Where to Stay in the Maldives? The 6 Best Islands + Places to Stay 🏝️

Planning the ultimate tropical holiday to the Maldives and don’t know which island or area to choose? Then you’ve landed in exactly the right place.

In this guide, I’ll tell you about the best areas to stay in, whether you’re after romantic resorts, water sports, family-friendly activities or luxurious spa experiences.

The Maldives is a paradise with crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches, spread across over 1,000 coral islands.

These islands are scattered across 26 so-called atolls, which house unique ecosystems and vary in size, shape and atmosphere from one another.

Each atoll is therefore completely its own and spans from lively diving hotspots like Ari Atoll to peaceful, family-friendly areas like Dhaalu.

Let’s get started with the guide: where to stay in the Maldives?

Best areas in the Maldives

Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in the Maldives:

• North Malé Atoll – close to airport and varied resorts 🏝️
• Dhaalu Atoll – child-friendly resorts and shallow water 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• South Malé Atoll – perfect for diving and snorkelling 🐠
• Baa Atoll – UNESCO biosphere and manta rays 🌊
• Ari Atoll – whale shark spotting and budget-friendly resorts 🦈
• Lhaviyani Atoll – peaceful and authentic archipelago 🌴

Click on the area’s name to see the best resorts in that area.

I’ll dive deeper (get it?) into the islands and recommend stunning hotels and resorts below.

1. North Malé Atoll – best area for first-time visitors ⭐️

North Malé Atoll is the perfect starting point for your first Maldives experience. Here you’ll find the highest concentration of resorts, easy access from the airport and the opportunity to experience both luxury and authentic Maldivian culture.

North Malé Atoll is an island group that lies like a string of pearls around the capital Malé and is the most accessible area in the Maldives. You can get here in under an hour from the airport, which means less travel time and more time to enjoy paradise.

The atmosphere varies drastically from island to island in the atoll. Some resorts have a lively vibe with many activities and social events, whilst others offer intimate romance with just a few exclusive villas.

This means that the vast majority of travellers will find exactly what they’re looking for amongst one of the many resorts.

Like many of the other atolls, you’ll find a unique “house reef” here, which means you can walk directly from your villa into the sea to experience an entire coral reef ecosystem just a few metres from the shore.

See the best hotels in North Malé Atoll here.

Many of the larger resorts have between 4-8 different restaurants, so you can eat your way through different cuisines without ever leaving the island. Likewise, you can find all sorts of activities and excursions depending on what type of holiday you’re after.

The area is particularly well-suited to first-time visitors to the Maldives because you have easy access to Malé city if you want to experience the “real” Maldives behind the resort facade.

Actually, it’s only a short trip by traditional dhoni boat, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the colourful capital with local markets filled with fresh fish, spices and handicrafts.

The price level is on the high end, but you absolutely get quality for your money. Imagine five-star service combined with nature’s own paradise and an infrastructure that simply works.

Quick Info: North Malé Atoll
📍 Distance to airport: 15-45 minutes by speedboat
🚤 Transport: Speedboat or seaplane
✈️ Time to airport: 15-45 minutes
🏪 Facilities: Full resort service and many activities
💰 Price level: €€€€ (4/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hotels in North Malé Atoll

One&Only Reethi Rah ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This resort is clearly amongst the most exclusive in the Maldives and literally defines what ultra-luxury means in practice.

The hotel’s island is enormous by Maldivian standards, actually so large that the resort’s guests are given bicycles to get around to the 12 different beaches that surround the island.

Each villa is designed as a private palace with its own butler, private pools and direct beach access.

The spa department is world-class with treatments taking place in pavilions, and the restaurants are run by star chefs who cook at Michelin restaurant level.

The resort’s biggest draw is perhaps the feeling of total privacy; even when the hotel is fully booked, it feels as though you have the island to yourself.

Previous guests particularly highlight: “We felt like royalty with our own butler, who knew all our preferences after one day.”

See more photos and book here.

