The Maldives

Lhaviyani Atoll is famed for its beauty and abundant sea life, and some of the best scuba diving sites in the Maldives. The dive sites are bustling with sharks, mantas, rays, turtles, hundreds of butterflyfish, Napoleon wrasse, unicorn fish, lobsters, barracuda and more. Among popular dive sites located off Lhaviyani Atoll are Felivaru Kandu, Kuredu Express, Kanuhura Corner, Kuderu Caves, The Shipyard, Fushifaru Kandu, and Fushifaru Corner.
Kanuhura is located on the eastern rim of Lhaviyani Atoll, on its own private island. Famed for its laid-back luxury and authentic, natural Maldivian charm, the award-winning resort offers the highest standards of accommodation, service and culinary experience. Every effort has been made to retain the natural beauty of the island and wherever possible, employ the use of only natural materials.

Head further north to Noonu Atoll. There are more than 70 islands in the atoll, and these are the location of the newest tourist island developments. The lush tropical islands, white sugar-sand beaches and colourful coral reefs of the region are in pristine condition.
The most renowned diving sites include Christmas Tree Rock, a coral pinnacle surrounded by ledges populated by reef sharks, rays, tuna and snapper, and at Orimas Thila, divers can get close to eagle rays as they watch the grey reef sharks hunting packs above the corals.
Within the constellation of islands that form the Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island on Fushivelavaru island is uniquely secluded and stunningly designed. The resort shares its name with the generations of turtles that have made their home on the beautifully pure sandy shores.
In a preserved environment, pristine waters and opulent vegetation offer Cheval Blanc Randheli an exceptional setting. The property has been conceived in synergy with the island’s natural surroundings, lush vegetation and lagoon views. Contemporary yet indigenous, graceful and understated, it is the perfect balance of modern architecture and traditional inspirations.
Nestled amidst 85 acres of tropical garden and bounded by an infinite ocean, the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Luxury Resort is secluded in a peaceful and harmonious island.

Baa Atoll has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of the Maldives island chain. The lush vegetation and white powder-sand beaches lapped by turquoise-blue waters make Baa Atoll an excellent choice for an idyllic tropical holiday.
Baa also encompasses many of the best snorkelling and diving sites in the Maldives. The coral reefs here are dazzling with the living colours of an uncountable number of fish species, and those who prefer to keep their feet dry can see it all from a glass-bottomed tour boat.
Some of the islands have been developed as tourist resorts, with one resort on each island. Among them, Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa is set on the privately owned, uninhabited, tropical paradise island of Kunfunadhoo. At 1,400m long and 400m wide, this island is one of the largest in the Maldives ensuring seclusion and privacy.
Another amazing resort is the Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru. Surrounded by a white sand beach and a wide coral reef, its waters are quiet and shallow, and shelter an important biodiversity.

Located in the west of the Maldives, Ari Atoll is divided into two administrative regions, Northern Ari Atoll and Southern Ari Atoll, with a total of 105 islands.
The waters here are famed for large pelagic species such as hammerhead sharks and manta rays. The underwater terrain here differs from much of the rest of the Maldives and features submerged pinnacles scattered throughout the lagoon and in the channels around the islands. Most resorts have excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities in the fringing coral reefs that surround each island such as Veligandu Island resort, which is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon. Also located in North Ari Atoll, the 5-star W Maldives is a luxury private island resort in a wonderland of white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking coral reefs.
Bask in the sun on the island’s beaches, partake in high adrenaline watersports, or indulge in some pampering at the over-water spa.

The South Ari Atoll was one of the earliest parts of the Maldives to be developed into resort islands. Each resort occupies its own uninhabited island, with views of lush palm forests, white coral-sand beaches, azure waters and open ocean horizons that will make you forget the rest of the world exists.
Part of the South Ari Atoll, Mirihi island resort is an emerald gem just 350m long and 50m wide with palm-fringed beaches and sand as soft as powder.
Discover barefoot luxury at the unique Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, an award-winning paradise resort spread over two private tropical islands. The resort’s star attraction is the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant - the Ithaa, which at 16ft below sea level, offers 180 degree panoramic views of the vibrant coral gardens surrounding it.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa boasts a worldwide reputation for its pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation and its exotic house reef just few metres away from the shore. The favourable location in the spectacular South Ari Atoll places Huvahendhoo island, on which Lily Beach is set, in close proximity to some of the most amazing dive sites in the world.

Cruise south to explore Meemu Atoll, where only two islands located on the Eastern side have been developed into exclusive luxury resorts. There are several notable wreck dives within a short range of Meemu Atoll, including the wreck of the Ravestein, a Dutch East Indiaman that sank in 1726 with a cargo of gold and silver, bound from Jakarta to the Netherlands - not all the gold and silver was recovered! Today it is a treasure house of colourful fish and other sea creatures that have taken up residence in the remains of its hull.
Meaning ‘Reef Above Water’, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is the first resort to be developed in the Meemu Atoll and enjoys a unique location beside one of the longest stretches of reef in the archipelago. This micro-sized island is covered with tall palm trees and has stylish overwater bungalows surrounded by a peaceful crystal clear lagoon. Medhufushu Island is a crescent of tropical forest and sugar white sand, surrounded by a crystal clear lagoon. The resort is popular with scuba divers, and with surfers who want to escape the more famous and crowded surfing spots of North Male Atoll.

Oblong in shape, South Male Atoll contains 22 islands and all except for five are situated in its eastern fringes. South Male is popular among divers due to good conditions and a variety of dive sites. The marine life includes species like sweetlips, trumpet fish, snapper, sharks, eagle rays, tuna, barracudas, giant trevallies, as well as beautiful gorgonians, colourful sponges, corals, and sea fans.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is located on the exotic Emboodhu Finolhu island, in the middle of one of the largest natural lagoons in the world. This tropical isle, once known as the ‘Three Coconut Island’ is surrounded by crystal blue waters and covered with lush tropical flora. Como Cocoa Island is an intimate private island resort surrounded by spectacularly clear waters. Encircled with powder white sand, the carefree, understated luxury experience includes world-class diving, fishing trips, as well as spectacular sunset views.
Located on the tranquil Dhigufinolhu island, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers an array of water sports including diving, snorkelling and surfing. The luxury spa lets you choose between nine sumptuous spa suites, each perched over the lagoon.