In the South Male Atoll, part of the expansive Kaafu atoll, travelers have a wide array of accommodation options to choose from. For those seeking luxury, there are five-star overwater villas complete with private pools and round-the-clock, personalized service. Alternatively, budget-conscious visitors can opt for beachfront guesthouses offering lavish suites and a plethora of amenities along the picturesque sunset coast.
The atoll is not just a haven for relaxation but also a prime spot for diving enthusiasts. It boasts popular dive sites featuring manta rays, sharks, vibrant reefs, healthy corals, and even a few intriguing wrecks. The allure of South Male Atoll is enhanced by its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean, making every moment unforgettable.
All properties in South Male Atoll are conveniently accessible by speedboat from the main airport. Below, you will find a curated list of the top 10 destinations in South Male Atoll, ensuring a memorable stay in one of the Maldives’ most beloved resorts.
OZEN Reserve Bolifushi – A Luxury All-Inclusive Resort
Price: $US 1,700-3,000/night Transfer fee: FREE Best for: ultra-luxury, all-inclusive, diving, house reef, honeymoon, couples, families
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi, located in the Maldives, epitomizes tropical luxury with its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Just a 35-minute luxury catamaran ride from Velana International Airport, this resort offers 90 stunning villas either over water or beachfront, each featuring private swimming pools, daybeds, and decks with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Guests can indulge in a range of dining experiences, from traditional Indian to gourmet seafood, complemented by a selection of fine wines and champagnes.
The resort is known for its excellent house reef in South Malé Atoll, offering easy access to vibrant coral and marine life, with PADI-certified diving courses available. Additional amenities include a spa with organic treatments, an overwater gym, and various water sports, along with a Kid’s Club and Teen Lounge to keep younger guests entertained.
Price: $US 2,300-6,200/night Transfer fee: $US 1,020/adult Best for: ultra-luxury, house reef, honeymoon, couples, families
Discover unparalleled tranquility and breathtaking scenery at the exquisite Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Perfectly situated amidst pristine white sands and the vivid azure waters of the Maldives, this luxurious resort is just a 40-minute yacht ride from Male International Airport. Guests can indulge in a diverse selection of gourmet dining options with 11 renowned restaurants, unwind in the sumptuous surroundings of a world-class spa, and enjoy a wide range of activities suitable for all ages. Experience the legendary personalized service that Waldorf Astoria is known for, tailored to meet every desire during your stay.
The culinary offerings at the resort are second to none, featuring unique dining experiences that range from ascending to private pods in a treetop restaurant to descending into a chic underground cheese and wine bar. The exclusive Spa and Wellness Centre offers a tranquil retreat, while a variety of water sports and extensive facilities for younger guests ensure that every moment is filled with opportunity. The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi redefines luxury, blending spectacular settings and exceptional service to create unforgettable experiences.
Price: $US 790-2,250/night Transfer fee: $US 270/adult Best for: house reef, families
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort offers some of the most expansive and luxurious villas in the Maldives, making it an ideal choice for a family-friendly tropical beach vacation. Conveniently located just a 35-minute speedboat ride from Velana (Male) International Airport, the resort features an array of villas that cater to every preference, whether you desire stunning sunrise or sunset views, beachfront access, over-water accommodations, or your own private plunge pool.
Upon arrival at the resort’s jetty, children will be instantly mesmerized by the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life such as puffer fish, sting rays, and baby reef sharks. The resort’s superb kids club and an extensive selection of activities ensure that younger guests remain engaged and enchanted throughout their stay.
Dining at the resort is a delight with eight different options, each offering a dedicated children’s menu to satisfy even the most particular appetites. Families will find themselves spoiled for choice with a plethora of activities, adventures, and excursions available, ensuring that every day is filled with new discoveries and excitement. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is truly a picture-perfect destination for an unforgettable family getaway.
Price: $US 450-950/night Transfer fee: $US 140/adult Best for: couples, honeymoon, families
The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is situated within the Emboodhoo Lagoon, marking the country’s inaugural integrated resort destination. This prime location enables guests to effortlessly explore a multitude of entertainment options, including twelve dining venues both within and adjacent to the resort, along with diverse shopping experiences at The Marina @ CROSSROADS. Here, the opportunities for leisure and amusement are virtually limitless.
This iconic hotel brand elevates your vacation with exclusive access to exceptional diving sites, the rejuvenating Body Rock spa, and a pristine sandy beach. The resort’s vivid color schemes blend seamlessly with its modern interiors and the scenic beauty outside, enhanced by an array of iconic memorabilia that decorates the spaces. Accommodations range from striking white cubic beachside rooms to overwater villas that extend into the sea, offering direct lagoon access. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a solo adventurer, a family, or a group of friends, the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives promises a tailored and memorable experience for every type of traveler.
Price: $US 360-790/night Transfer fee: $US 200/adult Best for: couples, honeymoon, families
Velassaru Maldives offers luxurious beachfront and over-water accommodations with stunning ocean views. Recently transformed into a prestigious 5-star resort, it appeals to both couples and families. The resort features stylish, modern design, top-tier amenities including L’Occitane products, and boasts one of the Maldives’ most impressive infinity pools. With 129 well-appointed rooms, outdoor amenities like private mini-pools and outdoor showers, and a range of activities including a diving school and water sports center, it caters to a lively crowd. Located just 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport, Velassaru is part of the esteemed Small Luxury Hotels of the World, known for its excellent service and relaxed, yet vibrant atmosphere.
