Luxury Beach Holidays to Maldives

The beaches below suit travellers who want clean, well-maintained sand and calm shallow water close to their room.

• Hulhumalé: Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island created by land reclamation and linked to the capital by causeway, which makes it a practical base for a first or last night in the country. Its beach is a managed stretch of sand with a swimming area that suits an easy afternoon away from the bustle of the city. We would recommend it for travellers who want a short transfer and a more urban rhythm, rather than the seclusion of a private island. It is less about overwater villas and more about convenience, and that trade-off is worth stating clearly before you book. It is exactly the brief our Maldives Beach Holidays deals are built around.
• Malé: The capital, Malé, is the main gateway through Velana International Airport, sitting on Hulhulé island right next to the airport. Its compact streets are among the most densely populated in the world, so the city feels very different from the resort islands that most visitors come to see, which is exactly the contrast that our Maldives All Inclusive Holidays are designed around. Beaches here are limited, but the waterfront and evening walks offer a window into everyday Maldivian life. We suggest treating the capital as a short stop rather than a beach destination, and dressing modestly when you explore its public areas.
• Ari Atoll: Ari Atoll is one of the most visited atolls and sits relatively close to the capital, with many resorts reached by speedboat or seaplane in under an hour. Its lagoons are generally sheltered and its beaches are well kept, making it a dependable choice for guests who want reliable sand and easy access to diving. The popularity of the atoll means it can feel busier than the far south, but the strong service and marine life more than make up for it. It suits travellers who value convenience and a polished resort setting above total isolation. It is exactly the brief our Maldives Luxury Holidays deals are built around.
• Baa Atoll: Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, designated in 2011, and it is known for its reef environment and the seasonal manta ray feeding at Hanifaru Bay. The beaches on its resort islands are generally clean and the lagoons are rich with reef fish, which makes the house reef a highlight for guests who enjoy snorkelling. Visits to the bay are regulated to protect the animals, so you need to plan around the available windows. We would point Baa Atoll towards travellers who want wildlife as much as beach time, and who are willing to build their days around it, the same brief our Maldives holidays deals are built around.
• Dhigurah: Dhigurah is a local island in the southern part of the Maldives' Indian Ocean archipelago, featuring a long sandbank and access to whale shark waters nearby, reached by a domestic flight and a short boat transfer. The sand here is wide and quiet, and the atmosphere is far more relaxed than the busier resort islands to the north. Because it is a local island rather than a private resort, alcohol is not sold there and modest dress is expected in public areas. It suits travellers seeking a genuine sense of island life alongside their beach time, the same brief our Cheap Maldives Holidays deals are built around.