Best wheelchair friendly resorts in the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. With its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and luxury resorts, it has long been considered the ultimate escape. But for travelers with limited mobility or who use a wheelchair, some questions often arise: is the Maldives accessible? What are the best wheelchair-friendly resorts in the Maldives? Can I go to the Maldives in a wheelchair?

Being a beach destination made up of tiny islands, accessibility can sometimes be a challenge. Sandy pathways, steps, and seaplane transfers might seem like obstacles. However, a few standout resorts have gone above and beyond to make sure that everyone, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the magic of the Maldives.

From wheelchair-accessible villas to special beach wheelchairs that roll on sand or float in the sea, these resorts are setting a new standard for inclusive hospitality.

Here are our top 3 best wheelchair-friendly resorts in the Maldives:

1. Amilla

Amilla Maldives is widely regarded as the most inclusive and wheelchair-accessible resort in the Maldives. Their entire approach to hospitality is built around inclusivity, accessibility, and personalized service.

From modified villas and restaurants to specially adapted excursions, Amilla has made meaningful changes to ensure that guests with limited mobility or disabilities can enjoy their stay just as much as anyone else.

Wheelchair-accessible villas include:

• Lagoon villa

• Reef villa

• 2 bedroom beach villa

These villas are fully step-free and designed to allow easy access throughout. They have large bathrooms with accessible showers, smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor areas, and are close to the main facilities. To enter the pool, a portable pool hoist can be used, making it as convenient as possible.

One of the standout features of Amilla is its beach-accessible floating wheelchair, which allows guests to move easily on the sand and even enjoy the sea safely and comfortably.

These are the different occassions where Amilla will show how convenient they would make your stay in the Maldives.

Accessible arrival experience

Upon landing at Velana International Airport, Amilla’s team is ready to assist. If arriving by seaplane, guests will enjoy an accessible private lounge with elevator access. When it’s time to board the plane, the crew is trained to help with evacuation chairs or slings, ensuring a safe and smooth boarding experience.

Getting around the island

The island is large and relatively flat, and Amilla has a variety of transportation options to support guests with mobility needs. These include:

• Standard buggies with assistance

• A beach wheelchair to navigate sandy areas

• A floating wheelchair for safe access to the lagoon and sea

• A tricycle with a large rear seat to accommodate guests who need extra support

Restaurants & facilities

All restaurants at Amilla are on ground level and accessible by ramps. They also offer adaptive cutlery and cater to dietary needs including dysphagia (swallowing difficulties), food allergies, and various lifestyle choices (vegan, keto, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free). Menus are being digitized for better accessibility, and guest washrooms feature fun accessibility-themed ramps (like a "fish ramp") with more improvements under development.

Excursions & activities

Amilla, as the best wheelchair-friendly resort in the Maldives, makes sure everyone can enjoy water-based activities. If you're interested in snorkeling or diving:

• Access to boats is via ramp from the marina

• A pool hoist is available for safe water entry

• Dive Butler International offers adaptive diving lessons for wheelchair users

• A personal guide can assist during excursions

• Excursions that don’t require entering the water (like dolphin discovery or fishing) are also available

This thoughtful and comprehensive approach makes Amilla not only accessible but welcoming to all. Whether you use a wheelchair, live with a hidden disability, or simply want peace of mind during your holiday, Amilla is setting the standard for inclusive luxury in the Maldives and will be perfectly adapted for anyone.

2. Baros

Baros is one of the most iconic luxury resorts in the Maldives, and it's also one of the most accessible and wheelchair-friendly.

The island features a mix of paved and wooden walkways, which help reduce the challenge of sandy paths for wheelchair users. While some parts of the island do have natural sandy trails, the Baros team is always ready to assist and provide suggestions for the most accessible routes.

Beach villas are the most suitable accommodation for guests with reduced mobility. These villas are all on one level, with an open-plan layout and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers. The only small step is at the entrance, and the resort can provide a ramp upon request.

Baros, as one of the best wheelchair-friendly resorts in the Maldives, goes a step further by offering a specially designed beach wheelchair, ideal for moving on sand and accessing the lagoon. This rare feature opens up the possibility of enjoying the Maldivian beach and ocean with freedom.

Although handrails are not standard at the private pool, the team is happy to assist with any extra arrangements to enhance comfort and safety.

Baros also places great emphasis on attentive, personalized service, and the staff will be fully briefed to provide assistance throughout your stay.

3. Nova Maldives

Third in this list of the best resorts in the Maldives for accessibility and people in wheelchair is Nova.

Nova Maldives is a modern, stylish resort that has also taken steps to be accessible for guests with limited mobility. While the island paths are mostly sandy and there are no paved walkways, the resort has experience in welcoming wheelchair users and has found ways to make their stay smooth and enjoyable.

Water villas are the best option for wheelchair users at Nova. These villas are step-free, with wide entrances and spacious bathrooms that make movement easy. They're also located close to the main dining outlets, which helps reduce travel distance on sandy paths.

Dining venues have fixed flooring, providing a stable surface for wheelchairs.

Transfers to the island are via seaplane. While this mode of transport does involve some steps and a narrow entrance, wheelchair assistance is provided at the airport and throughout the process by the Nova team.

One of Nova’s most thoughtful touches is that they also offer a special beach wheelchair, similar to the one found at Amilla and Baros. This chair allows for easier access across sand and into the water.

Nova may not have all the infrastructure of larger resorts, but its staff’s flexibility and willingness to help make it a good option for accessible travel.

Conclusion: YES, you can go to the Maldives in a wheelchair, and these resorts will be ideal!

These three resorts prove that the Maldives can be a dream destination for everyone, including those who use a wheelchair or have limited mobility. With some thoughtful planning and by choosing the right resort, you can enjoy the full beauty of the Maldives in total comfort.

For more information or to book with the most competitive rates, feel free to contact us.

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