WHERE TO STAY IN THE MALDIVES

Where is the best atoll to stay in the Maldives?

A great holiday destination, the Maldives combines the thrill of stunning beaches with the awe of beautiful mountains. Famous for its world-class diving and gorgeous beaches, the islands of the Maldives are great for those looking to enjoy an exotic, sun-filled holiday. On these islands, honeymooners, young families and backpackers will find amazing activities to create memorable experiences. Indeed, with its exquisite and unrivalled luxury, stunning white-sand beaches and an amazing underwater world, the Maldives is an obvious choice for a true holiday of a lifetime. It’s not surprising that honeymooners and those seeking a glamorous tropical getaway have long had the Maldives at the top of their wish lists.

The Maldives boasts the distinction of having every resort owning its own private island; and with several such resorts, there will be no problem finding a great place to stay. Nevertheless, deciding where to stay in the Maldives can be a confusing decision. However, the attributes of the major islands should go a far way in helping with your decision. For a fast paced, island style paradise, Kaafu Atoll is certainly the place to be. If you prefer experiencing marine life action on the open sea, then Haa Alifu is the best option. For a less active, but pristine marine scene that includes an excellent diving and snorkeling sites, Southern Ari Atoll and Lhaviyani Atoll are sought after by many. Lhaviyani is particularly well known for its fishing activities.

BEST HOTELS IN THE MALDIVES
Hotel	Price per night
Cocoa Island by COMO Cocoa Island, Makunufushi	1276€ - 1,493$
Constance Halaveli Halaveli Island	1394€ - 1,631$
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa South Male Atoll	956€ - 1,119$
Naladhu Resort Maldives Veligandu Huraa	1221€ - 1,429$
Kurumba Maldives Vihamanafushi	417€ - 488$
LUX* Maldives Dhidhoofinolhu island RECOMMENDED / BEST VALUE	399€ - 467$
Baros Maldives Baros island	784€ - 917$
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives Lankanfushi Island	1857€ - 2,173$
Constance Moofushi Moofushi island	1124€ - 1,315$

If you are interested in where to stay in the Maldives, you may also be interested in where to stay in Bali and where to stay in Fiji.

Best islands to stay in the Maldives

Kaafu Atoll

Kaafu Atoll is the traditional name given to the centrally located natural atolls of the Maldives more commonly known as Malé Atoll. In Kaafu, visitors enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving and soaking in the sun’s warm rays. Beyond those typical amusements, ou can choose to fly above the gorgeous islands and gain a bird’s eye view of the Maldives, cruise alongside dolphins or enjoy a sense of peace with morning yoga on the beach.

Kaafu is a fast paced island. Arriving here on speedboat, visitors sail across the open seas to see the active reefs, sprawling white sand beaches and endless warm turquoise waters. Once off the water, the island is a fitting escape from all the action. There are several picturesque hangout spots including nature trails and gardens. In addition there are several extravagant restaurants specializing in cuisines from Indian to Italian. In fact, several will facilitate their guests simply lounge on the beach while indulging in a private dinner.

Haa Alifu Atoll

Haa Alifu is all about action, marine action that is. Life is all about the ocean here. Snorkeling, diving and other water sports are enjoyed by tourist and locals alike. With crystal clear waters packed with marine life, snorkeling is excellent here. Moreover, there are plenty of large pelagic species surrounding this atoll, rendering it one of the most exciting places in the underwater world to dive. Skimping below the surface, you will witness blackfin barracudas, Spanish mackerels and other schools of fish as well as beautiful coral that decorate the shallower portion of the reefs. Parting the waters, schools of snappers, Andaman sweetlips and manta rays will swirl past you. There are over 40 accessible dive sites, complete with reefs, rainbow-bright coral, and sunken wrecks raising the bar for divers and snorkelers.

Diving deep below the surface, there is much to discover including blue mantas and leopard sharks. Even further below the surface, you will find redtooth triggerfish, snappers, fusiliers and the popular Maadhoo Wreck.

Southern Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll is one of the major natural atoll chains within the Maldives. It is one of the largest atolls and is located in the west of the archipelago. The South Ari Atoll is made up of 50-odd small islands, scattered within the cyan waters with only 20 of them inhibited for tourist resorts. Interestingly enough, each of these isles has its own personality, but they are all complete with luxurious settings.

This island is about exploration. Excursions offer exploring the land as well as the ocean. The picturesque beaches offer ideal settings for lounging, snorkeling and diving. Along with Haa Alifu Atoll, this picturesque atoll is considered to have some of the best dive sites in the Maldives. Here, exploring the world under the surface is one of the most enjoyed pastimes as stunning marine life can be witnessed by divers, including sharks and manta rays. By extension, there are several deserted shores, where you can explore the ruins from ancient Buddhist and Hindu settlements. Indeed, this island hides plenty of its treasures offshore.

Lhaviyani Atoll

Lhaviyani Atoll is one of the most popular Maldives Atolls for sophisticated vacationers looking for a relaxing beach holiday. The main attraction here is scuba diving; however guests also enjoy rejuvenating spas, playing golf at one of the top courses or simply lounging on one of the beaches.

For travellers interested in fishing, Lhaviyani will not disappoint as fishing is the main industry here. On the capital island, Naifaru, the locals have a widespread reputation for making various attractive handicrafts from coral and mother-of-pearl. As such, it’s also a great place to find exquisite trinkets that will serve as memorable souvenirs.