Hotels in Maldives

Maldives: 26 Atolls Across the Indian Ocean

The Maldives sits roughly 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka, spread across 26 natural atolls and approximately 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean. The archipelago averages 1.5 metres above sea level — the lowest-lying country on Earth. Malé, the capital, occupies a single coral island of just 5.8 sq km yet houses over 130,000 residents. Nearly all resort properties are self-contained islands reached by seaplane or speedboat from Velana International Airport on Hulhumalé.

Where to Stay

Accommodation spans guesthouses on local inhabited islands — Maafushi and Thoddoo both offer double rooms from around $40/night — to full-board overwater villa resorts in North Malé Atoll, Baa Atoll (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011), and Lhaviyani Atoll. Seaplane transfers from Malé reach most resorts in 20–45 minutes. Properties in the far south, including Addu Atoll, require a domestic flight to Gan Airport.

Practical Tips

• Transfers: Book seaplane slots at the time of hotel reservation — seats fill weeks ahead of peak season.
• Currency: Resorts bill in USD; Maldivian Rufiyaa circulates on local islands.
• Season: December to April brings dry northeast monsoon conditions; May to October carries heavier southwest monsoon rainfall.
• Alcohol: Served at resort islands only — not available on inhabited local islands.