Best Resort Islands Near Male, Maldives – Paradise Stays Without Long and Costly Transfers

Looking for the best resort islands near Malé, Maldives? Then you came to the right place! Imagine stepping off your long flight, feeling that first warm tropical breeze, and instead of waiting hours for a pricey seaplane, you’re already sipping a coconut by the turquoise lagoon just one to two hours after arriving in the country. It is absolutely possible, and I tell you now how and where!

The Maldives may be a dazzling necklace of nearly 100 resort islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, but not all of them require a long journey to reach. Some of the dreamiest spots are just a quick speedboat ride from Malé airport. No stress, just instant paradise. Here are the top Maldives resort islands near Malé where your vacation starts the moment you land.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa

The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is an ultra-sophisticated experience that’s sure to elicit some Instagram tongue-waving. At Taj, fifty-five water villas line a perfect-blue lagoon. Each room is an homage to elegant opulence and boasts a private plunge pool, personal sundeck, and high-octane pampering.

A variety of water sport activities are also on tap, and posh babysitting is available for parents who bring the kids along but also take a break from them to enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or an exciting snorkeling session.

A mere 9.2 kilometers from the airport, this resort paradise is undoubtedly one of the best islands to visit near Male, just a short 10-minute speedboat away. Best of all, the Taj Exotica maintains a guests-only, round-the-clock shuttle service to and from the city.

Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

For people in search of resort islands near Male that cost less than a month’s paycheck per night, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo on the island of Vaadhoo may hit the spot.

Adaaran offers a variety of room types, including sunrise and sunset water villas with private pools, as well as exclusive honeymoon villas, making it a good choice for a variety of travelers, no matter their Maldives vacation budget.

Like most tourist islands in the Maldives, the Adaaran Prestige maintains a private reef for snorkeling and scuba diving. Sunrise and sunset fishing trips are popular activities, in addition to submarine excursions and water sports. Adaaran also conducts Male tours for guests who are eager to learn about the city’s history and highlights.

You can even experience here the Maldives’ best feature, the so-called glowing waters. At certain times during the year, phytoplankton in nearby waters emits a bioluminescence glow, transforming the surrounding sea into a giant, rippling rave stick!

Last but not least, this resort is only 10.3 kilometers from the airport, which translates to a comfortable 15-minute speedboat ride from Male. What else could you ask for?

Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort & Spa

Another incredible option for resorts near Male International Airport is the Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort & Spa, situated on Lankanfinolhu Island.

Billed as “the largest luxury private resort” of the Maldives, Paradise Island is super popular since it is easy to reach, being only about 10 kilometers from Male. A speedboat ride, which takes 20 minutes, shuttles guests between the two points.

On Lankanfinolhu, palm-lined, pearl-colored beaches give way to topaz waters: you’ll get everything you want in a tropical paradise to wash away the stress.

On days when you’re in the mood for something more active, the resort offers a smorgasbord of options, including windsurfing and racquetball. They also run day trips to nearby sights and islands.

Kurumba

A mere 10-minute speedboat ride from the Male International Airport, Kurumba bears the distinction of being the Maldives’ first resort. It’s undergone significant renovations and upgrades since its debut and continues to be a crowd favorite.

With eight restaurants on the island and a wealth of water activities, Kurumba has something to offer for all types of vacationers. Guests who want to explore Male for the day can hop on the resort’s 24/7 speedboat shuttle that ferries guests between the capital and the island.

Tip: Kurumba is a great island to bring your toddler, as kids under a certain age stay free (in specific periods)! Plus, the resort offers babysitting services. For more information, get in touch with the resort or your travel agent!

Ukulhas

Ukulhas Island isn’t close to Male – 71.68 kilometers away to be exact – but it is connected to the city by the Maldives’ public ferry service. Significantly cheaper than speedboat and seaplane options, a ferry ticket will only set you back a few dollars per person.

Ukulhas is not a pure resort island, so it is a joker in this list; it’s home to both residential neighborhoods and guest hotels, but I highly recommend staying here if you want a more authentoc experience not just a typical resort-stay.

Having an eco-friendly community, Ukulhas takes sustainability seriously, and the island has won several conservation awards.

Travelers can choose from nearly 100 guest houses and hotels on the island that cater to a range of budgets. In fact, Ukulhas is one of the most affordable Maldives islands near Male that, despite not being a resort-only place, offers everything tourists might need for a perfect vacation.

Besides wonderful beaches, the island is also abloom with restaurants. Foodies in search of homebrewed cuisine will find lots to admire on Ukulhas, as will anyone who enjoys a dollop of regional authenticity while traveling.

Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives is one of the most popular cheap resorts near Male. An interesting fact is that it was the second resort of the Maldives, opened in 1972, only 9.8 kilometers from the capital.

Since then, it has undergone a branding and renovation makeover, and it now boasts a style that wows guests. Guests love it a lot, not just because it is easy to reach, but also because it has spacious rooms with a garden or beach view.

With a house reef teeming with life, Bandos is a top destination for divers and snorkelers too. There is a wide variety of marine life to see every day, including turtles and reef sharks, but lucky ones might spot majestic manta rays too.

Gym, tennis court, and watersports center are also available to keep the guests fit and active.

Whether you’re traveling solo or on a honeymoon, this resort offers the true Maldives experience – blissful, beautiful, and surprisingly affordable.

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