Where to Stay in Maldives 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
The Maldives comprises 1,200 islands across 26 atolls, with resorts typically occupying entire islands. The 'one island, one resort' concept means your choice of resort IS your neighborhood. Options range from ultra-luxury overwater villas to budget guesthouses on local islands. Most visitors fly into Malé and transfer to their resort island.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
North Malé Atoll
Quick speedboat transfers (15-60 min) mean more time in paradise, less time traveling. Wide range of resorts from mid-range to ultra-luxury. First-time visitors get the quintessential Maldives experience without the added cost and complexity of seaplane transfers.
North Malé Atoll
South Malé Atoll
Ari Atoll
Baa Atoll
Local Islands
Malé City
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Booking through third parties can miss resort-direct deals and packages
- • Seaplane transfers add $400-600+ per person - factor into budget
- • All-inclusive often better value than à la carte given island isolation
- • Some 'budget' resorts are actually very basic - check recent reviews
Understanding Maldives Geography
The Maldives stretches 800km north-south. Malé is the capital, with Velana International Airport on adjacent Hulhulé island. Resorts scatter across atolls, reached by speedboat (close) or seaplane (distant). Local island tourism centers on Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, and others with guesthouses.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Maldives
North Malé Atoll
Best for: Closest to airport, luxury resorts, easy transfers, quick getaways
"Classic Maldives luxury with quick airport access"
Pros
- Close to airport
- Many resort options
- Quick transfers
Cons
- More resorts = less exclusive feel
- Pricier due to convenience
- Some reef damage
South Malé Atoll
Best for: World-class diving, surf breaks, marine life, slightly quieter
"Excellent diving and surfing with pristine reefs"
Pros
- Great diving
- Surf breaks
- Less crowded
Cons
- Longer transfer
- Fewer budget options
- Some distant islands
Ari Atoll
Best for: Whale sharks, manta rays, premium resorts, marine biodiversity
"Premium atoll famous for whale shark and manta encounters"
Pros
- Best whale shark chances
- Mantas
- Beautiful reefs
Cons
- Seaplane required (expensive)
- Remote
- Weather dependent
Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere)
Best for: UNESCO marine reserve, Hanifaru Bay mantas, eco-luxury
"Protected marine paradise with legendary manta gatherings"
Pros
- UNESCO protected
- Hanifaru Bay mantas
- Pristine environment
Cons
- Seaplane cost
- Manta season specific
- Premium prices
Malé City
Best for: Budget guesthouses, local culture, pre/post resort stays
"Densely packed capital city - different Maldives experience"
Pros
- Budget options
- Local culture
- Near airport
Cons
- Not beach paradise
- Crowded
- Conservative dress required
Local Islands (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo)
Best for: Budget beach stays, local life, bikini beaches, surf
"Local island tourism with designated bikini beaches"
Pros
- Budget Maldives
- Local culture
- Good value
Cons
- Not luxury resort
- Alcohol limited
- Less pristine
Accommodation Budget in Maldives
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Triton Beach Hotel
Maafushi (Local Island)
Popular guesthouse on Maafushi with beach access, snorkeling trips, and budget Maldives experience.
Arena Beach Hotel
Maafushi (Local Island)
Beachfront guesthouse with bikini beach access and excellent value for Maldives.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Adaaran Club Rannalhi
South Malé Atoll
All-inclusive resort with house reef, water bungalows, and good value for resort experience.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon
North Malé Atoll
Family-friendly resort 15 minutes from airport with multiple restaurants and water villas.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Ari Atoll
Iconic luxury resort with underwater restaurant (Ithaa), spa over water, and two islands connected by bridge.
Soneva Fushi
Baa Atoll
Pioneering eco-luxury resort with 'no news, no shoes' philosophy, outdoor cinema, and incredible dining.
One&Only Reethi Rah
North Malé Atoll
Ultra-luxury on one of Maldives' largest resort islands with 12 beaches and villa privacy.
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli
Dhaalu Atoll
Architectural masterpiece with whale-shaped spa, blue hole diving, and ultra-luxury villas.
Gili Lankanfushi
North Malé Atoll
All-villa resort including world's largest overwater villa, eco-luxury philosophy, and 'no news, no shoes.'
Smart Booking Tips for Maldives
- 1 Peak season (December-April) requires 3-6 months advance booking for popular resorts
- 2 Christmas/New Year command massive premiums - book 6+ months ahead
- 3 Shoulder seasons (May, November) offer deals with decent weather
- 4 Monsoon (May-October) brings rain but best manta/whale shark season
- 5 Honeymoon packages often include upgrades - mention special occasions
- 6 Seaplanes don't fly after dark - late arrivals may require airport hotel
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Maldives Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Maldives: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.