Immaculate beaches, swanky resorts, and coral reefs brimming with life. The Maldives are world famous for their elaborate cutting-edge resorts and tranquil turquoise waters. From whale sharks to manta rays, the ocean floor is a showcase of all kinds of breathtaking marine life.
The Maldives is made up of over 1,200 islands, how can a tourist pick just one?
We made choosing your island getaway easy with this guide to the Maldives!
Put together by our team of well-seasoned travelers, we found the best places in the Maldives for you!
By the end of this article, YOU will have the knowledge to book with confidence when choosing your island and resort. You may even be educating locals on some of the Maldives best-kept secrets!
These are our best picks for where to stay in the Maldives.
Table of Contents
At A Glance: Where To Stay In MALDIVES
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in the Maldives.
WHERE TO STAY IN MALDIVES | |||
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Best Air BnBBest Air BnBMohamed’s Airbnb |
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Book on Air BnB → | |
Best Budget HotelBest Budget HotelMadivaru Kro |
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Best Mid-Range HotelBest Mid-Range HotelGangehi Island Resort |
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Best Luxury HotelBest Luxury HotelGili Lankanfushi |
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You can have it all in this studio apartment from a terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean to close proximity to the beach, and all the touches that remind you of home.
You’ll receive complimentary transfer from the airport to the apartment, and your host is happy to arrange sandbank trips, night fishing, resort visits, and even prepare local cuisine for you at home. This is truly a great place to stay in the Maldives.
Staying in paradise doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg on a luxury resort. At Madivaru Kro you get the same stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters for a fraction of the price!
This guest house offers its guests a private beach, free wifi, a continental breakfast, lounge, restaurant, and even a terrace! Their comfortable airy rooms are sure to leave you refreshed and ready for a new day of relaxation!
At Gangehi Island Resort you receive 5-star luxury service, with the best service money can buy while still not paying the astronomical cost of those exclusive VIP hotels.
Gangehi Island checks all the boxes off down the list with a spa, gym, library, volleyball court, and restaurant!
The resort continues to dazzle with its onsite white sand beaches and tropical gardens! Each of the verandas is sure to have you remembering your romantic Maldives holiday for years to come!
When a hotel is considered the most luxurious in the Maldives, the resort is probably in the running for being the best hotel worldwide. Hold on to your hats, the amount of features and services in Gili Lankanfushi is sure to blow you away!
When booking into this island paradise you not only get your own butler, you also have a bar, restaurant, pool, spa, tennis court, steam room, and game room at your disposal.
When you are done pampering yourself, go out on an adventure with resort arranged snorkelling, diving, cooking classes, and boat rides, all arranged by your hotel!
Your private thatched villa is sure to give you that “Castaway” experience you’ve been craving for, while still having all of your modern day comforts!
Traveling to the Maldives is almost like traveling to the edge of the world. This small nation in the middle of the Indian ocean relies heavily on boat travel to hop from island to island. Depending on what kind of traveler you are, you can either do it like a local or board a seaplane to your exclusive resort in the middle of the sea!
The archipelago, which is the Maldives, is broken into 20 different administrative atolls, each with their own culture and unique atmosphere, catering to different kinds of tourists.
Regarding what to do in the Maldives, a lot determines on your hotel and resort. No matter what atoll you stay on, you are sure to find loads of diving, snorkelling, and beaches. What makes each area different, however, are the activities, amenities, and tours your resort provides.
While many may think that the Maldives is a country which caters only to the super rich, tourists will be delighted to find that there are many budget options from the most populated areas like Male to the more remote such as the Baa Atoll.
You may be overwhelmed now, but in a few more moments you are sure to find the best area in the Maldives to suit all your travel needs!
Now let’s take a look, in greater detail, at the best areas to stay in the Maldives. Each is a little different from the last so be sure to check out which is right for you!
Baa Atoll is our pick for where to stay in the Maldives on your first time
The Baa Atoll is located in the North-west part of the Maldives archipelago and consists of over 75 islands, of these only 21 are inhabited. The Baa Atoll is further separated into three nature atolls: Maalhosmadulu Atoll, Fasdūtherē Atoll, and the Goifulhafehendhu Atoll.
