An Ultimate Guide to Maldives Most Fine, Picture-Perfect Beaches

1 COMO Cocoa Island

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Best Experience:   for couples, Spa & Health, Beach, Diving, house reef snorkeling

COMO Cocoa Island in Maldives is an unforgettable experience on a tropical island in its purest form. Located 40 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport, Cocoa offers a discreet luxury at its finest in private Boathouse Water Villas with stunning lagoon views, perfect beach, amazing diving and snorkeling in the warm waters of a house reef, simple but excellent food and a holistic Como Shambhala spa.

One of the most ravishing beaches in the Indian ocean, Cocoa is special islands of the Maldives. It is a small but perfectly formed strip of sand, no bigger than a football pitch – just 120 steps from one side to the other at its widest and just 1 400 steps to circumnavigate. The slope of the beach is so gentle that it seems there is no end to it, and calm clean waters lick white, fine sand. Cocoa Island allows guests to comfortably get from one end of the island to the other. If you don’t spend too long stopping to talk to crabs, gather shells or follow the young black-tipped reef sharks that patrol the shallows practising baby bites on passing fish, it takes a leisurely 10 minutes. READ FULL REVIEW

2 Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

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Best Experience:   Ultimate Luxury, Over Water Villas, Privacy and Tranquillity, spa, beaches, swimming with mantas

Discover Anantara Kihavah, a boutique hotel with all the advantages of a paradise island of dreams you can imagine - white beaches with fringed palm trees, turquoise waters, dedicated butlers, fine dining and luxurious Over Water Villas - and you will not be disappointed. In fact, the reality will surpass all your fantasies with an underwater wine cellar, six over water spa suites, and a 49-meter long, one of the longest in the Maldives, infinity swimming pool. Anantara Kihavah is just 35 minutes by seaplane from the main Velana International Airport.

The beach runs free arounâ the island, but the widest and best on the north side, so the guests of the Beach Villas on this side catch the sun most of the day. Also on the north side is the best snorkeling. Beach areas and Over Water Villas that face south to the canal are sometimes subject to strong currents, and snorkeling here is not recommended unless you are a good swimmer. READ FULL REVIEW

3 Avani+ Fares Maldives

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Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Avani’s first property in the Maldives set in a natural playground of soft white sandy beach and every colour of blue imaginable. Located on Fares Island in the Baa Atoll, the 5* star resort is comprised of 176 guest rooms, including standard accommodation and a collection of villas with pools. Every attention is placed to wellbeing, with décor blending genuine pleasures and modernity. With an amazing and easy accessible house reef the resort is home to some of the most incredible marine life in the Maldives. Countless diving sites are within reach, starting with Avani's very own lagoon with multiple brightly coloured coral clusters teaming with tropical fish, rays & even the occasional dolphins in the mornings. As for the beaches, it's beautiful anywhere on the island: wide, clean, covered with fine powdery sand. READ FULL REVIEW

4 Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Best Experience for:  Honeymoon, Family vaction, House reef snorkeling, diving

For those who demand genuine luxury and the utmost in privacy Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa - the perfect island retreat in the Maldives, is located in the northern Haa Alifu Atoll. Set on a crescent-shaped private island, this incredible resort offers a choice of private villas or private villas with pools for its guests to unwind and enjoy a home away from home. Beachside or over the water villas and the associated privacy levels offered are the hallmark of this award winning destination, which boasts some of the largest beachfront villas in the Maldives. Gourmands, Foodies and food lovers alike can indulge in an award winning culinary experience. Wellbeing is a core part of the Hideaway experience, with the divine Hideaway Spa offering a range of treatments for rejuvenation and relaxation. The abundance of fish life around this Maldives resort is second to none, making it a prime location for snorkelling and scuba diving. The perfect Maldives resort, Hideaway offers the utmost in romance and is one of the preferred destinations for those celebrating their honeymoon. Families are very welcome at Hideaway, with an extensive Kids Club available to help keep young travellers entertained during their stay. An absolutely beautiful all beaches around the island are unspoilt with wonderful fine sand READ FULL REVIEW

5 Baglioni Resort Maldives

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Best Experience: for Couples and Families, Beaches, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving, Quiet and Private

Surrounded by shimmering sapphire waters with a powder soft sands, Baglioni Resort Maldives is an idyllic retreat for honeymooners and families alike in the Dhaalu Atoll. Located on the island of Maagau this exclusive newest resort of 96 villas is located on the one of the most spectacular Maldivian islands, allows guests to experience a bespoke stay in the heart of the Indian Ocean with the unique Italian hospitality of Baglioni Hotels. Opened on March 2019, Baglioni Resort Maldives sits on a private island surrounded by clear water teeming with vibrant marine life and a thriving reef system. Its comprehensive comforts offer an unforgettable stay with a blend of sport, relaxation and prestigious gourmet dining to suit its exclusive international clientele.

