Exploring the Best Island in the Maldives: Heaven on Earth

The Maldives Islands, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, has breathtaking natural beauty, rich marine life, and world-class hospitality. With over 1,190 picture-perfect islands dotted across the clear blue sea, choosing the ideal island can be irritating. After visiting this beautiful part of the world, I have listed the best island in the Maldives are Huvafen Fushi, Naladhu Island, Bandos Island, Vilamendhoo Island, Amilla Fushi, Thulusdhoo Island and more.

Why to Visit the Best Island in the Maldives

The Maldives Islands is a dream destination for many reasons:

• Idyllic beaches with snow-white sand and towering palms that seem to come straight out of a postcard
• Dazzlingly clear turquoise water is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving to explore the incredible marine life
• Ultra-luxurious resorts with overwater bungalows and underwater restaurants
• Intimate boutique hotels and guesthouses for a cosy, laid-back vibe
• Abundant natural beauty with vibrant coral reefs and abundant sea turtles and manta rays
• Fantastic weather year-round – average temperatures hover around 30°C (86°F)
• World-renowned hospitality and services tailored specifically for holidaymakers

Whether you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon, an adventurous family vacation, a relaxing retreat, or an exotic luxury escape, the Maldives islands offer experiences suited for every style and budget.

For an Ultra Luxury Experience: Huvafen Fushi

Unwind in style and luxury at Huvafen Fushi, widely considered one of the most elegant resorts in the Maldives and the world. Located in North Malé Atoll, Huvafen Fushi features:

• Overwater and beachfront villas designed in contemporary style with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to breathtaking Indian Ocean views
• The world’s first underwater spa, where you can receive massages and treatments while gazing out at the vibrant coral reef
• Highly acclaimed dining experiences – Salt is the first restaurant in Maldives with a chef’s table
• Adults-only infinity pool with swim-up bar
• Private white sand beaches and breathtaking infinity pools
• Outstanding hospitality, earning it accolades like “#1 Resort in the World” – Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Huvafen Fushi is the perfect island destination in the Maldives for discerning travellers who desire luxury, privacy, and indulgent amenities and services.

For Total Seclusion: Naladhu Island

If you envision an intimate, peaceful maldives island honeymoon with plenty of privacy, Naladhu Island should top your list. This boutique resort in South Malé Atoll prides itself on providing guests with a sense of private ownership during their stay. Key features include:

• Only 20 ocean houses and pool villas on the entire island – offering a quiet, secluded ambience
• House Master service where staff are assigned specifically to you to ensure personalised care
• Beachfront fine dining at Kaika Restaurant or private dining on the beach
• Complimentary excursions like dolphin cruises and access to a nearby sandbank
• Incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities to witness sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks

If you want to feel like you have a private tropical island all to yourself – Naladhu’s peace, luxury amenities, and total privacy is unmatched in the Maldives.

For Family Fun and Adventure: Bandos and Amilla Fushi

When travelling with kids, you want an island with plenty of engaging activities catered for families. Two top options are Bandos Island and Amilla Fushi in Maldives island resort.

Bandos Island

Bandos Island has a lively, upbeat vibe perfect for families. Highlights include:

• Variety of resorts to suit different budgets
• Sandy beaches with water sports like kayaking, banana boat rides, and windsurfing
• Outdoor pools and splash pads that kids adore
• Kid’s clubs with arts, sports, video games and more
• Family entertainment like movie nights under the stars

As one of the closest resort islands to the airport – just a 10-minute speedboat ride away, Bandos is very convenient for quicker transfers.

Amilla Fushi

For families seeking luxury, Amilla Fushi is a pristine paradise island, with endless amenities, activities and dining options to satisfy kids and parents alike.

• 8 unique restaurants – from treehouse dining to steak and seafood
• Incredible kids club facilities run by experienced childcare experts
• Family Beach Houses with two or three bedrooms, pools, and even climbing walls
• Water slides, tennis courts, astroturf soccer pitch to burn off energy
• Kid-friendly excursions like dolphin quests and local island visits

With world-class service and family-tailored facilities, Amilla Fushi makes an indulgent, unforgettable vacation.

For Diving and Snorkeling: Vilamendhoo and Maaya Thila

The Maldives boast spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities to immerse in the mesmerising marine environment. The two top spots are Vilamendhoo and Maaya Thila.

Vilamendhoo

In the South Ari Atoll, Vilamendhoo has a protected house reef stretching 300 meters with astounding marine diversity.

• Ideal for both novice and experienced snorkelers
• Chance to spot green sea turtles and schools of colourful fish like snapper, butterflyfish and parrotfish
• Named one of the best snorkelling spots in the Maldives
• Professional PADI scuba diving centre and expert dive guides

With affordable prices and outstanding snorkel and dive sites, Vilamendhoo is a water lover’s dream.

