Lhaviyani Atoll Holidays 2024/2025
Home to some of the world’s best beaches and diving sites, Lhaviyani Atoll is all about barefoot luxury and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Its luxury hotels provide spa centres and top class restaurants that lay out dinner on the beaches.
Lhaviyani Atoll Holiday Deals
A glittering gem in the Indian Ocean
Despite being smaller than the other atolls, Lhaviyani Atoll is home to around 58 idyllic islands with a handful of some of the finer Maldives luxury resorts and flawless beaches. Only five of the islands are inhabited, which gives the resorts a true tropical paradise look and feel.
Lhaviyani Atoll holidays are ideal for those seeking a luxurious yet laid-back break. Each of the islands has picture-perfect scenery with over-the-water villas offering direct access to sugar-white shores and turquoise lagoons.
When you’re not sinking your toes into the sand or topping up your tan by the pool, you can turn your attention to the plethora of water and land-based activities on offer. Whether you’re learning how to scuba dive with an introductory PADI course or mixing your own cocktails at the hotel bar, there are plenty of exciting pursuits to keep you busy.
World-renowned diving and watersports
One of the main draws of holidays to Lhaviyani Atoll is the excellent diving opportunities, with around 40 underwater sites to explore. A magical sea world of reef fish, caves, shipwrecks, manta rays and whitetip sharks make the atoll one of the world’s most sought-after spots for divers and watersport-enthusiasts. Beginners can head to the shallow ‘house reefs’, while more experienced divers should take a boat out to sea to access the more challenging spots.
As well as scuba diving and snorkelling, you’ll find a wide range of other watersports on the agenda, including catamaran sailing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and jet skiing. If you fancy something less strenuous, there are fishing trips and sunset boat cruises on offer too.
Enjoy the laid-back way of life
When you’re not in the water it’s easy to sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the slow-paced island life. Lazy days on the islands can be spent swinging in palm-strung hammocks, soaking in private hot tubs and enjoying poolside service. If sitting about isn’t your style, instead take part in traditional Maldivian cooking lessons, aerobics or yoga.
Set among landscaped gardens with stunning views of the ocean, Lhaviyani Atoll hotels have been designed to offer guests a truly indulgent experience. Infinity pools, ocean-facing sun decks and wellness centres help guests to unwind.
Treat yourself to a day of pampering at one of the tranquil spas, with an exquisite choice of therapeutic treatments to choose from. From reviving mud wraps to invigorating coconut massages, you’re bound to leave your holiday feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.
Where to eat and drink
Lhaviyani Atoll is known for housing some of the Maldives’ top restaurants, many of which are in its hotels. As most of the resorts are All Inclusive, guests are spoiled for choice with a range of casual and fine-dining options and local and international cuisine.
Veggie-lovers should head to the Atmosphere Kanifushi Hotel, where the Maldives’ first ever vegetarian restaurant is well known for its exotic, fruit-infused dishes. For a truly unique dining experience, the world’s largest underwater restaurant can be found at The Hurawalhi Island Resort.
When it comes to night-time, pull up a seat at the hotel bar and watch skilled mixologists create the cocktail of your choice. You’ll also find a selection of beach bars and ocean-facing terraces dotted around the resorts, where you can watch the sunset across the lagoon with a drink in hand.
Island hopping
With around 58 islands to explore, Lhaviyani Atoll has much more to offer than swanky 5* resorts. Each island has its own unique charm and character and can be reached by speedboat or seaplane services.
If you want to get a glimpse of local life, head to Naifaru and wander down the narrow streets lined with colourful shops and bustling markets. A day trip to the turtle sanctuary at the island of Dhoni is also popular among visitors, as is the chance to explore the mosques and rainbow-coloured buildings in Malé, which is just an hour’s journey from most resorts in Lhaviyani Atoll.
If you want a real Robinson Crusoe experience, ask the hotel to arrange for a boat trip to one of the atoll’s uninhabited islands. Take a picnic and a snorkel and spend the day exploring the palm-strewn beaches and untouched forests.