The Baa Atoll has 8 islands which are owned by private resorts, but what makes this atoll great is that it strikes the perfect balance between having just enough modern conveniences while still being far away from the commercial hub in Male.
The Baa Atoll offers stunning white sand secluded beaches on uninhabited islands, diving with exotic creatures such as whale sharks and manta rays, some of the best waves in the world for surfing, as well as swanky luxurious resorts.
Even for those on a tighter budget, Baa Atoll has an island which is sure to cater to your individual needs! This region will have all types of tourists amazed at the tranquil beauty of the Maldives!
This guest house has a total of four bedrooms, and can accommodate up to 12 guests. Just right on your doorstep is white sandy beaches along with crystal clear lagoons. There are plenty of activities and excursions to keep you busy from private picnics to dolphin cruises and island hopping.
Guests also have access to nearby Bikini Beach along with snorkelling at the lagoon and reef of the home island. At the Airbnb is a true gem as you’ll be completely immersed in a village atmosphere, and by the time you leave you’ll be best friends with the locals.
Forget the impersonal mega resorts and fall in love with Maldivan culture by staying at Azoush Tourist Guesthouse. The welcoming staff will make you feel right at home and even assist in booking tours, boats, as well as organizing various water sports.
Each room at the Azoush includes a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom.
Feel right at home in between towering coconut trees and the slow tranquil blue waves when you check into LVIS blancura Hotel.
With a snack bar, restaurant, tour desk, and garden, both convenience and relaxation are both laid out on your doorstep. Each spacious room comes with free WiFi, flat-screen TV, minibar, and a private bathroom.
At LVIS blancura you will feel like one of the family for the entirety of your stay!
No resort gets you closer to the aquatic wonderland under the sea the Resort Milaidhoo Island.
Located on an actual UNESCO biosphere reserve, an underwater multi-color forest is only a quick dip away. Once you resurface, catch a breather at one of the three restaurants or two bars which have an array of alcoholic beverages.
The fun never stops with hotel organized snorkelling, yacht cruises, yoga classes, and more.
End your day by retiring to your traditional villa made with all Maldivan hand-made furnishings and wake up each morning to the sun playing off the water from your 180-degree view of the ocean!
The Kaafu Atoll geographically contains many islands including the capital: Male. Male, however, belongs to its own separate entity altogether and in terms of administration is not part of Kaafu despite its location.
With over 107 islands, there is sure to always be something to explore in the Kaafu Atoll.
Due to the island’s proximity to the capital, prices for hotels, transportation, and day to day necessities will not be as expensive when compared with some of the more remote regions.
Even with a larger concentration of hotels, Kaafu does not give up any of its natural beauty. This region boasts some of the best snorkeling, diving, and beaches in the entire country!
Other than the areas natural beauty, a larger population also means more opportunities to experience authentic Maldivian culture! All hands on deck and get ready to set sail to the vacation of your dreams!
This spacious one-bedroom apartment is fully furnished and has been recently renovated. It has a terrace area that’s perfect for relaxing along with all of the amenities that you’d need.
Just five-minutes away is the beach where you’ll be able to enjoy Maldives’s clear skies and sunshine. Walk along the white sandy beach and take a dip in the crystal clear water. After a day at the beach, return to your luxurious Airbnb that’ll feel like a home away from home.
Get the most bang for your buck by staying at Hibiscus Holidays guesthouse, a beachside hotel that is sure to make you have the vacation of your dreams. Other than its private beach, Hibiscus also provides its guests with a restaurant, garden, and terrace.
Each room comes complete with free WiFi, air-conditioning, an electric kettle, and a private bathroom.
Like good weather? These are the best times to visit Maldives!
Surfs up! Hulhan’gu Lodge is a popular centrally located hotel which attracts tourists from all walks of life.
The hotel offers its guests access to an onsite restaurant which includes free coffee and water as well as opportunities to partake in hotel-sponsored events!
Each room ai Hulhan’gu has stunning views of the gardens or ocean as well as flat-screen TVs, private bathroom, and free WiFi!
Located in a tropical paradise, One & Only Reethi Rah dazzles its guests with stunning views of both the island and the Indian Ocean.
