Where to Stay in Gaafu Atoll
Maldives Hotels & Travel guide
Updated September, 2026
Gaafu, or Huvadhoo is not only the second largest atoll in the Maldives it is also on the list of the top 10 largest natural atolls in the world. Located in the southern part of the Maldives 50 km above the equator Gaafu Atoll is administratively divided into two parts: Gaafu Alifu (North Huvadhoo atoll) and Gaafu Dhaalu (South Huvadhoo atoll) and has 235 islands with capitals: Villingili (North) / Thinadhoo ( South).
To get here, Huvadhoo has two domestic airports: on Kaadedhdhoo Island (KDM) and Kooddoo airport (GKK), both serve regular Maldivian flights from Male, Gan, and Kadhdhoo. The flight time from Male is about 55 minutes.
In recent years Huvadhoo atoll has become a well known tourist destination in the Maldives, thanks to its magnificent diving sites and pristine natural features. All Gaafu Atoll resorts can boast an excellent house reef snorkeling, white sand beaches and clean turquoise lagoons suitable for swimming and water sports. Today there are 10 luxury resorts, and 14 guest houses in the atoll. On local islands, budget tourism is developing successfully.
Gaafu Atoll Best Resorts
With its stunning turquoise waters and white sand beaches, the Maldives is about as postcard-perfect as beach destinations come. The Southern Atolls in the Maldives is full of opportunities to relax and unwind
Best Experience for: Honeymoon, Families, Spa, Diving, House Reef Snorkeling, Value
Highlights:
- 120 rooms, with two villa types (beach and overwater)
- 55-minute domestic flight from Male airport
- Fine beach, superb snorkelling on the spectacular coral reef
- Five restaurants and bars, 5* Dive and Water Sports center, Breeze Spa, kids club, infinity pool, fitness, Multi-purpose court
Best Experience for: Couples, Families, Gourmet Dining, house reef snorkeling, surfing, Spa, All Inclusive, weddings
Highlights:
- 122 spacious villas and suites on the beach and over water with private pools
- 50-minute domestic flight from Velana (Male) airport
- 8 restaurants and bars, Dive and Water Sports center, Spa, gym, infinity pool, kids club, clinic
Best Experience for: adults omly, All Inclusive, Snorkeling, Diving, Activities
Highlights:
- 68 beach and overwayter villas, some with private pools
- 55-minutes by domestic flight from Malé airport
- Two restaurants and bar, Dive and Water Sports center, Spa, infinity pool, fitness, sports grounds, tennis court
Best Experience for: Honeymoon, all inclusive, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving
Highlights:
- 50 Park and Water Villas with private pools
- 60-minute domestic flight from Male + 30-minutes speedboat
- Fine sands, house reef snorkeling, hotel design, world class diving
- Five restaurants and bars, 5-star Dive and Water Sports center, Spa, Infinity swimming pool, gym
Best Experience for: Couples, All Inclusive, Family, Wellness, Activities, Vegetarians, weddings
Highlights:
- 122 beach and Water Villas with private pools
- 60-minute domestic flight from Male + 30-minutes speedboat
- Six restaurants and bars, 5-star Dive and Water Sports center, Spa, Infinity swimming pool, gym
Best Experience for: Ultra-luxury, Honeymoon, House Reef Snorkeling, Wellness
Highlights:
- 21 island villas and 16 ocean villas with private pools
- 55-minute domestic flight from Male International Airport
- 24-hour butler and private chef service; House reef snorkeling;
- Five restaurants and bars, Dive and Water Sports center, Spa, infinity pool
Best Experience for: Couples only, House Reef Snorkeling, All Inclusive, activities, night life
Highlights:
- 121 beach and garden bungalows and over-water villas
- a 70-minute domestic flight from Malé
- Night entertaiment, house reef snorkeling, an amazing diving experience
- Five restaurants and bars, 5-star PADI dive and water sport center, spa, swimming pool, fitness
Best Experience for: Couples, Familiy vacation, Activities, Diving
Highlights:
- 94 beach-front and overwater villas
- 55 minutes from Male Airport to local Kooddoo Airport
- Glamorous Design, Butler Service, Iconic Rituals
- Four Restaurants & bars, 5-star PADI dive center, infinity pool, Kids Club, over-water spa by Clarins, fitness
Best Experience for: Couples, Families, Value, Activities, Diving
Highlights:
- 173 exquisite villas, all with private pool
- 55-minute flight from Malé to Kooddoo Airport
- Five Restaurants & bars, 5-star PADI dive center, infinity pool, Kids Club, over-water spa by Clarins, fitness
All Hotel Deals in Gaafu Atoll
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