Discover Some of the Most Spectacular Islands in the Maldives

Find out more about this awe-inspiring archipelago...

The Maldives is the ultimate paradise destination of the world, home to a number of idyllic islands with the finest of white sands, lush swaying palms and pristine lagoons. As much as what the islands of the Maldives offer is similar, no two are the same; each one caters for different travel makers. Whether you’re looking for the best all-inclusive getaway, a world-class water sports adventure, a honeymoon of a lifetime or an exciting family getaway, we’ve highlighted some extra special Maldivian islands below, along with their exclusive resorts.

Best for Encountering Marine Life

Biyadhoo
Set in the South Malé Atoll, Biyadhoo is an attractive island fringed by a beautiful lagoon, boasting gorgeous beaches and tropical foliage. Biyadhoo is famed for having the best house reef in the Maldives which allows you the chance to get up close to tropical fish, rays, turtles and reef sharks, and is therefore very popular with divers and snorkelers. The world-class PADI dive school is located here at the Biyadhoo Island Resort, the island’s signature accommodation which also offers guests other fun water activities, and after all the fun you can take advantage of the resort’s rejuvenating on-site spa.

Helengeli Island
The incredible island of Helengeli is situated in the North Malé Atoll, home to your typical Maldives-style powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and tropical greenery. This island is also famed for its house reef, which is home to the likes of coral, giant sea turtles, lobsters and silver-tipped sharks. OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli is the island’s resort, a stylish and vibrant accommodation with motorised and non-motorised water sports facilities and a fantastic PADI diving school run my multilingual experts, offering experiences for all skill levels, as well as a spa. There are many great diving sites within easy reach of Helengeli.

Best for Honeymoons & Romantic Getaways

Maafushivaru
Maafushivaru has got to be one of the most beautiful Maldivian islands, with glistening beaches and exotic vegetation. Set on the South Ari Atoll, the island is just 350m in length and can be walked across in under 20 minutes, so has that small island charm. Maafushivaru Maldives is the island’s modern resort, which has thatched-roof water villas surrounded by picture-perfect settings, with private infinity pools by the beach, authentic Maldivian touches, barefoot luxury, world-class services and a romantic overwater restaurant. From here you can visit Lonubo, a deserted sister island and stay at the ultra-exclusive Lonubo Jacuzzi Beach Villa for the night, just you and your significant other.

Kandolhu
Kandolhu is a serene little island in the North Ari Atoll with a beautiful onset of greenery, and it’s surrounded by coral reefs and powder-white sands, making the perfect setting for a romantic trip with maximum privacy. Though little, there is a great choice of leisure options here that you would expect from a larger island. Kandolhu is renowned for its breath-taking sunsets and its colourful house reef where you can spot turtles and baby sharks. Kandolhu Maldives is the signature resort here with the intimacy of just 30 villas, including Ocean Pool Villas which are reached via a private walkway. Dine at the hotel’s à la carte restaurant or treat yourself to a private dinner on the beach.

Best for Families with Children

Kurumba
Kurumba is set just a 10 minute speedboat ride from Malé airport, instantly making it more convenient for those travelling with young children who can reach their destination quickly after the long flight. This island is just as beautiful as others with its turquoise lagoon, coconut palms and pristine beaches, and its Kurumba Maldives Resort offers everything you could want and need on a family getaway, including spacious rooms, a great choice of restaurants, children’s menus, a kid’s club for 4-13 year olds, children’s pools, baby/toddler facilities and plenty of games, sports activities and entertainment. A favourite for families with great hospitality, as well as luxury.

Kanuhura
This tropical island has abundant natural beauty and offers laid-back luxury. There is no house reef at Kanuhura, but the island has excellent access to some amazing underwater sites. The Kanuhura Resort is a very child friendly hotel on the island with a host of fun activities and entertainment options. There’s a floating water park, incredible water sports, a splash pool with a waterfall and a wooden jungle gym. Adults can indulge in signature cocktails and children can enjoy activities such as chocolate making classes, scavenger hunts, movie nights and arts and crafts classes. There are special menus for children here with classics such as nuggets and pizza, and an activity programme suited for teenagers. A bonus is that kids under 12 stay free!

Best Islands for Luxury

Baros
Baros is definitely one of the most picture-perfect islands in the Maldives offering the ultimate luxury escape. This tiny coral island is located quite close to the Maldivian capital Malé in the North Malé Atoll, and the resort here was one of the first ever to open. It’s small and intimate, offering utmost exclusivity, simplicity and privacy, with dedicated villas offering deluxe facilities and bespoke travel experiences, as well as uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. There’s a deluxe spa on site with private couple’s suites, as well as gourmet restaurants, a chic lounge serving canapes and cocktails, options for dinner cruises, private dining experiences and gorgeous sunset views.

Emboodhu Finolhu Island
The private island of Emboodhu Finolhu is set just a 15 minute speedboat ride from Malé airport on the South Malé Atoll, and is simply breath-taking, set in the midst of one of the world’s largest natural lagoons and surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, colourful coral reefs and exotic flora and flora. The ultra-luxurious 5-star Taj Exotica Resort & Spa on the island is often boasted by the rich and famous, featuring 84 sea-view thatched-roof over water villas  and suites with private infinity pools and open-air showers, as well as private dining options, an Indian-inspired spa and personal butler services. We currently have a fantastic holiday package to the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa.

Which island sounds like your cup of tea? Will you be visiting the Maldives this year?