Kurumba Maldives ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kurumba was actually the very first resort in the Maldives, opened back in 1972, and therefore has a very special charm and authenticity that newer resorts simply cannot copy.

The island here is relatively large and lush with a jungle-like feel, where the path network winds between palm trees and tropical vegetation.

The resort’s strength lies in the fantastic balance between modern facilities and Maldivian tradition. Here you’ll find both a kids’ club with professional instructors and traditional dhoni trips with local fishermen.

The house reef here is famous amongst snorkellers for its incredible biodiversity. There are documented over 80 different fish species directly from the beach, which makes it ideal for splashing about with snorkel or SUP board and taking in nature.

The all-inclusive package is surprisingly comprehensive and includes both alcoholic drinks and several speciality restaurants.

A guest recently wrote: “There were so many activities that we never got bored… Golf in the morning, tennis in the afternoon and snorkelling on three different beaches.”

See more photos and book here.

Stone Beach Club ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stone Beach Club on the island of Dhiffushi represents the relaxed Maldivian island life in its purest form with simple beach bungalows and a calm, laid-back atmosphere where time almost stands still.

The hotel’s charm lies in its effortless simplicity and authentic local vibe. Here there’s no over-the-top luxury, but everything you need to switch off and enjoy tropical stillness and white sandy beaches.

Half-board or breakfast options are good value for money, and family-friendly facilities include family/group accommodation and direct access to snorkelling and beach activities right outside the door.

There are also free bicycles, which make it easy to explore the small local island.

Guests particularly love: “Fantastic location and friendly staff. It felt like being at home in a local island village, but with beach comfort and lovely snorkelling right outside.”

See more photos and book here.

2. Dhaalu Atoll – child-friendly resorts and shallow water 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Dhaalu Atoll is the ideal destination for families, with its shallow lagoons, child-friendly resorts and safe beaches. The area houses some of the best kids’ clubs in the Maldives and offers activities that can entertain children and adults of all ages.

The atoll feels almost designed with families in mind. The shallow lagoons around the islands make it safe for even very small children to play at the water’s edge, and many resorts have dedicated children’s areas with certified lifeguards and safety measures that exceed international standards.

The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, but thoughtful, so both families with children and couples can enjoy their holiday in peace and quiet.

The kids’ clubs here are in a class of their own, with marine biology programmes where children learn about coral reefs and marine life, as well as cultural activities where they meet local Maldivian families.

See the best hotels in Dhaalu Atoll here.

The range of activities also spans from snorkelling at shallow coral reefs to dolphin safaris and sunset fishing trips that the whole family can join.

Many resorts also offer professional childcare, so parents can enjoy romantic sunset dinners or take a relaxing trip to the spa.

There are also plenty of practical advantages: often quick speedboat transfers are offered, which are less stressful for children than seaplane flights, family villas with several separate bedrooms and connecting doors, as well as comprehensive all-inclusive packages that make the holiday budget easy to plan.

The restaurants serve both international dishes and local Maldivian specialities, so even the fussiest children can find something they like.

Quick Info: Dhaalu Atoll

📍 Distance to airport: 35-40 minutes by seaplane
🚤 Transport: Seaplane
✈️ Time to airport: 35-40 minutes
🏪 Facilities: Family-specialised resorts and kids’ clubs
💰 Price level: €€€€ (4/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hotels in Dhaalu Atoll

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

St. Regis Maldives combines uncompromising luxury with thoughtful family experiences in superb, naturally beautiful surroundings.

The resort stands out for its peaceful location surrounded by jungle and lagoon, where children and adults can freely explore, play and relax without stress.

Here you’ll find not just one, but several play zones distributed around the island with both outdoor natural playgrounds and indoor “science hubs” where children can immerse themselves in everything from stargazing to creative cooking.

The family villas are architectural gems with up to four separate bedrooms, spacious living areas and private pools, all discreetly serviced by a butler who understands children’s tiredness, unexpected wishes and the importance of flexibility in daily life.

