Where To Stay In Maldives For First Time (2025 GUIDE)

Planning your first trip to the Maldives? You’re in for a treat! But with over 1,000 islands and 150+ resorts, figuring out where to stay in Maldives for first time can feel overwhelming.

Should you book a private island resort or a local guesthouse? Go for an overwater villa or a beach bungalow? Stay close to Malé or head somewhere remote? These are all questions most first-time visitors to the Maldives have.

This guide breaks it down so you can find the perfect spot based on budget, location, and travel style. Read on to discover the best areas and resorts for your first Maldives trip!

WHERE TO STAY IN MALDIVES FOR FIRST TIME

Picking the right resort in the Maldives isn’t just about finding the best reviews and comparing prices, it’s about getting the right accommodation type.

For instance, do you want a beach villa or an overwater villa? Beach villas have direct access to the sand, more shade, and are cheaper. Overwater villas offer gorgeous views and private decks but are much more expensive.

Of course, make sure to book a family-friendly resort if you travel with children.

Think about meals too. Resorts offer different options such as breakfast only, half-board (breakfast + dinner), full-board (all meals, no drinks), or all-inclusive (everything included).

Now, with all that in mind, and if you don’t have time to read this entire guide on where to stay in the Maldives for first time, here are 3 QUICK PICKS to consider.

7 BEST RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Now let’s dive into more details about the 7 best resorts in Maldives for first-time visitors. This selection of resorts takes into account all budgets and preferences.

BEST OVERALL FIRST-TIME RESORT: Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

✔️ Rating: 9/10 | Reviews: 600+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Topping this list of where to stay in Maldives for first time is Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, a great resort for the classic Maldives luxury experience.

It’s a beautiful resort close to Malé and just a 15-minute speedboat ride from the airport meaning you won’t have to deal with expensive seaplane transfers.

Each overwater villa comes with direct ocean access, a private plunge pool, and even a personal butler. The reef is fantastic for snorkeling, and you can book other excursions too.

The all-inclusive package includes food, drinks, and some excursions. In addition, you get other treats like daily fruits served in the room, breakfast service, cocktails, and so on.

It’s more on the expensive side, but definitely worth it for a trip that you’ll remember forever.

BEST LUXURY RESORT FOR FIRST-TIMERS: Pullman Maldives Maamutaa

✔️ Rating: 8.2/10 | Reviews: 60+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you’re going all-in on luxury, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is worth the splurge. This is an all-inclusive resort with a spacious beach and overwater villas.

That includes one-of-a-kind underwater rooms where you can sleep surrounded by marine life. It’s in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, so you’ll need a domestic flight and speedboat transfer (sometimes included).

The all-inclusive package is one of the best in the Maldives. You get drinks, gourmet dining at 6 restaurants, and excursions.

We personally stayed at the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, and it was one of the best hotel experiences we’ve ever had!

You can spend your days snorkeling, take a kayaking tour, or just relax in your private pool. If you want a high-end, worry-free experience with top-tier service, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa delivers just that.

BEST MID-RANGE RESORT FOR FIRST-TIMERS: Mercure Maldives Kooddoo

✔️ Rating: 9.7/10 | Reviews: 20+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is a top pick when planning where to stay in the Maldives for first time. It’s perfect if you want a mix of affordability and comfort.

It’s one of the few resorts accessible by domestic flight only, however, flights aren’t included. Those cost an extra $400-$500 per person, but it’s worth it considering the resort is more affordable and the value you get.

Mercure Maldives has stylish beach and overwater villas, with a boutique feel that makes it feel more personal. The all-inclusive package includes great food, drinks, and even some water activities, so it’s a solid deal.

The house reef is excellent for snorkeling, and free non-motorized water sports add to the fun. While it’s not as over-the-top as high-end resorts, the service and setting are just as amazing.

BEST BUDGET RESORT FOR FIRST-TIMERS: Embudu Village Resort

✔️ Rating: 8.6/10 | Reviews: 400+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Maldives and budget-friendly don’t always go together in the same sentence, but there are affordable resorts in the Maldives, with Embudu Village Resort being one of them!

The resort is only a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, so you won’t have to spend a fortune on transfers (those only cost $95 per person or $47.5 for children).

The resort keeps things simple but charming, with beachfront rooms and a few water villas at reasonable prices.

You can easily get a beach villa for $500 a night including breakfast and dinner in the high season.

