The Hummingbird Guide | Part 2
Navigating Atolls - Maldives
The Maldives is made up of 26 natural atolls, which are large ring-shaped coral reef structures that enclose a lagoon. These atolls consist of over 1,000 coral islands, creating a unique geographic setup that is famous worldwide for its clear turquoise waters, rich marine biodiversity, and pristine beaches.
Each atoll has unique characteristics that can appeal to different types of travellers, so aligning these features with the client’s needs is key.
Of course, you're always welcome to reach out to anyone from the Hummingbird team for assistance!
In case you missed it, here's our Hummingbird Guide | Part 1 - Selecting the Perfect Resort for Your Client.
KEEP READING FOR:
- Our Guide to Atolls
- Getting Around Atolls
- Our Team's Top Split Stays
Our Guide to Atolls
The Maldives has resorts spread over 26 atolls. These atolls are a mix of larger and smaller formations, with each offering unique island resorts. Some of the most popular atolls for resorts include:
- North Malé Atoll and South Malé Atoll – close to the capital, offering short speedboat transfers from the airport, making them ideal for clients who want to minimise travel time. Home to some of the original resort islands (natural, lovely beaches and reef). North Male has some of the best surf breaks, especially from May to October.
- Baa Atoll – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous for its biodiversity and manta ray gatherings (during the summer season). Known for high quality reefs and natural islands.
- Raa Atoll - Raa Atoll is also renowned for its rich underwater ecosystem, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving.
- North Ari Atoll and South Ari Atoll – Manta rays and whale sharks year round. Known for excellent reefs and top-notch diving.
- Lhaviyani Atoll - Known for large, pristine beaches and exceptional diving.
- Dhaalu Atoll - Known for Surf break at Niyama. One of the best spots for catching waves, particularly from May to October.
- Gaafu Alifu Atoll - One of the more distant atolls from the capital, in the South. The atoll is less frequented by tourists, leading to fewer resorts. Known for a tranquil and untouched environment with natural, lush islands.
- Vaavu Atoll - Great for diving and fishing. It has some of the best dive sites in the Maldives and is known for nurse sharks, which can be found year-round.
- Noonu Atoll - Home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. Noonu Atoll is home to a large population of spinner dolphins, and is known for its high density of swarming fish.
While these are among the most prominent, nearly all of the atolls have at least a few resorts, ensuring a broad spread across the Maldives' expansive geography.
A photo we took from a domestic flight from Malé to Gaafu Alifu Atoll, here you can clearly see the atoll edge!
Getting Around Atolls
From Male International Airport
Our Maldives Map is a good reference point for where resorts are and if the transport option is a speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight.
For all hotels in North Male and South Male Atolls, speedboats are the most common mode of transfer. A few hotels slightly further away in these atolls (e.g. Jumeirah and One&Only Reethi) may also offer a seaplane transfer but it's not as common in these atolls.
Hotels outside these atolls that aren't too far south are serviced by seaplanes (or domestic flight followed by a speedboat option too if they are close to a domestic airport). It's important to note that seaplane transfers are only available during daylight hours.
Most hotels in the very southern atolls: Gaafu Dhaalu and Gaafu Alifu, are only accessible by domestic flight followed by a speedboat ride. Again, there are a few exceptions, such as Raffles Maldives, which offers a seaplane option too.
This covers the general overview for transfer options available depending on the location of the resort, but we do recommend checking HBT, our online booking platform, for case to case, as all transfer options available for each hotel are listed.
Getting Around Between Resorts
Split stays in the Maldives are an amazing way to experience the diverse offerings of multiple resorts, from unique island atmospheres and activities to varied accommodations and dining. They’re perfect for exploring different atolls!
When planning a split stay, it’s important to note that, in most cases, transfers between atolls will require a stop at Velana International Airport in Malé. This is because direct transfers between resorts in separate atolls are rare. However, if guests are traveling within the same atoll, speedboat transfers are a convenient and efficient option.
To ensure a seamless travel experience when switching resorts, consider pairing properties within the same atoll or combining a speedboat-accessible resort (in North Malé or South Malé) with one accessible via seaplane or domestic flight. This strategy minimises the need for back-to-back flight transfers, which can be time-consuming and may take up most of a day. We're always here to assist with the logistics of split stay planning, ensuring guests make the most of their time and enjoy a seamless journey between their chosen resorts.
Our Team's Top Split Stays
Here's what our team had to say when we asked them which resorts they love to pair together any why!
Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani offer the perfect split stay, combining two distinct luxury experiences. Soneva Fushi’s eco-friendly, jungle-like vibe is known for its spacious beach villas, while Soneva Jani is famous for its overwater villas with private pools and lagoon slides. Both resorts are environmentally sustainable, with guests encouraged to go barefoot. The resorts are just an hour's speedboat ride or 15 minutes by seaplane apart, with private transfers available between them for a seamless experience.
Mövenpick Resort Maldives in Noonu Atoll and Baros Maldives in North Malé Atoll make an excellent split stay! Mövenpick offers a larger island, with a laid-back, family-friendly environment, while Baros provides an intimate, romantic experience with its boutique luxury, personalised service, and vibrant coral reefs, creating a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and privacy. They both have outstanding F&B too and make for convenient transfers with the speedboat/ seaplane combination.
Nova Maldives and Lily Beach make an excellent split stay as they are located in the same atoll, offering seamless transfers and easy access to incredible marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays year round! Both all-inclusive islands provide distinct luxury experiences, allowing guests to enjoy Nova’s contemporary vibe alongside Lily Beach’s renowned service and amenities.
Kuda Villingili and Heritance Aarah are the perfect pairing for foodies, both offering exceptional dining. Kuda Villingili provides a modern/contemporary style near Malé, while Heritance Aarah features traditional Maldivian aesthetics and fantastic snorkelling in Raa Atoll. With Heritance Aarah being an all-inclusive resort, this pairing offers a unique contrast in style and experience.
Dhawa Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru make a perfect split stay without the hassle of relocating islands, as they are less than 5 minutes apart and offer a free shuttle between the two. Guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: Dhawa Ihuru’s relaxed, eco-friendly vibe with fantastic snorkelling, and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s luxurious, intimate atmosphere with world-class spa treatments.
Anantara Veli, Anantara Dhigu, and Naladhu provide an effortless split stay with a free shuttle connecting the three resorts. This allows guests to explore a variety of luxurious experiences, from Veli’s serene adults-only ambiance to Dhigu’s family-friendly activities and Naladhu’s exclusive privacy.
Atmosphere Kanifushi and Fushifaru make an excellent split stay due to their proximity in the Lhaviyani Atoll, offering seamless transfers between the two resorts while providing distinct yet complementary experiences. Fushifaru offers a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere with its boutique charm and exceptional diving, while Atmosphere Kanifushi delivers a larger, all-inclusive experience with expansive beachfront villas, diverse dining options, and world-class amenities, making for a perfect balance between adventure and luxury.