Less Is More : A Dreamy selection of small resorts in the Maldives.
The Maldives is home to many exclusive resorts, and some are particularly renowned for their small size, offering intimate, private, and personalized experiences.
Here is a selection of the smallest and most exclusive resorts in the Maldives.
The Maldives is home to some of the smallest islands on the planet —tiny specks of paradise scattered across the vast Indian Ocean.
Many of these islands are so small that you can walk their perimeter in just minutes !
Yet, within these miniature landscapes lies a world of grandeur and exclusivity.
In Maldives, the smaller the resort,
the greater its charm.
Less Is More. The Charm of Small Resorts in the Maldives
In the Maldives, where seclusion often rhymes with holidays, most resorts offer privacy and good service, but boutique hotels take this experience to a whole new level.
These tiny islands are a hallmark of Maldivian luxury and perfectly align with the country’s luxury travel philosophy. The small scale only adds to the magic, transforming a stay into a truly private escape.
DID YOU KNOW ?
The Maldives are home to some of the World’s smallest islands !
Here, less truly is more.
You will find some of the tiniest islands in the world, with many spanning just a few hundred meters !
It’s a fascinating contrast : while the islands themselves are modest in size, they host some of the most luxurious and intimate resorts on the planet.
And the smaller the resort, the greater its charm !
Small Resorts in the Maldives. Selection.
- The Maldives are home to some of the World’s smallest islands !
- Kandolhu Maldives. A Small Island Gem
- The Nautilus Maldives. A Small Island offering Infinite Luxury
- Naladhu Private Island Maldives. Your Small Home Away-from-Home
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island. A tiny All-Inclusive Private Island
- Mirihi Island Resort. A Truly Unique Small Maldivian Resort
- COMO Cocoa Island. A Small, Wellness-Focused Luxury Retreat
- Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat. An Intimate 4-Star Boutique Luxury Resort
The smallest and most exclusive island resorts in Maldives
This list showcases the smallest and most exclusive island resorts in the Maldives, curated based on their unique offerings, surroundings and intimate experiences.
Please note that the resorts are not listed alphabetically.
Kandolhu Maldives. A Small Island Gem
North Ari Atoll
Island Size : 150m in length and 200m in width
Number of Villas : 30
Highlights : Intimate, typical Maldivian and laidback, Kandolhu is an idylic small luxury resort that will suit honeymooners and travellers seeking for quietness and great underwater adventures.
Lying like a little precious gem, Kandolhu Maldives is one of the smallest and exquisite resort of this list. The tiny luxury island benefits from one of the most sensational snorkeling amongst all Maldives Resorts.
The island is intimate and lush, with just 30 villas offering a harmonious blend of natural Maldivian design and modern architecture. These villas come in five styles, ranging from beachfront to overwater, each providing private pools or direct access to the ocean.
Kandolhu is also celebrated for its vibrant house reef, ideal for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, making it a haven for underwater exploration.
The beautiful 5-Star luxury boutique resort also offers a comprehensive all-inclusive meal plan for guests wanting to experience next level indulgence, including world-class dining across five restaurants, a wellness-focused spa, and exciting water sports and excursions.
Kandolhu Maldives is a small resort designed to offer an ideal balance of relaxation, exquisite food, exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. The island size and exclusivity ensure a serene atmosphere, perfect for a romantic getaway or tranquil retreat.
BOOK Kandolhu Maldives
in association with our trusted partner
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or
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The Nautilus Maldives. A Small Island offering Infinite Luxury
Baa Atoll
Island Size : 250m in length and 210m in width
Number of Villas : 26
Highlights : Ultra-luxury and privacy define The Nautilus, where every experience is customized, and time stands still. Its unique villas and concept make it one of the best ultra luxury getaway on a small Maldivian island.
Nestled in Baa Atoll, on a stunning natural island, the Nautilus Maldives is a small Boutique resort where everything is unscripted and tailored to your every desire, anytime and anywhere.
