Comprising 26 atolls, the Maldives consists of over 1,200 islands – some buzzing and full of life, others placid and uninhabited. But for the first-time traveler to this paradisiacal chain of coral-formed islands, where to begin?
Not to fear – we’ve selected five must-visit Maldives destinations that will let you experience all that the ocean-bound country has to offer. From adventurous scuba sessions and local culture to supremely indulgent resorts, there’s more to do than lie on the beach (though that’s lovely too). As the nights grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to make a break for the Maldives.
North Malé Atoll
The North Malé Atoll is in the heart of the Maldives © Vivanta by Taj
The North Malé Atoll is in the heart of the Maldives: host to the country’s main international airport, and by the far the largest city in the island chain, Malé is one of the best Maldives destinations for a taste of local culture. Discover the compelling National Museum, as well as the historic Old Friday Mosque, which dates to 1656; Himmafushi is also a popular island in the atoll, and is known for its shopping. While North Malé may be more developed than other outcroppings in the Maldives, travelers can still find pillowy white sand and turquoise waters – the Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef offers a luxurious retreat that’s a speed boat ride away from the airport.
South Malé Atoll
The South Malé Atoll is accessible but less settled than the neighbouring North Malé Atoll © haveseen/iStock/Thinkstock
Like its cousin to the north, the South Malé Atoll is also centrally located, accessible to outside visitors (many resorts are just a 45-minute boat trip from the airport), and with its own panorama of stunning sights. Less urban than North Malé, South Malé is, among Maldives destinations, known in particular for its high-end resorts that occupy otherwise uninhabited islands. When you’re not sunning yourself or paddling in the lagoon, diving is the order of the day – the Kuda Giri sunken ship attracts many wreck divers, while a number of natural caves host a huge array of colorful marine life.
Addu Atoll
The Addu Atoll is the southernmost of all of the Maldives atolls © Shangri-La Hotels
The southernmost of all the Maldives atolls (and technically located across the equator in the southern hemisphere), the Addu Atoll hosts luxury resorts, stunning, uninhabited islands, and the second most populous settlement in the country. Gan Island, the largest in the chain, hosts an airport and is a primary hub, though those after respite can make their way to the Shangri La Villingili on neighbouring Villingili Island.
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
The Ayada Maldives resort in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is ideal for those looking to disappear for a while © Ayada Maldives
For those looking to disappear into total tranquillity while discovering the most idyllic islands in the Maldives, the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is one of the best Maldives destinations. Quiet and geographically isolated, it hosts the Ayada Maldives resort, which offers a spa alongside diving and water sports. When you’re not getting active, explore beyond the resort: this atoll is also known for its ancient Buddhist ruins.
Baa Atoll
The Baa Atoll is a UNESCO site as well as a luxury haven © alisonteale24/iStock/Thinkstock
Not only a haven for lovers of all things luxury, Baa Atoll is also a UNESCO site: this attractive atoll, which is actually a larger grouping of three smaller atolls, is also a World Biosphere Reserve. What that means is that it qualifies as “an area of natural excellence recognised for its unique harmony between man and nature.” When visiting the island, then, diving is a must: swim past friendly whale sharks, float past rays, and take in the colorful coral.
