Holidays in the Maldives are popular with a wide variety of categories of the population. Maldives ‘ coral reef resorts attract divers and snorkelers alike. Clear turquoise sea, beautiful sunsets, exotic — romantic lovers. Excellent service, delicious unusual cuisine and lots of entertainment for families with children.
If you are going to North or South Male, a convenient and fast way to get there is by speedboat. The transfer can be either free, provided by the resort, or paid, but the cost of the trip is quite budget-friendly. Hotels in the Maldives with a boat transfer are waiting for their guests.
Paradise Island Resort & Spa 5*
Located on a beautiful green island in the North Male Atoll area, a boat transfer from Velana Airport takes just 15 minutes. The hotel offers excellent accommodation options: suites with freshwater infinity pools in a beautiful lagoon, bungalows with verandas on the shore behind trees, villas on the water and on a private beach.
Food is varied: Bageecha offers an open-air buffet and Asian, local and continental cuisine, Farumathi on the edge of the reef specializes in seafood, traditional Japanese Fukuya Teppanyaki, Italian Ristorante al Tramonto on the marina, Lagoon, located among the above-water villas, Athiri Bar with pool and dance floor.
People go sea fishing here more often than in other places of recreation. Dive tours are also available. For those who want to keep in shape — gym, treadmill, basketball, volleyball, ping-pong. For connoisseurs — billiards. Araamu Spa features a sauna, hot tub and steam bath to help you relax after a busy day surrounded by tropical vegetation.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives 5*
The administration calls this place of rest a “playground for adults”: guests of 18+are expected here. Couples and newlyweds are eager to come — they are attracted to the paradise on the North Male Atoll. Famous diving spots with beautiful corals and caves are located nearby: Lion’s Head near Tilafushi Reef and protected marine area — Kikki Reef (Hans Hass Place).
Waterside villas of the Deluxe and Spa-Premium Deluxe categories are available for booking. Guests can eat in 4 restaurants: the Swedish line serves Oceans with an international menu, Thai Suan Bua, Italian La Brezza, Middle Eastern Al Khaimah work a la carte.
Visitors are provided with all the opportunities for an active and relaxing holiday. “Activists” visit a fitness room, a PADI-certified diving center and a water sports center, rent local Dhoni boats, go snorkeling and diving, go on sea fishing and excursions. For those who appreciate peace of mind, there is a quiet private beach, 2 on-site swimming pools, games and digital areas.
The wellness and beauty center SPA Cenvaree is located in cabins with balconies and ocean views — here you can enjoy a Thai massage together, lie down in the Jacuzzi, visit the steam room and sauna. You can also get manicures and pedicures.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa 5*
A 15-minute boat ride will take you from Velana to the private island of Furanafushi in North Male, this superbly equipped family-run complex (shuttle service is free). Families with children and teenagers will be happy to stay here in 176 rooms in villas and bungalows — exciting and fun activities are organized for them as part of the family program.
There are 6 restaurants available. In the wicker-roofed Feast, international dishes are prepared in front of you, and in the evenings, visitors can also watch a show on the beach. The coastal Sea Salt offers a seafood menu. Masala Hut’s reed-roofed pavilion offers Indian cuisine, Baan Thai offers Thai cuisine, ChopstiX offers authentic Chinese wontons and noodles, Kakuni Hut offers great fish tacos and signature cocktails, and Destination Dining offers international culinary masterpieces. The Anchorage Bar serves cocktails and smoothies with Mediterranean dishes.
It has a private beach and a tropical freshwater pool. The range of activities is amazing: dhoni skiing, water skiing, jet skiing and kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving, on land you can enjoy fitness parkour, treadmill, tennis and ping-pong.
With a yoga pavilion set in a luxurious tropical garden, Shine Spa offers separate services for children in addition to a sauna, steam room, massage, Ayurveda and beauty treatments.
Baa Atoll in the Maldives – What You Need to Know
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort 5*
This impressive resort for couples 18+ can be reached by speedboat in just half an hour. Guests are accommodated in 67 bungalows with different locations – on the water, on a steep bank or in a quiet lagoon (these 2 options are with a swimming pool). There is direct access to the surf area, and customers can also visit the facilities of the neighboring complex-Anantara Dhigu.