The highly personalized and very private island offers just 26 boho-chic Beach and Ocean Villas and Residences that feel and look like exquisite houses. The resort is surrounded by a stunning house reef, perfect for snorkeling, and provides direct access to Hanifaru Bay, where you can swim with manta rays and whale sharks.
The villas and residences at The Nautilus Maldives are among the largest in the Maldives, with sizes starting at 330 square meters and reaching up to 922 square meters. Designed for ultimate privacy, each villa blends spacious interiors, luxurious amenities, and natural elements for an unforgettable stay.
The Nautilus offers absolute freedom, with no rules, dress codes, set hours, or fixed menus. Guests enjoy fully personalized dining experiences at three gourmet restaurants and two lounge bars, where world-class chefs craft meals to be served anytime, anywhere.
The Nautilus Maldives can also be entirely rented as a private island.
BOOK The Nautilus Maldives
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
Naladhu Private Island Maldives. Your Small Home Away-from-Home
South Male Atoll
Island Size : 180m in length and 123m in width
Number of Villas : 20 Houses
Highlights : With its “feeling-like-home” concept, tranquility, and private Houses hidden amidst lush greenery, Naladhu Maldives is an ideal small resort for a honeymoon.
Naladhu Private Island Maldives is an exclusive and intimate retreat, set on a tiny island measuring only 123 meters wide by 180 meters long. With just 19 luxurious Houses and 1 Villa, it is one of the smallest resorts in the Maldives, offering a truly secluded experience perfect for couples seeking privacy.
The small resort has perfected the “Feeling-Like-Home” concept, offering private, tailored services and villas designed for ultimate comfort. The colonial-style Beach Houses, set amidst lush tropical gardens, ensure complete privacy, while the Ocean Houses offer uninterrupted ocean views.
Elegant and ultra-private, Naladhu Private Island Maldives offers personalized service at the highest level. A dedicated House Master is available 24/7 to fulfill any request, while the Spa and Yoga team brings treatments directly to your villa. The resort’s Executive Chef also crafts bespoke meals, served at the Living-Room restaurant or in the privacy of your villa.
Finally, if you look for more excitement and activities you will be able to go and enjoy Naladhu’s sister island resorts, Anantara Dhigu and Veli, located at a very short pontoon boat ride.
BOOK Naladhu Maldives Private Island
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
with booking.com
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island. A tiny All-Inclusive Private Island
South Male Atoll
Island Size : 200m in length and 200m in width
Number of Villas: 15 overwater residences
Highlights : Unique in this list and in the Maldives, Kudadoo offers an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experience with unlimited services, exceptional marine encounters including manta rays, and a masterful architecture, all set on a pristine, eco-friendly island.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is the smallest luxury resort on this list, offering a completely private, adults-only, all-inclusive experience. With only 15 overwater residences, each spanning 301 sqm, the resort ensures unmatched privacy. Every villa includes a private infinity plunge pool, ocean views, and direct access to a vibrant house reef, making it one of the best Maldives resorts to swim with manta rays.
Kudadoo Maldives, one of the smallest luxury resorts in the Maldives, offers a fully personalized experience with its “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” all-inclusive plan. Guests can enjoy unlimited spa treatments, private excursions, scuba diving, and various water sports, all tailored to their preferences,
Kudadoo is not just about luxury, it is also a masterpiece of eco-conscious architecture. Powered by 984 solar panels and naturally ventilated by a clever cooling system the luxury resort is a shining example that opulence and sustainability can beautifuly coexist.
Kudadoo can be rented as your own private island.
BOOK Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
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& personal counsellor in Maldives
Mirihi Island Resort. A Truly Unique Small Maldivian Resort
South Ari Atoll
Island Size : 300m in length and 50m in width
Number of Villas : 38
Highlights : A one-of-a-kind small resort that embodies the true essence of the Maldives : silence and nature. Here, no televisions in the villas nor motorized water sports and a heaven for snorkeling and diving. Whale Sharks and Manta Rays will be your buddies !
Mirihi Island Resort’s charm lies in its intimate size, natural beauty, and commitment to simplicity. By excluding televisions, motorized water sports, and nightlife, the resort preserves serenity, creating a space where nothing disrupts the tranquility. Guests are invited to disconnect and enjoy pure relaxation, fully immersed in the island’s natural rhythm.
Mirihi offers 38 villas, designed for understated elegance. The beach villas are nestled among lush tropical foliage, while the water villas provide direct access to snorkeling. While modest in size, the resort offers three restaurants, including the overwater Muraka, and two bars, delivering a mix of gourmet flavors and breathtaking views.
The house reef at Mirihi is a standout, offering exceptional snorkeling with vibrant marine life. For added relaxation, the spa provides soothing treatments. Located near the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), Mirihi is the perfect spot to swim with whale sharks in Maldives all year-round, with manta rays visible from December to May
Mirihi is a classic, well-known destination celebrated for its exceptional appeal to couples, honeymooners, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.
BOOK Mirihi island Resort
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
with booking.com
COMO Cocoa Island. A Small, Wellness-Focused Luxury Retreat
South Male Atoll
Island Size : 360m in length and 170m in width.
Number of Villas : 33 Water Villas and Suites. No Beach Villa
Highlights : A sanctuary of intimacy and authenticity, featuring transformative wellness retreats, excellent snorkeling, and a design deeply connected to the Maldives.
COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate luxury resort spanning on a small island of 360 meters by 170 meters. Cocoa is one of the best spa resorts in the Maldives, offering a wide range of wellness retreats at the renowned COMO Shambhala Retreat. For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, the resort is also celebrated for its exceptional underwater experiences and close-by house reef.
The resort offers exclusively water villas. The main category features one-bedroom villas designed in the shape of a dhoni, the traditional Maldivian boat. Additionally, for family and friends, there are larger water villas : two water suites—one with two bedrooms and the other with three. Designed to seamlessly blend with the island’s surroundings, all 33 villas provide exceptional privacy and unrivaled comfort.
Here, the island’s size takes a backseat when it comes to culinary excellence. Dining at COMO Cocoa Island is a true highlight with an array of fresh seafood and international dishes. For a truly special experience, guests can enjoy private meals, from a beachside dinner to an exclusive meal on a secluded sandbank.
BOOK COMO Cocoa
in association with our trusted partner
& personal counsellor in Maldives
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat. An Intimate 4-Star Boutique Luxury Resort
South Ari Atoll
Island Size : 1.1 hectare
Number of Villas : 26
Highlights : A small snorkeling paradise that makes you feel separated from the rest of the world.
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is one of the smallest island and the most affordable resort of this list. Spanning just over a hectare in size, the tiny island is an untouched island surrounded by a superb house reef for snorkeling.
You will not find extreme luxury here, or many activities like the resorts introduced above, but Thelu Veliga is perfect in this list : it is a small, calm and intimate, perfect for those looking for a truly peaceful getaway.
Dining at Drift Veluga offers a delightful mix of flavors, with the restaurant serving a variety of dishes, including fresh local seafood infused with continental and Asian influences.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, private in-villa dining, beachside dinners, and seafood BBQs can be arranged upon request.
You can also unwind at the sunset-facing bar and lounge, where refreshing beverages and light snacks are served, offering the perfect setting to relax and take in the stunning views.
BOOK Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
with booking.com
More about Kudadoo
- Swim with Manta Rays at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
- Kudadoo Maldives Private Island Sustainability model is a masterpiece of architecture
More about The Nautilus Maldives
- Extraordinary Snorkeling and Diving experiences at The Nautilus Maldives
- Your TOP 10 Best Maldives Resorts 2024. The Hotels That Made You Dream
- Swim with Manta Rays at The Nautilus Maldives in Baa Atoll
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