Maldives islands near Male you should visit
A string of shimmering jewels in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is a real tropical paradise. Of the nearly 100 resort islands, it might be difficult to decide at first sight where to stay for the best Maldives vacation experience. For travelers who look for a pretty resort near Male airport that is accessible without costly seaplane or long speedboat rides, here are the top Maldives islands near Male!
6 Best Maldives Islands near Male
Emboodhu Finolhu Island – 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 want to 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 capital, Emboodhu Finolhu is certainly one of the best islands to visit near Male. A short 10-minute speedboat ride from the international airport, the Taj maintains a guests-only, round-the-clock shuttle service to and from the city.
Vaadhoo Island – 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 is considered one of the best Maldives islands near Male offering a variety of room types including sunrise and sunset water villas with private pools as well as exclusive honeymoon villas.
SeaSpiration Tip: Read our full Maldives beach vacation guide for more travel tips.
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 with guests, in addition to a whale submarine excursion and the resort’s parasailing facilities. Adaaran also conducts Male tours for guests who are eager to learn about the city’s history and highlights.
But Vaadhoo’s best feature may be its 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!
Vaadhoo is only 10.3 kilometers from the airport, which translates to a comfortable 15-minute speedboat ride from Male.
Lankanfinolhu – Paradise Island Resort & Spa
Another incredible option for resorts near Male International Airport is Paradise Island Resort & Spa on Lankanfinolhu Island. Billed as “the largest luxury private resort”, Paradise Island is only about 11 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. It’s 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 hotel offers a smorgasbord of options, including windsurfing and racquetball. Paradise Island Resort & Spa also runs day trips to nearby sights and islands.
In addition to the main resort, two small guest houses also welcome guests on Lankanfinolhu Island.
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 major 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. Kurumba is a super island to bring the whole family since kids under a certain age stay free! Plus, the resort offers babysitting services.
SeaSpiration Tip: Read how to travel to the Maldives with a baby!
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 US $5 per person.
Ukulhas is a resident-tourist island, meaning it’s home to both residential neighborhoods and guest hotels. 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 being not 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 Island
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 got a style that is wowing guests. The spacious room feature garden, beach, or ocean view offering perfect relaxation.
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 watersport center are also available to keep the guests fit and active.
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