You can eat a variety of dishes: in the Thai restaurant over the lagoon Baan Huraa, Japanese Origami, Italian 73 Degrees. In Sea. Fire.Salt serves seafood grilled over water. Fushi Cafe offers both international and local menus, while Dhoni Bar is located by the main pool. At Spice Spoons Cooking class, you can learn how to cook Maldivian and Thai dishes.
All the interesting activities here are connected with the ocean — sunset and dawn sea fishing, glass-bottom yacht cruises, catamaran and cibob rides( underwater scooters), snorkeling among eagle rays, reef sharks and turtles, diving (PADI instructors), kitesurfing, parasailing, jetski, flyboard, windsurfing, water skiing is everything you can imagine. And a unique reef development project — you can participate in coral planting.
Anantara Veli Spa offers rooms with reed walls for Ayurvedic treatments. Visit the sauna, steam room, beauty salon, outdoor shower, contrast pool and garden for relaxation.
Kurumba Maldives 5*
Located in Kurumba Resort, 10 minutes by speedboat from the airport. You will find superior rooms, a variety of villas — presidential, deluxe, beach, garden, luxury bungalows, including on the coast, and the royal residence of Kurumba.
An international buffet is served at Vihamanaa Restaurant. The menu includes a modern grill restaurant Thila, Thai Khing Thai, Indian Mahal, Middle Eastern Al Qasr, teppanyaki restaurant Hamakaze, Cafe with pizza and Maldivian desserts, cocktail bar with live music Kandu, beach bar Athiri. There is a hookah Fez. Maldivian food demonstrations and romantic beachside dinners are organized.
Active activities include water sports, diving, and snorkeling (as an option — at night or with an underwater photo session). An extensive program at the Majaa Recreation Center: billiards, air hockey, tennis, ping-pong, darts, football, painting lessons (they will teach you how to draw even on a coconut), folding napkins and palm leaves.
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort 5*
Located on the island of Digufinolu (South Male, transfer from Velana 35 minutes) and provides guests with various options of villas and suites: family two-bedroom, beach, over the water, with terraces and pools, with magnificent views of the sunrise and sunset over the Indian Ocean, with a convenient descent to the lagoon.
There is a great selection of restaurants-Thai, Japanese, Italian, Maldivian, with seafood. There is also an aqua bar and a pool bar. Guests can book in-villa dinners, take a cooking class on Thai and local dishes.
There is an excellent overflow pool. Activities are diverse-wakeboarding, nibboarding, water skiing (the twin speedboats Wild and Wet are used for skiing), boat trips at sunset, snorkeling and surfing.
The spa center includes 6 treatment rooms and 2 over-water Thai massage rooms (with a glass window in the floor — a masseur works with you and you admire the corals), a facial treatment room, a beauty salon, a hair salon, indoor and outdoor showers, and rejuvenation equipment.
There is a special menu for children, and all of them receive a gift set in honor of their arrival.
OBLU SELECT Sangeli — Premium 5*
This holiday complex is located 53 km from the airport (50 minutes by boat). There are 137 rooms — these are villas on the water, on the beach and in a tropical garden, bungalows, bridal suites.
Guests can enjoy a buffet at The Courtyard Restaurant, which offers open-air international cuisine and themed evenings. At The Sangs, regional dishes are served, while at Simply Veg Just Grill, meat and seafood are prepared on the grill. There are 2 bars open.
Guests are happy to spend time in the swimming pools (one of them is for adults) and the gym, but most of the time they are engaged in marine activities — diving, snorkeling, SUP-surfing, fishing, kayaking and jet skiing.
Elena Spa offers wellness treatments and massages with a range of exclusive beauty products. The spa has 6 treatment rooms, a steam room, and a yoga pavilion.
Music & DJ Nights are held 3 times a week, the program “Live music” – 1 time. Each client gets one free sunset fishing trip and a guided tour (weather permitting). A mini club is available for children.