The restaurants on the island offer everything from highly profiled tasting menus to relaxed beach meals where children can choose from small, nourishing children’s menus.

The resort also has its own organic greenhouse where families can pick ingredients and learn about sustainable cooking.

The wellness department offers not only relaxing couple treatments but also has a special focus on younger guests with children’s yoga, mindful meditation and skincare “workshops” for teenagers.

The surrounding marine environment is calm and shallow, and the resort has introduced guided snorkelling tours especially for families with a focus on creating safe, educational marine experiences. Here children get a first-hand impression of the Maldives’ unique underwater life accompanied by a marine biologist.

Previous guests particularly highlight: “We felt at home, but with five-star service. The children were engaged all day, and we could relax and just be a family together without lacking anything.”

See more photos and book here.

Kandima Maldives ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kandima is an ultra-modern lifestyle resort that has specialised in fun activities for all ages in the family.

The enormous kids’ club is built as an adventure playground with both indoor and outdoor activities, whilst the teens’ club includes gaming lounges, sports facilities and social events that get teenagers out of their rooms and make them forget all about their phones for a while.

Adult facilities include a well-equipped fitness centre, a relaxing spa and several bars and restaurants.

The resort’s philosophy is “fun for all”, which means every single facility is designed to create shared family experiences.

The all-inclusive package is very comprehensive and includes both first-class dining and many activities. The island’s design is colourful and modern with Instagram-worthy spots everywhere.

A guest recently wrote: “Three generations on holiday together and everyone found activities they loved, from gaming for the teenagers to spa days for the grandparents.”

See more photos and book here.

OBLU SELECT Sangeli ⭐️⭐️⭐️

OBLU SELECT Sangeli is an affordable family resort that proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fantastic family holiday in the Maldives.

The resort’s location by a beautiful lagoon with shallow areas makes it ideal for families with small children.

The children’s programmes are varied and include both educational outreach about protecting the marine environment and cultural experiences with local Maldivian families.

The family villas have separate children’s rooms and living rooms, so parents can get a bit of privacy.

The all-inclusive concept gives really good value for money and offers family-friendly meals with international cuisine.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability also makes it an obvious choice for environmentally conscious families, and children learn about coral reef restoration and protection of marine life.

Guests mention: “The children learned about coral reef restoration and protection of the marine environment, and we felt comfortable with the budget-friendly all-inclusive concept.”

See more photos and book here.

3. South Malé Atoll – perfect for diving and snorkelling 🐠

South Malé Atoll is the diving paradise of the Maldives, where you’ll find some of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs and incredible marine life diversity. The area is a bit more relaxed than North Malé, but still with practical access to the airport.

If you dream of underwater adventures, this is where you should stay!

South Malé Atoll has some of the most intact coral reefs in the Maldives, and the area’s diving sites are legendary amongst marine biologists and underwater photographers worldwide.

The current conditions around the atoll create perfect conditions for both beginners who want to learn to dive and experienced divers hunting the perfect shot of hammerhead sharks and mantas.

See the best hotels in South Malé Atoll here.

The atmosphere is generally significantly more relaxed than in North Malé with fewer people, less hustle and bustle and more focus on nature experiences and deep relaxation.

Many resorts here have dedicated PADI-certified diving centres with daily trips to famous spots like Cocoa Corner, where currents attract large pelagic fish, and Embudu Express, which is known for the possibility of encountering turtles.

Snorkellers also get full value for money at the shallow reefs close to the shoreline, where you can see tropical fish in all the colours of the rainbow.

The area particularly appeals to couples and adult travellers who seek a deeper connection with the ocean’s underworld and want peace to immerse themselves in nature.

The restaurant scene focuses primarily on fresh seafood and is less pompous than North Malé, but still with high culinary quality. Many resorts have their own “fish markets” where you can choose your own catch from the day’s fishing trip for dinner.

