There’s a reason the Maldives shows up on almost every “bucket list” article going, and having finally seen it for myself, I completely understand why. Made up of over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, this is a country where the water genuinely does look Photoshopped, even when it isn’t.
If you’ve been looking into Maldives holidays, deciding where to stay can be one of the trickiest parts of planning a trip. From tiny local islands and world-class diving spots to luxury resorts and the bustling capital, there’s far more to the Maldives than overwater villas alone.
In no particular order, here are ten places to consider for your Maldives itinerary.
1. Malé
Many visitors pass straight through Malé on their way to a resort island, but the Maldivian capital offers a completely different experience to the peaceful islands the country is famous for.
Compact, colourful and densely populated, it’s a fascinating place to spend a few hours discovering another side to the Maldives. Among its best-known historic sights is the Old Friday Mosque, or Hukuru Miskiy, which dates back to the 17th century.
Velana International Airport is actually located on neighbouring Hulhulé Island, with the Sinamalé Bridge connecting the airport area with Malé and Hulhumalé.
2. Vaadhoo Island
Vaadhoo is best known for the natural phenomenon often referred to as the “Sea of Stars”, whereby bioluminescent organisms can cause parts of the shoreline to glow blue after dark.
As a natural phenomenon, sightings aren’t guaranteed, so it’s worth managing your expectations rather than planning an entire trip around seeing it. Vaadhoo is also an inhabited local island, offering a very different atmosphere to staying at a private island resort.
3. Baa Atoll
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, Baa Atoll is particularly renowned for its marine life.
One of its biggest draws is Hanifaru Bay, where seasonal concentrations of plankton can attract large numbers of manta rays, particularly during the southwest monsoon period. Access is carefully managed to protect the environment, making this somewhere you’ll want to research and plan ahead if seeing manta rays is high on your Maldives wish list.
4. Addu Atoll
At the southern end of the Maldives, Addu Atoll feels distinctly different from some of the country’s better-known central atolls.
Gan Island has an interesting connection to British military history, while the wider atoll offers opportunities for diving, snorkelling and exploring islands that see fewer international visitors than many of the Maldives’ main tourism hotspots.
Several of Addu’s inhabited islands are also connected by roads and causeways, making it possible to explore more of the area without relying entirely on boats.
5. Fulhadhoo Island
If you’re tempted by the idea of swapping a private resort for a smaller inhabited island, Fulhadhoo is well worth considering.
The island is known for its white-sand beaches, clear water and laid-back atmosphere, while its guesthouse accommodation can make it a more affordable way to experience the Maldives.
As with other inhabited islands, visitors should be aware of local customs around dress. Designated bikini beaches allow tourists to wear conventional swimwear, while more modest clothing is appropriate elsewhere on the island.
6. Rasdhoo Atoll
For keen divers, Rasdhoo Atoll has plenty going for it. The area is known for its varied marine life and popular dive sites, with the possibility of spotting everything from sharks and rays to turtles and colourful reef fish depending on conditions and the season.
Staying on a local island can also provide a more affordable base for arranging diving, kayaking and snorkelling excursions than some private island resorts.
7. Hulhumalé
Built on reclaimed land close to Malé and Velana International Airport, Hulhumalé makes for a practical place to spend either your first or final night in the Maldives.
Alongside its convenient location, you’ll find a long stretch of beach, cafés, restaurants and plenty of accommodation. It’s particularly handy if you have an early flight, and don’t want to factor a lengthy speedboat or seaplane transfer into your departure plans.
8. Ari Atoll
Ari Atoll is one of the Maldives’ best-known regions for diving and snorkelling, with South Ari Atoll particularly associated with whale shark encounters.
The area also offers an enormous choice of accommodation, from local-island guesthouses to high-end private resorts. If marine life is one of the main reasons you’re visiting the Maldives, it’s certainly an area worth researching when deciding where to base yourself.
As always with wildlife, sightings can never be guaranteed, so I’d be wary of any excursion promising a definite encounter.
9. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Rangali Island
If there’s one dining experience that sums up the Maldives’ flair for doing things differently, it just might be Ithaa.
Located at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Ithaa opened in 2005 and sits around five metres beneath the surface, with its curved transparent structure providing panoramic views of the surrounding marine life.
Unsurprisingly, dining here doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for a memorable meal to build into a special trip, eating beneath the Indian Ocean is certainly difficult to top.
10. Maafushi
Maafushi has played an important role in the growth of local-island tourism in the Maldives and remains a popular choice for travellers who want to experience the country without staying exclusively at private resorts.
There’s a wide choice of guesthouses, restaurants and excursions, with snorkelling trips, sandbank visits, watersports and dolphin-watching tours among the activities typically available.
It’s busier and more developed for tourism than some smaller local islands, but that can make it a convenient choice if you want plenty of options without the price tag associated with a luxury resort.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The dry season, generally running from around November to April, is traditionally considered the most popular time to visit the Maldives, with plenty of sunshine and lower rainfall. Unsurprisingly, this can also mean higher prices, particularly around Christmas, New Year and other popular travel periods.
Travelling outside peak season can mean better-value accommodation and packages, although the weather can be less predictable. If your dates are flexible, it’s worth comparing different months rather than assuming you need to travel at the height of the dry season.
Booking a Maldives holiday
Choosing where to stay is only one part of planning a Maldives trip. Transfers are particularly important, as getting from the international airport to your chosen island might involve a speedboat, domestic flight or seaplane.
If you prefer to have everything organised together, specialist providers can be worth checking for packages combining flights and accommodation. Just make sure you understand exactly what’s included, particularly when it comes to resort transfers, baggage allowances and meal plans.
It’s also worth checking the latest entry requirements and travel information through official sources before departure, as these can change.
For more background on the country’s geography and history, the Maldives entry on Wikipedia is a solid starting point, while the official Visit Maldives tourism board site provides up-to-date entry requirements and seasonal information worth checking before you book.
Whether you’re drawn to the marine life of Baa and Ari Atolls, the local-island atmosphere of Maafushi and Fulhadhoo, or simply want to switch off at a private resort, there’s much more variety to the Maldives than you might expect.
Which part of the Maldives would be at the top of your list? And if you’ve already been, which island or atoll would you recommend to someone planning their first trip?