Best Maldives Islands
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Which is the Best Island in Maldives for You

Going on vacation after a while brings about a child-like excitement, especially if you’ve already picked out your country. France, Turkey, Bali, these are all excellent places that provide breathtaking and unforgettable experiences at their most fantastic locations. So many options to choose from to the point where it spoils you.

Let’s say you chose Maldives as your holiday destination. A sea of unrivalled beauty with scattered islands that holds peace, romance and serenity in its purest form. 

With its 26 atolls and 1,190 islands (with only 200 islands being inhabited), it can be tough to choose where exactly you want to go, especially when you’re trying to figure out the best island in Maldives. And with so many islands & resorts offering a fantasy-vacation, it all comes down to your own preferences.

Finding The Best Island In The Maldives For You

Maldives from above
Maldives from above – Photo Credit: Asad Photo Maldives via Pexels

Out of the 200 islands that are inhabited, 112 of those islands were developed as resorts for tourism, while the rest are either in use for agricultural purposes, they’re uninhabited or they serve other purposes for the people of Maldives.

Each of those 112 islands serves their guests with hospitality and luxurious facilities & amenities. They offer a variety of experiences which range from watersports, diving, cultural experiences and more.

Due to this, the best island in Maldives for you can only be chosen in conjunction with what you like.

How do you want to spend your vacation? What is it that you want to do with your hard-earned time off? MadlyMaldives is here to help you find the best island in Maldives that compliments you in every way.

Best Island in Maldives for Honeymooners: Romantic Retreats

You and your partner are about to get married and both of you are riding a wave of happiness like no other. You both picked Maldives as a honeymoon destination but are having trouble deciding which island exactly you want to go to. Let us help you out with our 3 best islands in Maldives for honeymoons!

1. Milaidhoo Island

Milaidhoo Island Maldives
Milaidhoo Island from above – Photo Credit: Milaidhoo Island Maldives

Milaidhoo Island is located at Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The underwater world in these parts is one of the best in the country, with its vibrant colours and diverse marine life. On the island sits Milaidhoo Island Maldives, a five-star romantic getaway that may be small in size but is big on everything else. 

The island is a mere 300m by 180m with only 50 villas (beach & overwater options available), making privacy & peace abundant and a top priority. The resort places a lot of emphasis on romance and especially honeymoons with their Perfect Honeymoon Package, which includes the following:

  • Get a star named and copyrighted after you, where it’ll be officially put on record along with the coordinates so that you can find it wherever it may be.
  • Receive a complimentary 60-minute spa treatment for you and your significant other.
  • Enjoy a candlelit dinner spanning three-courses on the deck of your villa.
  • A bath laden with scented oils & flower petals, chocolates & a bottle of champagne awaits after dinner.
  • The in-house chef will take the time to personally craft a special cake commemorating your honeymoon.

Aside from this, Milaidhoo Island Maldives is an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. The island’s coral reef surrounds the outer lining of the entire island and is a protected area. Almost untouched by human hands, the underwater world that surrounds the island is a dream to explore.

2. Dhonakulhi Island

Dhonakulhi Island Maldives
Dhonakulhi Island from above – Photo Credit: Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Maldives

Dhonakulhi Island is located at Haa Alifu Atoll, which is up North. The island is shaped in a beautiful crescent, overlooking a cerulean, crystal clear lagoon. And nestled in this lagoon is Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Maldives

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Maldives is a five-star resort with a variety of accommodation options (9 types of villas spread across 101 suites along with a variety of residences), five dining options and a plethora of facilities ranging from fun activities above and below water to relaxation in the spa on a warm, sunny day. Whether you and your partner want to spend your vacation on the beach or overwater, Hideaway has got you covered.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Maldives also has a honeymoon package that brings with it quite a bit of benefits, such as:

  • A daily fruit basket to enjoy in your villa.
  • A bottle of champagne, canapes for two and a mini wedding cake upon arrival.
  • A candlelit dinner for two.
  • An evening turn-down service with emphasis on romance.

