When the Maldives appears in glossy travel brochures, it’s framed by images of over-water villas, infinity pools and honeymooners sipping cocktails as the sun sets. However, with the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism reporting well over 2 million tourist arrivals in 2024, the island nation’s picture postcard image is harder to find. Never fear, because we’ve found 5 of the best, yet lesser-known islands and atolls in the Maldives, where you can escape the crowds in luxury.
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1. Baa Atoll
Why choose the Maldives for your next holiday getaway? Because few other destinations anywhere in the world allow you to combine the luxury of resort life with a genuine chance to experience our oceans’ outstanding biodiversity, in all its underwater glory.
If you’re looking to explore unspoilt marine reserves, head to the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to the north of Male. This string of 75 sandbars, islands and coral atolls is globally recognised for its marine biodiversity, with secluded bays like Hanifaru drawing hundreds of manta rays, and even the occasional whale shark.
There are still plenty of lesser-known resorts in the Baa Atoll, including isolated islands like Dhigufaru, where you can learn to snorkel or scuba dive in pristine surroundings.
2. Fushifaru, Lhaviyani Atoll
A small island in the secluded Lhaviyani Atoll, Fushifaru’s scale is so modest that its namesake resort occupies almost the entire landmass. Only accessible by seaplane, on Fushifaru, you can have the classic Maldivian resort experience (staying in over-water villas and enjoying candlelit meals on the beach) in a positively boutique location.
Fushifaru isn’t home to an international hotel chain, but prides itself on being a low-key alternative to busy resorts. Its intimacy is part of its appeal, and the chance for a secluded stay on a remote island is always hard to turn down. Equally, Fushifaru is within easy reach of larger, busier, yet decidedly local islands, where you can visit fishing villages and see coral-stone mosques overlooking the Indian Ocean.
3. Fuvahmulah
Unlike most Maldivian islands, which cluster in atolls, Fuvahmulah stands alone in the open ocean, just south of the equator. Its isolation has nurtured a distinct ecology – including two freshwater lakes, the only ones in the country – and a unique culture, with islanders speaking dialects of the Dhivehi language not heard anywhere else in the Maldives.
Fuvahmulah is best known for its dive resorts. Explore the underwater world by day, encountering rare marine species like the fearsome Tiger Shark that congregate around the island. As the sun sets, sit back on Fuvahmulah’s white sand beaches, then enjoy traditional Maldivian resort life after dark.
4. Addu Atoll
Addu Atoll is the southernmost island chain in the Maldives. Given its distance from Male, the Maldivian capital, it’s no surprise that Addu Atoll isn’t quite so busy as better-known parts of the country.
For luxury sun seekers, there are plenty of resorts spread across some 24 islands. What makes Addu Atoll really interesting, however, is its geography and history. During the Second World War, the British established a naval base on Gan Island, with the airstrip then serving as a strategic Indian Ocean link throughout the Cold War.
Even today, you can spot the remnants of barracks and airstrips across the atoll, not to mention the vital man-made causeways which still connect several islands. Under the water, marine life flocks to sunken wrecks. Above the waves, those with an interest in geopolitics will be intrigued to know that in 1959, Addu Atoll declared independence as the short-lived United Suvadive Republic.
Read more: How Many Countries in South Asia? Everything You Need to Know.
5. Dhigurah, South Ari Atoll
Located amongst South Ari Atoll’s biodiverse waters, Dhigurah is an unusually long island in a nation of otherwise tiny coral outcrops. With three kilometres of sandy shores to explore, Dhigurah is a veritable bastion of local life, a place far removed from the many formerly uninhabited islands which have in recent years been transformed into resorts.
But Dhigurah not only offers a window into Maldivian life, it’s also one of the few places in the world where whale sharks congregate all year round. Dhigurah has become a reliable base for whale shark encounters, and with the surrounding waters teeming with manta rays, it’s the perfect place for snorkellers and divers.
Interestingly, Dhigurah also provides an unusually diverse range of accommodation options. Visitors can opt for the traditional Maldivian resorts, staying in luxurious villas and enjoying 5-star hospitality. Or you can go for locally owned guesthouses, spending the night in rustic beach bungalows under dark night skies.
There you have it! 5 lesser-known islands and atolls to visit in the Maldives. Which one will be top of your bucket list?
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