Our handy guide to choosing which Maldives island is right for you

Calling all foodies. Enjoy unlimited dining morning through night at two exceptional restaurants at Constance Moofushi. For international fare, try MANTA, a sand-floored buffet that offers a range of cuisine that changes nightly. Alternatively, choose to dine a la carte at ALIZÉE beach grill that’s a stone’s throw from the glittering Indian Ocean. Wash your meals down with a selection of mouth-watering cocktails, more than 125 different bottles of wine and unlimited house Champagne. Cheers!

Explore 10 of our top all-inclusive Maldives private island resorts

Soneva Fushi is an exceptional option for holidaying families. The Den is a dedicated children’s club and largest in the Maldives – it’s the size of six tennis courts - that boasts a range of activities for all ages. Children can choose to get active at the playground, splash in two shallow swimming pools, enjoy imaginative play on the eight-metre-tall pirate ship, or get musical on the giant piano keys built into the floor. There are also dedicated rooms for dressing up, Lego building, cookery classes and more. Plus, Soneva Fushi also boasts a cinema for movie nights as well as a range of overwater villas with swimming pools that land directly in the ocean.

Split across two beautiful islands, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is a boutique resort that offers a range of spacious overwater and beach villas – all with private pools – that are perfect for honeymooning couples. Expect privacy, comfort and endless views in every direction. On top of that there are three innovative restaurants each in a glorious setting including sunken sofas in the sand and one that stands on stilts above the glittering lagoon, plus two delightful bars. For waterbabies, you can dive the two house reefs accompanied by a dedicated guide, while wellness warriors can practise sun salutations or enjoy a range of treatments at the tranquil spa. Bliss.

For help planning your honeymoon, check-out our 21 expert top tips

Where sumptuous island living meets sustainability, Six Senses Laamu is a palm-fringed island paradise. The only resort in the remote Lammu Atoll in the southern Maldives, the surrounding lagoon is a haven for tropical marine life including rays, sharks, turtles and even singing dolphins. Explore uninhabited islands, picnic on secluded sandbanks and snorkel coral-rich hour reefs rubbing fins with an abundance of colourful fish. There are also surfing opportunities with instructors ready to teach all ages and abilities how to catch a wave, a junior marine biologist programme for budding Rachel Carsons and a specific finding nemo scuba diving trip as well as experienced dive instructors to help you become a certified diver.

Where the luxe-seekers swoon, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard. Just like its thousands of Instagram picture tags, this island resort is photo-ready at every angle. From the underwater restaurant Ithaa to the world-first underwater suite THE MURAKA, your wildest holiday dreams will be realised here. Expect a 24-hour private butler service; a stunning soft sand beach; six dining destinations plus a cheese and wine bar and separate wine cellar; an overwater spa; specialist kids’ club; and two infinity pools – one designed for adults the other for families complete with a dedicated children’s area.

Located between a beautiful, sheltered lagoon and breath-taking coral reefs with crystal clear waters, this 32,000-square-metre piece of paradise is approximately 40-minutes by private yacht or 15-minutes via seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. Accommodating 24 guests (18 adults and 6 children) across 2 elegantly designed villas and one sweeping 4-bedroom residence, the new private island at Waldorf Astoria Maldives provides the ultimate Indian Ocean hideaway. The two-bedroom overwater villa promises a unique experience and comprises an indoor and outdoor rain shower, infinity pool and jacuzzi. Back on the sugar-soft beach, a three-bedroom beach villa and four-bed residence are surrounded by lush gardens and coconut palm canopies and come complete with private pools, beach access and bundles of space.

A dedicated culinary team ensures that all visitors discover authentic tastes and flavours with bespoke menus available to be indulged in within the most enchanting settings. Plus, there are 11 bars and restaurants at your beck and call on the main island so you’ll certainly never go hungry with a stay here. There’s also a fully-equipped fitness centre, yoga pavilion and wellness concierge at the overwater spa who can provide customised therapies catering to individual needs, helping all guests reconnect with nature while finding their inner zen with a unique spa treatment. From water swings to a children’s swimming pool there’s a wealth to keep all ages occupied. Plus, an array of experiences and excursions can be organise to ensure that your Maldives getaway is a magical experience from touch-down to take-off.

