10 of the Best Places to Visit in the Maldives

1 Sea Underwater restaurant in the Maldives

The signature Sea underwater restaurant at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, perhaps one of the only underwater restaurants in the world with an award-winning wine cellar for an unforgettable Maldives dining experience in the most unique of settings. The Anantara believes in one-of-a-kind experiences, and is now taking epicurean adventure to a whole new level with themed dining event that marries the art of storytelling, the magic of illusion, and the marvels of cutting-edge 3D technology including new underwater-aged wine tasting experience, surrounded by near 360-degree views of the local marine life, unveiling the breath-taking beauty and rich biodiversity of the island’s renowned house reef.

2 CROSSROADS Maldives: The Unique and Largest Tourist Destination in the Maldives

CROSSROADS Maldives, the country’s first world-class, multi-island leisure destination of luxury resorts and dining to leisure, fashion, and entertainment is the leading lifestyle hub for travellers across the Island nation. The only 'one-stop, non-stop' lifestyle destination in the Maldives invites adventurous travellers from the four corners of the globe to cross paths and explore a treasure trove of iconic oceanfront resorts, upscale lifestyle outlets and endless entertainment offerings, as well as the stunning natural, cultural and nautical attractions that have lured maritime travellers to the Maldives for centuries. The beating heart of the place and the centre of all the action The Marina @ CROSSROADS is with in a convenient 15-minutes speedboat ride from Malé and Velana international airport.

3 Malé: the capital of the Maldives

The capital of the Maldives, Malé, founded in the XV century is the main city of the island nation is located on the same name island in the southern corner of North Male Atoll. Malé is not only in the country's heart, but has always been the capital of the Maldives, from century to century from the Sultan's palace, and then from the president's office. Exploring the capital is like taking a step through the looking glass, ànd more than 120,000 people on two square kilometers make Malé one of the most densely populated cities on the planet that almost seems to be floating, some 800 kilometres from the next nearest metropolis.

4 Hanifaru Bay: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Hanifaru bay is a manta feeding hotspot in Baa Atoll and best place to swim and snorkel with manta rays in the Maldives. The site is a protected marine park and the whole Baa Atoll, where Hanifaru bay is, has been declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. This northern atoll is known for having some of the richest coral reef systems in the world. The best time to visit Hanifaru bay from May to November to see hundreds of 'filter feeders' accompanied by a dozen whale sharks.

5 The Muraka: Underwater Hotel Maldives

Visit to the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort to discover THE MURAKA, a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean. Make your way down the spiral staircase or elevator to your private underwater hotel Maldives, aquarium and architectural masterpiece with master bedroom with 180-degree curved acrylic dome, floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom and walk-in closet, and dedicated tunnel viewing theater.

6 Fuvahmulah: Diving with sharks in the Maldives and more

Best place to dive with sharks in Asia, Fuvahmulah is an island-atoll and Biosphere reserve in the Maldives located on the equator. A relatively unknown dive scene, unique location, the most diverse coral ecosystems in the country and isolation make Fuvahmulah an ideal destination for exhilarating diving in the Maldives. The reef systems are home to significant populations of sharks mainly tiger, thresher, and whale sharks. Besides diving, there are many things to do on the island that can make your holiday full of fun. Nicknamed the Maldivian Galapagos Fuvahmulah boasts with magnificent beaches, freshwater lakes, surfing, snorkeling, fishing and jungle trekking.

7 Maafushi: How to Visit the Maldives On a Budget

Maafushi is one of the most popular local islands for a perfect cheap holidays in the Maldives. With bikini beach, incredible scuba diving, a wide range of affordable hotels with rooftop infinity pools, dining options, excursions and activities, Maafushi is the capital of budget tourism in the Maldives. Located just 35 minutes by speedboat from Male, the island is an ideal place to feel the local lifestyle and traditions while enjoying thrilling adventures in the Maldives.

8 Addu Atoll: the 'second city' of the Maldives

Addu Atoll, also known as Addu City or Seenu Atoll is south of the equator being the southernmost atoll and an exclusive Maldivian getaway. Addu Atoll, is steeped in history and culture, home to remnants of the British colonial endeavour, a unique dialect and some of the country’s most esteemed scholars and businessmen. The second international airport in the Maldives located on Gan Island, South Palm Resort and Canareef Resort play an important role in the development of the tourism industry of the Maldives.

9 Dhigurah: a beautiful island to swim with Whale Sharks

The best place in the Maldives to spot whale sharks Dhigurah is a local island in South Ari Atoll, with long stretch of white sandy beaches. Heaven for adventures, the island is considered to be one of the longest in the Maldives. Besides the long beaches, Dhigurah's main attractions are below sea level. Scuba divers and snorkelers who seek contact with whale sharks, manta rays and world-class corals find this place one of the best diving in the Maldives.

10 Vaadhoo Island: Sea of Stars Maldives

A nature miracle, the gorgeous glowing beach is on the Mudhdhoo Island, also known as the Vaadhoo Island on Raa Atoll. Famous for its phenomenal fluorescent, glowing waves this natural phenomenon occurs due to the presence of millions of marine microbes known as phytoplankton in the water. This phytoplankton is bioluminescent and as the skies get darker after sunset, these microscopic planktons emit a bright vibrant blue light in the water which creates an ethereal effect. This phenomenon makes the waves glow as they gently splash over the bioluminescent beach and is the ideal place to spend your time after dark in the Maldives. The best time to visit the glowing beach is between June and October. Faarufushi, Cora-Cora resort and You & Me Maldives are nearest hotels to see Sea of Stars Maldives

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