A completely unique advantage of South Malé is the islands’ orientation, which means you can often experience both sunrise and sunset from the same island, which is a rare thing in the Maldives. There’s simply nothing like a Maldivian sunset with a cocktail in hand after a whole day beneath the ocean’s surface.

Quick Info: South Malé Atoll

📍 Distance to airport: 20-60 minutes by speedboat
🚤 Transport: Speedboat or seaplane
✈️ Time to airport: 20-60 minutes
🏪 Facilities: Full resort service and specialised diving schools
💰 Price level: €€€ (3/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hotels in South Malé Atoll

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This resort is actually spread across three separate islands connected by wooden bridges, which gives a completely unique feeling of exploring a smaller archipelago.

Each island has its own character. One is dedicated to families with children, another to couples seeking romance, and the third to those who want total privacy.

The resort’s spa is built over the lagoon and offers treatments where you can see fish swimming beneath you through the glass floor.

The diving centre is one of the best in the Maldives with daily trips to over 30 different sites, including the famous Guraidhoo Corner, with exceptional good chances of seeing sharks and mantas.

The villas range from beach dwellings to spectacular overwater suites with private pools and direct access to the sea.

Previous guests particularly highlight: “We saw sharks, manta rays and sea turtles on the same diving trip, and the spa treatment over the lagoon was magical.”

See more photos and book here.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The hotel here is located on Olhuveli, which is a long, narrow island with over two kilometres of white sandy beach, which is unusually large by Maldivian standards. This gives a feeling of spaciousness and freedom that you rarely experience at other resorts.

The house reef here is simply fantastic… So close to the shore that you can snorkel directly from the beach and experience an entire coral reef ecosystem with Napoleon fish, barracuda shoals and brilliantly coloured coral formations.

The resort’s all-inclusive concept is very comprehensive and includes both premium alcohol and à la carte meals at several speciality restaurants.

There are both “beach villas” and “overwater bungalows”, so you can choose between waking up to the sound of waves on the beach or to the feeling of floating over the azure lagoon.

A guest recently wrote: “The house reef is like a living aquarium. We saw Napoleon fish and barracuda shoals just 10 metres from the beach.”

See more photos and book here.

Embudu Village ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Embudu Village is the perfect choice for those who want an authentic Maldivian experience on a budget. This is one of the smaller resorts in the Maldives with only around 120 guests at a time, which creates an intimate, almost family-like atmosphere.

The island is compact and green with a feeling of genuine island life, where everyone knows everyone after a couple of days. The house reef is famous amongst snorkellers and divers for its incredible biodiversity and the fact that it starts right at the shoreline.

The hotel is charming and simple, without compromising on comfort or style.

The all-inclusive package is reasonable and includes three meals daily as well as selected beverages.

The resort’s biggest charm lies in the relaxed atmosphere and the fact that you really feel you’re on a private tropical beach away from civilisation.

Guests particularly love: “It’s intimate and unpretentious. A bit like staying with friends who happen to own a paradise island.”

See more photos and book here.

4. Baa Atoll – UNESCO biosphere and manta rays 🌊

Baa Atoll is the Maldives’ absolute natural gem, where you can experience some of the world’s largest gatherings of manta rays.

It’s located further away from the capital, which makes transport slightly more challenging, but the nature experiences here are absolutely exceptional.

Baa Atoll is where the Maldives shows itself from its most spectacular and pristine side. As an official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the area protects some of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

See the best hotels in Baa Atoll here.

The world-famous Hanifaru Bay functions as a feeding ground for manta rays, where during the season from May to November you can snorkel with up to 200 manta rays at the same time. An experience described as life-changing by most who try it.

The atmosphere here is markedly more nature-oriented compared to other places in the Maldives. You won’t find the same concentration of resorts, but in return the quality is absolutely top-class. Think ultra-luxury combined with deep respect for the environment.

Many resorts here pioneer groundbreaking sustainability programmes and marine conservation initiatives that actually make a difference to the ecosystem.

The area primarily attracts nature lovers, luxury travellers and those who want a more authentic and educational Maldivian experience.

