Maldives atolls: 9 tropical oases

The Maldives is a scattering of islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean. There are just over 1,200 of them. Only about 200 are inhabited, that is, local villages, and about 170 islands are occupied by private resorts, popular for their beauty and service around the world.

The islands are in turn assembled into atolls. An atoll is a coral island or archipelago. It looks like a ring surrounding the lagoon. On average, there are 20 to 60 islands on one Maldives atoll. But this number varies greatly, depending on the particular atoll. The largest atolls, such as Ari or Lhaviyani, can include more than 80 islands. The smaller atolls consist of only 5-10 islands.

The Maldives has approximately 26 atolls. We invite you to learn all about the nine most attractive atolls of the Maldives archipelago, with the most beautiful, pristine islands and unrivalled resorts. We'll cover their features, geography, top hotels, and offers for an unrivalled vacation.

The scale and location of the Maldivian atolls can be easily seen on the map.

Maldivian Atolls

Baa - a secluded jewel of UNESCO

Baa is one of the most attractive Maldivian atolls. It is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These are places of incredible nature with a rich underwater world of the Indian Ocean.

Baa is especially popular from May to November, when the famous Hanifaru Bay becomes a habitat for a huge number of manta rays. Sea devils are attracted by the flowering season of the plankton they feed on. Among diving fans, this place leads in all positions.

Baa Atoll

General characteristics:

• Distance from Male: 95-125 kilometres.
• Extension: 42 kilometres long and 32 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 75. Among them, 13 are inhabited, and 8 islands are developing as resorts.

Baa Atoll Resorts

Baa Atoll can offer the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives, including:

• Soneva Fushi. A unique eco-resort deluxe in the style of "barefoot chic", on a large island with dense jungle. Sometimes it is a luxury for the Maldives, especially if the island is quite tiny. The hotel offers exceptional villas, many restaurants, a children's club, and a lot of entertainment on the water and on land.
• The Nautilus Beach & Ocean Houses Maldives. The luxurious resort is known for the concept of "unscripted dining" food and service without schedule, as well as personal butler services and luxury villas with private pools.
• Anantara Kihavah Villas. Luxury villas on the coast and over the water, exclusive underwater restaurant SEA, excellent house reef for snorkelling, and other advantages.
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. An island with a huge lagoon and rich marine life. It is a harmony of luxury, ecology, and active recreation.

Soneva Fushi

North Male - the main atoll of the Maldives

This is where Maldivian tourism originated. North Male Atoll is home to the Maldives' main city, the capital Male, and Velana International Airport, which receives flights from all over the world. Many travellers appreciate the resorts of the Male Atolls for their proximity to the airport, making transfers quick and inexpensive. Furthermore, nearby resorts often offer excursions around Male to enhance their vacation.

North Male Atoll

Characteristics of the atoll:

• Extension: 69 kilometres long and 39 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 50. Among them, 8 are inhabited.

The best hotels in North Male

North Male has a large number of hotels of different classes. Pay attention to the most popular options:

• Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. Unique design in the style of tropical modernism, art installations, a strong emphasis on environmental friendliness. Service from "Essentialists" and premium cuisine in 12 restaurants and bars.
• Gili Lankanfushi Maldives. Known for its eco-oriented style and luxury overwater villas. Excellent location, a beautiful island, a variety of food, diving, and excursions for every taste.
• Baros Maldives. One of the most popular resorts in the Male Atoll. Conveniently located close to the capital and the airport—about 25 minutes by speedboat. An ideal spot for couples and honeymoons, it offers a variety of activities and spectacular snorkelling on the house reef.
• Huvafen Fushi. The only resort in the world with an underwater SPA. The hotel guarantees the maximum level of privacy and luxury service. The house reef is within easy reach, stylish design, and international recognition as a centre of wellness tourism.
• Bandos Maldives. A 4-star resort, one of the most favourite Maldives resorts for family holidays. Lush and large island, an abundance of entertainment, a children's club, just 7 km from Male by boat, an excellent house reef, and a prestigious diving centre, one of the first in the whole archipelago.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

South Male - authentic Maldives near the capital

The largest administrative district of the Maldives Republic, in addition to North Male, is South Male, separated by a 4.5-kilometre channel Vaadhoo Kandu. Beaches as if in a photo, warm waters of crystal lagoons—in the resorts of the more southern archipelago, there are all opportunities for a first-class holiday. South Male offers luxury resort islands with ideal conditions for diving and snorkelling. In the marine reserves of Embudhoo Kandu and Guraidhoo Kandu, divers can expect picturesque reefs and the richest fauna of the Indian Ocean.

