Where to Stay in the Maldives: Which Island is Best for You?

The Maldives islands are known for their undisputed beauty – the glaringly white sands, turquoise waters and swaying palms are a true picture of paradise.

Even better, each resort is set on its own, secluded private island. Cast far away from any unwanted disruptions, you're free to enjoy the thriving coral reefs, luxury retreats, exquisite spas and divine dining in total peace.

The only problem you might run into is choosing where to stay. Luckily, our Travel Specialists know the Indian Ocean inside out, and know exactly where to go to find the most luxurious spots. We offer a range of options for luxury Maldives holidays.

Take a look at their first-hand recommendations for the best islands in the Maldives…

Which is the best area to stay in the Maldives?

You’ve probably heard all about the different atolls you can stay at in the Maldives. While they’re all beautiful, one of the best is Baa Atoll. Just a 35-minute seaplane from Male, it’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering incredible diving. The North Male Atoll also boats plenty of diving sites, while the Raa Atoll is one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world.

For more Maldives inspiration, see 5 of the Most Stunning Overwater Villas to Stay at in the Maldives.

The Best Islands in the Maldives

1. Amilla Maldives

Best island for: A foodie’s favourite

Location: Baa Atoll

What’s it like?

If good food is key to making you feel amazing, Amilla Maldives is the best island for you.

One of the largest islands in the Maldives, this private paradise has seven exceptional restaurants to choose from, including a pizza oven set on the beach and exciting Japanese fusion cuisine served in an overwater setting. You can dress up if you want to celebrate something special, sit with your toes in the sand or even dine in your own private pool – the options are endless and entirely up to you.

Even better, absolutely everyone is catered to with dedicated vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and low carb menus available across all restaurants – you can even get the most out of your sundowner with a probiotic cocktail! To feel truly nourished, the Wellness Your Way programme takes a holistic approach to your meals, with new dining venue, Chill’d, offering fresh food to make you feel good from inside out.

2. Baros, Maldives

Best island for: Snorkelling and diving

Location: North Male Atoll

What’s it like?

There are so many islands that are brilliant for diving and snorkelling in the Maldives, though Baros, Maldives could well be the best.

With a house reef just 20m from shore, and dozens of world-renowned dive sites less than an hour away, there’s an incredible underwater world to explore right at your doorstep. You can delve into the depths to explore a sunken shipwreck, take a tour around the reef or even embark on a fluorescent night snorkelling experience from the PADI five-star Gold Palm Dive Centre.

If you have a real passion for marine life, you can even sponsor your own coral frame. With transplanted coral given a chance to thrive and provide a new home for the fish and endangered sea life, it’s the perfect legacy to leave behind.

3. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Best island for: Beautiful beaches

Location: Baa Atoll

What’s it like?

The Maldives is famed for being one of the top places in the world for finding beautiful beaches. So, where to find the best place to stay to enjoy them at their best?

We recommend the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Sitting in the midst of the Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this resort sprawls along a 2km lagoon and swathes of pristine white sands.

You’ll be able to savour your stunning surroundings from the fabulous Blu Beach Club. Set just steps from the sand, you can hang out from breakfast to dinner, where you’ll be in the perfect spot to catch the most incredible sunset view. With a fibre-optic ‘constellation’ pool, tree-top dining, private cabanas and a divine pizza bar, this is the best place to stay to get the most out of the Maldives' beaches.

""This is one of my personal favourite hotels. You’ll arrive in style on board the resort’s private seaplane before setting foot on the most beautiful stretch of white sand I’ve ever seen! Be sure to head down to the Marine Discovery Centre for diving lessons, to learn about the turtle rehabilitation and grow your own piece of coral, which the resort will send you updates on long after you’ve left the island."" - Holly, Sales Manager

4. Milaidhoo

Best island for: Honeymoons and romance

Location: Baa Atoll

What’s it like?

In a setting simply made for romance, the Maldives is the place to go for an escape for two. And, for the best island, we suggest staying at Milaidhoo island.

This private island resort is adult-focussed, offering a peaceful and grown-up atmosphere for couples. It’s one of the smaller island resorts, meaning you can enjoy a boutique-feeling holiday without being disturbed.

The villas here offer pure luxury, with their fourth wall removed to offer the most incredible 180-degree views of the ocean. With an overwater spa, daily yoga sessions and a selection of watersports, couples may well find their favourite place to stay in the Maldives right here.

