Some of the main resort islands within the Maldives include:
Kaafu Atoll – North
Male: Male is the Maldivian capital and is located near the airport. Accommodations are available in Male, but not many foreign visitors will stay here. Even those on business will stay at a nearby resort island and travel by boat to Male. Male has numerous shops selling imported goods and local handicrafts. Attractions include the splendid golden dome of the Islamic Centre, the magnificent 17th century Friday Mosque (or Hukuru), the vegetable and fish markets, the National Museum that showcases artefacts that include Sultanese palanquins and thrones, and the Mulee-aage that was a palace. Male has more than 20 mosques.
Baros Maldives
Baros: Baros has 653,160 sq feet (60,680 sq metres) of land area and the length of the beach is 3360 ft (1024 metres). It is an oval shaped island located about one hour’s boat ride from the airport. On the one side of Baros there is an excellent beach that is perfect for swimming as well as waterskiing, while on the other side there is an abundance of corals that are within 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 metres) of a shallow beach and is perfect for diving lessons and snorkelling.
Bandos: Bandos is a larger resort and offers accommodations comprising well furnished beach bungalows that have beach views. Diving is a popular attraction here.
Hudhuveli: This beach resort is modern and comprises single unit bungalows that have freshwater showers and straw roofing.
Ihuru: This is a small island that is much photographed because of its remarkable beauty. The accommodation comprises simple bungalows.
Nakatchafushi: Nakatchafushi boasts the Maldives’ largest lagoon. It is perhaps the most photographed island. The lagoon is ideal for water sports, and beachcombers can enjoy the long stretch of sand and swimming pool.
Kurumba: This tiny island comprises half a sq mile and is ten minutes by boat from Male and fifteen minutes from the local airport. Visitors can find conference facilities, gymnasia with Jacuzzis, swimming pools, and five restaurants. Water sports that include scuba diving can all be arranged. Visitors will thrill at the colourful fish that will eat right out of their hands in the lagoon.
Kurumba Maldives Jetty
Full Moon (Furana): It takes twenty minutes to get to this resort from the local airport. Full Moon is a popular base for the visiting yachts as it has a deep lagoon. A visitor can also find five restaurants, a business centre and gymnasium here.
Giraavaru: This island is reached by normal transfer boats (45 minutes travel time) or by speed boat (15 minutes travel time). The rooms are well appointed and either have Indian Ocean views or face a beautiful tropical garden.
Reethi Rha: This is a beautiful and untouched island. There are thatched bungalows as well as ten water bungalows built over the lagoon on stilts. These accommodations have modern comforts while still retaining the local architectural style.
Makunudhoo: This expensive resort takes a voyage of two hours to get to from the local airport. It is well known for its cuisine. Yachts are always available for charter. A gorgeous lagoon protects it on all sides. Accommodations comprise single thatched bungalows located within coconut groves that lead down towards the beach. Pure Heaven!
