For several years I have held back from sharing hotel recommendations for the Maldives, but the hundreds of questions I receive every season have convinced me that perhaps I should. I will describe the little hotels I know more about in greater detail. That will save me repeating the same explanations with every enquiry, and give those who, for one reason or another, do not want to ask me a chance to hear what I think of these places.
This is not advertising! These are places where I have either stayed or would happily stay. I share personal experience and details about them. Every assessment reflects my own tastes, instincts and way of spending a holiday. I know — and please keep this in mind too — that we are all different. If I liked something and emphasise it, that does not mean you will like it, or that it will have the same soul for you that it has for me. Read these descriptions as accounts of what I experienced and felt there. If a place catches your eye, read other reviews on Booking, Agoda, Tripadvisor and the many similar platforms. Look for opinions in the Facebook group “Малдивите – прекрасни и достъпни” (The Maldives – Beautiful and Affordable) too — https://www.facebook.com/groups/1207686610091587. Do the same research for hotels I have not described, to avoid disappointment. I now know many people who visit the Maldives fairly regularly. Some keep going back to the same places, others always try somewhere new, and others alternate. The interesting thing is that the very same little hotels appear on some people's “favourites” list and on other people's “never again” list. So, as far as you can, read the information through the lens of your own preferences — and switch on your intuition 😊
UKULHAS
I know Ukulhas best. And it knows me best too. Local children who were born around my first visit are now trendy teenagers. The island is a wonderful example of how walking just a few metres can change your surroundings completely — from quiet and secluded to lively and colourful. I personally know the owners of the hotels I will introduce. As I said, I have stayed overnight at some, spent days at others, and had friends stay at others, but I have looked carefully inside and outside every hotel I recommend. I will start with the hotel I know best on Ukulhas: CasaParadiso. The list is not ordered by any particular criterion, so don't assume a hotel is better because it appears higher up. As I have said, you can find opposing opinions about every one of them. In the table, I describe the main points in just a few words. Under “details”, you can find much more, including photos, indicative prices, contact details and so on.
Recommended hotels in the Maldives — Ukulhas:
CasaParadiso — The place with soul. The place with mas fihani (fish grilled over coconut embers). The place with its own palms, beach and an incredible excursion crew.
UkulhasSands — Modern, without compromises, close to everything that matters. Wonderful panoramic views.
SaltVilla — A perfect location, a quiet beach bar right on the sand. Magical sunsets.
Beach Veli — A cool, shady beach. Gentle sunrises. Delicious food.
Madi Maldives — Quiet comfort in the heart of the island.
Ukulhas View — Spacious rooms with balconies, the beach a few steps away.
La Solarra (formerly La Palma) — In the quietest part of the island. Close to a lovely secluded beach.
Arista — Teeny-tiny, oh-so-quiet — a pretty little courtyard and a very pleasant little place.
LaPalmaSuits — New, with spacious rooms and terraces…
THODDOO
Thoddoo is much larger than Ukulhas. It can charm anyone, with plenty of room for all sorts of tastes and interests. The loooong, beautiful, Instagram-worthy beach draws the island's visitors together for sunset every evening. This is the garden of the Maldives, full of fruit and vegetable farms. For a dollar or two, you can enjoy the freshest mangoes, papayas, passion fruit, watermelons and more. I have visited Thoddoo fewer times, but it has always charmed me with something. The people are welcoming, and believe it or not, even while relaxing they are thinking about how to make you happy. The reef's turtles feel right at home and, personally, I have not met friendlier ones anywhere in the Maldives.
Recommended hotels in the Maldives — Thoddoo:
Fairytale Inn — Now this is Thoddoo's real gem. I can say without hesitation that it is my favourite on the island. And you will be welcomed in fluent Bulgarian, with a smile 🙂
Retreat Grand — … I will add this in the next few days…
RetroRoyal — … I will add this in the next few days…
Blue Coral — … I will add this in the next few days…