If that isn’t enough, the Hideaway Spa has a ‘Couple Connection’ treatment where you and your partner indulge yourselves in a body scrub, a massage, a body mask and a flower bath. Deepen your connection during your honeymoon with Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Maldives.

3. Meerufenfushi Island

Meerufenfushi Island Maldives
Meeru Maldives Island Resort from above – Photo Credit: Meeru Maldives

Meerufenfushi Island is home to Meeru Maldives Island Resort, a resort that boasts a five-star rating after being in the tourism industry for 40 years. The island is located at North Male’ Atoll, at the Eastern edge. 

Meeru (‘Meeru’ meaning delicious or yummy in the Maldivian language) Maldives Island Resort has amazing gastronomical experiences ranging from International, Asian and Teppanyaki cuisine. They also have an In-Villa Dining option if you’re feeling a bit on the lazy side, perfect for a day-in on a honeymoon, along with destination dining experiences for that extra zest and romance during your meal time. 

Meeru Maldives Island Resort places an emphasis on honeymoons, with a category of experiences for honeymooners specifically! These experiences include:

  • A romantic couples massage.
  • A photoshoot session.
  • A romantic candlelit dinner.
  • A Robinson Crusoe adventure to a nearby sandbank.
  • A two-person yacht cruise.
  • A private in-villa honeymoon breakfast.

As stated before, it comes down to your own preferences and what you like when you’re picking a vacation spot. So when you want to pick the best island in Maldives for a honeymoon, ask yourself: which is the best island in Maldives for a honeymoon for me and my partner?

Best Island In Maldives For Couples: Privacy & Intimacy

Maldives is a destination couples from all over the world flock to, either to relax, relieve some stress or just to experience what the country has to offer. Here are our top picks for the best islands in Maldives for couples!

1. Baros Island

Baros Island Maldives
Baros Maldives from above – Photo Credit: Corporate Maldives

Baros Island is located at North Male’ Atoll, quite close to the capital Male’ and Velana International Airport. And on Baros island resides a resort of the same name, Baros Maldives

Built just a year after tourism began in 1972, Baros Maldives is one of the earliest players in Maldives’ tourism industry. Voted the World’s Most Romantic Resort by World Travel Awards multiple times (2012, 2013, 2015 – 2019, 2022), Baros Maldives has made its mark as one of the most prolific resorts in the world. 

What makes Baros Maldives so special for couples is the romance, intimacy & privacy it radiates. Their villas, notably the Deluxe Villas (89 sqm), Baros Villas (103 sqm), Baros Pool Villas (134 sqm), Baros Suites with Private Pool (200 sqm) and the Baros Residence with Private Pool (270 sqm) all share a trait that exudes privacy & intimacy. 

These villas are surrounded by trees and bushes behind and around it, with an open pathway just in front of the villa, which gives access to the beach and lagoon. 

As a big plus, the Baros Suites with Private Pool and the Baros Residence with Private Pool comes with certain select perks such as:

  • An assigned butler available 24/7.
  • A fruit basket & champagne bottle on arrival.
  • 1x sun-downer cocktails for two at the Lighthouse restaurant. 
  • 1x breakfast at the Piano Deck for two and more!

Speaking of the Piano Deck, the Piano Deck is a dining option where you get to have a well-crafted meal on a wooden deck that is situated on the lagoon as dawn breaks, under the afternoon sun or as the sun is setting in the horizon.

The Piano Deck isn’t the only destination dining option that’s available. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on the shores of the island as the waves sing you a romantic lullaby. Or dine on a sandbank under the warm embrace of the sun at dawn or dusk, just the two of you.