Maaya Thila

For advanced scuba divers, submerge into the vibrant Maaya Thila dive spot in the Ari Atoll. Some key highlights:

• Diverse marine critters like octopi, pufferfish, moray eels, reef sharks
• Named one of the top 10 dive sites in the world by DIVE Magazine
• Suitable for both novice and advanced divers – slopes, caves and overhangs to explore
• On-site PADI 5 Star dive center with expert guides and instructors
• Chance to see majestic manta rays and eagle rays mid-flight

Maaya Thila’s complex topography and marine life makes it arguably the best scuba diving locale in the Maldives, promising an unforgettable underwater adventure.

For Surreal Natural Wonders: Bioluminescent Vaadhoo Island

Some islands in the Maldives offer truly spectacular natural wonders that seem almost magical. Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll is renowned for its shining bioluminescent beaches, earning it nicknames like “Sea of Stars.” When bioluminescent phytoplankton washes ashore and gets disturbed, it creates an eerie blue glow along the beach. This rare phenomenon occurs only a few nights per month, making it an incredibly unique experience.

In addition to its glowing shores, Vaadhoo also offers excellent snorkeling and the chance for more rustic, local-style guest house stays. Witnessing the bright blue waves shimmer under the stars is truly magical – making the journey to Vaadhoo worthwhile for adventure seekers.

For Authentic Local Culture: Male and Thulusdhoo islands in maldives

While many islands in the Maldives cater to visitors, some offer a window into authentic local culture. The capital Male Island provides modern amenities alongside bustling traditional community hubs, street markets and cuisine. Quieter Thulusdhoo Island offers fishing and watersports popular with locals.

Male Island

As the capital and beating heart of Maldives,Male Island blends cosmopolitan conveniences with strong cultural roots.

• Fascinating National Museum displaying ancient artifacts like coral stone mosques
• Lively Fish Market to sample freshly caught seafood sold dockside
• Shop for local handicrafts like mats, jewelry and woodcarvings
• Vibrant street markets like Seagull Café Square to try local snacks

While quite densely populated, getting a taste of real life adds enriching cultural immersion to any Maldives visit.

Thulusdhoo Island

For a quieter local island experience, head just 10 minutes from Male by speedboat to serene Thulusdhoo Island.

• Prized as one of the best surfing spots in maldives island beach
• Learn traditional pole-and-line fishing still practiced today
• Paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling vibrant reefs
• Local guesthouses to stay alongside welcoming Muslim community
• Authentic cuisine like mas huni – grated coconuts with tuna

Thulusdhoo provides memorable insights into Maldivian traditions and islander living at a more relaxed pace.

For Romance and Seclusion: Villingili and Kudadoo Private Island

What could be more romantic than an intimate, secluded island built for two? For couples seeking the ultimate in privacy, luxury and serenity, Villingili Resort and Kudadoo Maldives Private Island excel.

Villingili Resort

Nestled on the southern tip of Villingili Island, this exclusive adults-only sanctuary feels worlds apart yet is just 15 minutes from Male airport.

• Secluded and spacious water villas with private sundecks
• Treehouse-style spa villas suspended 10 meters high
• Crystal lagoons for snorkelling vibrant reefs teaming with turtles
• Jungle Treehouse fine dining and champagne breakfasts
• Tranquil beaches, tropical foliage, absolute privacy

Villingili Resort sets the stage for romantic relaxation and quality time surrounded by natural beauty.

Kudadoo Private Island

The ultimate honeymoon splurge, the adults-only Kudadoo Maldives Private Island offers 15 ultra-luxury water retreats on an exclusive private island.

• Personal butler service catering to your every need
• Open-air master suite bathrooms overlooking turquoise lagoons
• Private plunge pools, sundecks, outdoor rain showers
• Bespoke gourmet dining wherever your heart desires
• Customised spa journeys, mixology classes, reef adventures
• Utter seclusion and zero distractions from the outside world

For next-level intimacy, pampering and escape, Kudadoo sets the benchmark for private paradise tailored exclusively for you.

Plan Your Ideal Island Getaway in Maldives

With over 1,190 islands to explore, planning your perfect Maldives escape can feel daunting. Focus on your top interests and priorities – whether luxury, seclusion, family fun, and culture – and match them to the island that best fits.

Venture across glittering lagoons by speedboat and step onto coral sand beaches where swaying palms and smiling faces greet you. Submerge into underwater worlds vibrant with colourful reef creatures. Savour flavorful cuisine as crystal waves lap gently in the distance. Here in the Maldives, find your slice of island paradise.