Visits to other local islands are very popular from here, where you can visit traditional fishing villages and experience genuine Maldivian culture through workshops in traditional crafts and cultural dining experiences that give a unique insight into the islands’ history and traditions.

The restaurant scene focuses heavily on “farm-to-table” concepts with pure ingredients grown locally on the islands themselves. Several resorts have their own organic gardens where they grow herbs, spices and vegetables for their restaurants.

It’s also here you’ll find some of the most innovative spa treatments that use local ingredients like cold-pressed coconut oil, sea minerals and even mud from the sea.

Quick Info: Baa Atoll

📍 Distance to airport: 25 minutes by seaplane
🚤 Transport: Seaplane only
✈️ Time to airport: 25 minutes
🏪 Facilities: Luxury resorts and nature reserve activities
💰 Price level: €€€€€ (5/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hotels in Baa Atoll

Soneva Fushi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Soneva Fushi is the pioneer of “barefoot luxury” and has set the standard for how to combine ultimate luxury with environmental consciousness and authenticity.

The resort’s “no shoes, no news” philosophy means you check in your shoes upon arrival and don’t get them back until you travel home.

The villas are built as private palaces hidden in the lush jungle, some up to 500 square metres with private beaches and pools.

The resort’s organic garden supplies the restaurants with fresh ingredients, and the world-famous observatory offers guided tours of the starry sky.

For families there’s a fantastic kids’ club where children learn about marine conservation and can participate in rearing programmes for sea turtles.

Previous guests particularly highlight: “We felt like privileged islanders. Our villa was larger than our home, and the children planted their own corals.”

See more photos and book here.

Finolhu Villas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Finolhu is a relatively new resort that has made a name for itself with its colourful, modern design and focus on both wellness and fun activities for the whole family. The resort’s architecture is inspired by pop art with brightly coloured villas that create a unique and Instagram-friendly atmosphere.

The restaurant offers Nordic-inspired cuisine with local ingredients, and the large lagoon is perfect for non-swimmers and children.

The resort’s spa focuses on holistic wellness with yoga pavilions over the water and treatments that combine Western techniques with traditional Maldivian healing.

There’s also a well-equipped fitness centre and a kids’ club with marine biology programmes.

A guest recently wrote: “The colourful design was so different from other resorts, and the children loved learning about coral reef restoration.”

See more photos and book here.

Dusit Thani Maldives ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This resort brings Thai hospitality and design to the Maldivian surroundings and creates a completely unique cultural experience.

The architecture is inspired by traditional Thai elements but adapted to the tropical climate with open structures and natural materials.

The spa centre offers authentic Thai treatments, including traditional Thai massage performed by certified therapists from Thailand.

The resort’s location makes it relatively affordable by Baa Atoll standards, and all-inclusive options make budgeting simple. The restaurant scene focuses on an exciting fusion between Thai and Maldivian cuisine, which gives a culinary experience you won’t find elsewhere.

Guests particularly love: “It was like getting two exotic destinations in one with Thai spa on a Maldivian paradise island.”

See more photos and book here.

5. Ari Atoll – whale shark spotting and budget-friendly resorts 🦈

Ari Atoll is the ultimate place for you who want to combine incredible encounters with local wildlife. The area is especially world-famous for its whale shark observations and offers a fantastic mix of resort categories.

Ari Atoll is the wildlife lover’s absolute paradise! This is the best place in the world to see whale sharks. These majestic giants can grow up to 12 metres long but are actually quite peaceful despite their name.

See the best hotels in Ari Atoll here.

Particularly the area around South Ari Marine Protected Area has excellent chances for year-round observations, and many resorts report success rates of over 80% on their snorkelling trips.

The atmosphere at Ari Atoll varies enormously depending on where you choose to stay. Here there are both super exclusive resorts and backpacker-friendly guesthouses on the small islands like Maafushi and Dhigurah.

“Local island hopping” is very popular from here, and you can really experience the authentic Maldives away from the resort bubble.