If you want to take it a step further, The Nooma Experience is for you and your partner. The Nooma is a traditional Maldivian Dhoni (Dhoni = Sailboat) that will take you on a cruise, with these inclusions for the package:

  • Your pick of either Indian, Sri Lankan or Maldivian gourmet canapés and cocktails.
  • A therapist that provides optional Maldivian, Sri Lankan or Indian Abhyanga and Shirodhara treatments.
  • Dinner with a Indian, Sri Lankan or Maldivian four-course menu

Still not satisfied? Baros Maldives has a package named ‘Romantic Moments’ which includes the following:

  • Complimentary return speed boat transfer from Velana International Airport.
  • Daily breakfast in the all-day dining restaurant, Lime. 
  • A fruit basket & champagne bottle on arrival.
  • A private candlelit dinner by the beach.
  • In-villa champagne breakfast.
  • 1x 60-minute couples massage.
  • A romantic bath experience with wine and chocolates in the privacy of your villa.
  • A sunset cruise with champagne and canapés.

If privacy & intimacy is what you’re looking for, look no further.

2. Reethirah Island

Reethirah Island Maldives
One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives from above – Photo Credit: One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives

Reethirah Island (‘Reethi’ meaning pretty / beautiful and ‘Rah’ meaning island in the Maldivian language) is located at North Male’ Atoll. The island is home to a resort of the same name known as One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives, a resort that has won multiple awards in the field of hospitality, such as:

  • 2020
    • Ranked #10 Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller, Readers’ Choice Awards.
    • Forbes Travel Guide Star Award: 5 stars.
  • 2022
    • Ranked #5 for Best Hotels in the World and #2 for Best Resorts in Asia by Travel + Leisure, World’s Best Awards.
    • Forbes Travel Guide Star Award: 5 stars.
    • Ranked #7 Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller, Readers’ Choice Awards.

This is a resort that prides itself on its ability to provide an exceptional service that encompasses relaxation and privacy. 

This is shown in all aspects when it comes to their resort. For example, they have a Beach Villa which may sleep four but was built with the couple in mind. A 144 sqm / 1,550 sqft villa that is surrounded by greenery for that touch of privacy that opens up onto the beach where you can relax in the lagoon. 

Relax outside on your private deck with a coffee in hand on an oversized daybed or lay down on the hammock and swing your worries away.

The Beach Villa comes with the following amenities:

  • Breakfast
  • Terrazzo bath
  • Walk-in Rain & Jet Shower
  • Outdoor Shower
  • Complimentary Wi-fi
  • Tea / Coffee making facilities
  • Sun Loungers
  • 1x King size bed
  • Mini-fridge
  • Villa Valet

Their overwater villas are no joke either as they are one of the best yet affordable Water Villas in Maldives. Sitting at a comfortable 185 sqm / 1,991 sqft, the Water Villa comes with all the amenities of the Beach Villa, with the added feature of it being perched up the lagoon, where you can jump in for a quick swim or to cool off on a warm summer’s day. 

With only 20 of these villas available, and with the villas having walls on the deck that offer decent privacy, enjoy sunrises with your partner while starting the day with an al fresco breakfast on the sun lounger deck.

One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives also does Destination Dining like a lot of other resorts (such as a Sandbank Dinner or In-Villa Dining) but they have something a bit more special up their sleeves.

Venture into the forest where a timber tree house lit up by warm lights awaits you and your partner. This canopied sanctuary offers a stunning view of the sunset as you enjoy an extensive seven-course meal that was brought to life by the resort’s culinary experts.

One&Only Reethi Rah Maldives also has a completely separate catalogue of experiences for couples on their website for you to pick and choose from. Whether it’s their spa’s ‘Only Couples Collection’, breakfast on a catamaran, or even their ‘A Reethi Romance’ offer made just for couples, an unforgettable experience awaits you on this fantastical island.

3. Muravandhoo Island

Muravandhoo Island Maldives
JOALI Maldives from above – Photo Credit: JOALI Maldives

Sitting in the gorgeous backdrop of Raa Atoll, Muravandhoo Island is home to JOALI Maldives, an island resort that focuses on art and wellness. The resort has one bedroom villas that are both on the beach and overwater, along with pools for the visiting couple. 

