Often called paradise on earth, the Maldives is a chain of 1,192 tropical islands in the Indian Ocean. With white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers.
The islands offer rich cultural experiences, with music, dance, and crafts influencing local tourism. But the biggest attraction is the ocean—ideal for world-class diving and snorkelling among turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and whale sharks.
Adventurers can swim with whale sharks, explore shipwrecks and underwater caves, or surf reef breaks and barrel waves. Food lovers will enjoy the Maldives’ diverse cuisine, especially a traditional “Keyn" tasting experience.
Current Promotions
Maldives Finest Luxury Resorts – Limited-Time Offers
Enjoy exceptional value with offers that may include:
✅ Extra discounts on luxury stays
✅ Complimentary room upgrades
✅ Free seaplane or yacht transfers
✅ Special honeymoon & anniversary inclusions
✅ Meal plan upgrades
✅ Family-friendly offers & added experiences for children
Saving up to $20,600 for four nights stay at the underwater Muraka!
🏝️ Best of Maldives
The Maldives, a collection of 26 natural atolls comprising over 1,000 coral islands, offers a diverse array of luxury experiences. Each atoll possesses unique characteristics, catering to various preferences, from marine biodiversity to accessibility.
1. North Malé Atoll & South Malé Atoll (Kaafu Atoll)
- Highlights: The most accessible luxury atoll in the Maldives — just a 20–45 minute speedboat ride from Malé. Ideal for shorter stays, families, and travelers who want less time in transit and more time in paradise.
North Male has some of the best surf breaks, especially from May to October. - Top Resorts:
- One&Only Reethi Rah: Known for its expansive villas and exceptional service.
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa: Offers a blend of traditional Maldivian architecture and modern luxury.
- Patina Maldives: Features contemporary design and a focus on art and wellness. It offers a unique sub marine experience
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – Ultra-luxury resort spread across three islands, with over a dozen restaurants and a private-island option.
- Gili Lankanfushi – A pioneer in barefoot eco-luxury, with famously spacious water villas and no news/no shoes ethos.
- Huvafen Fushi: Features the world’s first underwater spa.
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Island blends futuristic circular villas, personal butlers, and the unique Fari Islands lifestyle, as part of a multi-island community where guests can “island hop" between sister resorts and a shared marina village with restaurants, art, and boutiques.
- Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island:
A contemporary, all-villa resort with rooftop terraces, infinity pools, and a chic Mediterranean vibe.
2. Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)
- Highlights: Renowned for its rich marine life, including manta ray gatherings at Hanifaru Bay (during the summer season). Known for high quality reefs and natural islands.
- Top Resorts:
- Soneva Fushi: Pioneers of barefoot luxury with a strong emphasis on sustainability, and water reteats with slides!
- The Nautilus: Offers a highly personalized experience with no set schedules.
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru: a jungle wilderness in the Maldives only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway
- Amilla Maldives: Provides spacious accommodations and a variety of wellness programs.
- Anantara Kihavah: Features underwater dining and a private observatory.
- Vakkaru Maldives: Elegant beach and overwater villas, including family residences, close to Hanifaru Bay for seasonal manta & whale shark sightings
- Milaidhoo Maldives: A seaplane journey away, great for adults. It is an intimate resort great for adults and to see manta rays
3. Lhaviyani Atoll
- Highlights: Large, pristine beaches and exceptional diving.
- Top Resorts:
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island: An all-inclusive resort focusing on personalized luxury.
- Six Senses Kanuhura: Set across three private islands, offering overwater villas, holistic spa experiences, world-class diving
4. Noonu Atoll
- Highlights: Home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. Noonu Atoll is home to a large population of spinner dolphins, and is known for its high density of swarming fish.
- Top Resorts:
- Cheval Blanc Randheli: Epitomizes elegance with its design and service.
- Soneva Jani: Known for its overwater villas with retractable roofs.
- Velaa Private Island: Provides an ultra-exclusive experience with tailored services.
5. Raa Atoll
- Highlights: also renowned for its rich underwater ecosystem, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving.
- Top Resorts:
JOALI Maldives: Blends art and luxury in a tropical setting.
JOALI BEING: Focuses on immersive wellness experiences.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort: With an exceptional house reef, it is surrounded by a myriad of marine life and is home to a manta ray sanctuary
6. Haa Dhaalu Atoll (South Thiladhunmathi Atoll)
- Highlights: Located in the far north of the Maldives, it is one of the most remote and least developed atolls offering seclusion, pristine nature, and untouched marine life.
- Top Resorts:
- Soneva Secret 2024: Redefines exclusivity in the Maldives and is the only resort currently operating in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, giving guests the ultimate private island experience. Many of the villas are equiped with water slides.
7. South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll) & North Ari Atoll (Alifu Alifu Atoll)
- Highlights: North Ari = Hammerhead sharks, Rasdhoo diving, coral reefs. South Ari = Whale sharks, manta rays, world-class dive sites, luxury resorts
- Top Resorts at South Ari Atoll:
- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Spread across two islands, famous for its undersea restaurant Ithaa, overwater villas, and abundant marine life.
- Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort: Excellent access to whale shark and manta ray excursions. Tailored for couples
8. Vaavu Atoll
- Highlights: Great for diving and fishing, this area boasts some of the Maldives’ top dive sites and is famous for its year-round presence of nurse sharks.
- Top Resort:
- Aman Maldives: An upcoming luxury resort by Aman, set to offer minimalist design and natural elegance.
9. Dhaalu Atoll
- Highlights: World-class diving, surfing, and unique cultural touches
- Top Resort:
- The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: Ultra-modern design, world-class butler service
- Niyama Private Islands:Underwater nightclub Subsix
- Baglioni Resort Maldives: combining Maldivian natural beauty with Italian style and cuisine, exceptional diving
10. Thaa Atoll
- Highlights: Less developed, offering a sense of discovery and adventure.