Price: $US 1,200-2,600/night Transfer fee: $US 350/adult Best for: couples, honeymoon, families
COMO Cocoa Island, a serene retreat nestled in the Maldives, joyously reopened its doors on January 9, 2020, after an extensive seven-month renovation. This exclusive resort features 33 overwater villas, each meticulously designed by Singapore’s Lekker Architects to reflect the graceful lines of local Dhoni boats, boasting sleek, modern interiors. Enhancements include a new, open-air Pilates and yoga studio perched above the lagoon, providing panoramic 360-degree views that promise an inspiring backdrop for relaxation and fitness.
Occupying a third of the private island, the COMO Shambhala Retreat stands as a sanctuary of wellness. It offers a fusion of Asian-inspired treatments, expert nutritional guidance, and a newly upgraded gym. A standout feature is the hydrotherapy pool, which utilizes high-pressure jets for therapeutic water treatments. Complementing its comprehensive wellness services, the resort offers a variety of activities to enrich the body and soul, including a PADI-certified dive center, reef and wreck diving, UV night snorkeling, and even whale shark expeditions.
Price: $US 850-1,350/night Transfer fee: $US 350/adult Best for: all-inclusive, couples, honeymoon
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo stands as a beacon of luxury in the Maldives, a place where time seemingly stands still and the soothing whispers of the Indian Ocean draw you to its pristine shores. This illustrious resort serves as the gateway to the South Atolls, featuring its own vibrant reef brimming with colorful marine life. Honored with the title of World’s Leading Water Villa Retreat at the 2010 World Travel Awards, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is distinguished among top Maldivian luxury resorts. The resort offers a myriad of lavish indulgences, set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable escape into paradise.
Price: $US 290-560/night Transfer fee: $US 150/adult Best for: house reef, families, couples, honeymoon
While the beaches of Kandooma in the South Malé Atoll may not initially impress, the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives expertly compensates, transforming potential drawbacks into delightful experiences. Here, you won’t just overlook any shortcomings; you’ll revel in the enhancements during your stay.
Nestled on a picturesque palm-studded island in the South Male Atoll, the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives welcomes you with open arms. From the moment you step into one of their relaxed beach villas, your vacation is set to be filled with exclusive beach lounging, rejuvenating spa sessions, and endless sunshine. Whether you’re up for an adventure or prefer to relax while the kids enjoy a complimentary snorkeling session, the resort offers a plethora of activities including diving, surfing, fun tubing, and paddleboarding, ensuring every moment is packed with enjoyment.
Price: $US 390-520/night Transfer fee: $US 250/adult Best for: house reef, families, couples, honeymoon
As a travel expert, I’d describe Sun Siyam Olhuveli as an idyllic retreat nestled on three exquisite islands, easily accessible via a 45-minute speedboat journey. This all-inclusive resort offers a diverse range of accommodations, from charming suites infused with local Maldivian charm to sleek, modern villas. Guests can indulge in a selection of three swimming pools, including a serene adults-only infinity pool that offers breathtaking views. The resort’s beautifully crafted villas perch directly above the crystalline turquoise waters, blending contemporary design with traditional Maldivian architecture. Surrounded by powdery white sands, the resort unfolds into panoramic sea vistas, promising an escape that caters to all your desires and invites adventure with its captivating lagoon.
Price: $US 1,100-1,520/night Transfer fee: FREE Best for: house reef, all-inclusive, families, couples, honeymoon
Discover luxury at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, nestled on the idyllic Maadhoo Island in the South Male Atoll, just a 45-minute luxury speedboat ride from Male. This serene island paradise, with its fine sandy beaches and vibrant turquoise waters, features a lush green landscape and a pristine lagoon teeming with marine life—perfect for a quintessential Maldives retreat.
Choose from a variety of stylish accommodations, from the family-friendly two-bedroom Earth Family Pool Suites to enchanting overwater villas ideal for a romantic getaway. Each villa boasts stunning sunset views and direct beach and sea access, complemented by shared butler services.
The all-inclusive INDULGENCE™ PLAN offers a comprehensive luxury experience, including gourmet dining, unlimited beverages, sunset cruises, fishing, snorkeling, and non-motorized water sports. Enjoy exclusive services like an overwater gym, group fitness activities, a kids’ club, spa services, and diving sessions that increase with your stay’s length.
Dine underwater at M6m, our Minus Six Meters restaurant, offering a modern seafood menu surrounded by breathtaking underwater views. Explore diverse culinary traditions at our specialty restaurants, TRADITIONS INDOCEYLON and TRADITIONS PEKING, or indulge in a wellness journey at ELENA Spa & Wellness Complex, complete with a gym, salt pool, and sauna facilities. Enjoy fusion Maldivian cuisine at LONU after a rejuvenating spa session. Experience the pinnacle of relaxed luxury at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO.