South Male Atoll

Characteristics of the atoll:

• Distance from Male: 7 kilometres.
• Extension: 36 kilometres long and 19 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 30. Among them, about 20 are inhabited.

Hotels in South Male

Among the prestigious and especially attractive hotels of South Male:

• Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. A resort on three islands, with wide space and opportunities for diversity. You can rent a private island Ithaafushi or choose an exclusive holiday in a large overwater villa, with a total area of 334 square metres. The peculiarity of such villas is a huge terrace overlooking the ocean, pool, hammocks, jacuzzi, etc.
• Velassaru. A stylish resort category 5* superior. Convenient location 25 minutes from the airport, varied gastronomy, luxurious L'Occitane spa, and large infinity pool. Excellent choice of villas on the shore and over the lagoon. Velassaru offers a wonderful house reef for underwater adventures.
• OZEN Life Maadhoo. The hotel offers a unique Luxury All Inclusive plan. A luxury resort with an underwater restaurant M6m, spa complex ELENA, a variety of food, and villas both on the beach and over the water.
• Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. A luxury all-inclusive hotel, designed only for adults, offers villas on the beach and over the water, with a private atmosphere and round-the-clock butler service.
• SAii Lagoon Maldives. Beautiful design that skilfully combines nature and modernity. SAii is part of the complex Marina @ CROSSROADS and has many advantages for a dynamic holiday.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Raa Atoll: Mecca for divers

Raa or North Maalosmadulu is a popular tourist destination in the Maldives. Among the main advantages of local resorts are virgin nature, almost untouched by the influence of civilization, and ample opportunities for first-class diving at a depth of 30 metres.

Overall, Raa has about 10 popular dive sites. So, lovers of underwater research can expect a rich experience. In addition to diving, the islands of Rasmaadhoo and Maakurathu are famous for excellent surf spots and fishing.

Raa Atoll

General characteristics:

• Distance from Male: 140 kilometres.
• Extension: 70 kilometres long and 30 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 88, 15 are inhabited.

Popular Raa resorts

• Joali Maldives. A 5-star deluxe hotel with an exceptional Maldivian aesthetic. Located on the island of Muravandhoo. It is considered one of the most luxurious resorts in Raa. Known for its art design, ESPA brand spa, culinary diversity, and wonderful conditions for family holidays.
• Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa. A modern all-inclusive resort on the island of Fasmendhoo. Equipped with luxurious beach and overwater villas, a stunning beach with a length of 1.5 km, and environmentally friendly infrastructure in the Maldivian style.
• Dhigali Maldives. A premium all-inclusive resort, with an excellent reef for snorkelling and diving, a wide range of entertainment, family activities, and world-class spa services.

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Laamu Atoll - a remote corner of the paradise tropics

Remote from the centre of the Maldives and a secluded archipelago located in the southern part of the central group of atolls. These places are famous for incredibly beautiful tropical nature and almost deserted beaches. Among the main advantages are the cleanest waters and lush greenery of the islands. Due to the location, transfer from the airport in Male is only by plane.

Laamu Atoll

General characteristics:

• Distance from Male: 248 kilometres.
• Extension: 48 kilometres long and 35 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 82, 12 are inhabited.

Laamu Atoll Resorts

There are not many resorts on the atoll, but those that are already open offer solitude and complete fusion with the nature of tropical latitudes.

• Six Senses Laamu. An exclusive 5-star resort located on the island of Olhuveli. It is a real paradise for connoisseurs of solitude and luxury, a combination of virgin nature and a high level of comfort. Six Senses has a luxurious eco-design, offers villas over the water and on the coast, spa services, and restaurants of world cuisine.
• Rahaa Resort. A developing 4-star resort that opened in 2019. Rahaa offers stylish minimalism, island design, modern comfort, and an excellent choice of water leisure.

Six Senses Laamu

Lhaviyani Atoll - a picturesque oasis of paradise nature

Lhaviyani offers an authentic holiday. The tropical nature here is complemented by a relaxed atmosphere and an abundance of beach entertainment. In addition, the islands of the archipelago are an ideal place for diving. A wide variety of dive sites with unforgettable adventures.

Lhaviyani Atoll

General characteristics:

• Distance from Male: 120-133 kilometres.
• Extension: 37 kilometres long and 35 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 52. Among them, 5 are inhabited.

Where to stay on Lhaviyani

Lhaviyani offers a variety of resorts of different levels. You can choose from the 4-star Innahura Maldives Resort or the 5-star Atmosphere Kanifushi with luxury all-inclusive. A very popular 4-star Kuredu Island Resort & Spa with its own golf club.