Some of them come with the following amenities:

  • Private pool
  • Butler service
  • King size bed
  • Air-conditioning
  • Television
  • BOSE sound system
  • Beach and / or sea view
  • Hairdryer
  • Hair Straightener
  • Non-allergenic pillows
  • In-villa safe
  • Multi-line telephone with voicemail
  • Tea / coffee making facilities
  • Mini bar
  • IDD telephone
  • Complimentary wi-fi
  • Outdoor rain shower

JOALI Maldives has an amazing line-up of activities for couples to revel in. If you’re feeling hungry, the Japanese restaurant Saoke offers an ambient environment with the ocean as your scenery. The restaurant specialises in serving select sakes, teppanyaki and sushi. For a romantic dinner surrounded by incredible architecture, this is the place to be.

If that doesn’t do it for you, we suggest dining at Bellinis, an authentically Italian gastronomy experience that’ll take your tastebuds to Italy and back. Tantalising cuisine, delectable drinks and an ambiance of luxury awaits.

If you feel like jumping into the water but don’t want to get wet, JOALI Maldives offers a Semi Submarine weekly excursion that’ll take you underwater to explore the vibrant marine landscape of this beautiful archipelago. The trip usually has other guests in the submarine as well but there is an option to make the trip private so that you and your partner can enjoy this underwater adventure in peace. 

JOALI Maldives also has an excellent spa, the JOALI Spa by ESPA, a globally renowned skincare & beauty product company. They offer an extensive couples wellness package called ‘Couples Renewal’, where you get to choose from a variety of experiences, each one more luxurious than the last.

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Unlock the perfect Maldives experience with Madly Maldives. Explore the best islands tailored for your needs, guided by local expertise. Your dream vacation starts here!

Best Island To Stay: Luxurious Escapes

Maldives is already known to be a luxury holiday escape, with it being in an exclusive location surrounded by nature’s beauty. Add some extravagance in the form of some luxury resorts and you’ve got yourself a vacation that’ll be the envy of all around you while you enjoy some of the best islands to stay in Maldives.

Here are our top picks for the best luxury island in Maldives!

1. Kunfunadhoo Island

Kunfunadhoo Island Maldives
Soneva Fushi Maldives from above – Photo Credit: Extraordinary Escapes Maldives

Kunfunadhoo Island is located in Baa Atoll, which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve as mentioned prior. The island is a massive 1,400 m / 4,600 ft long and 400 m / 1300 ft wide, marking it as one of the larger islands in Maldives. An abundance of vegetation on the island compliments the aquamarine sea and blue skies.

On the island sits Soneva Fushi Maldives, a luxury resort that has ranked and won multiple awards in the luxury department and others from 2018 to 2023. It is the first resort in Maldives to model itself in the famous Robinson Crusoe style, pioneering the aesthetic and vibe in the island nation.

Let’s talk about what makes this resort so luxurious. For starters, there are only 53 island / beach villas and 8 water villas (the largest water villas in the world), making privacy a big part of this resort. And they’ve done something special for the villas as well.

The villas are separated by a sunset side for people who love the water and like to snorkel, and a sunrise side for people who want peace and privacy. From Crusoe Suites to Family Villas, Soneva Fushi Maldives ensured that variety played a big role in their accommodations. All villas come with a personalised 24/7 Butler service as well, so help is just a quick call away.

Dining at Soneva Fushi Maldives will have you spoilt for choice as they have 11 different dining destinations, ranging from International, Asian, Mediterranean and Omakase cuisine to delectable desserts and health-based meals. There is one particular establishment that offers a unique dining experience.

Enter ‘Flying Sauces’, a restaurant that dabbles in International cuisine like no other. You get to dine at a venue inside the jungle where there is an open kitchen for the cooks and a table for the guests which rests 12 metres above the ground, showcasing the jungle and ocean in all its splendour. How you get to your table is also quite interesting.

A 200 metre zipline takes you on a quick aerial trip through the forest before you get to your dining destination. A bit of adrenaline and speed never hurt before a gourmet meal surrounded by nature’s beauty. All of this put together make Flying Sauces the world’s first fine dining zipline experience.

