Agent's guide to the Maldivian atolls

Pick the perfect island for your client’s next retreat with Isobel Turner’s rundown of atolls in the Maldives

Strung across the clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean are hundreds of idyllic Maldivian islands, each its own palm-studded haven fringed by white sands and enveloped by reefs teeming with life. 

The Maldives archipelago is composed of 26 natural atolls. While they are similar in their abundance of picture-perfect vistas, every atoll remains unique in its own right, offering a dreamy backdrop for all manner of activities, whether that be catching waves, recharging on the beach or searching for manta rays and turtles. 

North Malé Atoll
Recommend for Easy accessibility
Velana International Airport lies at the southern tip of North Malé, allowing for easy access to the atoll’s 50 islands. Most resorts can be reached with a journey on a dhoni (fishing boat) or speedboat, although some of the more distant ones require a short seaplane flight. Not only is North Malé home to some of the country’s most colourful reefs and fascinating shipwreck dive sites, it also boasts its fair share of lavish properties. Some of the most striking can be found in the Fari Islands, North Malé’s four-island, man-made archipelago, home to Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives (pictured top).

Other highlights include One&Only Reethi Rah and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

One & Only Reethi Rah

South Malé Atoll
Recommend for Diving
Much like its northern neighbour, South Malé is a hotspot for spectacular diving sites. It’s less developed than North Malé, meaning the waters are calmer and ideal for snorkellers and divers, who can venture beneath the surface in search of manta rays, whale sharks and turtles. Scattered across the tranquil waters are 30 islands, 17 of which are resorts. The most notable include Como Cocoa Island – where wooden boardwalks lead to 33 villas designed to reflect traditional dhoni boats – and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, where accommodation includes the exclusive two-storey Stella Maris villa, accessible only by boat.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Spa

Ari Atoll
Recommend for House reefs
The reefs here, home to whale sharks, hammerheads and manta rays, are close to the shores of many islands, so visitors have the perfect snorkelling spot on the doorstep of their villa. While the waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving, visitors don’t necessarily need to don their swimsuits for a glimpse of the marine life: the master bedroom of luxury villa The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island sits five metres below the surface, giving guests the chance to sleep among the colourful corals and schools of tropical fish. Other opulent properties located in Ari Atoll include Constance Halaveli Maldives, cloaked in lush vegetation and surrounded by soft white sands, and Lux South Ari Atoll, where guests can take part in marine conservation activities.

RELATED:
Hotel Review: One&Only Reethi Rah, the Maldives
W Maldives to reopen after multi-million-dollar “full-scale” renovation
FREE! Connecting The Maldives: An agent’s guide

Baa Atoll
Recommend for Wildlife spotting
Nature lovers will be in their element in this Unesco World Biosphere Reserve. Turtles, clownfish and dolphins frolic beneath the waves, while on land the clusters of mangroves and tropical foliage create an ideal habitat for lizards, fruit bats and geckos. What’s more, the planktonrich waters of Hanifaru Bay attract whale sharks and manta rays, meaning snorkellers can swim among these majestic creatures. Luxury brands in Baa include Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Anantara Kihavah and Soneva Fushi.

Anantara Kihavah

Raa Atoll
Recommend for Beautiful beaches
With only 15 out of 88 islands inhabited in this northern atoll, it’s not hard to find secluded, deserted beaches. Boat trips are readily available on Raa to ferry visitors to and from the uninhabited islands, which have stretches of pristine sands lapped by cerulean waters where dolphins, wrasse fish and turtles play. If clients are keen to spot some of the local wildlife, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is an ideal choice: the property works with the Manta Trust and takes guests out into the lagoon to snorkel with mantas and their pups. Other properties in Raa’s five-star roster include The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives, Joali Maldives and Alila Kothaifaru Maldives.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Shaviyani Atoll
Recommend for Sustainable stays
The peaceful islands in this atoll are not only home to a handful of the country’s most fascinating historical relics, but also to some of its leading sustainability initiatives. A selection of resorts here are spearheading efforts to protect the country from the effects of climate change, including Sirru Fen Fushi, Private Lagoon Resort. The property’s Sustainability Lab transforms plastic waste into bespoke souvenirs, while also offering educational programmes and activities for guests. Elsewhere in the atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa showcases the freshest, locally grown ingredients through its Garden to Table initiative, and offers diving and snorkelling excursions led by in-house marine biologists.

Sirru Fen Fushi, Private Lagoon Resort 

Noonu Atoll
Recommend for Snorkelling
Home to Edu Faru National Marine Park, the country’s only national park, the waters that envelop Noonu are swarming with a rainbow of sea life. Snorkellers can set out in search of spinner dolphins, snappers, fusiliers and turtles, or simply explore the colourful coral reefs and lagoons that showcase the atoll’s raw marine beauty. Plus, Noonu’s dive sites such as Orimas Thila and Christmas Tree Rock offer visitors the chance to glimpse grey reef sharks and guitarfish. The atoll is also home to a smattering of stunning resorts perfectly located for snorkelling and diving, including Noku Maldives, Cheval Blanc Randheli and Velaa Private Island Maldives.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Noonu Atoll 

Vaavu Atoll
Recommend for Adrenaline Junkies
Vaavu is home to the longest continuous reef in the Maldives, thanks to a 34-mile stretch of unbroken coral that’s punctuated by a series of channels, which attract groups of sharks, eagle rays and barracudas. From the reef’s edge, experienced divers can venture into the overhangs that extend almost 30 metres below the surface or head to the threshold of the channel for a chance of spotting hammerhead sharks. Due to the atoll’s location, there are also plenty of spots that are sheltered from strong currents, making it ideal for beginner divers. Vaavu is less developed than other atolls so there are fewer luxury resorts to choose from, but one of the best is Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, which boasts 90 bungalows and suites, all with views of the pristine waters and some with private plunge pools.

Vaavu Atoll's boot-shaped reef totals 55 kilometres of unbroken coral

Vaavu Atoll

Best of the rest 
As well as the most frequently visited atolls, there are plenty of spectacular, lesser-known isles worthy of attention. The 56 islands that comprise Dhaalu Atoll are surrounded by azure waters that house an abundance of marine life for snorkellers and divers to get close to with fewer crowds to contend with, including sharks, turtles and rays.

In terms of accommodation, The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a showstopper, complete with a private lagoon and dreamy Iridium Spa. A little farther north sits Faafu Atoll, a small cluster of islands whose relatively unknown status makes for unspoilt beaches and dive sites. Its secluded location offers peace and quiet in abundance and, in addition to a collection of small guesthouses, there is currently only one private island property – Filitheyo Island Resort, home to 125 spacious villas, two restaurants and a spa. 

Separated by a two-mile-wide channel, the proximity of these atolls mean they’re linked in their traditions and culture, making for exciting day trips to uninhabited islands and fascinating historical sites. 

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE MALDIVES NOW