is welcoming of all tourists, regardless of their marital status.

Q7: Do they speak English in Maldives?

A7: Yes, English is a widely spoken second language in Maldives, with most of the population being fluent.

Q8: What can you buy in Maldives?

A8: Discover incredible souvenirs, handcrafted by Maldivian craftsmen through age-old techniques that are unique to the nation that still stand the test of time. Handicrafts, locally made attire both modern and traditional, miniature sailboats and more.

There you have it! 4 days in Maldives have never looked this good and we hope this article has helped shape your vacation for the better. Head to Splendid Asia, our travel agency that has decades of experience in the industry or our trusted booking assistant MadlyMaldives, where you get to craft your holiday to perfection as you plan your dream vacation.