Velassaru Maldives 5*
You will arrive here in 45 minutes. And be surprised by the abundance of exotic greenery. Guests stay in villas and bungalows of various categories-above-water, beach, deluxe, with a swimming pool.
Food is diverse — international cuisine at Vela and Turquoise, Japanese cuisine at Teppanyaki, gourmet cuisine at Etesian, ocean view appetizers at Coastal Sand, craft cocktails at Chill Bar, modern snacks and drinks at Fen Beach Bar.
The most interesting Marine Center functions here. Marine biologist and diving masters Velassaru invite you to explore the wonders of the underwater world of the Maldives and see firsthand how the Marine Center is actively involved in the creation of coral plantations.
And, of course — snorkeling, diving, water skiing, wakeboarding, nibboarding, windsurfing, parasailing, catamaran, sailing, kayaking (there are transparent kayaks with glass bottoms that allow you to observe the life of the coral reef).
In the spa you will find 10 above-water treatment rooms, a hydro pool over the lagoon, a steam room, a relaxation room. Free sunset yoga classes are offered 3 times a week on the ideally located main beach.
Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives 5*
This North Male property is a 20-minute boat ride away. Guests are invited to stay in a variety of villas-above the water, on the beach, near the reef, with views of the picturesque lagoon. There is a spacious private beach of 541 m2, with a sandy bottom and pier, and a 150-meter freshwater pool.
Guests can enjoy meals in 2 restaurants-the main Edge with international cuisine and a buffet, and a la carte-in the Fire Door Grill restaurant. The Breeze pool bar is functioning. Fans of active pastime play beach volleyball, ping-pong, billiards, mini golf, darts, aerobics in the fitness room, surfing, kitesurfing, diving, snorkeling, canoeing, water skiing, fishing.
Water sports equipment is available for rent on site. In the evenings, there is a cinema, there are interesting evening programs. There is an escursion office. The spa center offers a variety of spa and wellness packages, beauty treatments, and massages. A mini club is available for children.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo 5*
A luxurious location with its own exotic reef, teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. It was awarded the World Travel Awards “Best Villa on the water”. There are 50 above-water villas, all with teak floors, very comfortable beds, spacious sun terraces and small pools with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. 6 of them have a Japanese design. There are also private ones for newlyweds.
Food — in 2 restaurants: Farivalhu-Maldivian dishes, fusion, fish delicacies, lobsters just caught from the atoll. Kithajima — Japanese menu, including beer and sake. There are 2 bars open. Entertainment options include whale-watching submarine excursions, parasailing, tours to an inhabited island with the local population, morning sea fishing, and an excursion to Male, including a trip to souvenir shops.
Mandara Spa is located above the water, with a separate reception and shopping area, two double rooms with shower, one double room with bath and a terrace with ocean views. Balinese therapist services, traditional aromatherapy massage, advanced ELEMIS face and body treatments.
VARU by Atmosphere — Premium 5*
This Atmosphere Hotels & Resort complex is located in North Male, 39 km from Velana (it will take about 40 minutes to transfer for a fee). There are 108 rooms here. They are extremely spacious — from 95 m2 in size.
Buffet and international cuisine — Lime & Chilli offers authentic Kaage a la carte options. Charcoal Mediterranean Nu and Grill restaurant. Theme nights and evening programs are held in public catering outlets. Tourists like to go to the beach (shuttle service is free) and swim in the large outdoor pool.
The fitness center is open daily and offers yoga and fitness classes. There is a tennis court, a football field. Popular water activities include snorkeling and canoeing. Diving equipment can also be rented.
The ELENA Spa and Wellness Center offers a variety of massage, beauty and beauty treatments, a sauna and a relaxation area. For younger guests, there is an indoor play area, an outdoor playground, and a kids ‘ club. Those who have been here are delighted with the local desserts, praising the friendliness and care of the staff.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives 5*
Located just 15 minutes by boat from the airport, in the picturesque Embudu Lagoon. You will have a fun life on the island of Marina Crossroads, with a service like for real rock stars! Guests are accommodated in suites and studios on the shore and above the water, there are family options.