The resort continues to dazzle its guests with an infinity pool, private beaches, 4 restaurants, and bar, and spa.
Each of the hotel’s luxurious rooms come complete with a flat-screen TV, iPod docks, and free WiFi. If you are ready for non-stop fun and round the clock relaxation then One & Only is just for you!
Nightlife in the Maldives is limited strictly to foreign tourists. By law, every citizen of the country is Muslim.
The government takes their religion very seriously to the point where they have even moved people from sparsely populated islands to urban centers in order for them to participate in Friday prayers.
Just because the locals don’t drink doesn’t mean you can’t party hard! Bars, clubs, and music venues can be found at resorts around the country to ensure that the beats don’t stop pumping, even in the middle of the Indian ocean.
Being the most populated region of all of the Maldives, it goes without saying that the North Male Atoll (including the capital of Male) has the most bars and clubs by volume.
Just because you are out in the middle of nowhere does not mean you can’t still boogie, but in North Male tourists are sure to have tons of choices on where to dance the night away!
You’ll feel right at home at this Airbnb that’s situated right in a friendly local neighbourhood. The place comes with a spacious living area along with a homely kitchen and a balcony to relax at.
The nearest beach from the Airbnb is Hulhumale Tourist Beach, and the host is able to arrange bicycles to take you straight there. Dine in one of the restaurants nearby before heading back to relax in your comfortable Airbnb space.
For a budget hotel, Rashu Hiyaa provides there guests with a little bit of everything, from free bikes to private beaches, guests are sure to have the time of their life in the Maldives!
The hotel also boasts a restaurant, water sports facilities, and a shared lounge. Each room includes free WiFi, refrigerator, dining room, and some even with a private spa!
You make the most out of your holiday when staying at Cokes Beach! This hotel includes a private beach, restaurant, terrace, garden, lounge, and so much more!
After waking up from your comfortable, tastefully decorated room, enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast before starting out on another relaxing day in the Maldives.
Those looking for your luxury getaway, look no further! Banyan Tree offers its guests exclusive villas with stunning views of the ocean as well as sun decks, a coffee maker, and free WiFi.
The resort also gives its guests access to a fitness center, spa, bar, and three restaurants. It doesn’t matter if you will be taking a dip into the sea or relaxing on the beach, the beginnings to your dream vacation start here!
The Faafu Atoll is our pick for the coolest place to stay in the Maldives
There are several different ways to define “cool”. What the Maldives lacks in hipster coffee shops and vintage clothing stores is made up with deserted islands which seem like they are on the edge of the map.
Out of the 23 islands of Faafu only 5 are inhabited with a total population adding up to 4,200. Making this atoll one of the smallest, sparsely populated, and least visited atolls in all of the Maldives.
For those wishing to truly get away from it all and have some of the best beaches, surfing and diving all to themselves, nothing can top the Faafu Atoll.
When you are done playing castaway, be sure to experience authentic island culture. The largest city in the Faafu Atoll is nothing more than a fishing village, making it the perfect place to get in touch with true island living.
Traveling to the Faafu Atoll is sure to leave an impression on the select few who venture there, making memories which will last a lifetime!
The Whale Shark Inn aims to cater an affordable luxurious experience to individuals coming to Maldives. Located on the inhabited island of Alif Dhall Atoll, the tourist lodge has a total of four rooms that each have attached bathrooms.
The Inn is closely located to Whale Shark exploration areas, and guests can enjoy a plethora of activities from water sports, snorkelling, fishing and more. Rooms come with basic decorations, but the hospitality at this friendly inn is second to none.
Welcome to your personal secluded piece of paradise, the Orchid Inn provides budget accommodation in one of the most remote places on the planet!
This hotel offers modest rooms with free WiFi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, teapot, and private bathroom.
Start every morning off right with your choice of halal, continental, or Asian breakfast before setting off to explore the islands of the Faafu Atoll!
Nilandhe Inn is sure to offer guests in the Faafu Atoll a luxurious experience for half the price. This hotel provides guests with relaxing lounges and wide open terraces. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and some with a balcony.