The best part? The house reef is incredible, perfect for snorkeling and spotting turtles and reef sharks.

While it’s not ultra-luxurious, it has everything you need for a relaxing Maldives trip without the high price tag.

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESORT: W Maldives

✔️ Rating: 9.6/10 | Reviews: 70+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

W Maldives is a nice choice for families. Unlike some resorts that focus mostly on honeymoons, W Maldives has spacious villas and kid-friendly activities.

If you’re looking for a resort that offers luxury while still being welcoming to families, W Maldives is a top pick.

The resort has plenty of dining options, and activities like snorkeling, canoeing, and a games room. There’s more of course, this is just an overview.

The resort also has one of the best house reefs right on your doorstep so you don’t have to book an excursion to see incredible marine life!

If you have the means, please do yourself a favor and book the Spectacular Overwater Villa. You’ll have 146-square meters available, a private pool over the water, and floor-to-ceiling windows to see the sunset.

BEST ADULTS-ONLY RESORT: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

✔️ Rating: 9.2/10 | Reviews: 400+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For a quiet, adults-only retreat, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is a fantastic choice when searching for where to stay in Maldives for first time, especially for couples.

Located in the Noonu Atoll, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi requires a seaplane transfer (those are free).

Snorkeling and diving are excellent, and if you want total privacy, the Sunset Water Villas offer the ultimate escape. Easily one of the best overwater villas with glass floor in the Maldives.

Boasting spacious beach and overwater villas, and with 16 dining options, you won’t run out of choices.

While not exclusively adults-only, it has a dedicated adults-only section with private beaches, quiet pool areas, and an overwater spa.

BEST RESORT FOR HONEYMOON: Ozen Life Maadhoo

✔️ Rating: 9.3/10 | Reviews: 200+ | Class: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We’ve seen incredible resorts on this list already, but if you’re planning a Maldives honeymoon, Ozen Life Maadhoo is hard to beat.

This all-inclusive luxury resort offers private pool villas, fine dining, and exclusive perks like an included underwater dining experience at their restaurant.

The setting is quiet and romantic, with spacious overwater and beachfront villas designed for couples. Unlike many all-inclusive resorts, Ozen covers premium alcohol, gourmet dining, and even spa treatments, so you won’t get hit with surprise fees.

Roundtrip transfers are included too, and that’s always an advantage in the Maldives.

Whether you’re enjoying a floating breakfast in your villa, a sunset cruise, or a couples’ massage at the spa, everything is designed for a stress-free honeymoon.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE ISLANDS IN THE MALDIVES

The Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands, but not all of them are the same.

There are two main types of islands: resort islands and local islands. Understanding the difference is key when planning where to stay in the Maldievs for first time.

Resort islands are private and they have pretty much everything from dining to activities. They’re luxurious, but you can’t explore beyond the island unless you book an excursion. Alcohol is available, and transfers are usually by speedboat, plane, or seaplane.

Local islands like Thulusdhoo Island or Maafushi are budget-friendly and you’ll get to explore the real Maldives, with guesthouses and local restaurants at much lower prices.

You can interact with locals and explore freely, but alcohol is banned. For drinks, you’ll need to visit a nearby resort.

BEST AREAS TO STAY IN THE MALDIVES FOR FIRST-TIMERS

While all areas around the Maldives are nice, they have some differences.

Some regions are close to Malé, so transfers are quick and affordable (sometimes free). Others are more remote and secluded, and that’s perfect if you want more privacy and to be away from the main city.

We’re confident you’ll love the Maldives no matter what, however, these are the best areas where to stay in Maldives for first time.

NORTH & SOUTH MALÉ ATOLL

If you’re not into long transfers, North and South Malé Atoll are the best choices. There are many great resorts and local islands, all within a 20 to 60-minute speedboat ride from the airport.

There are all kinds of properties, budget, mid-range, and premium.

The reefs here offer excellent snorkeling and diving, and since you’re close to Malé, you can explore the capital or visit multiple islands easily.

• Ozen Life Maadhoo: A luxury all-inclusive resort with stylish villas. The food is incredible and there’s even an underwater restaurant for a unique dinner.
• Velassaru Maldives: A modern, beachfront resort with stunning overwater villas. It has dreamy lagoons and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
• Embudu Village Resort: An affordable resort with a great house reef, which is perfect for snorkeling.