- Top Resorts:
- COMO Maalifushi: The only resort in the atoll, providing overwater and beachfront villas, world-class surfing, vibrant coral reefs, and personalized wellness experiences in an intimate island setting.
11. Laamu Atoll
- Highlights: Remote location with unspoiled natural beauty.
- Top Resort:
- Six Senses Laamu: Emphasizes sustainability and offers unique experiences like surfing and dolphin watching.
Which Property Is Right For You?
Adults Focused
- Huvafen Fushi
- The Nautilus
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Six Senses Laamu - Milaidhoo Maldives
- Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
Great for Families
- Vakkaru
- Soneva Fushi
- One&Only Reethi Rah
- Velaa Private Island
- Patina Maldives
- Niyama Private Islands
- Six Senses Kanuhura
- InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
All Inclusive
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
- Milaidhoo Maldives
- Soneva Properties
- Raffles Maldives
- Amilla Maldives
- Baglioni Resort Maldives
- Six Senses Properties and Niyama offer drinks packages on top of their full board meal plan
Great for Snorkelling
- Anantara Kihavah
- Six Senses Laamu
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- Milaidhoo Maldives
- Baglioni Resort Maldives
- Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
Great for Surfing
- Six Senses Laamu
- Gili Lankanfushi
- Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
- Niyama Private Islands (Dhaalu Atoll 9)
- COMO Maalifushi
Unique Experiences
- Submarine experience – Patina Maldives
- Water slides – Soneva Properties
- Underwater restaurants – Conrad, Anantara Kihavah Villas
- Underwater nightclub Subsix – Niyama Private Islands
- Beach Bubble Tent – Finolhu Maldives
- Overwater hammocks – Gili Lankanfushi, Constance Moofushi, Vakkaru Maldives
- Overwater cinemas – Soneva Jani, Alila Kothaifaru, OZEN Reserve Bolifushi
Great for Wellness
- JOALI BEING
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives
- COMO Maalifushi
- Soneva Properties
- Amilla Maldives
- One&Only Reethi Rah
- Cheval Blanc Randheli
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- Six Senses Properties
- Patina Maldives
- Velaa Private Island
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Private Charter
- Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a jungle wilderness occupying an 44 acres island in the Maldives only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve accessible via 30-minute seaplane flight from Male Airport. This Private Island Voavah is offered on an exclusive basis only and can accommodate up to 14 adults and 8 children in 7 bedrooms and 3 children’s rooms. From the moment of booking, the island will be entirely yours.
Getting Around the Atolls
Transfers from Malé International Airport
- North Malé and South Malé Atolls
Most resorts in these atolls are accessible by speedboat, given their close proximity to Malé. While a few properties (like Jumeirah or One&Only Reethi Rah) may offer seaplane transfers, this is less common in these regions. - Resorts Beyond Malé Atolls (but not too far south)
These are typically serviced by seaplane, or in some cases, by a combination of domestic flight and speedboat if located near a domestic airport. Keep in mind: seaplanes operate only during daylight hours. - Southern Atolls: Gaafu Alifu & Gaafu Dhaalu
Resorts in these more remote southern atolls are generally reached via domestic flight followed by a speedboat. Some exceptions exist—Raffles Maldives, for example, offers a direct seaplane transfer.
Split Stays in the Maldives
Split stays are a fantastic way to experience the Maldives’ diversity—each resort offers its own unique setting, activities, cuisine, and design. They’re ideal for discovering multiple atolls in one trip.
When planning a split stay, keep in mind that inter-atoll transfers usually require a return to Malé’s Velana International Airport, as direct resort-to-resort transfers between different atolls are uncommon. However, if both properties are in the same atoll, a speedboat transfer is often simple and efficient.
To make the most of your time and avoid long transfer delays, consider pairing:
- Two resorts within the same atoll, or
- A speedboat-accessible resort (in North or South Malé) with one that requires a seaplane or domestic flight.
This approach helps reduce backtracking and saves precious daylight hours. Our team is always happy to assist with logistics, ensuring your transitions are smooth and your holiday is maximised.
Split Stay Recommendation
Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret offer the perfect split stay, combining three distinct luxury experiences. Travel by Soneva in Aqua yacht or seaplane.
✈️ Travel Tips
- Transfers: Depending on the atoll, transfers from Malé International Airport can be via speedboat or seaplane.
- Best Time to Visit: The most popular time to travel to the Maldives is December to April during the dry season for guaranteed warm, sunny beach days. However, traveling during the shoulder season from November to early December or the off season from May until October, offers unbeatable prices and fewer crowds. Weather can be slightly more unsettled during this time due to the monsoon shift, but guests can still expect warm temperatures and ideal conditions for surfing and kite surfing during this time.
May to October is ideal for diving and surfing. - Cultural Etiquette: While resorts are liberal, it’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting local islands.
Luxury Accommodations, Adventure and Wellness
Experience the Maldives at its most exclusive. Stay in breathtaking overwater bungalows or private beachfront villas, where every detail is designed for ultimate comfort and privacy. Beyond the serenity, dive into thrilling adventures on the water or embrace world-class wellness with bespoke spa rituals and holistic retreats.
Current Promotions
Maldives Finest Luxury Resorts – Limited-Time Offers
Enjoy exceptional value with offers that may include:
✅ Extra discounts on luxury stays
✅ Complimentary room upgrades
✅ Free seaplane or yacht transfers
✅ Special honeymoon & anniversary inclusions
✅ Meal plan upgrades
✅ Family-friendly offers & added experiences for children
Saving up to $20,600 for four nights stay at the underwater Muraka!