Like many other places in the Maldives, the diving opportunities here are world-class with over 50 named diving sites. Including the legendary Fish Head and Maaya Thila, where currents attract large pelagic fish like hammerhead sharks, eagle rays and trevally schools.

The area also offers some of the best night diving in the Maldives, where you can experience completely different species that only come out in the dark.

A big practical advantage of Ari Atoll is the enormous price diversity. You can stay at world-class luxury resorts at international prices, or you can find charming guesthouses amongst locals at a fraction of resort prices, ideal for travellers who want Maldivian paradise without emptying the bank account.

Quick Info: Ari Atoll

📍 Distance to airport: 25-30 minutes by seaplane
🚤 Transport: Seaplane or longer speedboat trip
✈️ Time to airport: 25-30 minutes
🏪 Facilities: Varied resorts, marine centres and local islands
💰 Price level: €€€ (3/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hotels in Ari Atoll

LUX South Ari Atoll ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

LUX* South Ari Atoll is located on a huge island and is actually one of the largest resorts in the Maldives with eight different restaurants and five bars, which means you can eat differently every single day for a week.

The resort’s location means you have the world’s best chances of swimming with whale sharks year-round, and the resort’s marine centre organises daily trips with almost guaranteed sightings.

The island is so large that guests get bicycles to get around, and there are both family-friendly zones with kids’ club and adults-only areas for those seeking peace.

The villas range from beach pavilions to spectacular villas with private pools and water slides directly into the lagoon.

Previous guests particularly highlight: “We swam with whale sharks in the morning and ate Michelin-level food in the evening.”

See more photos and book here.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lily Beach is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort that has specialised in culinary experiences and wellness.

The resort’s all-inclusive concept is one of the most comprehensive in the Maldives and includes all food and drink and even treatments in the spa.

The house reef is exceptional and starts right at the shoreline with drop-off just 20 metres from the coast, which makes it perfect for both snorkelling and diving.

The resort’s spa is located on a separate small island connected by a wooden bridge and offers treatments over the lagoon with panoramic views.

The five speciality restaurants range from Japanese teppanyaki to Italian fine dining, all included in the all-inclusive package. So completely opposite to traditional all-inclusive where you can easily get tired of the selection at the hotel.

A guest recently wrote: “The all-inclusive concept was so comprehensive that we didn’t have to think about money once, and the food was surprisingly varied and refined.”

See more photos and book here.

Arena Beach Hotel Maafushi ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Arena Beach is located on the small, local island of Maafushi and gives you a completely authentic Maldivian experience on a budget.

The hotel is run by a local family who have lived on the island for generations, and guests really become part of the local community, far from the traditional Maldivian resort experience.

Maafushi follows local standards where swimwear such as bikinis is not allowed. However, the hotel has a lovely “bikini beach” reserved for tourists, whilst the rest of the island gives insight into daily life for Maldivian traditions.

From the hotel you can easily book whale shark snorkelling trips, island hopping and cultural experiences like cooking courses with local families.

The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable, and the restaurant serves authentic Maldivian food made with ingredients fished and grown locally.

Guests particularly love: “We lived side by side with local families and learned to make traditional Maldivian fish curry with coconut milk.”

See more photos and book here.

6. Lhaviyani Atoll – peaceful and authentic archipelago 🌴

Lhaviyani Atoll is one of the least developed atolls in the Maldives, where you’ll find genuine Maldivian peace and some of the most authentic island experiences. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and experience the Maldives as they were decades ago without the big tourism.

The islands are spread considerably further across the large atoll, which gives a feeling of having your very own private paradise. It’s the perfect place for a “digital detox” and for those who want to reconnect with nature and themselves.

See the best hotels in Lhaviyani Atoll here.

The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed. Imagine fewer resorts, more untouched nature and an authentic island vibe where the rush of the modern world simply doesn’t exist.

Fishing is still the primary livelihood here, so you really experience how traditional Maldivian island culture functions in practice.