Now that you’ve fed your belly with food, it’s time to feed the rest of your body with relaxation. Soneva Soul, the island’s premier spa & wellness centre will massage the stress out of your body like no other. They offer a variety of treatments such as Ayurvedic remedies, yoga, a wide range of massages, body treatments and beauty services, vitamin therapy, fitness training, mindfulness and energy work, all of which will be specified to fit your health needs.

2. Velaa Private Island

Velaa Private Island Maldives
Velaa Private Island Maldives from above – Photo Credit: Maldives Finest

Velaa Private Island is located in Noonu Atoll, which is in the northern area of Maldives. The resort that lies there is of the same name as the island, Velaa Private Island Maldives.

The resort has absolutely stunning accommodation spaces; ranging from villas that can house a solo traveller all the way up to 10 people, creating the perfect living environment for a large family or group of friends. This makes Velaa private island one of the best family hotels in Maldives. However, there are two accommodation options that blow all the other ones out of the water.

The Nika Residence by Patricia Urquiola is one of them. Patricia Urquiola is a renowned interior designer that poured her heart and soul into designing this accommodation space. It can hold up to 10 guests, is 1,324 sqm / 14,251 sqft and is designed with earthy textiles, minimalist furniture and a large variety of amenities to accommodate guests in the double digits.

This next accommodation option is one for the books. Velaa Private Island Maldives gives people the option to buyout the resort for a fee, which opens up the entire island for use by you and your party. Set accommodations, restaurants, bars, wine cellars, the spa and more are yours to enjoy for the duration of the trip.

Velaa Private Island Maldives is also one of the few Maldives resorts with Golf course. This isn’t just any golf course however. The Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal was designed by a master of the short game by the name of José María Olazábal. With one-on-one training provided by PGA professionals, guided by state-of-the-art swing analysis technology and a Trackman simulator, you get to learn golf at the highest quality setting Maldives has to offer.

3. Ithaafushi Island

Ithaafushi Island Maldives
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi from above – Photo Credit: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Ithaafushi Island has one of the best 5 star hotels in Maldives with a beaming reputation. Say hello to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, a resort that spans three islands and is capable of delivering unforgettable and unique experiences to their guests.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has a fine selection of accommodation options, with four categories spread across 119 villas. The more common options are the Reef Villas, the Beach Villas and Overwater Villas. While those options are private and luxurious in their own right, there are two other categories that stand out.

The first one is the Stella Maris Ocean Villa, a duplex that sits out in the middle of the ocean where privacy and seclusion are your best friends. This luxurious abode can only be accessed via a private boat, making it one of the best places for a romantic getaway. There are two of these villas available for guests to use, giving it an even more exclusive feel as well.

The first floor has a bedroom, bathroom, pool, dining area and inside & outside lounge areas and more. The second floor has a smaller pool with another dining area and a lounge area, perfect for switching up views from the first floor to the second floor if you need a change of scenery.

The second one can be marked as a contender for the pinnacle of luxury. Just like Velaa Private Island, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has a different type of resort buyout. Indulge in the Ithaafushi – The Private Island experience where you get an entire island just for yourself, completely separate from the resort.

It is the largest private island in Maldives (spread over 32,000 sqm / 344,445 sqft) and is able to accommodate 24 guests. There is a selection of two Beach Villas and two Overwater Villas, along with one four-bedroom residence. If you’re in need and require anything, the island has a 24 hour personal concierge on stand-by along with housekeeping services so that all your needs can be met without hassle.

The private island has its own set of activities exclusive to the island such as:

  • A wellness facility that covers spa services (massages, facials and more).
  • A fitness studio.
  • Dining experiences such as poolside barbecues, beach parties, themed nights with live entertainment, in-villa dining, culinary experiences on special occasions by a Michelin-star chef.
  • Weddings, honeymoons & special occasions.

It doesn’t end there. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has 11 restaurants that offer flavours from around the world such as Japanese, Chinese, Australian, Levantine, and more. Out of the 11 restaurants, Terra is the venue that has the most character and luxurious creativity.

