The Maldives, known mostly for its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts, also offers a variety of events and festivals that add a dash of local culture and excitement to your holiday. Here are some events you might want to check out:

• Huravee Day (February) - This local festival is celebrated in the southern atolls, particularly in Addu City, and honours the liberation of the Maldives with festivities that include traditional music, dance, and lots of local grub.

• Maldives Marine Festival (February) - This festival aims to raise awareness about marine conservation while celebrating the rich marine life of the Maldives. It's a fantastic event for families, featuring educational activities, diving excursions, and interactive sessions with marine biologists.

• Ramadan and Eid Festivals (April - May) - Experiencing Ramadan in the Maldives offers a unique insight into the Islamic culture of the islanders. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which includes special prayers, feasts, and community gatherings.

• International Yoga Day (June) - With the Maldives' serene setting, it's a prime spot to celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21st. Many resorts offer special yoga sessions, workshops, and wellness activities.

• Maldives Independence Day (July) - Held on July 26th each year, this event marks the country's independence, so expect fireworks, speeches, and a lot of patriotic fervour.

• Traditional Boat Races (August) - Typically held near to Independence Day, these races feature the traditional Maldivian dhoni boats and wrangle up plenty of festive support from islanders, the best way to get stuck into the culture during your Maldives holidays.

• Bodu Eid (August) - a celebration marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, this grand festival sees events last for several days including lively traditional games, cultural performances, delish food and the Bodu Mas (Big fish to us), a gorge parade featuring a giant fish made of palm leaves to symbolise the country's deep connection to the sea.

• Maldives National Day (September) - Celebrated with parades, marches, and various performances, it's a vibrant display of national pride that you're sure to get swept up in.

• Fisherman's Day (December) - the fishing community is a vital cog in the hum of the Maldives economy, you can expect boat races, performances and events that highlight the importance of fishing for these gorge islands.

• Food and Music Festivals - Resorts often host international food and music festivals, bringing in chefs and musicians from around the world to entertain guests. These are perfect if you're looking to spice up your stay with some gourmet dining and live music on your holidays to Maldives.

Fancy a chic cocktail by the pool or a night of dancing until dawn? Or is clinking glasses as the sun sets more your style? With places to stay to cater to every taste, Maldives holidays can be a wild party or a low-key affair. As this is a Muslim country, alcohol is generally only available in hotel and resort bars – something to keep in mind if you plan to hit the town in Malé. For alternative entertainment after dark, try snorkelling by moonlight with a guide, getting tickets for a show or even crab racing on Kuredu Island (yes, you read that right).

• Luxury Resort Entertainment - Many resorts in the Maldives host a variety of evening entertainment, ranging from live bands and DJs to traditional Maldivian cultural performances.

• Overwater Nightclubs - Imagine dancing the night away in an overwater nightclub like the Moodhu Bar & Restaurant! Yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. Or Places like Subsix at Niyama Private Islands let you groove beneath the waves with glass walls offering a window to the ocean's nocturnal creatures— a totally unique experience that combines luxury with the allure of the ocean.

• Beach Parties - For a more laid-back vibe, join one of the beach parties often hosted by resorts on their private beaches during your holidays to the Maldives. These parties typically feature fire dancers, live music, and beach barbecues, creating a fun and festive atmosphere by the ocean.

• Sunset Cruises - If you prefer a more mellow evening, consider a sunset cruise. These cruises are perfect for sipping cocktails as you watch the sky explode in colours, often accompanied by gentle music or live performances. It’s a great way to start the evening with a touch of romance and relaxation.

• Bars and Lounges - Most high-end resorts have stylish bars and lounges where you can enjoy international wines, craft cocktails, and premium spirits. These spots often have stunning architectural designs, such as underwater or panoramic ocean views, making for a sophisticated night out.

• Local Music and Dance - Explore the local culture by attending a Bodu Beru performance, the traditional Maldivian dance and drumming. This energetic and engaging experience is a must do on your Maldives holidays and is often a part of resort entertainment but can also be enjoyed in local villages on inhabited islands.

• Stargazing - Not all nightlife has to be about music and parties. The Maldives offers some of the clearest night skies, ideal for stargazing. Some resorts even offer guided sessions with telescopes to marvel at the constellations.

The Maldives offers a delightful array of dishes that showcase its rich culinary heritage influenced by its ocean surroundings and tropical locale. Here's a list of some of the best foods you should try when on your holiday to Maldives:

• Mas Huni - A traditional Maldivian breakfast consisting of shredded smoked tuna mixed with onions, coconut, and chilli, usually served with roshi (flatbread).

• Garudhiya - A fragrant fish soup made with fresh tuna, served with rice, lime, chilli, and onions. It’s a staple dish reflective of the island’s love for seafood.

• Fihunu Mas - Grilled fish that’s been marinated with a blend of Maldivian spices, providing a smoky and spicy flavour.

• Bis Keemiya - A savoury snack similar to a spring roll, filled with tuna, onion, cabbage, and hard-boiled egg.

• Roshi - Maldivian flatbread that’s often eaten with curries or as a side with other dishes.

• Hedhikaa - Assorted traditional snacks including bajiya (pastry stuffed with fish), gulha (fish balls with coconut and spices), and keemia (fish rolls).

• Maldivian Curry - Typically made with tuna, these curries are rich in coconut milk and packed with flavours from local spices, served with roshi or steamed rice.

• Rihaakuru - A thick, spicy fish paste that’s a by-product of boiling tuna and is deeply flavourful. It’s an essential condiment in many local households.

• Saagu Bondibai - A sweet sago pudding made with coconut milk, condensed milk, and cardamom, often enriched with rose or screw pine essence.

• Kulhi Boakibaa - A spicy fish cake made from smoked tuna, coconut, and rice. It’s baked and cut into squares, offering a rich and hearty flavour.

A lot of the restaurants you'll come across on your island hopping are tied to the resorts they are in, but that's not to say there aren't some absolutely delish spots to book a table at, check out some of our fave recommendations to try on your Maldives holidays:

• Sala Thai, Male - A zesty punch of authentic Thai cuisine served up in a cosy setting, you can fill up on all your faves and be back on your way to the resort in no time.

• Lemongrass Fifth, Male - a cheeky lil fusion restaurant that combines Indian and Thai, we're talking curries and stir-fries for days at this spot.

• The Civil Coffee Society, Male - who doesn't love a morning pick-me-up? You can get coffee and pastries here to start the day off the right way on your Maldives holidays.

• 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, Hurawalhi Island Resort - much like the name suggests, this swanky dining spot is 5.8 meters below the water level with all glass walls so you can tuck into your Modern European cuisine and take in the view of all things that swim beneath the sea.

• Muraka, Mirihi Island Resort - the polar opposite of the last spot, this restaurant is perched on stilts above the water so you can take in the ocean views and tuck into authentic Maldivian cuisine - we highly recommend trying some lobster and scallops while you're here to get your full Hell's Kitchen fantasy going.

Dining Under the Stars - Why stop at restaurants when you can enjoy a private, candlelit dinner on the beach. Many resorts offer this intimate dining experience where you can savour gourmet meals prepared by top-notch chefs right on the sandy shores under the moonlight—a perfect blend of romance and exquisite dining.

Just make sure you factor in a bit of island hopping to reach these spots and definitely make your reservations well in advance. Much like most good things, they come to those who wait, and by wait, we mean those who hop in a water taxi.