The Insider


NORTH MALÉ ATOLL Recommend for: Easy accessibility


Velana International Airport


lies at the southern tip of North Malé, allowing for easy access to


the atoll’s 50 islands. Most resorts can be reached with a journey on


a dhoni ƂUJKPI DQCV QT URGGFDQCV although some of the more distant QPGU TGSWKTG C UJQTV UGCRNCPG ƃKIJV Not only is North Malé home to some of the country’s most colourful reefs and


fascinating shipwreck dive sites, it also boasts its fair share of lavish properties. Some of the most striking can be found in the Fari Islands,


North Malé’s four-island, man-made archipelago, home to Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton


Maldives (pictured), while other highlights include One&Only Reethi Rah and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.


SOUTH MALÉ ATOLL Recommend for: Diving


Much like its northern neighbour, South Malé is a hotspot for spectacular diving sites. It’s less developed than North Malé, meaning the waters are calmer and ideal for snorkellers and divers, who can venture beneath the surface in search of manta rays, whale sharks and turtles. Scattered across the tranquil waters are 30 islands, 17 of which are resorts. The most notable include Como Cocoa Island – where wooden boardwalks lead to 33 villas designed VQ TGƃGEV VTCFKVKQPCN dhoni boats – and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, where accommodation includes the exclusive two-storey Stella Maris villa, accessible only by boat.


36 ASPIRETRAVELCLUB.CO.UK THE INSIDER NOVEMBER 2024


CREDITS: Christopher Cypert; Shutterstock/Lindsey Lu, Willyam Bradberry; Conrad Maldives Rangali Island


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