How to choose the best Maldives island for your travel style

04.03.2024 - 22:49 / lonelyplanet.com

Let’s get one thing straight: Not all atolls were created equal. But on the plus side, the Maldives has thousands of sun-drenched islands, and discovering the perfect one for your trip is all part of the fun.

Every resort in Maldives is its own private island but choosing the right one for you can be difficult. Want to kick off your Indian Ocean holiday in style? Our guide will help you know what to look for in the hunt for your ideal island, whether you’re searching for affordable options or five-star resorts with brilliant dive schools. 

Yes, your sun-kissed island resort might be wonderfully secluded with no other atoll in sight, but remote locations inevitably crank up the price – not simply because there are higher costs to cover (like getting supplies to the resort in question) but because it’s likely you’ll need to pay for a short domestic flight or a seaplane flight to get there. Seaplane transfers are the most expensive option (expect to pay anywhere from US$300 to US$900 for a round trip), while domestic flights to one of the Maldives’ smaller airports (followed by a boat transfer) will be slightly cheaper.

The good news? Some of the best Maldives resorts are just a boat ride from Male’s Velana International Airport, so don’t write off properties simply because of their close proximity.

Located on the Fari Islands development, Patina Maldives, the Fari Islands is only a 45-minute speedboat transfer from the international airport. Fancy a spot of island-hopping? Traveling between islands in the Maldives can be expensive, but Patina Maldives is just a short shuttle-boat service from the Fari Islands’ Ritz-Carlton resort, so there’s no chance of claustrophobia setting in. The Capella Maldives, which will be the third and final Fari Islands resort, is due to open in 2025.

It may sound self-indulgent, but trust us – knowing your culinary criteria can make or break a holiday. That tiny, exclusive island you’ve got your eye on might well have a Michelin-starred chef, but even the most delicious dishes can look rather plain after you’ve eaten your way through the restaurant’s menu in the space of two days. In summary, bigger is often better if food is a priority. Our top tip? Don’t miss Maldivian Night – most resorts will offer these culinary extravaganzas, typically held in the main buffet restaurant. Chefs will go all out to champion local cuisine, and they’re great opportunities to try local seafood like the Maldivian snapper.

You’ll never go hungry at the South Male Atoll’s Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort, which has a staggering 11 restaurants, including ones specializing in Levantine and garden-to-table cuisine. There are regular food-themed events, too – our favorites include Arabian