Maldives is deeply desirable as a luxury holiday destination and its rich history reveals that it has been enticing and coveted for a very long time. Inhabited for over 2,500 years, this remote chain of 26 atolls (ring-shaped islands) in the Indian Ocean first had contact with the outside world around 950 AD – and, pretty much ever since, global powers have been landing at its shores and seeking to establish their influence. Arab and Persian traders came first – as the Maldives became a sultanate – before European colonial powers began to hold sway and the British took control. Independence came in the late 1960s and, fast forward to the 21st century, it’s a small Muslim ‘country’ of half a million people with tourism at the heart of its economy – for gloriously obvious reasons. The Maldives, simply put, are completely stunning. From north to south, east to west, all the islands are peaceful and sun-soaked, with glorious sands and shimmering turquoise waters. But within the atoll ecosystem, there also lies great variety – a range of options to explore the ‘best’ island based on the kind of experience you want to indulge in. Here is our expert guide to choosing which island in the Maldives is the right fit for you.
Kandolhu (Best for Honeymooners)
Biggest isn’t always best – in fact, Kandolhu is the very epitome of this mantra. This tiny, stunning island – one of the smallest in the Maldives – only measures 200 metres in length and 150 metres in width, but the compact size creates an exclusive, private, and undeniably romantic atmosphere for guests. Its tranquillity and rarified air mean that Kandolhu is hotly in-demand honeymoon territory, and coming here to celebrate newly-wed status is a total treat – the resort only has 30 villas, each of which is uniquely designed to merge quixotically with the island’s lush interior, crystal-clear coral reefs, and velvety white sands. All-inclusive upgrade packages mean access to five à la carte restaurants, a champagne sunset cruise, 30 of the finest wines in your very own chiller, and a private snorkelling tour (where you can put the GoPro Hero5 cameras that are provided with each villa to good use).
Niyama Private Islands (Best for Families)
Nevermind just the Maldives – Niyama Private Islands is one of the top family-friendly locations anywhere in the world. Adventure and relaxation are inescapable, enveloped within a peaceful, balmy paradise. This resort is utterly innovative: divided into two zones, Chill and Play, parents can take it easy while young ones engage with incredible ‘kids club’ activities such as Master Chef cooking classes or dolphin-spotting. Wellness for parents is a serious focus; so is wellbeing for children, whether toddlers or teens – it’s a thoughtful place where the hosts understand that everyday life at home can be demanding and busy. Whether the whole family wants to be adventurous together or indulge in relaxation, anything goes, and every little detail is considered. Villas have their own family-sized plunge pools and the island’s own spa even has treatments just for children. Movie nights under the stars are particularly memorable bonding experiences, as are island treasure hunts. Food options are outstanding – 10 places to eat, some of which are up in the treetops, by the fireside, and there is even an ‘under the water’ experience. Accessibility is good: the resort is about a 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé International Airport.
Vakkaru (Best for Spa Lovers)
Vakkaru is charming: vegetables galore are grown in the organic garden in the centre of this plastic-free island, which boasts a quiet atmosphere of understated contentment. Nowhere is this more in evidence than in its standout wellness sanctuary, the Merana Spa. Set over the water, it has unobstructed views of the lagoon and surrounding ocean – a real (and uplifting) sense of isolation and separation from the outside world, with the calming sound of the waters lapping underneath. Healing, relaxation, and rejuvenation are tangible at every turn, from steam rooms, plunge pools, and a relaxation lounge, to signature treatments that incorporate local ingredients such as coconut and marine extracts. Curated spa journeys combine massages, facials, body wraps, and scrubs while tailored wellness packages include fitness, yoga, and beauty treatments. Therapists are experts – always on hand to deliver an integrated approach to health and wellness – everyone is treated as an individual. The island itself adds to the overall vibe: primed for cycling down inviting sandy lanes and along wooden jetties.
Reethi Faru (Best for Activities)
Epic adventures are central to daily life on action-packed Reethi Faru. On the ever-inviting turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, you can enjoy kitesurfing, flyboarding, jet skiing, and catamaran sailing; dipping just beneath the surface, there is superb scuba diving. Back on dry land, there is a dizzying array of activities, with badminton, volleyball, yoga, pilates, tennis – and many more sports – on offer. If you like to be active on holiday and exercise, Reethi Faru is the place to go. However, there is a yin to the yang of physical activity. Blissed out lazy beach days and hand-delivered cocktails at your private pool villa are still an option, and recovery is best served at the Balinese-style spa if limbs are starting to ache a little (sports massages are available). A note on the water sports centre: it’s one of the best in the Maldives, and there is a dedicated lagoon for beginners.
Baros (Best for Snorkelling)
If the Maldives is a snorkelling paradise, then Baros is its utopia. With a vibrant house reef and incredibly rich marine biodiversity, it's an underwater heaven – a fine choice for both beginners and expert snorkelers. Accessibility of the house reef is such that, in many places, the edge is just a few metres away – guests can step into the water and be instantly surrounded by amazing corals and diverse marine life: reef sharks, clownfish, angelfish, rays, turtles, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Beyond the house reef, excursions are led by highly experienced marine biologists, who share expert insights into the marine ecosystem and help you explore spectacular sunken shipwrecks a little further afield. Baros’s PADI-endorsed five-star Gold Palm Dive Centre also offers unique night snorkelling experiences, which reveal a host of nocturnal species, such as sleeping parrotfish, lobsters, and phosphorescent plankton which creates a magical, iridescent glow. The resort is also proudly eco-friendly, even reef-safe sunscreen to help with reef conservation efforts.
Travelling to the Maldives doesn’t need to be an ad hoc, last-minute affair. It’s such a special place – so exclusive and unique – that the discerning holiday-maker wisely invests in some serious research. That’s part of the fun. Chief among the plotting and planning is choosing which island best suits your wants and needs. As you can see, there is a delectable selection.