ARI ATOLL

Ari Atoll is arguably the best spot for snorkeling and diving. It’s one of the biggest atolls in the country, and this is where you’ll want to be for the marine life.

Resorts in this area range from mid-range to ultra-luxury (almost no budget options here), with some of the best house reefs in the country. Here are the best properties:

• LUX South Ari Atoll: A paradise for divers and beach lovers with chic villas, incredible marine life, and a laid-back luxury vibe.
• Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort: A stylish island getaway with overwater and beachfront villas, great food, and top-notch snorkeling spots.
• Diamonds Thudufushi Maldives Resort & Spa: An all-inclusive retreat with beautiful beach and water villas, amazing diving spots, and a relaxed setting.

BAA ATOLL – WHERE TO STAY IN MALDIVES FOR FIRST TIME

Home to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is the place to stay for luxury and nature.

The Baa atoll is famous for Hanifaru Bay, where you can swim with manta rays and whale sharks during the season which is June to November.

The resorts here lean toward the luxury side. This means overwater villas, fine dining, and experiences that you can’t get in all resorts.

• Royal Island Resort: A classic Maldives resort with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
• Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas: A luxurious private island with dreamy overwater villas, an underwater restaurant, and even a stargazing observatory.
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru: A high-end resort in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its incredible marine life and top-tier service.

THULUSDHOO & MAAFUSHI ISLANDS

Thulusdhoo and Maafushi are two of the most popular and affordable local islands. You have guesthouses, local restaurants, and the real Maldives culture at a fraction of resort prices.

You can still enjoy the same waters and white-sand beaches, plus excursions like snorkeling and island-hopping.

However, alcohol is banned on local islands. So you’ll need to take a boat to a nearby resort if you want drinks.

Is it a deal breaker? No! We spent a few days in Thulusdhoo and loved every minute of it!

• Arena Beach Hotel in Maafushi: A great mid-range hotel with modern rooms, ocean views, and easy access to Maafushi’s beaches and activities.
• Dream Inn in Thulusdhoo: A cozy, budget-friendly guesthouse with a friendly vibe, great surf spots, and an authentic local island experience.
• Eden Blue in Thulusdhoo: A small, relaxed guesthouse with comfortable rooms, a sun terrace, and easy access to the island’s best surf breaks.

HOW MUCH TO BUDGET FOR THE MALDIVES

Your budget in the Maldives depends on where you stay and how you travel. Sure, the Maldives has the reputation for being expensive. But there are hotels for only $50 per night and sometimes even less!

If you travel on a budget, you can find guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi for $50 to $100 per night, with meals costing around $5 to $15 and speedboat transfers between $30 and $50.

Note that there’s even a local ferry that goes from Malé to Thulusdhoo for only $3 per person. This is a nice contrast compared to resort transfer, which can cost hundreds of dollars per person.

Mid-range resorts start at $300 per night, with half-board or full-board meal plans adding $50 to $150 per day. While they’re categorized as “mid-range,” you can get a really nice room or villa for $500 or less per night.

Now, if you have the means, you can spend thousands of dollars per night at a resort. Five-star resorts with overwater villas cost anywhere between $800 to $10,000 per night, with seaplane transfers adding $300 to $600 per person.

Other than that, do add taxes to your budget, as well as meals that aren’t included in your room and excursions.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A RESORT IN THE MALDIVES

Obviously, the experience depends on the accommodation you go for. In this case, if you book a resort, that’s the nicest way if you appreciate luxury.

Resorts in the Maldives are designed to relax, offering your own private beach and premium villas.

Most stays include breakfast, but you also have half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive options. Food is high quality, but can be expensive if you buy food separately.

The same goes for the activities and excursions. Some are included, especially if you book a package, but most are not, and you’ll have to pay them separately. They’re not overly expensive but not cheap either.

Most people don’t stay in Malé and instead go straight to the islands. If that’s your case, you’ll meet the resort’s staff at Malé Airport and take the speedboat, plane, or seaplane directly from there.

The same goes when you check out. You’ll take the plane, seaplane or speedboat back to Malé Airport and from there, you can either stay a night or more in Malé City or fly back home.

SUMMARY – WHERE TO STAY IN THE MALDIVES FOR FIRST TIME

We hope this guide about where to stay in the Maldives for the first time was helpful. If you have any questions or comments about this list or any resort, please leave a comment below this post and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip to the Maldives, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide on where to stay in the Maldives for the first time!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.

Many thanks!