Begin your journey in Malé, the lively capital and gateway to the Maldives. Compact yet captivating, it’s perfect for a post-flight stopover. Explore vibrant cultural landmarks like the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque), adorned with coral stone mosaics and intricately carved Islamic calligraphy or stroll through Malé Fish Market, where you can witness the day’s exotic fresh catches being unloaded, before sitting to enjoy a traditional garudhiya fish broth at a local café in the marina. Malé’s waterfront with its traditional dhonis bobbing gently in the harbour, sets the tone for the island-hopping adventures that await, beckoning you to explore further.

From Malé, journey to Maafushi, a lively island celebrated for its boutique guesthouses, vibrant local eateries, and exhilarating marine adventures. Explore its thriving underwater world with snorkelling and scuba diving excursions, where coral reefs burst with vibrant, multicoloured marine life. Back on land, start your day with a traditional mas huni breakfast—a flavourful mix of tuna, coconut, and lime served with roshi flatbread. With its relaxed atmosphere and abundant activities, in Maafushi you’ll find a perfect balance of escape and discovery.  

Then escape via speedboat or ferry to one of the quieter islands like Dhigurah, in the South Ari Atoll, renowned for its endless, unspoiled beaches. Known as a haven for whale sharks, this peaceful island offers guided snorkelling tours to encounter these oceanic giants up close, particularly from August to December. If you’re feeling more adventurous venture to nearby Fulidhoo in Vaavu Atoll – where sightings of these beautiful creatures are particularly common.

After exploring the ocean, wander along Dhigurah's picturesque coastline and relax under the swaying palm trees while enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze. The island is also a proponent of sustainable tourism, ensuring these magical experiences are safeguarded and preserved for generations to come.

For a thrilling finale, journey to Thulusdhoo, a mecca for surfers and a haven for laid-back relaxation. Known for its famous surf breaks, the island draws enthusiasts from around the world and has multiple surf camps for you to learn in, even if you're a complete beginner. Not an avid surfer? Thulusdhoo’s relaxed charm and inviting beaches are well worth the visit and while here, we'd recommend sampling some ruku raa, a sweet, refreshing local drink made from coconut sap and exploring the island’s friendly village.

End the day by watching as the sun dips below the horizon, framed by the sandy shoreline as surfers attempt to catch the last waves and local fishermen prepare their nets for the morning catch, amid the swaying palm trees; a picture-perfect end to your Maldivian journey.

Pairing your island explorations with luxurious accommodations adds a touch of indulgence to your journey. Most resorts are scattered across their own small private islands, but are usually a short boat ride away from the main hubs – offering the ideal blend of privacy and convenient accessibility.

Resorts like COMO Cocoa Island, nestled between Maafushi and Guraidhoo, offer overwater villas inspired by traditional dhonis, where guests can enjoy yoga sessions overlooking the ocean, dive into vibrant house reefs directly on their doorstep, or savour fresh seafood at the hotel’s excellent onsite restaurant, Ufaa. For those seeking a more expansive retreat, One&Only Reethi Rai, located in the North Malé Atoll, offers private beachfront villas, gourmet dining, and curated excursions to nearby islands.

Of course, you can explore all of our luxury hotels in the Maldives and beyond at ASMALLWORLD Collection, where you will receive VIP benefits such as a room upgrade, late check-out and more at no extra cost.