Featured Destination
Maldives
Private-island resorts, overwater villas, coral reefs and some of the clearest tropical water in the world.
Why Maldives
Why this destination is worth planning around
The Maldives is made up of island resorts spread across multiple atolls, with many properties occupying their own private island. Travelers come for overwater villas, white-sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, marine life and a slower resort-centered style of vacation.
Plan the trip
Maldives, step by step
Where to stay
Three standout ways to stay
A preview of the full list — see all ten in the Top 10 Maldives Resorts & Hotels.
Soneva Jani
Spacious villas, broad lagoon views and a playful castaway atmosphere make this a strong choice for travelers who want privacy without giving up activities.
One&Only Reethi Rah
A large island gives guests more room than many Maldives resorts, with multiple beaches, varied dining and space to balance quiet time with activities.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Generous villa layouts, private pools and a broad range of restaurants suit travelers who want an all-in-one luxury resort close enough for a yacht transfer from Malé.
Things to do
Make the most of your trip
Four favourites from the full Top 10 Things to Do in Maldives.
Snorkel a House Reef
Most resort islands are ringed by a shallow coral reef you can swim to straight from the beach or your villa steps. Expect colorful reef fish, turtles and occasionally rays in water that is warm and calm most of the year.
Scuba Dive the Reefs and Channels
The Maldives is one of the world's great dive destinations: channel dives with sharks and eagle rays, coral pinnacles, and drift dives along reef walls. Most resorts have a dive center, and beginners can do a discovery dive in the lagoon.
Take a Whale Shark Excursion
South Ari Atoll is one of the few places on earth where whale sharks are seen year-round. Excursions go out by speedboat, and when a shark is spotted you slip into the water and snorkel alongside it.
Swim With Manta Rays
During the southwest monsoon, manta rays gather to feed in Baa Atoll — Hanifaru Bay is the famous site, where dozens of mantas can loop through the plankton-rich water at once. It is snorkeling only, no scuba, which keeps the experience calm.
Best for
Honeymoons, luxury, snorkeling, diving & relaxation
Ideal trip length
5 to 7 nights
Planning example used on this site
7 days / 6 nights
Best time to visit
December through April for generally drier conditions
Known for
Overwater villas, private-island resorts, reefs & lagoons
Getting there
Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE), then continue to your resort by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight depending on location
Currency
Maldivian rufiyaa; U.S. dollars are widely accepted at resorts
Resort transfers
Speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight depending on the island
Travel inspiration
Where Should You Go Next?
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