Things to do in Maafushi

Akirifushi

Akirifushi is managed by the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts group and opened in 2018. It can be reached by a speedboat ride of approx. 50 minutes from Velana International Airport in Male. The resort features a dual-island layout, consisting of a main island and an interconnected secondary island, creating a vacation environment that balances activity and tranquility. The main island features beach villas, overwater villas, and a kids' club, making it suitable for families; the secondary island features honeymoon villas, leisure facilities, and dining spaces. The island offers a wide variety of accommodation types, including beach villas, beach villas with private pools, and overwater villas. Some room types are equipped with facilities such as glass floors and ocean-view bathtubs, allowing guests to enjoy views of the surrounding lagoon. In terms of dining, the resort features multiple restaurants and bars offering a selection of cuisines, and it is characterized by an all-inclusive experience, with some meals, drinks, and activities included in the package. The surrounding lagoon and coral reef provide convenient conditions for marine activities such as snorkeling and diving, where guests have the opportunity to observe marine life such as sea turtles. The island also features an overwater bar, children's activity facilities, and a variety of leisure experiences, allowing for the arrangement of family activities or vacation experiences for couples based on needs. Guests who want to enjoy a quiet atmosphere can choose to stay on the secondary island, while families can choose the main island area where facilities are more concentrated.

Fesdhoo

Fesdhoo is a private resort island developed by the W brand. It can be reached by a seaplane ride of about 25 minutes from Velana International Airport in Malé. The island is surrounded by a clear lagoon and features fine white sandy beaches and a rich marine environment; due to its prominent W logo, it is also often referred to by tourists as Fesdhoo. The house reef around the island is close to the shore, allowing you to observe marine life such as tropical fish and sea turtles while snorkeling, and if you are lucky, you might even encounter reef sharks. The beach is also a great spot to enjoy the ocean view in the early morning and at dusk. Unlike some resort islands that focus on quiet relaxation, this place incorporates the W brand's modern design and vibrant atmosphere, featuring music spaces and a variety of leisure experiences, making it suitable for couples and friends who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. In terms of accommodation, the island offers beach villas and overwater villas, with some room types equipped with private pools and glass floors, allowing you to enjoy the ocean view beneath your feet. There is also a private sandbank, Gaathafushi, outside the island where special experiences such as picnics can be arranged; snorkeling, diving, and boat excursions can also be enjoyed in the surrounding waters. When choosing accommodation, guests who prefer a quiet environment can check the room location in advance to avoid room types near activity areas.

Riu Atoll House Reef

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in North Male Atoll

Hukuru Miskiy

Hukuru Miskiy, also known as the Old Friday Mosque, is a historic religious building in the area. The existing structure was built starting in 1656 and completed in 1658, on a site where a mosque had previously been established in 1153. The entire building is constructed from coral stone sourced from the ocean, showcasing traditional Maldivian coral stone masonry. The mosque's coral stone walls are made of processed stones fitted together, with intricate carvings preserved on the exterior walls, columns, and interior decorations. The interior of the building preserves traditional wood carvings, lacquerware decorations, and carved panels, showcasing the skills of local craftsmen. The blue and white minaret next to the mosque is also built of coral stone, forming an ancient architectural complex together with the surrounding cemetery. The cemetery surrounding the mosque is also of high viewing value, with the shapes and decorations on the coral stone tombstones reflecting traditional Maldivian burial culture. Today, it remains a place of worship for local residents. When visiting, please be mindful of religious etiquette; you should remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall and wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Huluwalu

Velassaru

Velassaru (Velassaru Maldives) is located in the South Malé Atoll. It is a 5-star island just 11 km from Velana International Airport, and it takes about 35 minutes to reach the island by speedboat. This island was one of the filming locations for the movie "The Blue Lagoon" and is filled with a romantic and fairytale atmosphere. The dreamy scenes from the movie attract a constant stream of tourists year-round to witness the island's beauty. The island is small, and it only takes 20 minutes to walk around it. The seawater here features distinct layers, ranging from deep blue to light blue and light green. On the horizon where the blue sky and sunlight meet, the turquoise lagoon feels like a paradise on earth, offering a heavenly sense of purity. The island offers free Wi-Fi, and the beach is excellent. The distinct white, green, and blue colors surrounding the entire island are beautiful and truly captivating.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Maldives

Nalaguraidhoo

Nalaguraidhoo is located in the Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives, and is a large resort island with lush coconut groves, as well as one of the larger natural island resorts in the Maldives. The lagoon here is expansive and crystal-clear, suitable for swimming and various water sports. Snorkeling is one of the main activities here, with colorful coral reefs in the surrounding area, and the island also has a dive center that offers a variety of courses, from introductory experiences to advanced certification. Alif Dhaal Atoll is a famous marine protected area where there is a chance to encounter whale sharks all year round. Going out to sea to swim with these gentle giants is a signature experience here.

Moofushi

Moofushi is located in the Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives, and is a resort island under the Constance Hotels & Resorts group. The island is small, and you can walk around it in about 10 minutes. The architecture features natural wood tones, retaining a rustic, pristine atmosphere. One side of the island features an expansive blue lagoon, while the west side has a white sandbank stretching into the sea. The fine sand extends deep into the Indian Ocean, making it exceptionally photogenic. It is near the migration routes of marine life such as whale sharks and dolphins. There are many dive sites nearby with high water visibility, and snorkeling and scuba diving are the signature experiences on the island.

Maadhoo

Maadhoo is located on Maadhoo in the South Male Atoll, Maldives, and is a representative all-inclusive resort island in the Maldives. Here, three meals a day, drinks, and most water activities and excursions are included in the room rate, so guests do not need to sign bills repeatedly for every expense, making it perfect for couples and family-friendly travelers looking for a worry-free vacation. The island's 90+ villas are divided into two categories: beach and overwater. Beach villas feature tropical gardens and outdoor bathrooms, with soft white sandy beaches just outside the door. Overwater villas are arranged along long jetties extending into the lagoon, with glass floors inside that allow you to see schools of fish swimming beneath your feet. Some room types feature private pools, and those traveling with children can even choose room types with water slides. Dining is also a major highlight, with the buffet restaurant and à la carte restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and other cuisines, each with its own unique flavor. Among them, the underwater restaurant M6m is particularly famous; its name is derived from 6 meters underwater, and enjoying lobster or steak while seated surrounded by seawater and schools of fish is the reason many guests make the trip to the island.

Furanafushi

Furanafushi is a resort island operated by Sheraton. It can be reached by a speedboat ride of approx. 15 minutes from Velana International Airport in Malé, offering relatively convenient transportation. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and clear lagoons, with coconut groves, white sandy beaches, and seawater complementing each other to form a typical tropical island view. The island offers a variety of accommodation options, including beach cottages hidden in tropical vegetation and overwater villas built over the lagoon, with some room types featuring private pools. Thanks to the surrounding coral reef environment, you can go snorkeling in the near-shore areas; the surrounding waters are also suitable for water experiences such as diving, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing, and you can also participate in boat excursions like sunset cruises and dolphin watching. The island's leisure facilities are well-developed, featuring restaurants, bars, outdoor pools, fitness facilities, and a kids' club, making it suitable for family trips and vacations for couples. The island's wellness facilities are located on a separate islet, where treatment spaces in the garden and yoga areas provide a relaxing experience for guests. In the evening, enjoying the sunset by the sea or having a drink accompanied by music is also a common way to relax on the island.