The Maldives
The Maldives is a dream vacation destination everyone wants to visit. We all need to experience this dream before we die because it’s not just about the talks but the feeling you get in the Maldives. The Maldives is a small Islamic country surrounded by many private Islands. The blue water destination is my best luxury recommendation for a newly married couple’s honeymoon.
The Maldives is made up of around 1,200 islands, grouped into 26 atolls. While not all islands are inhabited or open to tourists, here’s a list of some notable islands, categorized into resort islands, local islands, and uninhabited islands:
Resort Islands (Luxury and Private Resorts)
- Baros Island (Baros Maldives Resort)
- Soneva Fushi (Baa Atoll)
- Velassaru (Velassaru Maldives Resort)
- Veligandu Island (Veligandu Island Resort)
- Kuramathi (Kuramathi Island Resort)
- Conrad Rangali Island (Conrad Maldives Rangali Island)
- Dhigali Island (Dhigali Maldives Resort)
- Six Senses Laamu (Laamu Atoll)
- Cocoa Island (COMO Cocoa Island Resort)
- Anantara Veli Island (Anantara Veli Maldives Resort)
Local Islands (Budget and Cultural Experiences)
- Maafushi (Kaafu Atoll) – Popular for budget accommodations and guesthouses.
- Thulusdhoo (Kaafu Atoll) – Known for surfing and local experiences.
- Dhigurah (South Ari Atoll) – Famous for whale shark diving.
- Fulidhoo (Vaavu Atoll) – Tranquil island with traditional Maldivian culture.
- Himmafushi (Kaafu Atoll) – A favorite for surfers and diving enthusiasts.
- Guraidhoo (Kaafu Atoll) – Popular for cultural tourism and diving.
- Rasdhoo (Alif Alif Atoll) – Great for snorkeling and diving.
Uninhabited and Picnic Islands
- Fihalhohi Island – A stunning uninhabited island used for picnics and day trips.
- Biyadhoo Island – Known for its amazing marine life and coral reefs.
- Milaidhoo – A small luxury island near Baa Atoll, UNESCO biosphere reserve.
- Kandolhu Island – Tiny, remote, known for its peaceful atmosphere and coral reefs.
Atolls
- Kaafu Atoll – Home to many popular tourist islands, including Malé and the nearby resort islands.
- Ari Atoll – Famous for diving and luxury resorts, with both North and South divisions.
- Baa Atoll – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for rich biodiversity.
- Lhaviyani Atoll – Famous for diving and pristine waters.
- Laamu Atoll – Home to several luxury resorts and a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Each of these islands offers unique experiences, from luxury resorts to authentic local stays and day trips to untouched islands.
Fives Things To Know Before Visiting The Maldives
1. The Maldives is a Muslim Country
The Maldives follows Islamic traditions, so modest dress is required in public areas (outside resorts), and alcohol is prohibited on local islands. However, most resorts have their own rules and serve alcohol freely.
2. The Best Time to Visit is During the Dry Season
The Maldives has a tropical climate, with the dry season running from November to April. This period offers the best weather, with clear skies and calm seas, making it ideal for beach activities and water sports.
3. Budgeting for Your Trip
While the Maldives is known for its luxury resorts, there are also budget-friendly guesthouses and hotels on the local island. Local islands are budget-friendly and have a lot of local shops and food. If you looking for a luxury experience then you have to definitely book a resort. But if you just visiting for visiting sake on a budget then choose a local island. Be aware that everything, from food to activities, can be expensive on resort islands, so plan your budget accordingly.
4. Transportation Can Be Tricky
Getting around the Maldives often requires domestic flights, seaplanes, or speedboats between islands. Plan your transfers as they can add significant cost and time to your travel, and not all islands are easily accessible. If you decide to stay on the mainland you will just need to take a taxi around. Moving to other islands will require you to get a boat or a seaplane depending on the island you visiting. A speed boat will take approximately 75 minutes to get to a resort depending on the distance.
5. Respect for the Environment
The Maldives is a fragile ecosystem, with coral reefs and marine life threatened by climate change and pollution. Visitors are encouraged to respect the environment by avoiding single-use plastics, not touching or damaging coral reefs, and supporting eco-friendly tourism. It’s a clean environment with natural resources and they respect their beliefs a lot since its a Muslim country.
