Meeru is larger than we expected, yet never felt crowded thanks to adults-only zones and separate pools. We bicycled to the sandbank at sunrise—magical. Buffet rotates smartly (Maldivian night was our favorite). If you’re active, the island size is a plus: bikes, golf range, long walks

Whale sharks then resort spoiling—great laddered plan

We stayed on Dhigurah two nights to chase whale sharks (saw one off Maamigili—go early!), then moved to Vilamendhoo for comfort and reef access. Dhigurah’s local cafés were friendly and cheap; dress modestly in the village. Vilamendhoo’s drop-off is perfect for confident snorkelers—stronger currents, amazing visibility

Quiet, leafy, reefy

We snorkeled right from the beach; currents mild most days, spotted rays twice. Rooms are basic but spotless; AC strong and beds comfy. Buffet leaned Asian + Indian, plenty of veg options

Facilities show age and Wi-Fi is patchy, but the house reef is superb—best fish density of our trip. Bring a book and a snorkel; you won’t miss Netflix

Tiny island with great swim spots; room AC worked hard but took time to cool. Buffet is repetitive after day three—order à la carte once for variety. Still, sunsets and reef life made it worthwhile

We picked Velassaru for the lagoon and it really is that surreal blue. Staff remembered our names and even my partner’s decaf preference by day two. Snorkeling is better off the jetty than the beach—follow the rope line and you’ll find turtles. Sunset at Chill Bar felt like a movie; pricey cocktails, worth it

The over-water hammocks beg for sunset lounging; we practically lived there. Pool scene is lively, but there are quiet corners if you wander. Breakfast pho and dosa stations were unexpected and excellent. Bring reef shoes—shallows can be pebbly near the west jetty

Rooms are basic, reef is stunning—turtles, rays, so many fish. Transfer is quick, great for short stays. Pack a rash guard; you’ll be snorkeling a lot.

Excursion pros

Team booked us a turtle + sandbank combo with honest pricing. Breakfast is simple, lobby coffee surprisingly good. Ask for a higher floor for quieter nights

We did Kurumba first for convenience after a late flight (10 min boat = no stress), then moved to Embudu for the house reef. Kurumba wins on food variety and family ease (kiddie pool, ice cream on repeat). Embudu is simpler but the coral garden is the real star—reef sharks every afternoon. If you want resort comforts + “wow” snorkeling in one trip, this combo is ideal

Ten minutes from the airport and we were on the beach—huge relief with a toddler. Kids’ club was a lifesaver during nap-time tag. Reef is nice by the dive center; we booked a half-day manta trip and actually got mantas (August). Rooms a touch dated, staff absolutely lovely

Rooftop + easy day trips

Rooftop pool for sunset, bikini beach right there, and tons of excursion desks on the street. Rooms are compact but well-cooled. Great base

Simple rooms, serious reef

We booked for the snorkeling and weren’t disappointed—sharks and rays every day. AC strong, bed comfy, décor basic. Great value if you live in the water

Small island joy

You can circle the island in minutes. At low tide a sandbar pops out for photos. Birds at breakfast are cheeky—cover your pastries!

Laid-back & kind staff

Eco vibe without preaching. We kept coming back to the tiny bar on the jetty—best breeze and sunsets. If you want quiet, pick a villa set back in the greenery

Driving range, football, bikes, great dive center—felt like summer camp for grown-ups. Adults-only areas = smart idea. Sunset bar is the place to end the day.

Best with little ones

We chose Kurumba for the short transfer and it paid off—kids were napping in the villa an hour after landing. Safe shallow water, proper shade, and the kids’ club team saved us every afternoon. Dinner buffet = lots of Indian veg options.

Big island without big headaches

Plenty of space to walk and cycle; we never felt crowded. The house reef by the channel had eagle rays most mornings. If you like quiet, book near the adults-only pool—worth it

Modern, social, long island

Cafés, music, and design that feels more boutique-city than remote island. Bikes are a must (it’s long!). Wi-Fi was fine in public areas, a little patchy inside the villa but workable.

Spa day + turtles

Booked the hydrotherapy circuit on a cloudy day—heaven. We saw turtles on every snorkel from the jetty steps. Buffet breakfast is busy but super organized. Bring reef shoes for the shallows

Close to Malé, still feels hideaway

Overwater from night one! Butler arranged a floating breakfast we didn’t know we needed. Lagoon is calm; reef life is better near the drop-off, ask dive center for the route

Reethi feels personal—lots of repeat guests, staff greet you like neighbors. Our favorite routine: snorkel the drop-off before breakfast, espresso at Reethi Grill, nap in a hammock. Not flashy, but the reef and service punch above price

Five-minute walk to cafés and bikini beach. Staff helped us plan a dolphin cruise that actually found dolphins. Balcony is tiny but sunsets still hit

Classic island pathways and a genuinely helpful clinic (needed for a small scrape). Good snorkeling right from the beach on the south side. Rooms are simple, spotless.

Jet-ski for me, first snorkel for my mom, and a chill lagoon for the kids—everyone happy. Buffet surprised us with many veggie choices. Try the sunset jetty for photos.

Couples’ exhale

No kids, no noise—just cocktails and easy snorkeling. We did the sandbank picnic—get the earliest slot for soft light and zero crowds

Airport pick-up was on time, room spotless, rooftop perfect for a quick bite before bed. Great for a one-night transit if your seaplane is next morning.

Везде пальмы в тени и песчаный пол (обожаю). Риф находится недалеко от берега — почти каждый вечер видели чернопёрых акул. Номера немного старомодные, но удобные.

Surf + family done right

I surfed Kandooma Right at sunrise while the kids did crafts by the pool. Villas are bright and airy; breakfast had a solid Asian corner. Ask for a buggy at peak sun