Top 10 Best Beaches in the Maldives: the Picture-Perfect Islands
The Maldives is world-famous for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear lagoons. But not every island or resort offers the same type of beach. Some islands have picture-perfect stretches of soft sand and swaying palms, while others may have seaweed, rocky areas, or seawalls that impact the overall beauty. Choosing the right resort is therefore essential if your dream holiday revolves around spending time on one of the best beaches in the Maldives.
What makes a beach truly exceptional in the Maldives?
Softness of the sand: Some resorts boast powdery, talcum-like sand that feels incredible underfoot.
Length and width: Long stretches of uninterrupted beach give more space to walk, relax, and enjoy privacy.
No seaweed or debris: Clean, well-maintained beaches with clear water are what most travelers expect.
Scenery: Palm trees, lush vegetation, and turquoise lagoons make beaches feel like paradise.
No artificial structures: Groynes or seawalls can sometimes spoil the natural beauty. Resorts that don’t rely on them tend to offer the most picture-perfect beaches.
Below are the resorts we believe offer the 10 most beautiful beaches in the Maldives.
The 10 best and most beautiful beaches in the Maldives
Find below the most picture-perfect beaches in the Maldives that we had the chance to visit after exploring more than 35 islands.
1. Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Hadahaa in Gaafu Alifu Atoll is one of the most stunning small islands in the Maldives. The entire island is surrounded by wide, soft beaches that are free from seawalls, groynes, or seaweed. The sand is perfectly white and clean, and you can walk around the island 360° without interruption.
The resort itself is intimate, with only 52 villas, and the island’s natural beauty is preserved with dense vegetation and postcard-worthy views. For travelers who want a truly pristine and natural Maldivian beach, Park Hyatt Hadahaa is unbeatable and ranks as the best beach in the Maldives.
2. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Located in Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is set on a beautiful island with long beaches and shallow lagoons that create spectacular shades of blue. One highlight is the sandbank that extends into the ocean, giving guests a private slice of paradise to explore.
The beaches are clean and well-kept, with soft sand and plenty of palm trees. While there are some seawalls in the distance on the sunrise side, the overall beauty of the beaches here is breathtaking and you will most likely never see the seawalls unless staying in a villa facing sunrise.
3. Huvafen Fushi
On third position among the best beaches in the Maldives is Huvafen Fushi.
This is a small and ultra-exclusive island located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé. Despite its proximity to the capital, its beaches are immaculate. The sand is silky soft, the beaches are wide, and the lagoon is crystal clear.
What makes Huvafen Fushi special are the endless shades of blue visible from the beach. This is a perfect as you can dream of for photography and relaxation. Combined with the resort’s recent renovation, it offers one of the most beautiful beach experiences in the Maldives. If you want to know more about this resort, you can read our detailed review of Huvafen Fushi here.
4. Niyama Private Island
Niyama stands out for its size and diversity. It is actually two islands (Play and Chill) connected by a bridge, both offering long stretches of beach with different atmospheres. The beaches are wide, soft, and well-framed by lush tropical vegetation.
While there are a few groynes on some stretches, the overall look is still stunning. The turquoise water and long walking areas make Niyama one of the most recommended resorts in the Maldives for beach lovers, and it’s also famous for being one of the best resorts in the Maldives for surfing.
If you want the beach beach at Niyama Private Island, you should look next to the Crescent. This is where you’ll find the most incredible shades of blue and the picture-perfect views.
5. Anantara Kihavah
Anantara Kihavah is a favorite among luxury travelers, not only for its villas and underwater restaurant (check out the best underwater restaurants in the Maldives here) but also for its pristine beaches. The island is surrounded 360° by white-sand beaches, all naturally beautiful without seawalls or groynes.
The sand is fine and clean, and the beaches are bordered by tall palms that add to the postcard-perfect scenery. Combined with its crystal-clear lagoon, this is one of the best resorts in the Maldives for travelers prioritizing natural beauty.
6. Ayada Maldives
If you’re looking for the best beaches in the Maldives, Ayada is an other really interesting island to consider.
Ayada is located in the southern Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, one of the most remote areas of the Maldives. The beaches here are particularly stunning: long, wide, and surrounded by nothing but open ocean.
The sand is powder-soft, and the water is an incredible turquoise color. The island itself is large enough to offer plenty of private stretches of beach for couples or families. Its untouched setting makes Ayada one of the favorite beach resorts in the Maldives.
7. Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is closer to Malé, but it still offers surprisingly beautiful beaches. The island is well-kept, with palm trees and white sand beaches circling the resort.
The sunset side is especially beautiful, with wide beaches and excellent swimming areas. While the sunrise side has more seaweed, overall, Kuda Huraa is an excellent choice for those looking for beautiful beaches combined with the world-class Four Seasons service.
To learn more about this amazing resort, read our review of Four Seasons Kuda Huraa.
8. Jumeirah Olhahali Maldives
Jumeirah Olhahali is a modern and stylish luxury resort with a naturally beautiful island setting. Its beaches are wide, clean, and framed by vibrant vegetation. The lagoon around the island is shallow, producing mesmerizing shades of blue.
The island itself feels quiet and exclusive, with beaches that are never crowded. For those who want a balance of modern design and natural beauty, Jumeirah Olhahali offers one of the most beautiful beaches in the Maldives.
9. Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo, located in Baa Atoll, is a boutique, adults-only resort designed specifically for couples. Its small size means every villa is close to the beach, and the beaches themselves are stunning.
The sand is white and soft, and the waters are calm and clear. Because the resort is small, guests can enjoy a quiet, intimate beach experience without crowds. Milaidhoo is the perfect choice for honeymooners seeking the most romantic resorts in the Maldives.
Do note that there are some groynes on the beaches. Despite this, they are still stunning and picture perfect.
10. Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo is one of the most exclusive resorts in the Maldives, with only 15 overwater villas. While the resort is not beach-focused (since all villas are overwater) the small island itself does have a beautiful, well-maintained stretch of beach.
The sand is soft, the water is incredibly clear, and guests can enjoy this private slice of paradise almost entirely to themselves. Combined with Kudadoo’s all-inclusive “Anything Anytime Anywhere” concept, it is one of the most unique and luxurious ways to enjoy a Maldivian beach.
Conclusion: not all resorts have beautiful beaches, but these 10 are spectacular!
The Maldives is not just about luxury villas and turquoise lagoons. The beaches themselves are what define the paradise experience. As you can see, not all resorts are equal when it comes to natural beauty. From the pure, untouched perfection of Park Hyatt Hadahaa, to the exclusive intimacy of Huvafen Fushi or the luxury of Kudadoo, these are the best beaches in the Maldives to ensure your holiday is as dreamy as you imagine.
Contact us for more information or to book your trip to the Maldives with the most competitive rates.
