Along with the Seychelles, the Maldives is a heavenly place on earth for a beach holiday. Crystal clear lagoons, powdered sugar sand, lush tropical greenery, incredible underwater world, amazing water villas and ultimate luxury — all this makes the Indian Ocean archipelago an ideal paradise for absolutely everyone.
Many resorts in the country are far from Male International Airport and can only be reached by seaplane. Whilst flying aboard a seaplane in the Maldives is amazing for its breathtaking views and beauty of the archipelago from a bird's eye view, it can be problematic for some guests, for example:
— for those who are afraid of flying
— for those who have limited vacation days (because waiting at the airport can take several hours on the day of your arrival and departure and take away precious time from your vacation)
— for those who arrive in the Maldives after sunset (since seaplanes operate only during the daytime)
If one of the above scenarios applies to you, then it is better to stay in North or South Male Atoll, which can be reached by speedboat. Travel time will take from 15 minutes to an hour. To help you make your choice, here is a list of the 10 most exclusive hotels in the Maldives that can be reached from the airport by speedboat.
10. BANDOS ISLAND RESORT & SPA .jpg” alt=”10 recommended hotels near the airport in the Maldives” />
Bandos Maldives is ideal for a romantic getaway or a family getaway. Just 15 minutes by speedboat from the airport. The island's pearly white beaches are complemented by lush green vegetation and a turquoise lagoon bathed in sunlight. The hotel is known for its hospitality. The multilingual staff at Bandos Maldives are on hand to help make your stay unforgettable.
9. BAROS MALDIVES
On a small private island in the middle of the Indian Ocean is BAROS, the Garden of Eden overlooking the sparkling blue lagoon. The 75 elegant and secluded thatched-roof villas are located both on the island and above the water. Smooth teak floors, comfortable furniture and designer lighting give these villas a special charm. It features a PADI diving center, a Spa center with a peaceful water garden, several restaurants overlooking the ocean and gentle sea breezes, providing an unforgettable vacation.
8. KURUMBA MALDIVES
Kurumba Maldives won the 2017 Hospitality Oscar! The hotel won the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017 in the Best Luxury Family Beach Resort nomination. Of course, it is no coincidence that the International Jury highly appreciated the art of hospitality of Kurumba Maldives. This resort has long earned the love and respect of guests. Regular customers are attracted here again and again by the turquoise waters washing the island of the correct form, a lot of entertainment for all ages and tastes, delicious varied cuisine of 11 restaurants.
7. BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru first welcomed its guests in 1995. With its tropical aura, fresh air and carefree atmosphere, this Maldives resort is recognized as the perfect place where guests can relax surrounded by shimmering turquoise water, swaying coconut trees and pristine white sand. Each of the resort's 48 villas is shaped like a shell and topped with a conical thatched roof, creating a feeling of living in traditional Maldivian tranquility. The villa's thatched roofs, airy and naturally lit interiors create a unique atmosphere that is only found on a tropical island vacation, and can breathe real ocean life into your soul.
6. FOUR SEASONS RESORT KUDA HURAA
The Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa is a charming oasis located a half hour boat ride from Male. This resort offers its guests a refined and innovative approach to relaxation. The resort features the Island Spa, instructors and surfers from Tropicsurf, and great surf waves. This is where the annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy takes place. Every evening, the luxurious Four Seasons Explorer catamaran takes participants to the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa resort, where they can enjoy a rich entertainment program along with judges and spectators. We invite you to take it on a cruise of 3, 4 or 7 nights, in which you will find secluded relaxation, surfing and watching manta rays on a specially chartered boat.
5. TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA MALDIVES
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives is away from the glittering lights of Male. It is located on the island of Emboodhu Finolhu in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. Known for its rich flora and fauna, this tropical island, also known as the Three Islands of Coconu, is nestled among beautiful coral reefs just a 15-minute boat ride from the airport. With 64 luxury villas and suites overlooking the ocean, this is the perfect vacation destination. Time “freezes” here, but it is never boring. In this oasis of calm, you can relax by the pool or on the private beach, relax in a hammock over the blue waters or under the starry sky. You will feel complete bliss.
4. JUMEIRAH VITTAVELI
Jumeirah Vittaveli is just a 20-minute motorized catamaran ride from Male. It offers unrivaled variety, sophisticated luxury and individual sophistication. This is a delightful place for both romantic couples and families. The resort includes 89 villas and suites, each with a private pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The spacious villas have one or two bedrooms, making them ideal for couples and families. Stunning new royal residence with 5 bedrooms located on its own beach and occupies 3,500 sq.m. , access to which is open only to guests living on it.
3. NALADHU
Close your eyes and imagine paradise. The sand of an island lost in the tropics. Swinging palm trees. Endless turquoise waters… Open your eyes and you will find yourself in Naladhu. The hotel, whose name translates from the local dialect as “beautiful island”, Naladhu offers a mosaic of timeless moments on the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. An exclusive resort of just 20 luxurious villas and homes, each with a magnificent private pool overlooking the azure Indian Ocean, providing unparalleled comfort and a graceful elegance that never goes out of style. Ocean Homes are on the Sunrise Side overlooking the open ocean. It is in these houses that you will feel more privacy than in beach villas that face the turquoise lagoon.
2. GILI LANKANFUSHI
Gili Lankanfushi, formerly known as Soneva Gili, is located in North Male Atoll, a 20-minute boat ride from Male International Airport. Moored in a sparkling lagoon, this secluded coral island features 45 spacious villas. Each villa is designed with the utmost attention to detail. A private water garden and solarium awaits you, as well as a private outdoor shower connected to your bathroom by a walkway, allowing you to enjoy complete serenity.
1.ONE& ONLY REETHI RAH
The ultimate luxury among tropical natural magic, One&Only Reethi Rah is a pearl in a necklace of coral atolls, lagoons and white sands. The resort, located on a large private island, offers 130 private villas, conveniently spread along the coast, either on the beach, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, or above the clear waters of the lagoon. They are decorated in an elegant modern style and are among the largest resort villas in the world. 12 powder-white beaches of the resort — this is a real embodiment of a tropical paradise on earth.