5. Huvafen Fushi

Best island for: 5-star spa experience

Location: North Male Atoll

What’s it like?

For ultimate relaxation, the Maldives is perhaps unbeatable. Aside from miles of undisturbed beaches to unwind on, there are also plenty of exceptional spas.

One of the best islands in the Maldives for a spa and wellness experience is Huvafen Fushi. The resort boasts the world’s first underwater spa treatment rooms, where you can relax with views of the reef and marine life, along with tranquil overwater pavilions.

Among the spa services, you can book yourself a facial designed by celebrity skincare specialist, Teresa Tarmey, or a massage created by renowned expert, Beata Aleksandrowicz. Visiting practitioners also stop by the island, while private yoga classes and tailored programmes can be also be arranged, too.

6. JOALI Maldives

Best island for: Laidback luxury

Location: Raa Atoll

What’s it like?

The Maldives islands are renowned as one of the most luxurious beach destinations you can find. But, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy the laidback vibe you might crave from a holiday. Plenty of islands have an optional ‘no shoes’ policy, giving you the chance to completely switch off from the rest of the world.

JOALI Maldives offers one of the best balances of laidback luxury. While undoubtedly 5-star, you can still kick off your shoes and chill out on this private island paradise. To explore, your butler can whizz you around in a buggy, or you can take your own bike for a ride.

The dining is certainly worth mentioning here, too. There’s so much to choose from, from teppanyaki to fine dining and family-style feasts. You can even visit Her Kitchen and learn how to cook authentic Maldivian recipes for yourself.

Learn more about the hotel's art collection here: The 10 Best Hotels for Art Lovers

JOALI Maldives

---

---

7. OZEN Reserve Bolifushi

Best island for: Ocean activities and marine life

Location: South Male Atoll

What’s it like?

The Maldives is known for its stunning ocean that surround the islands, and South Male Atoll boasts options to invite you to explore them. At OZEN Reserve Bolifushi, there are numerous options available for you to explore the vibrant ocean from suites with slides into the ocean to five-star PADI diving centre offering lessons and excursions.

When you’re not enjoying the thrilling allure of watersports, you can immerse in luxury on land. Spend your days savouring delicious flavours at the five different restaurants, indulging in an organic spa treatment and even trying your hand at gold on the driving range.

---

 

8. One&Only Reethi Rah

Best island for: Ocean activities and natural beauty

Location: North Malé Atoll

What’s it like?

Lose yourself in island paradise at this sumptuous retreat. One&Only Reethi Rah offers a unique experience to your luxurious stay, where you can take up exploring the beautiful spots and curious secret sanctuaries of the island. Soak up the tranquillity of North Malé Atoll, and end your days indulging in a fine dining experience at the resort. Take your pick from a menu that offers everything from contemporary Japanese to a la carte Arabian cuisine.

Niyama Private Islands

Best island for: Families

What's it like?

Located in the stunning North Dhaalu Atoll, Niyama Private Islands offers the ultimate family experience. Relax into shared luxury with multi-bedroom options as your home-from-home while you explore the resort, together or solo. Kids can enjoy action-packed days at the Kids Club, while teens can spend an afternoon using the golf and football simulator or mastering the waves at the surf school. Adults can indulge in a treatment at the spa, work out at the PUMP gym, or embrace a date night at the 3D Silent Cinema (the first in the Maldives).  

Looking for something different?

While all the islands may share the scene breathtaking scenery, they do all have their own unique offering.

If you want something a little different, we have plenty of ideas to inspire you.

If you stay at Soneva Jani, you can sit out under the stars to watch a film in the outdoor cinema. Your overwater villa even has a retractable roof, so you can gaze at the night sky from bed, or you could visit the overwater observatory for a private dining experience.

If you think you might miss the green of the fairways in the Maldives, take a look at Velaa Private Island. This unique resort has it's own golf course - could there be a more beautiful setting to tee off?

More Inspiration:

Christmas in the Maldives: Where to Go & What to Expect

7 of the Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Unlimited Luxury in the Maldives

8 Irresistible Islands & Resorts in the Maldives for Couples

If you'd like to find out more about the best places to stay in the Maldives, you can contact us to speak to our Travel Specialists.

For more latest travel news, guides and to hear our latest offers, sign up to our newsletter.