A private island location to say ‘I Do’ is certainly on many brides wishlist, and Maldives offers many stages to host your special day. However, Velaa Private Island is at the top of our list. Why? Its romantic pool residence that is only accessible by boat is the ideal spot to spend your first night as a married couple. There are three wedding packages available which cater to your group size and budget. Plus, the attentive staff go above and beyond to make sure your nuptials go without a hitch. Also, let’s not forget about your guests and the time spent pre and post wedding. There’s a kids’ club to occupy the youngest in the group, a range of luxury villas to suit families and couples, plus an innovative spa – that even boasts a snow room – to help you ease any pre-wedding jitters and get your mind, body and soul ready to walk down the aisle.

The only resort within the unspoilt Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is well regarded for its diving and surf breaks. Waterbabies, this one is for you! The 60-minute seaplane journey from Malé is well worth the trip as COMO’s secluded location means that marine life can thrive, so divers and snorkellers can expect sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, pods of dolphins, graceful turtles and a whole host of other serene creatures. We honestly wouldn’t be surprised if you saw a real-life mermaid. From April to October, surf’s up. With more than 20 surf breaks to choose from, there’s a wave for all abilities – as well as experienced instructors to help you find your balance. And of course, there are a series of comfortable rooms, suites and villas both overwater and on the beach to catch you after a fun day exploring the Indian Ocean alongside a spa and three restaurants to help restore your mind, body and stomachs.

Hello privacy! There are no rules at Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, allowing you to holiday your way. And the best part? You’re undisturbed by other hotel guests as this resort is for exclusive use only. Available for up to 21 guests, the island spans five acres and encompasses a two-storey beach house, a three-bedroom beach villa and a two-bedroom overwater villa. Plus, there’s an overwater spa that offers bespoke treatments inspired by the five pathways to consciousness: truth, wise choices, love peach and compassion, alongside a host of exciting experiences to keep you entertained. From snorkelling with manta rays to picnics in secluded sandbanks, the possibilities for within this island paradise are endless. And there’s the small matter of a 62-foot yacht at your complete disposal. Plus, there’s plenty for children from learning to scuba dive and marine biology lessons to playing in the Loft Lounge where there’s a pool table, video games, books and more.

Welcome to paradise. The much-loved One&Only brand’s Maldives resort is where your stresses simply melt away from the moment you arrive... it's that relaxing! All guests can kick back as the dedicated team ensure that nothing is too much trouble at One&Only Reethi Rah. If you can dream it, they’ll make it happen. This all-villa resort offers optimal privacy alongside a tranquil spa, seven exceptional restaurants and bars, plus a host of activities that cater to a range of tastes. Perfect for both couples and families, we bet you’ll never want to leave!

This is impossible to answer. Each Maldives private island resort has its own USP, so speak to a Winged Boots personal travel manager and allow us to match your needs to the ideal island. 

If you’re a fan of diving, the south attracts more sharks and manta rays offering a diverse experience. However, many islands across the breadth of the archipelago have house reefs and dive sites nearby which are teeming with tropical fish.

Again, this depends on what you’re looking for from your stay. The South Ari Atoll is the best spot to see whale sharks all year round while the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is perfect for surf breaks.

To discover more on sharks in the Maldives read our five-minute article here.
 

Certainly. Many islands offer dedicated children’s facilities to suit a range of ages. Plus, the islands are all private, so you’re only surrounded by other guests and the dedicated staff. The waters are calm, the sand super soft, and many villas offer personal pools so you can still catch some rays and relax while your little one naps in the room.

Many Maldives islands offer wedding services and also total buyout for a private ceremony. However, Velaa Private Island is a top choice for destination weddings.

This depends on the couple. For exceptional service, try One&Only Reethi Rah. For foodies and bucket list experiences, it’s Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Or, If you’d like to enjoy a completely new experience in Maldives, try The Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands which is part of the new Fari Islands complex where you can visit three islands within your stay including the main Fari hub that has restaurants, cafés and shops and also Patina Maldives.

For the latest UK Gov travel advice for visiting Maldives, click here.