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Holidaymakers all over the world come to the Maldives for diving, snorkelling and of course pure utter relaxation - on perfect unspoilt beautiful beaches. The beaches and island resorts of this pristine water-world conjure up nearly everybody's dream of a heavenly holiday; an image we have possibly had in our mind for years and somewhere we dream of escaping to. Just to be on these amazing near empty white beaches, a drink in hand, feeling the sun, looking at the shimmering horizon and painted seas, with our one set of footprints disappearing into the distance - or - walking on the waters edge at dusk, feeling the warm water tickling our toes as the sun sets over the ocean is a dream that is within us all!
These beautiful islands have some of the best beaches to found be in the Indian Ocean. So, which ones, out of the 1200 odd atolls, on your dream holiday, should you make sure you do not miss out on?
Choosing is very difficult – there is such an abundance of choice. Beaches from the Maldives regularly form the basis of many of the BEST BEACHES OF THE WORLD lists with great beach activities; water sports and great diving. Here's a very small selection of beaches that regularly make the news and are- we think - among the top 10 or so in the Maldives. More information on resorts and beaches we recommend can be found on our recommended Maldives Resorts section.
The Rethi Rah
The One & Only Resort at Reethi Rah on North Male Atoll, is perhaps one of the popular beaches in Maldives and is particularly great for families. They've expanded the resort and added some artificial beaches but that doesn't affect its beauty; in fact for families it adds safe shelving sand in unmoving small bays of soft soothing water. Perfect for kids!
It's about one hour by speedboat from the capital. The resort which was built in 2005 has 130 villas, 98 of which are long the beach and 32 in the lagoon. Some villas have a private 20 sqm swimming pool. It has 3 restaurants located in different panoramic areas and offer Japanese, Indian and Maldivian and international cuisine and of course being a luxurious resort offers all the modern amenities including a beautiful spa
Nalaguraidhoo Island
Also known as the 'Flower of the Indies' and Sun Island, it is as close to holiday perfection as there is. 62 miles from Male Airport and reached by seaplane, the island is considered one of the most beautiful in the Maldives with sapphire blue water, stunning gardens and a breathtaking setting. It is also one of the most luxurious. Golden sands, long jetty disappearing into the sea - this is one of the Maldives' best beaches. This is also an island to do everything: snorkeling, diving, kayaking, relax over a wonderful meal, watch endless beautiful sunsets, while dipping your toes off your own jetty while fishing.
Veligandu Island
Very close to Male Airport with a 15 minute seaplane transfer, Veligandu Island on North Ari Atoll offers an 80m-long clear white-sand beach that is perfect for walking along at sunset. The resort also has some of the best diving amenities in the Maldives, and you can also swim or snorkel the reef inside the lagoon or dive on the off lagoon reef to watch the beautiful marine life. Many say that this island is the new top spot for honeymooners and romantics with luxury amenities and new Jacuzzi Water villas. It is also a hotspot for seeing Hammerhead sharks at Madivaru Kandu, with the beach here considered pristine with its clean with golden sand.
Kuredu Island
Kuredu claims to be the most romantic island in the world - set on the northern reef of Lhaviyani Atoll, Kuredu Island offers more than 3km of stunning beach. It's quite a large island and only a 40-minute sea plane ride from Malé. It's also great for divers as there are two sea wrecks for divers and the resort offers diving lessons and a PADI-accredited courses to certify your diving skills. There is also a lot to do in the water at this resort as well as other leisure activities, including beach volleyball, tennis, badminton, parasailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, catamaran sailing and kite surfing. Or our suggestion - do nothing! Read a book, sunbathe, sleep, eat. There is a choice of 3 resorts in 1 from which to choose from at this island – note however its is not suitable for children under 12 and the resort does not offer any babysitting services.
Kunfunadhoo Island
This island is home to the luxurious Six Senses Spa resort set on Baa Atoll, Kunfunadhoo. It is a small private island that is perfection personified with its quintessential beach of ivory-white sand surrounding the resort in a picture-perfect vista. A classic honeymoon island with a beautiful azure turquoise lagoon. The Six Senses resort offers luxury accommodation along with a holistic spa and a hilltop observatory for star gazing, plus a number of water sport activities including diving and sailing as well as day and multi day cruising on its luxurious cruise vessels.
Ihuru Island
Located on North Malé Atoll, Ihuru Island is one of the most photographed vistas in the Maldives. Like a perfect circle surrounded by the dazzling blues waters of the atoll – it is an idyllic place to spend a holiday with its crystal-white sand sloping into the water and waving palm trees circling the sea. Its nearby reefs abound with green turtles for a truly unforgettable and amazing snorkelling experience. The luxury island resort here - Angsana Ihuru, is reached by powerful speedboat transfer in just 20 minutes from Male. Angsana is world famous for its 5 star luxury, its superb food and wine, its accent on well-being and its holistic spa experience and an ethos of utter and total relaxation. It has only 45 villas, 10 of which are Jacuzzi equipped, with all villas featuring an 'open-air bathroom' and private garden. The reef completely surrounds the resort which makes it one of the most charming and memorable in the Maldives. It is particularly recommended for honeymoon couples and romantic getaways.
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