When it comes to wildlife, Lhaviyani Atoll has great biodiversity both on land and at sea.

The birdlife is exceptionally rich with many rare species, and the coral reefs are less affected by climate change than in the more touristy areas.

It’s also an excellent area for underwater photography because the small number of tourists means marine life is less shy and easier to get close to.

You can also participate in traditional fishing trips with local families, learn traditional craft techniques like palm weaving, or just hang out with the locals who are used to few tourists and are therefore extraordinarily hospitable and interested in sharing their culture.

Quick Info: Lhaviyani Atoll

📍 Distance to airport: 40 minutes by seaplane
🚤 Transport: Seaplane
✈️ Time to airport: 40 minutes
🏪 Facilities: Boutique resorts and authentic local islands
💰 Price level: €€€ (3/5)
👮 Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Hotels in Lhaviyani Atoll

Atmosphere Kanifushi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Atmosphere Kanifushi is a stylish resort for adults seeking peace, pampering and Maldivian elegance in naturally beautiful surroundings.

Here the stay is about enjoyment in its most relaxed form. The comprehensive “Kanifushi Plan” in their all-inclusive concept includes not only gourmet meals and all types of beverages but also wine and cocktail tastings, free excursions and access to wellness experiences.

The spa lies peacefully amongst the coconut palms and offers holistic treatments in surroundings that almost force one to completely switch off.

The lagoon is shallow and calm, which makes it ideal for slow snorkelling and quiet water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

The island’s size means you can always find a secluded spot, either along the white sandy beach or in the lush tropical garden.

The “Sunset Beach” villas offer privacy, spaciousness and direct access to the shoreline, whilst the overwater villas raise the romance with unobstructed views over the open sea.

Guests particularly love: “There was a quiet luxury about everything. We were served sushi on the beach and drank wine in the jacuzzi at sunset without thinking about the bill.”

See more photos and book here.

Kuredu Island Resort ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kuredu is located on one of the Maldives’ largest islands with a full 1.5 kilometres of uninterrupted sandy beach and is actually so large that there’s a proper golf course on the island.

The resort’s size means there’s room for incredibly many different activities and facilities: tennis, badminton, football, volleyball and even a spa department with Ayurvedic treatments.

The accommodation options vary from traditional beach huts to modern villas, which makes the resort suitable for many different budgets.

The resort’s house reef is also enormous and stretches all the way around the island, which means you can snorkel from almost any beach and experience different marine life depending on where you go into the water.

A guest recently wrote: “I swam with turtles and rays right by the beach in front. Such an experience for life.”

See more photos and book here.

Where not to stay in the Maldives?

Although the Maldives are generally incredibly safe and welcoming to tourists, there are some areas and island types that I would recommend considering very carefully before booking:

Remote outer atolls without developed tourism infrastructure can be difficult to travel to for ordinary tourists. In areas like the southern Gaafu or Seenu Atoll there are only a few resorts, and transport options are limited.

This means that flight and boat transfers can be cancelled in bad weather, and there are rarely alternative solutions. Should an emergency arise, evacuation can be both complicated and extremely expensive.

Local islands without established tourism also require great cultural understanding and respect. On islands with conservative Islamic traditions there are typically bans on alcohol, requirements for modest clothing and a very limited range of activities.

This naturally needn’t be problematic, but can come as a surprise if you’re expecting a classic tropical holiday. Be particularly aware of areas like Himmafushi and Hulhumalé.

Cheap guesthouses can be disappointing for those who dream of the luxurious Maldives atmosphere. Here there’s often overcrowding, noise from construction and limited access to proper beaches, which can ruin the experience. Be especially mindful around the areas of Maafushi, Hulhumalé and Guraidhoo.

Resorts under renovation or on islands with ongoing construction should also be avoided. The Maldives has been under rapid development for many years. Therefore, there’s constantly building and expansion on many islands.

A good rule of thumb is to stick to the more established atolls mentioned here in the article and hotels with good reviews.

Have a lovely time planning your trip to paradise.

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