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Best Area to Stay in the Maldives: Find Your Perfect Resort

With 1,192 islands in the Maldives, you’re sure to find the perfect resort for your dream holiday.

We’ve created this detailed travel guide to help you discover the best area in the Maldives. Choose between the Ari, North Malé, South Malé or Baa Atoll and experience untold luxury, nature, adventure and wellness. Each atoll caters to different needs – from ultra-luxurious island resorts to more budget-friendly options, lively hotels focussing on entertainment to serene escapes prioritising tranquillity and relaxation – it’s all available on a Maldives holiday. And with direct flights to the Maldives from the UK, it’s never been easier to enjoy floating breakfasts, private beaches, overwater villas and delicious al fresco dining. What are you waiting for?

Ari Atoll

The Ari Atoll is quintessentially Maldivian, offering the idyllic holidays that are so synonymous with this destination. Scuba diving and snorkelling are a highlight here as this is regarded as the best spot in the Indian Ocean for diving. Explore the house coral reefs, which are reachable directly from the shores of your exclusive resort, and discover marine life such as manta rays, sea turtles and reef sharks. Majestic whale sharks are known to reside in the waters of the Ari Atoll all year round, so keep an eye out for those too! This atoll also promises a diverse array of exceptional luxury resorts, many of which are adult only and perfect for a paradisiacal honeymoon. Expect fine dining, with some hotels boasting an underwater restaurant for a unique experience, as well as spellbinding sunsets. Embark on a boat trip around the island to admire the pink and orange hues of the sky.

North Malé Atoll

Considered the gateway to the Maldives due to its accessibility and close proximity to Valena International Airport in Malé, the North Malé Atoll promises all the bliss of a Maldives holiday without the hassle of needing an expensive seaplane transfer. Instead, holidaymakers can reach your luxury resort with a short speedboat ride – saving you money and giving you more time to spend in paradise. Because of this, North Malé is a great option if you’re combining a short stay in the Maldives with other destinations on a multicentre holiday. Families will adore the large resorts found here as they’re filled with top-class facilities to suit all ages, as well as family-friendly entertainment and international cuisines served up in the delectable restaurants. If you want to enjoy some water sports fun, this is a surfing hotspot, with Pasta Point, Jailbreaks and Sultans the best breaks in the area. Visit between May and October for the biggest waves.

South Malé Atoll

Quieter and less crowded than North Malé, the South Malé Atoll promises the ultimate secluded holiday to the Maldives while still being only a short distance away from the capital. If you’re seeking an exciting nightlife, this may not be the destination for you as the spacious and tranquil resorts are more wellness focused, offering luxury spas, yoga and meditation, while encouraging a laidback lifestyle to leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated. Also offering superb opportunities for surfing, the South Malé Atoll is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise lagoons. Opt for an overwater villa for direct access to these inviting waters or a beach villas for unspoilt views as far as the eye can see. Perfect for solo travellers, couples on a romantic retreat and those who want nothing more to do well and truly relax, if you’re looking for a break away from the every day and some peaceful solitude this really is the atoll for you.

Baa Atoll

For a destination that oozes luxury and sustainability, the Baa Atoll is the perfect place. Nature enthusiasts will love the stunning array of secluded islands, endemic marine life and lush tropical foliage in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A particularly incredible spot in this eden is Hanifaru Bay, which is a manta ray feeding site and home to whale sharks, Hawksbill turtles and schools of tropical fish. Visit between July and October to see hundreds of manta rays in the spectacle dubbed the “Dance of the Mantas”. Explore the thriving coral reefs with some snorkelling and learn about the protected ecosystems and marine diversity not found in other areas of the world. In your exclusive island resort, you'll find eco-conscious architecture that blends the luxury of the Maldives with the surrounding natural beauty. Enjoy views of the Indian Ocean and uninterrupted bliss in the ultimate arcadian setting.

Have you decided where to stay in the Maldives? Whatever atoll you choose, we know you’ll have an unforgettable holiday. Book online or call Destination2’s Indian Ocean travel experts today.

Originally Posted 21 May 2026 by Sarah Keenan

Last Updated 22 May 2026

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