Maldives Travel Guide : Which Maldives Island is Perfect for Your Holiday?

Planmytour
Date :March 7, 2024

The Maldives is among the most beautiful and dreamiest travel destinations worldwide, offering an unbelievable range of attractions to discerning travellers. The island country is a major hotspot for families, eco-conscious sojourners, tranquil seekers, adrenaline junkies, and solo wanderers alike. But which is the best island in the Maldives to spend time? While there are countless best islands in the Maldives to visit all year-round, knowing which one to explore is the key to an unforgettable holiday.

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Top 10 Best Islands in the Maldives

The Maldives boasts a uniquely beautiful geography, comprising around 1,200 coral islands grouped into approximately 27 atolls. Look beyond the obvious choice of Malé and pick from the topmost resorts in Maldives islands depending on your travel tastes, budget, and preferences. Refer to the following guide to know where to go in Maldives for your next holiday.

1. Best Maldives Island for Families - Niyama Private Islands

Inarguably the best island in Maldives for family breaks, it caters to children of all ages - from active toddlers to moody teens. The innovative, beautiful retreat is split into two major zones, Chill and Play, where visitors can enjoy thrilling activities like Master Chef cooking sessions and dolphin spotting. There's an infinity pool with a dedicated kids' area, relaxing spa treatments separately for adults and children, and spacious villas with family-sized plunged pools.

2. Best Maldives Island for Honeymoon - Kandolhu Maldives

An absolute paradise for honeymooners, the island is famed for velvety-soft sands, crystal-clear coral reefs, and intimate-sized all-inclusive villas promising maximum privacy. The marine-rich house reef and lush green interiors offer newlyweds a remarkable chance to soak in scenic surroundings as they mark the beginning of their marital bliss. The spacious, luxe villas overlook the cobalt ocean and offer quick beach access, proving why this is among the best islands in the Maldives for honeymoon.

3. Best Maldives Island for Couples - Kuramathi Maldives

Doubtless the best place to stay in Maldives for couples, Kumarathi boasts a wide range of facilities that put couples at ease instantly. These include luxury spas offering adults-only treatments, sea-facing infinity pools, diving schools, an eco-centre with guided snorkelling safaris, and ample water sports. For accommodation, the best island in the Maldives for couples offers over 360 romantic villas with enviable beach or garden views. You can also stay at overwater villas nestled right above the picturesque lagoon.

4. Best Maldives Island for Weddings - Hurawalhi, Lhaviyani Atoll

The famed atoll is home to around 54 of the best Maldives islands, but only 4 of these are inhabited, including the magnificent Hurawalhi. The island is perfect for couples looking to exchange vows in style amid unbeatable attractions, like the world's largest underwater restaurant that also functions as a wedding venue! A skilled on-site photographer can capture intimate moments into stunning photographs that will last a lifetime. Top venue choices to say "I do" at your dream destination wedding include the hotel's private yacht, the Dream Island sandback, or the champagne pavilion.

5. Best Maldives Island for Luxury and Wellness - Milaidhoo Maldives

There is no better option than Milaidhoo for laid-back luxury getaways. Among the most gorgeous and best islands in the Maldives for an upscale experience, the Baa Atoll island has a house reef that's easily and quickly accessible from the beach. With around 50 classy villas, each with a massive deck and an infinity-edged pool, the region promises and delivers an exceptionally stylish outdoor living. Don't forget to dine at the elegant and unique overwater restaurant Ba’theli! Comprising a traditional dhoni boat design, it boasts authentic Maldivian cuisine.

6. Best Maldives Island for Remote, Offbeat Holidays - Olhuveli Island

Located within the Laamu Atoll, Olhuveli island is among the best offbeat destinations for remote holidays to the Maldives. Suitable for families and couples alike, this is among the most scenic Maldives islands, teeming with postcard-worthy landscapes, warm weather, and unmatched serenity. Sited at the very tip of South Malé Atoll, it's among the top 5 islands in Maldives where adults can enjoy a relaxed time at the state-of-the-art spa while kids enjoy a fun club solely dedicated to them.

7. Best Maldives Island for Beach Breaks - Finolhu

For unforgettable seaside retreats, Finolhu is one of the best islands in the Maldives with its super-long stretch of powder-white sands and crystalline waters. There is ample space for active holidaymakers and those who wish to enjoy secluded stays, ensuring all travellers expecting memorable beach escapes are catered to unfailingly. The stunning resort has over 120 villas, more than half of which boast private pools with direct lagoon access. For greater privacy, couples can spend time in “beach bubble” tents, and dine at fancy restaurants.

8. Best Maldives Island for Water Sports - Kudadoo Island

Nestled in the scenic Lhaviyani Atoll, this is the best island in Maldives for activities that visitors of all ages will enjoy. Epitomising tranquillity in its natural beauty, the island offers adrenaline junkies booking Maldives holidays the chance to enjoy parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking, flyboarding, catamarans, sailing, dolphin safaris, and so much more. The best time to visit the Maldives for these fun-filled activities is during the summer, with the seas warm for cosy swims, scuba diving, snorkelling, etc.