You can eat at The Elephant and The Butterfly beachside restaurant with Latin American flavor and Mexican cuisine (the concept is inspired by the love story of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera), as well as at the classic American Hard Rock Cafe. You can enjoy an exclusive dinner for 12 people in the private studio of the author’s cuisine from the chef.
Only here you will find unique music offers — all new arrivals are offered a code to download a playlist, the opportunity to play the legendary Fender guitar and listen to an amazing collection of records.
Marine Discovery Center offers all kinds of water sports, a spa complex with 4 rooms-Maldivian treatments, a specialized wellness program Rhythm and Motion, a complex for children. Practice a special Rock Om yoga program.
There is a store of branded clothing and collectible accessories Rock Shop. For younger vacationers, there is a children’s club Roxity and Teen Spirit with fun animators and Roxtars — characters from the music world.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, an IHG Hotel 5*
You can get here by boat from the airport in 40 minutes. Visitors are provided with 160 villas, cabins and pavilions on the coast, above the water and surrounded by magnificent tropical gardens. In “Kanduma” often go with children — for them there is a Kandoo club, a lot of interesting entertainment is provided.
A buffet breakfast is served at The Kitchen Restaurant, which offers an amazing variety of dishes, and at Kandooma Cafe. A la carte options include Bokkuraa Coffee Club with Chinese-Indian-Thai-Mediterranean menu, grill and BBQ, and Aveli Bar with sunset viewing area.
Activities are impressive: scuba diving among whale sharks, kabooba and lionfish, catamaran safaris, water skiing, mono-skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, cruises with schools of dolphins. The Aqua Discovery Marine Conservation Center offers interesting information walks-excursions with marine biologists around the reserve, where sea turtles and mantoux rays like floating blankets live.
Kandooma-spa offers beauty and massage treatments in combination with the royal Javanese Lulur baths, yoga classes (including on a surfboard), aqua aerobics and aqua zumba.
Ozen Life Maadhoo 5*
Free boat transfer from Male to this modern holiday complex — 45 minutes each way, but you won’t regret coming. Both families with children (excellent children’s infrastructure is organized) and romantic couples strive here — magnificent nature, the cleanest private beach, the fabulously blue ocean.
Check — in options — villas “Earth”, “Sunrise”, “Beach”, “Wind” and the most interesting-Water ” (with underwater dinners). Comparing restaurants that have been here, they say that “everything is delicious”. International menu — in The Palms (buffet) and Joie De Vivre, in the surface M6m — the freshest seafood, in two The Traditions-Indian and Chinese cuisine, in R. A. W-wonderful sushi.
There is a private beach area and 2 swimming pools – for adults and children. Visitors are engaged in diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, excursions and sunset fishing trips are organized for them. There are free bike rental and tennis courts, a fun animation team entertains people, and there is karaoke.
The spa center offers a variety of health and beauty treatments, and the fitness center offers fitness and yoga classes (there is an opportunity to work out with a personal trainer).
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa 5*
In 15-20 minutes, a speedboat will take you to the small private island of Emboodhu Finolhu, in a spacious lagoon with a sandy bottom — here you will find an exclusive and compact complex consisting of 64 1-and 2-storey villas. The concept of recreation here is maximum proximity to nature. The villas, which partially stand above the water, are built of natural materials, and even the restaurant terraces have thatched roofs.
The 24 Degrees Restaurant features an open kitchen and serves European and Asian cuisine. The Deep End serves a menu on stilts, with a menu of meat and seafood, with an excellent wine list — here vacationers come for dinner. Cocktails and a variety of wines are served at The Equator Bar. If desired, you can have lunch on the beach or in nature-have a picnic on a deserted island.
Guests can take a dip in the outdoor freshwater pool, use the fitness room, practice yoga, play beach volleyball, soccer and billiards. The Dolphin Base Dive (part of PADI) is open for water skiing, kayaking, snorkeling and windsurfing. Seaplane trips and cruises to nearby islands are also available.
In the luxurious Taj spa you will find a Finnish sauna, steam room, aromatherapy, shiatsu, Ayurvedic treatments, French cosmetics Decleor.
