For the active Maldives traveller

North Malé Atoll | Speedboat transfer

Hudhuranfushi is the one we’d have in mind for clients who want their Maldives holiday to come with a little more action. The island is particularly well known for Lohis, a famous left-hand surf break that sits right alongside the resort, with six further waves accessible by boat. There’s plenty beyond surfing too, from diving and watersports to tennis, squash and beach volleyball, as well as a kids' club for families.

The larger island also gives clients plenty of room to explore, with a broad choice of accommodation including family villas, beachfront options and overwater villas.

Best for: Active families, surfers and couples who don't want to spend their entire holiday horizontal.

For the reef lovers

South Malé Atoll | Speedboat transfer

Rannalhi is s great option when the underwater world is high on the client's wish list. Its house reef reaches around 20 metres, making it accessible for both snorkellers and divers, while nearby sites offer the chance to encounter turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays and Napoleon wrasse. There’s also a Manta Point, with sightings particularly likely between May and November.

Back on land, the atmosphere is relaxed and uncomplicated, with beach and ocean accommodation, a spa and a good range of watersports. And with a speedboat transfer from Malé, clients can be on the island without adding a seaplane or domestic flight to the journey.

Best for: Divers, snorkellers and couples looking for a relaxed island escape with a great marine life.

For clients who want more from their island

Raa Atoll | Seaplane or domestic flight + speedboat

Meedhupparu is a strong choice for clients who want plenty to do alongside their time on the beach. Its Premium All-Inclusive covers more than meals and drinks, with a selection of activities and experiences included, while the island offers a house reef for snorkelling and diving, fishing, dolphin cruises, island-hopping and a wide range of watersports.

It works particularly well for families, with a kids' club and Two-Bedroom Family Beach Villas offering 102m² of space. For couples, the 20 Prestige Water Villas provide a completely different experience on the same island: adults-only, with private Jacuzzis, direct lagoon access and 24-hour butler service.

Best for: Families and longer-stay clients who want a choice of activities, accommodation and dining.

For couples who want overwater luxury, without the seaplane

South Malé Atoll | Around 15-minute speedboat

 If your clients want an adults-only overwater stay but would rather skip the seaplane, Vadoo is one to consider. It’s around 15 minutes from Malé by speedboat, so guests can go from the airport to their villa quickly, with all 50 villas set over the lagoon.

The Sunrise and Sunset Water Villas come with private plunge pools and Jacuzzis, while the four 110m² Honeymoon Villas offer more space and a more private setting. All villas also include 24-hour butler service, and the house reef sits directly beneath the villas for easy access to snorkelling.

 Best for: Honeymooners and couples looking for an adults-only overwater stay with private pools, butlers and a quick transfer from Malé.

For couples who want privacy, with more resort choice

Raa Atoll | Seaplane or domestic flight + speedboat

The Prestige Water Villas are a little different from Vadoo. Rather than being a separate island, they form an adults-only area within Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, giving couples a quieter base while keeping the wider resort's facilities close by.

There are just 20 Water Villas, each with direct lagoon access, a private Jacuzzi, glass-bottom features and 24-hour butler service. Guests also have dedicated dining and beach facilities, but can still make use of Meedhupparu's wider choice of restaurants, activities and excursions.

 Best for: Couples and honeymooners looking for a more private overwater stay, with the facilities and choice of a larger resort.