Inspiration
Maldivian islands under the water
This twin-centre escape offers a deeper way to experience the Maldives, pairing world-class marine life with the quiet comforts of island living.
Manta moments and ocean calm
You’ll split your time between two exceptional atolls, each with its own pace, personality and unforgettable encounters.
Start in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its thriving reefs, seasonal manta gatherings and remote, reef-fringed islands. It’s a place of barefoot luxury and meaningful experiences – where snorkelling before breakfast or spotting dolphins from your hammock feels entirely natural.
Then continue south to South Ari Atoll, where whale sharks glide through the warm shallows year-round. It’s relaxed, open-hearted and ideal for those who like their days unhurried but full – swim, snorkel, paddle or simply stretch out under the palms.
With thoughtful touches, warm hospitality and the freedom to do as much (or as little) as you like, this is the Maldives at its most effortless.
- Baa Atoll
- South Ari Atoll
Dallal BenRomdhane
With a goal to visit every US state and a passion for ancient civilisations, Dallal designs thoughtful, immersive trips that feel personal at every step. Her favourite areas of expertise are North America, North Africa and the Maldives.
Baa Atoll
Fly into the Maldives and transfer by seaplane to your first stop: the far-flung Baa Atoll. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the country’s most pristine marine ecosystems, Baa Atoll is an extraordinary blend of natural wonder and stylish simplicity. Scattered across three natural atolls, this region is famed for its rich biodiversity, quiet elegance and world-class diving.
Your resort is tucked away on a serene private island, where sustainability combines with luxe style. Expect all the Maldives classics: stilted villas, open-air restaurants and understated luxury designed to blend into the tropical surrounds. It’s the kind of place where shoes are optional, days unfold at your pace and nature takes centre stage.
This atoll is home to the famed Hanifaru Bay, where (between June and November) you may witness one of the most mesmerising wildlife events on the planet: the mass congregation of manta rays and whale sharks. Even outside the season, the snorkelling and diving here are superb, with coral reefs teeming with life and the possibility of encountering turtles, eagle rays and reef sharks.
In between excursions, unwind at the spa, sip something cool on your deck or join a marine biologist for a reef talk. This is Maldives at its most meaningful—authentic, peaceful and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Swim with whale sharks in South Ari Atoll
There are few experiences as humbling as swimming alongside the ocean’s largest fish. In the warm, clear waters of South Ari Atoll, whale sharks appear year-round, gliding slowly through the shallows just beyond the reef. With a small group and expert marine guide, you’ll slip into the sea and snorkel at a respectful distance, watching as these gentle giants pass effortlessly by. It’s quiet, calm and utterly unforgettable. No cages, no crowds – just a rare moment of connection in one of the world’s most peaceful marine environments.
South Ari Atoll
Next, a scenic seaplane journey takes you south to another of the Maldives’ most celebrated regions: Alifu Dhaal Atoll, also known as South Ari. Here, island resorts are strung across the ocean like scattered pearls, each offering its own rhythm of island life.
This is one of the only places in the world where whale sharks can be seen year-round, making it a paradise for ocean lovers. Join a small group on a guided marine safari, snorkelling alongside these gentle giants in the warm, plankton-rich waters. The experience is nothing short of humbling.
Back on land, your resort offers a refined but playful take on Maldivian luxury, with a focus on wellness, world-class cuisine and beachside barefoot living. Spend your days snorkelling from your villa, paddleboarding at sunrise, or simply doing nothing at all, other than soaking up the endless shades of blue.
Whether you’re swimming with the largest fish in the sea or sipping cocktails at a toes-in-the-sand beach bar, South Ari is where the magic of the Maldives truly comes to life.
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