Send your taste buds to heaven every morning when treating yourself to the hotel’s delicious buffet. The hotel also organizes various activities such as snorkeling, diving and more!
As the sole luxury resort in the Faafu Atoll, Filitheyo Island Resort grants its guests access to some of the most “off the beaten path” places in the world, all from the comfort of their 5-star hotel.
Each stilt villa comes with a wooden terrace, flat-screen TV, CD player, and mini-bar. The hotel also provides massages, an on-site dive center, outdoor infinity pool, an international buffet, 2 restaurants, and a bar!
The Ari Atoll is our pick for best area in the Maldives for families
The Ari Atoll (divided by North and South) is by far one of the most beautiful places in all of the Maldives, with some of the most luxurious resorts in the whole nation!
It doesn’t matter if you will be exploring the ocean’s depths or lounging with a good book on the beach, the Ari Atoll is sure to cater to whatever the tourist’s needs may be!
Other than the islands’ stunning natural beauty and modern resorts, the Ari Atoll also offers a bit of local flavor as well with its fishing villages and historic mosques.
The Ari Atoll is known for being the most invested in and developed atoll in all of the Maldives. With only a 30-minute plane ride from Male, your family’s dream vacation is just a short a short trip away!
Things to See and Do in Ari Atoll
This gorgeous property is located in the West of the island Mathiveri. It’s a quiet island that’s the perfect spot for your family holiday. The Airbnb comes with three bedrooms a dining area along with a lovely garden that’s perfect for unwinding after a day at the beach.
The island itself has one of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons offering a range of fun activities. The island itself is small, but is famous for its gorgeous palm trees around the coastal area. This quaint Airbnb will be the perfect base for your relaxing family vacation.
Thoddoo Retreat covers all the bases for tourists looking to bring their dream vacation to life in the Maldives. With a private beach, restaurant, garden, and snack bar, guests are sure to have everything they need within their grasp.
The hotel also organizes various excursions such as windsurfing, snorkeling, and so much more. Each of the hotel’s rooms come with free WiFi, air-conditioning, a washing machine, dining area, and a private bathroom.
The Relax Residence on Thoddoo will do more than just refresh its guests, this hotel will provide you with the best service and amenities available on the island.
Relax Residence has bikes available for hire, free WiFi, snorkeling, and even skiing. With an on-site restaurant and a delicious breakfast, you are sure to have a good time in the Ari Atoll!
Guests are sure to never have a dull moment when staying at Veligandu Island Resort & Spa. This mega hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, garden, terrace, restaurants, bars, a game room, and so much more!
Each of the resorts spacious luxurious rooms come with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and air-conditioning. From stunning views to live music, at Veligandu Resort guests are sure to have the time of their life!
The Maldives are known throughout the world for having the most remote exotic beaches and the most romantic holiday resorts.
It doesn’t matter if you will be spending your time exploring the many coral reefs in between the country’s 1000 islands or receiving a relaxing massage on the beach, the Maldives is a place where luxury and adventure are seamlessly blended together.
As a recap, the Baa Atoll takes the cake for being our favorite area in all of the Maldives. This Atoll strikes the perfect balance between castaway beaches and high-class resorts.
As far as hotels are concerned you can’t go wrong with booking into Gangehi Island Resort. This hotel provides many of the services and comforts as the ultra-exclusive resorts do, but for a reasonable price. You will not be sacrificing luxury for a bargain when staying at Gangehi! Check out our guide to the best hotels in the Maldives for more enticing accommodations.
The Maldives may be at the edge of the map for many people, but once you arrive you will find that these islands have the same beauty and luxury to fit any budget! Grab your snorkel gear or maybe just your flip-flops and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime! Here’s a handy guide to the top things to do while in the Maldives to whet your appetite even further!
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below. Have a safe and exciting journey to the Maldives!
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Born in Los Angeles, Aaron Hovanesian is one of the original staff writers for Hotel Jules. Having backpacked the world as a young man, Aaron now prefers to travel the world in luxury, proudly staying in the world's most amazing hotels and properties. When Aaron is not traveling he lives in Western Colorado he can be found brewing his own beer (probably an IPA) or spending time with his two amazing golden retrievers.