Must-Visit Maldives Resorts You May Not Have Heard Of

Explore the less crowded pockets of the Maldives and give yourself more space to unwind and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

For those looking for tranquility without the crowds, these Maldives resorts may hold the secret you’ve been looking for. The enchanting Maldives is well known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, friendly locals, world-class dining, exciting activities and luxurious accommodation, bringing thousands of travellers to the area each year. For those looking to head off the beaten track, yet still bask in all the glory of this island archipelago, we’ve curated a list of Maldives resorts that you may not have heard of, but are absolutely worth seeking out.

The unforgettable Angsana Velavaru

Angsana Velavaru is located in the serene South Nilandhe Atoll. Known as Turtle Island, this slice of paradise is a haven of lush foliage, powder-soft sand and turquoise lagoons with water so calm and clear you can see the bottom of the ocean no matter where you are – perfect for viewing the surrounding coral reef bursting with vibrant sea life. This spectacular resort is without a doubt a picture-perfect destination. 

The superbly appointed villas at Angsana Velavaru are bright and modern, but with gorgeous traditional touches. Choose between a beachfront villa or an overwater villa for immediate access to the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. All villas have large outdoor areas, some with overwater hammocks and private pools. But no matter which you choose, all have those breathtaking views. Indulge in a range of fine dining experiences – take your pick from Mediterranean bites at Azzurro Restaurant and Bar, Pan-Asian cuisine at Funa Restaurant, or all-day beachfront dining at Kaani Restaurant. Not keen to leave the poolside? Order drinks and a tasty snack at the Kuredhi Pool Bar. And if you want to take the romance up a notch, enjoy an unforgettable private dining experience on the beach.  

Angsana Velavaru offers a huge variety of activities, cultural experiences and conservation pursuits to take part in. Spend your days sailing, riding a banana boat or a glass-bottom canoe. Explore nearby islands, snorkel and search for dolphins or head out on a night-fishing adventure. Find your rhythm and try a traditional bodu beru dance class, or join the Marine Lab team on their reef restoration activities – the options are limitless. And when you’re ready to unwind, relax at one of the resort’s outdoor spa pavilions and let your worries melt away while you admire those sparkling vistas. 

Patina Maldives for art lovers

Situated in the dreamy Fari Islands archipelago, the Patina Maldives couples stunning architecture with a focus on sustainability to ensure the longevity of the vibrant reefs and gorgeous coastlines surrounding the resort. Of course, there’s the usual pristine white sands and incredibly blue water that make the Maldives famous, but this resort takes your visual journey further with multiple art installations dotted throughout the island – truly standing out as a feast for the eyes. 

Each phenomenal beachside or overwater villa at Patina Maldives is sumptuously appointed with modern amenities, natural decor and huge floor-to-ceiling windows that open the space up to the great outdoors. All villas feature a private terrace, private pool and outdoor bathtub. And with twelve onsite restaurants using fresh or organic local ingredients, you’ll find delicious dishes, refreshing drinks and decadent desserts from all corners of the world. Whether you want to sit down to a multi-course, candlelit fine-dining experience or just grab a burger or gelato cone on your way to the beach, you’ll find it here. 

Just as diverse is the resort’s stellar range of activities available. But Patina Maldives goes beyond the usual watersports (although there are plenty of those, too), taking its list further with some truly unique experiences. Try a watsu guided aqua-therapy session or immerse yourself in a sensory-deprivation floating pod for the ultimate in relaxation. Explore the nearby Fari Marina Village, partake in wine tasting or an art tour. There are cooking and ceramics classes, plenty of opportunities to learn about local conservation efforts, as well as movie nights under the stars. Of course, be sure to preserve your holiday memories with a photo shoot led by the resort’s resident photographers.

The kids will also love the Footprints kids’ club, where they can spend time learning about the ocean, taking a cooking class and enjoying other child-friendly activities. Meanwhile, you can indulge yourself at the exquisite spa with a wide range of massage, beauty and reflexology services, hydrotherapy and more. The spa uses only natural and organic products for an exceptional experience with every treatment.

Delight in diving at COMO Cocoa Island

If you want to experience some of the best diving in the Maldives, then look no further than the idyllic COMO Cocoa Island. Located on the South Malé Atoll, this resort is located on a private island ideally located for diving and nature fans who want the best in accommodation, dining and service. 

COMO Cocoa Island’s villas are all situated over the crystal-clear lagoon and are beautifully decorated with traditional maritime features, with some even shaped like the traditional Maldivian dhoni fishing boats. You’ll adore the modern fittings, private terrace, tranquil atmosphere and gorgeous views. 

Whether you’re enjoying the view from your room or dining in-house at Ufaa, or chilling out and grabbing a snack at the poolside Faru Bar, you’ll adore the flavourful South Indian, Asian and Mediterranean dishes, COMO Shambhala organic cuisine and creative drinks on offer. And with such a gorgeous setting, it wouldn’t be a trip to the Maldives without a private dining experience and special menu at one of the unforgettable locations across the island. 

As for activities, there’s a plethora of land and water adventures to be had, including kite-surfing lessons with champion kite surfer Youri Zoon, as well as sunset fishing trips, sailing, local tours, cooking classes and an open-air cinema for a star-lit movie experience. Of course, the highlight at COMO Cocoa Island is the diving. Far from just your average snorkelling, try UV night snorkelling for an unforgettable underwater light show, swim with sharks, dive with turtles or explore the colourful coral reefs.  

For those looking for some pampering, unwind at the COMO Shambala Retreat. This two-story centre boasts an extensive and exquisite range of treatments, including massages and invigorating facials, plus yoga pavilions for cleansing classes to align your energy with the beautiful surroundings of this blissful island.  

Dhawa Ihuru’s crystal lagoon

Located in a crystal lagoon in the North Malé Atoll, Dhawa Ihuru resort is a paradise of lush tropical flora and peaceful beaches. The resort’s bright and colourful architecture and decor are a refreshing change from the usual calmer colours of other Maldivian resorts, truly giving off joyful vibes. 

This vibrance extends to the luxurious beachfront accommodation, with colourful accents, furnishings and artworks adorning the villas. All villas are well-appointed with gorgeous private gardens and personal beach frontage, while some have outdoor spas. You can also opt for a rain mist room, where a fine-mist jet sprays you with refreshing water while you lie on a huge hammock below. Dhawa Ihuru has a sensational beachfront restaurant, Riveli, with a range of mouthwatering international dishes and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. There’s also the aquatic-themed Velaavani Bar and tasty bento-style take-out boxes available for in-room dining.

From the modern fitness centre and the ‘Nest’ chill-out zone, to private catamaran rentals, cooking classes, land and water sports, and a top-class diving centre, there’s plenty to enjoy onsite. You can also try your hand at night fishing, go on a cruise and search for dolphins, explore the local culture with a bodu beru traditional dance performance, or head out to Malé, the Maldivian capital. Drop the kids off at the kids’ club while you leave your worries behind at the onsite spa offering a variety of treatments to relax and refresh the weary body and mind. 

Discover our collection of exclusive Maldives offers here.     

Looking for more incredible Maldives inspiration? Discover What to Expect from a Stay at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa.