Located smack in the middle of the Indian Ocean and a solid 8,760 miles from New York City, the Maldives are the ideal vacation destination for anyone who wants to truly feel transported to the middle of nowhere. The small south Asian country is comprised of a chain of 26 atolls, each with stunning 365-views of limitless blue sea. Best known for its resorts featuring over-water bungalows, the country has long been one of the leading luxury destinations for travelers, including Sophia Richie Grainge, Sophie Turner, and Madonna. Below, the best places to eat, stay, drink and things to see in The Maldives.
What to See
Hanifaru Bay
For the intrepid travelers among us, the Maldives offers plenty of adventurous outdoor activities, including the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks. For the best and most environmentally ethical experience, go with a licensed tour guide to Hanifaru Bay, a Marine Protected Area that lets you swim with these gentle giants without any risk to their habitat or wellbeing.
SO/ Wellness Camp
When you’re ready to unwind from all the snorkeling and wakeboarding, a spa like the Wellness Camp at SO/ Maldives is the perfect alternative. The camp features bespoke massages and facials alongside other wellness-centered activities like sound healing and a hammam.
Banana Reef
If you’re looking to spot more undersea wildlife, head to Banana Reef in the North Male Atoll for some of the country’s best snorkeling. There, you can spot live coral reefs inhabited by dozens of varieties of fish, including barracudas, reef sharks, and moray eels.
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Where to Eat
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
You can’t go to the Maldives without experiencing an undersea restaurant, and Ithaa is the nation’s most famous. Located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island—the favorite Maldivian resort of the Kardashians—you can dine on fish while among the fish (assuming that doesn’t freak you out).
Hadaba
If you’re craving food from the Middle East North Africa region while on your dream trip to the Maldives, Hadaba has got you covered. The Levantine-heavy menu features mezze like hummus and spiced lamb ribs alongside main dishes like tagine and kofta.
Guduguda
For authentic Maldivian cuisine, head to Guduguda at The Standard Hotel, where fresh fish, curries, and coconut dishes reign supreme. Guests can enjoy their meal in the traditional Maldivian way, at low-top tables atop cushions.
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Where to Drink
Lazuli Beach Club
This neon-lit beach club, which hosts DJ sets and a weekly beach barbecue, brings the vibe of summer parties in the south of France to the Maldives. During the day, you can enjoy a piña colada poolside, and at night you can cozy up in a booth with an Aperol spritz to watch the stars.
Beru Bar
When you’re ready to go out out, head to the club at Beru Bar, also at The Standard, where you can party with what is apparently the largest disco ball in the Maldives. Unfortunately it’s only open until 12 A.M., but that’s island life.
Coco Bar
For a relaxing sunset beverage, Coco Bar is the perfect location. Grab some apps on the al fresco deck and watch the sun go down, or nab two over-water pool chairs for a bit of swimming and day drinking.
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Where to Stay
SO/ Maldives
SO/ Maldives, which officially opened at the end of 2023, is one of the country’s newest—and best—resorts. Fusing French flair with Maldivian hospitality, the chic five-star resort is accessible by speedboat from the airport in Male, making it one of the most convenient locations on this list. The stunning over-water villas feature private pools, endless views of the Indian Ocean, and a staircase that leads directly into the water.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Offering a myriad of nearby activities and a whopping 11 restaurants on property, you will never get bored (or hungry) at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. The resort also boasts an in-house marine biologist, who protects and oversees the coral nurseries near the island.
Soneva Jani
If it’s good enough for Stanley Tucci and Gwyneth Paltrow, it’s good enough for us. Soneva Jani is an A-lister favorite, and for good reason: Upon check in, you’ll be introduced to your private butler, and given the opportunity to partake in dozens of wellness activities, like cryotherapy and Ayurvedic massage.
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