Terra is a restaurant located in the treetops of the resort, where seven handcrafted bamboo pods give way to a magnificent view as you dine on a 7-course curated menu by the resort’s Director of Culinary Ivan Alvarez & his team. A unique experience that’ll increase your appreciation for nature and bespoke meal preparation.

Best Local Island Experience in Maldives: Cultural Encounters

While the resort and luxury experience may be what a lot of people look for in Maldives, it’s not a bad idea to check out the local islands and see what they have to offer. The true islanders’ way of life starts and ends on these other non-resort islands.

These are the three places you should check out for a more authentically Maldivian experience.

1. The Capital of Maldives, Male’

Male’ has been recognised as one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with the city having an area of 8.30 square kilometres (3.20 sq mi) and a population of over 250,000 (population statistic taken from 2021)

While some structures are no longer around, Male’ still has a few culturally and historically significant sites for people to take in. The first would be the National Museum, where old-timey tools, artefacts and other pieces of history have been preserved. While the National Museum building itself may not have historical and cultural value, everything inside makes up for it.

Maldives National Museum
Maldives National Museum – Photo Credit: Maldives Financial Review

Another place would be the Hukuru Miskiiy (Friday Mosque), along with the Munnaaru (minaret) right next to it. The Friday Mosque was built in 1658, while the minaret was built in 1675, making them the oldest standing structures in Male’. 

The Friday Mosque was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 not due to its age, but due to the advanced construction techniques that were used to build it at the time.

Friday Mosque Maldives
Friday Mosque – Photo Credit: Coral Glass

Apart from these structures, there are more that speaks volumes about Maldivian culture and history but are more recent in their conception. 

There is a song and dance specific to Maldives known as Bodu Beru, where people sing songs of times past and play two handed drums in a thunderous rhythm while people dance in the middle. Bodu Beru was mostly used in times of celebration and remembrance but now it’s mostly used as a form of entertainment. This is something to check out while you’re in Male’ or even any other island in Maldives.

The Art of Bodu Beru Maldives
The Art of Bodu Beru – Photo Credit: Bibee Maldives

2. Utheemu Island

Utheemu Island is home to one of the most prolific national heroes of all time. The Utheemu Ganduvaru (ganduvaru meaning palace) was the birthplace and home of Muhammad Thakurufaanu, the son of the island chief at the time, Khatheeb Husain of Utheemu and Lady Amina Dio.

Muhammad Thakurufaanu liberated Maldives from the rule of the Portuguese, who invaded and took over the land from 1558 – 1573 after they killed the ruler at the time, Sultan Ali VI. 

Utheemu Ganduvaru Maldives
Utheemu Ganduvaru – Photo Credit: Visit Maldives

Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his two brothers Ali and Hasan snuck out of the country to an island off the coast of India named Minicoy Island, where they built the Kalhuoffummi, the greatest Maldivian ship to ever be crafted. The brothers sailed back to Maldives, laying siege to a different island each night until they finally reached Male’ the night before the Portuguese were to force Maldivians to denounce Islam and be converted to Christianity. 

The brothers fought alongside their kinsmen and brought the Portuguese garrison to its knees, gaining independence and ending the nightmare that had plagued the country for more than a decade. Muhammad Thakurufaanu’s birthplace is now a museum, to honour his memory and bravery.

3. Madivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll

If you’re looking for more of a hybrid experience, that is to experience local culture but in a resort setting, then Madivaru might be the place for you. At Madivaru lies Varu by Atmosphere Maldives, a resort that takes the history of Maldives and integrates it into their resort in the form of architecture, cuisine and services.

Varu by Atmosphere Maldives
Varu by Atmosphere Maldives from above – Photo Credit: Varu by Atmosphere Maldives

If you want to check out some other islands, Madivaru is close by to Makunudu, Summer Island and Reethi Rah, all popular resorts in Maldives.

Best Beaches in Maldives: Sun, Sand and Serenity

The beaches of Maldives are one of, if not the best USP’s in the country. Which is why we picked three of the best ones we think you would enjoy.

