The Maldives is a breathtaking group of islands in the Indian Ocean, ideal for yacht charters. Chartering here is ideal during the northern hemisphere's winter months, at the same time as the Caribbean, and provide a unique and exotic alternative to this famous destination. The Maldives offers a warm climate, world-class beaches (some say the best in the world), and stunning coves and lagoons. The archipelago consists of 1,190 coral islands with exceptional scenery and beauty, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Malé is the densely populated capital of the Maldives known for its colourful buildings and mosques. Enjoy a visit to a local market, sample the local cuisine, and take in the sights around Sultan Park, which include museums, art galleries and the Friday Mosque that dates back to 1656.
A diamond in the Indian Ocean, Gili Lankanfushi is a refined resort of hammocks strung between swaying palms and luxury water bungalows lapped by cerulean shores. Only a 20-minute tender from the Maldivian capital of Male, this tiny coral island is entirely eco-friendly, highlighting the importance of the fragile ecosystem in which it exists. Balancing both barefoot freedom alongside luxury service, this sun-drenched spot is a haven for charter guests who enjoy diving, as it is frequented by colourful and curious turtles among schools of shimmering fish. For those who prefer the comforts found above water, the resort is home to a sublime spa, where charter guests can enjoy massages as they admire the blue hues of the sea through the glass floor below, take part in a serene seaside yoga class or simply while away the hours surrounded by bubbles in a freestanding tub.
Some islands in the Maldives are fostered and nurtured into gorgeous resorts - a piece of paradise polished to a whole new shine and this is exactly what you could say around the coral island of Vabbinfaru. Now owned by the Banyan Tree resort, you can expect the whitest sands, the brightest snorkelling, and the bluest seas providing the backdrop for a well-earned rest. The island itself is close to Male and the whole ethos behind the brand that are custodians of the island is to create an eco-centric escape. Thatched villas, raw silk, tropical woods and a deep emphasis on local moods and wellbeing set the mise en scene. Of course, charter guests can step ashore for landside stays, morning yoga, beautiful eateries, and signature spa pampering. For those who want to stay close to the water there’s exceptional snorkelling, dive sites, and the chance to wakeboard, waterski, and windsurf so you can truly take your pick of saltwater style adventures.
A pristine paradise of sparkling waters and tropical vegetation, the island of Maayafushi in the Ari Atoll is the perfect place to enact all of your castaway fantasies. Blessed with a balmy breeze and shallow, clear seas, the islet offers stunning snorkelling conditions and is often frequented by turtles, manta rays and brightly-coloured fish. Charter guests can enjoy some of the many activities on offer or simply sip cocktails on one of the sea swings as the sun goes down. Alternatively, guests might want to take to the tender for a tour of the awe-inspiring atolls that surround this area, stopping to admire the baby reef sharks that laze in the lagoons and take in the never-ending hues of blue.
The magic of the Maldives is home to many reefs and ornate atolls. Located on the Ari Atoll, Alikoi Rah is a dreamy white sandbank spit that always serves up spectacular snorkelling. With its pristine mirror-like waters, charter guests can strap on their flippers and splash through a world of turtles, floating rays, and fabulous schools of fish in every shade imaginable. Those who want to delve a little deeper can dive at the aptly named Fish Head. This impressive pinnacle rises up and comes into an overhang, creating a perfect playground for fish to thrive. You can also explore Kandu Thila with its narrow reef wedged inside a generous channel - creating an epic environment for Grey Reef Sharks and White Tip Sharks too. There’s also the seriously impressive Machchafushi cargo freighter wreck to explore. Alikoi Rah is every inch the dream sea lagoon destination you have been dreaming of.
The sweet South Ari Atoll is home to some of the best diving destinations in the world. It's around these shores that you will find the nutrient-rich Hukurudhoo Uthuru Kandu Channel - not to mention luxury resorts that can assist even the most travel-weary souls with all the rest and rejuvenation imaginable. As one of the only all-star island resorts, the Lux Maldives South Ari Atoll is all dreamy overwater bungalows, shimmering sands and waters, and dining experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. With all that ocean on your doorstep, the South Ari Atoll is the perfect place to take out kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels, and even the tender to seek out deserted spots for fresh fish suppers and sunsets. Perfectly placed for exploring the other island delights of Dhidhoofinolhu, Moofushi, Dhiffushi, and others close by, island hopping doesn’t come better than the South Ari Atoll.
Drop anchor in the glistening rose pink-streaked turquoise waters of the Ari Atoll and discover one of the best diving spots in the whole world. With drifting tides and the Hukurdhoo Kandu Channel bringing a wealth of nutrients, reef life thrives in this part of the world. Barracuda, spotted eagle and manta rays, white-tipped sharks, the brightest butterflyfish, and sweeping moray eels all shimmer through this spot providing a song and dance of epic proportions for divers and snorkelers. The fringed reef is also home to turtles and dramatic coral specimens too. After spending hours immersed in the pleasures of marine biology, finish the day with a cocktail on deck watching the sun set on this wild water kingdom.