The turquoise lagoon is beautiful, surrounded by nice beaches and many palm trees. The highlight of Baglioni is still the amazing beach. The Maldives does never disappoint with this but this property has the most amazing beach in the Maldives with white fine sand which is cleaned from small stones twice a day by a special team! READ FULL REVIEW

6 Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Best Experience for:    Couples, Families, Groups, Beaches, Activities, Nightlife

Located in the UNESCO world biosphere of Baa Atoll, Finolhu was born out of a desire to bring a fresh wave to the uninhabited island experience. One of the Maldives’ most luxurious resorts, Seaside Finolhu is new barefoot chic experience with the self-styled island playground. Here you can unwind in sublime comfort, with the pristine beauty of secluded Maldivian paradise perfectly complemented by ultra-luxurious modernity. The island boasts the longest (1.8 km) sandbank of all the famous Maldivian resort islands - expect to spend a lot of time explorering it. A long beach should not disappoint you either; beach club with retro cinema and old-school arcade; spa with fitness centre and beach gym; tennis courts; watersports; four restaurants; house reef snorkeling. READ FULL REVIEW

7 Kandolhu Maldives

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Best Experience:   Honeymoon, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving

Kandolhu Maldives guarantees even more than just your dreams of an unforgettable honeymoon in the Maldives. Soaked in romance, with an incredible house reef snorkeling, couples are bound to fall in love with this cozy island. Those who have heard of Kandholhu Island know that this is one of the best house reef in the Maldives. Only resorts in the country's southern atolls can compare or surpass. An additional draw is clean and soft sandy beaches, all around a small round island whose shape in Maldivian standards is a rarity. So snorkeling is the best you can find between your water villa, the beach and the many restaurants of this 5 * boutique hotel. READ FULL REVIEW

8 Milaidhoo Island Maldives

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Best Experience:   honeymoon, beach, diving, swimming with mantas

Intimate and stylish, at Milaidhoo it’s about enjoying the natural environment in understated luxury. Tucked in the heart of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, surrounded by powdery white sands and nestled beside a colourful coral reef, Milaidhoo Maldives is a luxurious natural wonder. Envisage upscale delights with a ‘Reinvented Luxury’ twist, where guests will experience an indulgent escape in the Maldives’s most unique getaway. Committed to offering a unique and authentic Maldivian experience, this new child in the best Baa Atoll hotels collection that making waves with its refreshing contemporary twist on classic Maldivian style. Created for couples and romance only, Milaidhoo welcomes children above the age of 9 years only. What's more, it is only 30 minutes by seaplane from Male or a 15 minute domestic flight followed by a short speedboat ride. READ FULL REVIEW

9 Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

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Best Experience for:   couples and families, house reef snorkeling, Value, Diving, wellness

If you are looking for a new, top 5 star Maldives resort - look no further! With white and fine as flour sand beach and a stunning house reef, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives resort is located in scenic Raa Atoll and offers a refreshing blend serenity and discovery in an awe-inspiring destination embraced by nature’s wonders. The beautiful island is home to 80 all-pool-villas, on the beach and overwater designed seamlessly to immerse guests in the natural surroundings. Alila is a special place, extremely well managed, with superior service and staff, and the best food in the Maldives. Activities and experiences for every type of escape: snorkelling, watersports, fine dining, spa - all beyond amazing. And access to some of the best diving you can find ...really close by. READ FULL REVIEW

10 The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

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Best Experience:  Water Villas, Couples, Family, Beaches, House Reef snorkelling, Diving

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives offers a unique blend of relaxation and social life, perfect for a romantic escape or a getaway with everyone you know. Traditionally seen as a couple’s destination, The Standard has taken a fresh approach to its island retreat, offering relaxation, social activities and vibrant cultural experiences that welcome not only couples but groups of friends and singles looking to reset and recharge in paradise. Bespoke and signature dining choices, a contemporary Spa, and an overwater tapas and sunset club with a transparent dance floor combine with a myriad water sports experiences to create a truly unique, forward-thinking resort. Regardless of whether you travel a romantic duet, alone or with a family, you will find here an experience that suits your needs. With the emphasis on an activity-driven atmosphere, the resort’s tagline ‘Social by Nature’ reflects an easy-going travellers’ finesse against the backdrop of a healthy house reef, a significantly large lagoon and the amazing beaches. READ FULL REVIEW

11 Veligandu Island Resort & Spa

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Best Experience for:  Adults Only, Beach, All Inclusive, Value

With adults only policy and long sandy beach, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa is an idyllic retreat that offers authentic barefoot comfort and a crystal clear lagoon in just 20 minutes by seaplane from Male airport. The resort has 91 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas, 16 Jacuzzi Beach Villas and 11 Beach Villas.

One of the oldest resorts in the Maldives, the fashionable (and expensive) Veligandu Island Resort and Spa is really doing well and doing everything to keep itself in modern and stylish form. The sand below and straw over your head are still almost everywhere, including the reception, the bar and the main restaurant. This is a classic combination that softens and warms the sharp edges and shiny surfaces of modern, elegant interiors. In 2021 Veligandu Island Resort & Spa has won the title of world’s best beach. The secluded haven of Veligandu Island Resort & Spa in the North Ari Atoll, a property of the Crown & Champa Resorts’ collection, has distinguished itself as one of the leading resorts in the country, voted among the top resorts for romance in Asia and the Maldives.READ FULL REVIEW

12 Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Best Experience:  Honeymoon, House Reef Snorkeling, beaches, Diving

With some of the best diving in the archipelago to be enjoyed on the island's coral reef, this award-winningly eco-friendly hotel is one not to be missed by fans of the deep blue sea. Sited in the middle of Huvadhoo Atoll, the largest and deepest atoll in the country, Hadahaa is small, round and verdant, surrounded by one of the finest beaches in the country and a stunning 360° house reef. Then nothing. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, which has won awards for its eco-friendly credentials, is rather grand architecturally but sits comfortably, and sympathetically, beneath the island's palm trees. The island is a 60-minute domestic flight from Male, followed by a 30-minute speedboat trip. The resort has 50 villas, 20 of which have a private pool. Rooms offer contemporary and rustic touches but are small for this price bracket. There's a good choice of restaurants, including The Dining Room, which has lovely ocean views, The Island Grill, offering regionally inspired cuisine, and The Dhoni bar, designed to resemble the upturned hull of the Maldivian fishing boat from which this stylish watering-hole takes its name  READ FULL REVIEW

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