The smallest hotels in the Maldives: 8 islands

The 26 atolls of the Maldives archipelago are scattered over a thousand tropical islands washed by the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. Some of them are relatively large, such as the islands of Gan and Nalaguraidu. But there are also those whose area barely exceeds the size of a football field.

To find the perfect small hotel for your secluded getaway in the Maldives, check out our selection.

The Nautilus

1. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

The luxurious island resort of Kudadoo Maldives sits on a 200m by 200m island and is the only fully solar-powered private island in the Maldives.

The main philosophy of the resort is “Anything. Anytime. Anywhere”, which means the availability of all hotel services at any time and in any corner of the island. Here guests will find unlimited spa breaks and many water activities, gourmet treats and exciting excursions, fabulous underwater landscapes and exciting snorkeling and diving routes.

Kudadoo Maldives consists of 15 large overwater residences equipped with handcrafted furnishings, state-of-the-art electronics, automated lighting and private infinity pools. Those who live here around the clock can use the services of a personal butler who will help solve all organizational issues related to the rest.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

2. The Nautilus

This stunning resort is designed for the perfect holiday surrounded by pristine white beaches and gentle waves. There is no need to look back at the time here as there is no schedule, opening or closing time on the island. Visitors to the island are given the freedom to live on their own schedule, and the resort staff is happy to help them with this. It is worth noting that the resort adheres to the no shoes policy, so travelers, making barefoot walks on the soft sand of the color of powdered sugar, have the opportunity to feel as close to nature as possible.

The location of The Nautilus in the waters of Baa Atoll provides its guests with ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling.

The resort consists of 26 luxurious villas and is a multiple winner of prestigious awards.

The Nautilus

3. Four Seasons Private Island аt Voavah

Voavah Island is nestled in the waters of Baa Atoll, known for its marine diversity, exceptional corals and nesting sites for green and hawk turtles.

The island is about 2 hectares, which comfortably house two luxury villas with separate infinity pools and spacious bedrooms, as well as two suites with stunning sea and wide beach views.

In total, this stunning island can accommodate up to 20 guests, who will be provided with the highest quality personalized service from Four Seasons.

At guests' disposal:

• 3 outdoor pools;
• library;
• round-the-clock security;
• gym;
• a pool table;
• private spa.

In addition, a 19-meter yacht Voavah Summer is available for vacationers on the island, on which they can cruise around the atoll.

As for food, the resort does not limit guests in culinary preferences and provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the cuisines of different peoples of the world. Guests can also take a culinary journey at Four Seasons Resort Maldives in Landaa Giraavaru, just a 20-minute scenic boat ride away.

Four Seasons Private Island аt Voavah

4. Naladhu Private Island Maldives

This exclusive hotel is located on a small private island measuring 272 meters by 133 meters and is part of the Anantara Resort Complex. Guests who choose Naladhu Maldives for their holiday can visit the nearby Anantara Dhigu and Veli Hotels at any time. In addition, young travelers can enjoy the wonderful Dhoni Kids Club, owned by Anantara Dhigu Resort.

The hotel has 20 spacious and elegant villas ranging from 300 to 600 square meters, each with a private pool. Residents can use the butler service around the clock.

At The Living Room, which specializes in fusion cuisine, diners can choose from the menu or ask the chef to prepare their favorite meals. The restaurant's cellar contains an extensive collection of vintage wines, which will be a great addition to a fine dining experience.

Perched on stilts over the lagoon, Baan Huraa, a signature Thai restaurant, serves a variety of Thai delicacies.

Travelers who love not only food, but also take an active part in the culinary process can learn the secrets of Thai and Maldivian cuisine under the guidance of an experienced chef.

Despite its small size, the resort strives to provide guests with an interesting pastime from yoga and meditation to exciting sailing trips.

Travelers looking for absolute privacy or wanting to spend time alone, enjoying communication with loved ones, can rent the entire island. The cost of such a service starts at $ 105,000.

Naladhu Private Island Maldives

5. Ithaafushi Private Island - Waldorf Astoria

This idyllic miniature resort sits on a 3.2 hectare island nestled in the waters of South Male Atoll. The resort consists of two villas (beachside three-bedroom and overwater two-bedroom) as well as a stunning four-bedroom residence featuring state-of-the-art amenities, signature Waldorf beds, expansive tropical gardens and a private jacuzzi.

In addition, guests can use

• 5 swimming pools;
• private entertainment club;
• Spa;
• gym;
• paddle tennis court;
• kids club.

Additional amenities include a yacht dock, water sports, personal concierge and chef services.

Ithaafushi Private Island от Waldorf Astoria

6. Kandolhu Maldives

This exquisite five-star resort is located on a small 210 meter by 130 meter island in the North Ari Atoll area.

Kandolhu Maldives is surrounded by luscious tropical greenery, wide sandy beaches and one of the most vibrant and lively house reefs in the Maldives.

The resort consists of just 30 modern villas ranging from 80 to 150 square meters, all decorated in five different styles.

Vacationers have access to a wide range of non-motorized water sports, snorkeling and diving, a spa with a well-equipped gym, and a range of excursions.

Kandolhu Maldives

7. Como Cocoa Island

This luxury resort is located on Makunufushi Island, 370 meters by 90 meters, just a 40-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport.

All 34 villas on the island are located above the water and feature an original design in the form of traditional dhoni fishing boats. The villas are equipped with terraces, which allows their guests to plunge into the warm waters of the shallow lagoon at any time.

Como Cocoa Island

The resort's home reef is teeming with marine life, so world-class diving awaits those wishing to look into the depths of the ocean. And during day and night snorkeling in local waters you can find a wide variety of representatives of the underwater kingdom from colorful tropical fish to lobsters and reef sharks. Como Cocoa organizes exciting excursions to explore the underwater world, including swimming with turtles and sharks, night snorkeling using UV lights, an expedition with whale sharks and many others.

The resort features the Shambhala Wellness Center, which offers a range of recovery treatments and activities, a new Pilates studio, a fitness center and a spacious yoga studio.

Ufaa Resort Restaurant offers flexible catering according to guests' preferences. The cuisine includes contemporary interpretations of Indian and Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on local seafood.

Healthy food lovers can enjoy the healthy steamed or grilled COMO Shambhala Cuisine with organic ingredients rich in live enzymes, vitamins and marine minerals.

Como Cocoa Island

8. Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat

With a turquoise lagoon, white sandy beaches and lush vegetation, this unspoiled island covers an area of ​​just over one hectare and is located in South Ari Atoll, famous for its stunning snorkeling and diving sites.

Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat has 10 beachfront villas and 20 overwater villas, each offering complete privacy.

The resort's restaurant offers a sumptuous buffet of fresh seafood as well as à la carte options.

Guests of the resort can visit the over-water spa with beautiful lagoon views, snorkel at the hotel's house reef, try a variety of water sports, or go on one of the many excursions.

Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat