7 Best resorts in the Maldives for solo travelers

The last few years have seen the Maldives become a favorite among every type of traveler, no longer limited to honeymooning couples. 

In particular, the number of solo travelers visiting the Maldives has seen a steady increase. While initially, solo visitors mostly stayed in guesthouses on public islands, many have started to indulge in resort accommodations.

For a tourist traveling alone, staying at a resort in the Maldives has several advantages. From spa experiences and culinary options to luxurious facilities and unrestricted living, tourists are more open to relishing the opulence of private island retreats.

An important decision

The best resorts for solo travelers in the Maldives come in all shapes and sizes. For you, the most significant decision to make is the type of retreat you wish to book.

Depending on your mood, plans for the vacation, budget, and choice of accommodation, the two broad categories to pick from are the more intimate adult-only resorts or, the larger family retreats.

An adult-only resort in the Maldives tends to be quieter, smaller, and secluded. At the same time, a family retreat will have more activities and is livelier in general.

Both types of resorts have unique characteristics. So, we’ve incorporated both into our list of the 7 best resorts for solo travelers in the Maldives.

Joali Maldives

An artistically blissful retreat in Raa Atoll, Joali is a hideaway that requires you to take a 40-minute seaplane from Malé. Luxurious to its core, the island celebrates its surrounding environment, preserving the flora, fauna, and sea life that is as much an integral part of it as are the many conveniences it offers to guests.

One of the best resorts in the Maldives for solo travelers, it creates an enriching ambiance that leads to moments of joy, introspection, and enlightenment. Below are some reasons we believe you should book a room at Joali Maldives.

Reasons to book

• Joali is a one-of-a-kind private island with a focus on art. It regularly hosts local and international artists that add a colorful uniqueness to the island’s persona.
• Solo Rivitalis is the resort’s special package for tourists traveling alone. It ranges from one to five-day spa indulgences. You can relish wellness activities like customized yoga, hammam ritual, personalized fitness training, and meals centered around superfoods as part of the deal.
• Joali has six excellent dining options, serving everything from Japanese to Levant cuisine. Her Kitchen is their special area where guests can take cooking classes in an industrial kitchen-like setup.
• The retreat offers plenty of water sports options. You can take private instructor-led dives, go kitesurfing, windsurfing, or rent a catamaran. Non-motorized sports like glass kayaks and paddleboats are complimentary.
• The resort has a very bohemian vibe, perfect for individuals traveling alone.

Hurawalhi Maldives

Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, Hurawalhi Maldives is a relatively large island allowing guests to spread out and enjoy its many nooks and corners. The easiest way to reach the retreat is a 40-minute seaplane flight. Once there, be prepared to get lost in its stunning beauty that includes long stretches of white sandy beaches, a gorgeous lagoon, and an array of luxurious accommodations.

There are several reasons for solo tourists to book a stay at Hurawalhi Maldives, and here are a few of the top ones.

Reasons to book

• Hurawalhi Maldives is one of the larger adults-only resorts in the Maldives.
• The island is home to the world’s largest underwater restaurant – 8 Undersea.
• As a solo tourist, you need not stick to only taking selfies. The retreat offers four different professional photoshoot packages. They are the best way to capture the island’s beauty with you as a part of it.
• The island has activities that singles can readily enjoy. They include a games room with arcade games and pinball. Outdoor activities consist of tennis, badminton, and water sports. If you don’t have a partner, the staff or coach is always there to play.
• Hurawalhi has a marine biology center, a great place to learn more about the sea life in the surrounding waters.
• The resort has several group activity sessions that range from yoga on the beach to windsurfing and snorkeling. Any guest can take part in them.    

Naladhu Private Island Maldives

It doesn’t get any cozier than Naladhu Private Island and its 20 intimate villas with swimming pools. Naladhu is the perfect destination to escape from the world and experience a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle, packed with hours of relaxation, sunbathing and culinary affairs.

Considered the “best resort in the Indian Ocean” multiple times, here are some reasons you should book a stay at Naladhu Maldives. That it is also among the best resorts for solo travelers in the Maldives is no surprise.

Reasons to book

• Only 20 villas mean you are guaranteed serenity from the moment you arrive till the time you leave.
• Since it is only 30-minutes by speedboat from Malé, you can save plenty on transfer fees.
• Naladhu has no-menu dining, perfect for solo travelers with erratic food cravings. Also, the resort has a 24-hour breakfast.
• Being alone requires more pampering. That is why the resort offers around-the-clock Kuwaanu service. That’s your very own butler, taking care of your whims and wishes as and when they pop into your head.
• Located near some of the most well-known swells in the Maldives, Naladhu is a great place to take your first surfing lesson. The resort has a team of surfers to guide you along the way.
• Reset by Naladhu is a five or seven-day holistic wellness program that helps bring balance to your mind, body, and soul. It comprises numerous treatments like vitamin therapy, colon hydrotherapy, detox body scrub, healthy cooking class, and neuropathic consultation.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Incorporating 45 overwater villas, Gili Lankanfushi is an award-winning luxury resort with a conscience. With utmost importance given to sustainability, a stay here promises total immersion into the beautiful ecosystem of the Maldives. Moreover, with 11 villa categories on offer, there is a place for everyone at Gili Lankanfushi, be it a solo traveler or a large family wanting to spend time together.

As one of the few retreats in the archipelago offering specialized packages for individuals, booking a stay at Gili Lankanfushi comes with unmatched experiences and adventures. However, the allure of the private island runs deeper than just its bargain deals.