9. Best Maldives Island for Activities - Reethi Faru

Head to the panoramic private island of Reethi Faru in Raa Atoll for an adventure-packed holiday in the Maldives. A top-quality holiday Maldives island, it allows you to determine the specific level of active holiday you wish to enjoy, with highlights such as catamaran sailing, snorkelling, flyboarding, and snorkelling, to name a few. Scuba diving to explore rays, reef sharks, and turtles can be among the most exciting things to do during your Maldivian holiday in Reethi Faru Resort.

10. Best Maldives Island Overall - Velassaru Maldives

Which island in Maldives is best overall? Velassaru in South Malé Atoll is the best place in Maldives for a diverse holiday comprising a little bit of everything. The youthful island boasts a chic ambience teeming with glamour and unhinged romance, boasting a jaw-dropping beach with super-soft sands and crystal-clear waters. Travellers will also come across ample bars and chic diners with cosy hammocks, bean bags, and overwater villas in luxury Maldives hotels. Taking as many pictures of this breathtaking Maldivian island is a must on your trip!

Where to Stay in Maldives for First Time

You can choose to set up base in a single Maldives location while traversing the other beautiful Maldives islands resorts for all the charm and attractions they offer. Located around 35 minutes away from a seaplane ride, the scenic Baa Atoll is the ideal choice for first-timers, recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that boasts the most enviable diving spots.

Alternatively, select the best island of Maldives in the North Malé Atoll for a memorable escape featuring white sandy beaches, coral gardens, lush palm trees, and a thriving marine life. The panoramic Maldives destination caters to families, couples, honeymooners, and solo adventurists alike.

If you're wondering which island to stay in Maldives for a bit of everything, Raa Atoll is the apt choice. Boasting the most diverse holidays to Maldives, the region is brimming with 5-star luxury resorts, adrenaline-pumping water sport, and untamed natural beauty.

Maldives Holidays FAQs

Doubtless, Malé is the best island in the Maldives, offering luxury-seeking families and couples the chance to enjoy unbelievably scenic surroundings, classy hotel stays, authentic Maldivian cuisine, and lots more.

There are ample pocket-friendly Maldives destinations for travellers with all possible budgets, such as Fulidhoo in Vaavu Atoll, Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll, and Guraidhoo in Gnaviyani Atoll. In addition to affordable hotels and resorts, these islands offer incredibly fun water sports adventures and mesmerising natural beauty.

Any island on Baa Atoll is suitable for first-timers, while North Malé Atoll islands are best for unmatched natural beauty and beach breaks. Islands on the Raa Atoll boast 5-star resorts and hotels, water sports, and unbeatable natural beauty.

Baros is ideal for authentic Maldivian gourmet experiences, while Huvafen Fushi is perfect for a luxurious sojourn replete with fine wine-and-dine. Kurumba is great for families, while Milaidhoo is unbeatable when it comes to romantic escapes.

Several islands in the Maldives have spectacular beaches, such as the Hulhumale Beach in North Malé Atoll, Fulhadhoo Beach in Baa Atoll, Reethi Beach in Baa Atoll, and Mudhdhoo Beach in Vaadhoo Island.

Hands-down, Baros Island in the Maldives boasts the clearest and most beautiful waters, comprising an impressive coral reef that adds an element of other-worldly dimension to it. Baros beaches are among the most serene and picturesque ones for couples on a romantic getaway.

Yes, absolutely! The Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime dream destination for many travellers, and the chance to experience it with utmost luxury at affordability is unmissable! It's the best way to explore everything the archipelago has to offer without stressing about arranging for meals, stays, drinks, tours, and other included services in all-inclusive Maldives holiday packages.

Niyama Private Islands is perfect for families with its child-friendly offerings, while Reethi Faru is best for an active holiday. Velassaru is the ideal, overall-perfect island in the Maldives, boasting beaches, upscale hotels, and tranquil natural scenery. Pick a Maldivian island depending on your budget, travel needs, and preferences.

Voavah is suitable for experiencing offbeat breaks surrounded by exotic greenery. The secluded beaches of Velassaru are best for romantic escapes in a chic ambience. The still-developing Raafushi is perhaps the remotest choice of all, its beautiful shores witnessing a sharp uptick in the number of tourists recently.

Set a clear budget based on realistic expectations and browse the latest deals on our site for the cheapest holidays to Maldives. Check price, reviews, hotel images, amenities, type of suites, surroundings, accessibility, and other pivotal details to make an informed choice.

Typically, around 4 to 7 days is ideal for a Maldives holiday, giving you ample time to soak in untamed natural beauty alongside water sports ops, cultural hotspots, the local cuisine, and any other crucial attraction. You can also plan for a 10 to 15-days Maldivian trip, letting you explore the islands at a more relaxed pace.