Atmosphere Kanifushi

Dhaalu Atoll - the northern corner of the Maldives

Dhaalu is located north of the capital Male. This archipelago was opened for tourism not long ago. The atoll is famous for its indescribable tropical beauty: long beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush tropical vegetation. Diving and snorkelling on the local islands are especially attractive due to the abundance of marine life, including sea turtles. In the capital, on Hanimaadhoo island, the airport of the same name receives domestic flights from Male, which is convenient for a more comfortable and quick transfer.

Dhaalu Atoll

General characteristics:

• Distance from Male: 150 kilometres.
• Extension: 38 kilometres long and 23 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 56. Among them, 7 are inhabited.

Dhaalu Atoll Resorts

• Niyama Private Islands Maldives. A luxurious 5-star resort occupies two islands. The first is ideal for families, while the second is perfect for romantic getaways. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities, including the underwater restaurant Subsix, the luxurious Drift Spa Essentials, and a water activities centre with activities for all skill levels and ages. The water and beach pavilions feature private infinity pools.
• Angsana Velavaru. A 5-star superior resort with an excellent selection of villas, including exclusive InOcean overwater villas, set a kilometre from the coast. The resort offers diving for those 8 years and older, several atmospheric restaurants and bars, spa services, and luxurious wedding venues.
• Baglioni Resort Maldives. A premium all-inclusive resort offers stylish relaxation and exquisite cuisine with an Italian twist. Baglioni is ideal for family vacations, offering an extensive children's entertainment programme. The resort also boasts a vibrant coral reef off the island and a PADI-certified diving centre. The overwater and beach villas, decorated in Italian style, offer exceptional luxury.
• Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. One of the most booked hotels in Dhaalu, thanks to its 5-star service and simply fabulous house reef.

Niyama Private Islands Maldives

South Ari Atoll - a natural wonder in the Maldives

The largest archipelago in the western part of the Maldives. South Ari, or Alifu Dhaalu, is considered one of the best places to watch whale sharks. They can be found in the outer reef all year round. There are also popular resorts, for which more than 20 islands are allocated.

South Ari Atoll

General characteristics:

• Distance from Male: 120-133 kilometres.
• Extension: 89 kilometres long and 30 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 26, of which 10 are inhabited.

South Ari's best hotels

Numerous luxury hotels have been built on Ari, attracting tourists with the highest level of service, snow-white beaches, and crystal lagoons ideal for snorkelling. You can choose:

• LUX South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas. One of the most popular all-inclusive atoll resorts. Expanded leisure opportunities, including water sports for adults and children, a cinema on the beach, DJ parties, spa services, and more. There are 8 restaurants of world cuisines and 5 bars on the island. Nice house reef.
• Constance Moofushi. A green island with a location near stunning dive sites, and a coral reef is right off the coast. Constance Moofushi offers carefree All-Inclusive, beachside villas surrounded by tropics, over a lagoon, and on a sandbank.
• Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort. A small island surrounded by a reef, culinary diversity, spa, wellness, and fitness, entertainment for all ages, and fabulous diving with PADI/SSI instructors. Villas on the beach and over the water, with options for private pools.

LUX South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas

Addu Atoll - the southern treasure of the Maldives

The magical Addu Atoll, or Seenu, is located on the equator. It is the southernmost atoll in the archipelago and the administrative and economic centre of the southern Maldives. The longest and most well-developed island in Ari is Gan Island. In terms of importance, it is comparable to the capital Male, in the southern Maldives. The island has its own airport, offering approximately 30 international flights.

Addu Atoll

Characteristics of the atoll:

• Distance from Male: 478 kilometres.
• Extension: 37 kilometres long and 35 kilometres wide.
• Number of islands: 23. Among them, 6 are inhabited.

Addu Atoll attracts tourists with excellent opportunities for scuba diving. Here you can admire the richest underwater world and almost all species of sharks that are found in the Maldives.

Resorts on Addu Atoll

Due to its remote location, there are not many resorts on Addu. Still, this atoll is incredibly attractive for divers, so several guesthouses and hotels with modern conditions are open on the local islands.

• Canareef Resort Maldives 4*. Located on the lush and large tropical island of Midhu. Here you will find exclusive Maldives with decent service.
• South Palm Resort Maldives. A 4-star hotel on the idyllic island of Ismehela Hera. This resort has a unique floating spa complex—the first such spa in the Maldives, as well as a luxurious infinity pool. A huge selection of activities on land and water, cosy villas in Maldivian style.
• Equator Village. A 3-star hotel on the island of Gan. Ideal for exploring the southern Maldives and vibrant dive safaris for all levels. Equator Village offers simple functional accommodation, modern hotel infrastructure, and good food.

South Palm Resort Maldives