Reasons to book

• The resort is only 20 minutes from Velana International Airport. Consequently, you save plenty on transfer costs.
• Gili Solo Experience offers a cornucopia of activities to solo travelers. The package includes a return speedboat transfer, daily breakfast and dinner, 120 minutes of treatment at Meera Spa, and a photography session with Mr. Friday (your very own personal assistant). There’s more in terms of excursions, from snorkeling with the resident marine biologist and a sunset dhoni cruise to a Maldivian cooking class, sleeping under the stars, and discounts at the Gili Boutique.
• As part of the solo experience, there are no tray charges for in-villa dining, making it cheaper than eating at a restaurant. Furthermore, Gili’s famous “Dine in the Dark” dinner is part of the package. It is an unmissable sensory affair for all food lovers.
• Gili Lankanfushi’s Underground Wine Cellar holds over 500 bottles from across the world. A tasting session in this iconic location is a must for wine lovers.
• A resort consisting only of water villas, seclusion comes naturally while staying at Gili Lankanfushi.
• But if it is excitement and entertainment you want, the retreat has plenty. You can enjoy a variety of watersports, learn surfing from professionals, play tennis, or watch a movie in the open-air Jungle Cinema.

Baros Maldives

Admittedly, Baros is one of the most loved resorts in the Maldives for honeymooners. So why is it suitable for solo travelers? For starters, the beauty of the private island is paramount, as is the immaculate service you can expect while staying here. A legendary resort that has welcomed guests for over 30 years, Baros nowadays has 75 overwater and on-land villas.

Solo tourists wanting a peaceful vacation will especially find the tranquility of Baros to their liking. Want more? Here are some exclusive reasons you need to book a villa at Baros Maldives.

Reasons to book

• The island is only 20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Therefore, you can start enjoying the luxuries of the resort without spending time on transfers.
• Baros offers 24-hour guest service to all its residents.
• The island is known for its house reef, teeming with vibrant aquatic life. Glass kayaks, snorkeling, and windsurfing are popular water sports to enjoy while here.
• Baros has plenty of culinary offerings. But its most iconic spot is The Lighthouse. Fine dining at its very best, the restaurant is an architectural marvel that grants diners astounding views of the ocean.
• Solo tourists with a penchant for eco-travel will love Baros’ Eco Explorer package. This amazing experience includes coral frame planting, a private snorkel and fish-identifying session, and a personalized photo book. Daily breakfast, sunrise yoga, discounts on spa treatment, and Champagne on arrival are also part of the package.
• Since Baros is popular with couples, it’s a lovely place to escape when wanting to spend some “me time” without interacting with too many people.  

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Everything about the Fairmont Maldives is grand. The island has one of the largest lagoons in the country. It invites you to pick that perfect abode from 120 villas. Furthermore, this private retreat has a gorgeous sheltered appeal that makes it ideal for solo travelers.

Located in Shaviyani Atoll, Fairmont is surprisingly still a hidden gem. Although luxurious, the private retreat is all about no-fuss living. That is why it makes for one of the best resorts in the Maldives for solo travelers. Here are a few extra reasons to book a stay at Fairmont, Maldives.

Reasons to book

• The resort offers in-villa dining from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The menu consists of several classic international dishes.
• Onu Onu is Fairmont’s popular beachfront bar, built by Balinese artisans. It serves as an idyllic spot for a sundowner and mingling with fellow guests.
• Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont is a place of rejuvenation and enrichment. It offers various treatments, such as Ayurvedic massages, aromatherapy, yoga, and guided meditation. The wellness center also has a 50-meter-long adult-only “serenity pool with sound and light.”
• The resort assigns a 24-hour villa host to every guest. They can help you plan excursions or book a table at any island restaurant.
• The island has gorgeous powder-white beaches, but its crowning jewel is the 200-meter-long infinity pool that divides the island in two. It’s one of the longest swimming pools in the Maldives.
• The resort has two special packages that will interest solo tourists. The Recharge Maldives is all about self-care and learning about the local culture and marine life. On the other hand, Work from Paradise will appeal to travelers who want to spend an extended holiday yet continue working.  

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

Think of Kudadoo Maldives as the little sister of Hurawalhi. Its petite size and 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé Airport mean it’s not on everyone’s radar. This adds to its exclusivity. Moreover, Kudadoo is “Maldives’ only fully solar-powered private island.”

Solo travelers wanting a quiet hideaway ought to book a villa at Kudadoo Maldives. But the island’s out-of-the-way location is not the only reason to stay here. Here are a few more that makes this private retreat an excellent choice for a solo vacation.

Reasons to book

• The Kudadoo experience begins the moment you land in Malé. Their team is present at the airport to help with transfers. You also have access to the resort’s VIP lounge while waiting for the seaplane.
• Kudadoo Maldives has only 15 overwater villas, guaranteeing unmatched quietude during your vacation.
• A 24-hour private butler is your one-person contact for all your needs during your stay.
• The multi-award-winning Kudadoo takes much pride in following its philosophy of “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere.” Simply think about it, let your butler know, and they will make it happen.
• The resort has a brilliant, fully-inclusive concept. That means you can partake in unlimited excursions, water sports, and spa treatments.
• Among the island’s culinary offerings are the cheese room and the owner’s wine room. The former has over 30 types of cheeses, while the latter has 70 plus labels you can taste from.
• While not so much for the solo traveler, renting the entire island is possible if you plan a holiday with friends and family.
• You can book a table at the famous underwater 5.8 Undersea restaurant while staying at Kudadoo.

N.B.: All the information in the article is correct as of the date of publication. The prices mentioned, if any, are subject to change.