Where to stay in the Maldives for the first time? A guide to the perfect first visit

Planning your first trip to the Maldives? You're in for one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in the world. But with over 150 resort islands across this idyllic archipelago, knowing where to stay in Maldives for first time can be overwhelming. Which island is right for you? Should you stay near the airport or go farther out? What makes one resort better than another?

If it’s your first time visiting the Maldives, there are a few key factors that can truly elevate your experience, turning a great holiday into a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

For your first trip: Go remote, and go by seaplane

One of the things that makes the Maldives so magical is the feeling of total escape. To really experience this, we highly recommend choosing a resort that is remote, located far from Malé, and only accessible by seaplane.

Yes, there are many beautiful resorts close to the capital, reachable by speedboat in under an hour. And while they are convenient, they don’t offer the same sense of wonder and isolation that makes the Maldives truly.

The seaplane transfer is not just transportation, it’s an experience in itself. As you fly low over atolls, lagoons, and tiny islands surrounded by turquoise waters, you’ll understand why the Maldives is often described as heaven on Earth. It's the perfect way to begin your journey and sets the tone for the kind of extraordinary holiday that only the Maldives can offer.

Choosing a resort with seaplane is the first thing you should have in mind if you are wondering where to stay for the first time in the Maldives.

Choose a resort with a proper house reef

Another important factor to consider when deciding where to stay in Maldives for the first time is the snorkeling experience.

The Maldives is known for its vibrant underwater life (corals, reef sharks, turtles, and colorful fish) and having a house reef that’s easily accessible from your villa or the beach is essential.

Not all resorts in the Maldives have a proper house reef. Some require boat excursions for snorkeling, which adds cost and complexity. But for first-timers, there’s nothing quite like walking straight into the water and discovering a living reef just a few meters from shore. It’s immersive, effortless, and one of the highlights of being in the Maldives.

If it is your first time in the Maldives, we highly recommend a resort that has an amazing house reef for a truly unique snorkeling experience.

Our top 3 resort recommendations for first-time visitors

With these two criteria in mind (a remote location with seaplane access and a fantastic house reef) here are our top three recommendations for where to stay in the Maldives for your first visit. These resorts combine natural beauty, high-end service, and unforgettable experiences, giving you the best introduction possible to this island paradise.

1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas – Our top choice

If we had to recommend just one resort for first-timers in the Maldives, it would be Anantara Kihavah.

Located in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, it checks every box: it’s remote, it has an incredible house reef, and it offers one of the most beautiful island settings in the country.

Getting there is already a thrill. Just a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé takes you to a lush private island surrounded by turquoise lagoon and coral reef. The villas, whether overwater or beachfront, are some of the most spacious and well-designed in the Maldives (check out more in our Anantara Kihavah review). All come with private pools, open bathrooms, and expansive decks.

Snorkeling is a dream here, with the house reef located just a few meters off the beach. You’ll encounter reef sharks, eagle rays, and turtles, all without leaving the island. And for an even more extraordinary experience, Anantara Kihavah is home to SEA, one of the world’s few underwater restaurants, perfect for a unique and romantic evening.

In short, Anantara Kihavah offers the full Maldives experience, and is an ideal choice for travelers who want the best introduction to the country.

So, if you are wondering where to stay in the Maldives for the first time, choose Anantara Kihavah for the best possible Maldivian experience.

2. Milaidhoo – For barefoot luxury and authentic charm

For those who want a blend of Maldivian authenticity and high-end luxury, Milaidhoo is another excellent option for first-time visitors. Also located in Baa Atoll, it’s just a short seaplane ride away from Malé, and offers everything you could want from a first trip to the Maldives: turquoise waters, privacy, and world-class service in a natural, laid-back setting.

This boutique, adults-only resort has just 50 villas, all designed with an emphasis on traditional Maldivian architecture and open-plan living. Think custom-made furniture, and indoor-outdoor flow that blurs the line between nature and luxury.

Milaidhoo’s house reef is exceptional, and can be accessed directly from the beach or from your overwater villa. In addition, the resort is located near Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area famous for manta ray sightings during the season (June to November), making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and snorkelers.

For couples or honeymooners who want something intimate, elegant, and serene, Milaidhoo is a fantastic choice and one of our favorite all-inclusive resorts for honeymoon.

3. Kudadoo – Ultra-exclusive and unforgettable

If your first time in the Maldives is meant to be extraordinary, then Kudadoo delivers on every level. This is not just a resort, it’s a private island with only 15 villas, all perched over water, and designed for complete freedom and indulgence. It’s one of the most exclusive resorts in the Maldives, and perfect for those who want privacy and all-inclusive luxury at the highest level.

Everything at Kudadoo is included, from spa treatments and water sports to private dining anywhere, anytime. There are no set schedules, and each guest gets a personal butler to handle every detail of their stay. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want the Maldives at its most luxurious.

The resort is located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, and is reached by a 40-minute seaplane from Malé. It also has a fantastic house reef and offers a wide range of excursions, including diving, dolphin cruises, and romantic picnics on deserted sandbanks.

If you’re looking for something unforgettable, exclusive, and truly special for your first visit to the Maldives, Kudadoo will exceed expectations.

Final thoughts: Your first time in Maldives should feel like a dream

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Maldives for the first time, the best advice we can give is: don’t compromise. The Maldives is one of the most unique and beautiful places on Earth, and your first visit deserves to be nothing short of magical.

Pick a resort that is remote, requires a scenic seaplane transfer, and has a vibrant house reef so you can immerse yourself in the nature and tranquility that make this destination so special.

Resorts like Anantara Kihavah, Milaidhoo, and Kudadoo are perfect introductions to the Maldives, offering breathtaking settings, luxurious villas, and service that ensures your first visit won’t be your last.

Book your Maldives trip with exclusive rates and expert advice

As a luxury travel agency specialising in the Maldives, we know these islands inside out. We offer tailor-made recommendations, exclusive deals, and personalised planning to make your first Maldives experience completely seamless.

Contact us to organise your trip and book with the most competitive rates.

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