1. Vaadhoo Island

Vaadhoo Island is famous for a very specific reason, not just because of its natural beauty. At certain times of the year at night, specifically from July to February, the beach lights up in a gentle blue, bringing wonder and awe to the locals.

Maldives Vaadhoo Island at night
Vaadhoo Island at night – Photo Credit: Maldives Exclusive

Enter bioluminescence, a chemical reaction that occurs when microorganisms in the water interact with oxygen. While there is a timeline for this to happen, it has been said it takes some amount of luck to actually see this phenomena occur, making it a somewhat rare sight. 

Vaadhoo Island isn’t the only island that experiences this. Islands such as Mudhdhoo and Rangali have also seen this phenomenon occur and are excellent places to view it as well.

2. Kelaa Island

Kelaa Island has a very simple reason for making it onto this list: the sheer translucence of the ocean coupled with gentle touches of blues and greens, along with a sandy beach finer than any other.

Kelaa Island is located in Haa Alif Atoll at the northern edge. Due to its natural beauty, it is also a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

3. Rasdhoo Island

Rasdhoo Island is home to Veligandu Island Resort & Spa Maldives, a 5-star marvel that has been entertaining guests since 1984. While they are currently closed for developments and structural upgrades, they’ve made it known that they will reopen in 2024 / 2025.

Veligandu Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa Maldives from above – Photo Credit: Veligandu Island Resort & Spa Maldives

Rasdhoo Island made the cut due to the shape of the island itself. While being small, it is also quite long, as guests can literally look left and right and see the ocean expanse, along with the neighbouring islands. With a large reef protecting the island and crystalline waters & shores, this beach makes its mark as a true natural wonder.

Curious About the Best Island in Maldives for You?
Unlock the perfect Maldives experience with Madly Maldives. Explore the best islands tailored for your needs, guided by local expertise. Your dream vacation starts here!

Best Part of Maldives to Stay: Geographic Considerations

Now, depending on what you like to do, you might want to pick your resort, island or atoll of choice carefully. For this section, we went with atolls so as to offer more options in the resorts and islands section. Choosing the best place to stay in Maldives is not easy as you can already see, there are so many options.

1. Vaavu Atoll

Vaavu Atoll (also known as Felidhoo Atoll) is at the easternmost edge of Maldives, right between South Male’ Atoll and Meemu Atoll. It has the least population density, with just five inhabited islands and a population of around 5,000 people.

Vaavu Atoll Maldives
Vaavu Atoll from above – Photo Credit: ZuBlu

Vaavu Atoll is mostly known for its fantastic fishing spots, being almost unrivalled in the country. Tourists love to go sport fishing, to experience the adrenaline pump of getting massive catches such as Sailfish, Blue Marlin and more.

2. Male’ Atoll

Male’ Atoll is the place to be if you want to experience the height of marine adventures in Maldives. Watersports of all types can be experienced here as this is quite a resort and tourist heavy area.

Male' Atoll Maldives
Aerial shot of a part of Male’ Atoll – Photo Credit: Asad Photo Maldives via Pexels

Both North Male’ Atoll and South Male’ Atoll are excellent for watersports so you’ll have a wonderful variety of choices to pick from.

3. Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll is one of the biggest atolls in Maldives and sits at the westernmost edge of the country. Ari Atoll is known for having some of the best diving spots in the country, with manta rays, whale sharks and hammerhead sharks calling these waters their home. 

South Ari Atoll in Ari Atoll Maldives
Aerial shot of LUX* South Ari Atoll in Ari Atoll – Photo Credit: Tripadvisor

A number of four and five star resorts reside in this atoll, along with a part of South Ari Atoll being a Marine Protected Area due to its marine life.

We don’t believe that there’s an ultimate getaway for couples. Rather, Maldives has a plethora of islands, locations and destinations that makes it easy for people to enjoy their time in this idyllic paradise. They can pick and choose where they want to go as per their needs.

With that in mind, MadlyMaldives brings this blog to an end. We hope you pick your holiday destination in accordance with your wants and needs. Have a safe trip!