As far as fantasy escapes go, the Maldives is up there. The tranquil turquoise water, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve atolls, and powdery white sandbanks might have something to do with it. It’s certainly a landscape that lends itself to relaxing and recharging (one of 2025’s luxury travel trends). But the Maldives has a secret, sportier side to it, too. One where the same water that’s celebrated for its stillness forms rolling barrels and powerful breaks. That’s right: the Maldives is making waves in the surf scene – and it’s swell.
COMO Maalifushi, Thaa Atoll
The stay: At COMO Maalifushi, days start with sunrise dips from your private jetty and end with dinner under a sky full of stars. Japanese architect Koichiro Ikebuchi has done everything to bring the outside in (and when the outside looks like that, who can blame him?). Think thatched roofs, open-air pavilions, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Indian Ocean. Need to fill up and wind down after a full day at sea? The three restaurants’ first-class food and spa’s post-surf massage have you sorted.
Thaa Atoll, Maldives
The surf: The Thaa Atoll is one of the Maldives’ best-kept secrets for surfing, and staying at COMO Maalifushi gives you front-row access to five spectacular surf spots right on its doorstep or guided trips to Laamu and Dhaalu Atolls for those who want to mix it up. First time on the surf? The Tropicsurf pros will have you standing up in no time. Prefer to carve like a pro? They’ll help you level up. And with warm waters and quiet line-ups, you’ll have the breaks (almost) to yourself.
comohotels.com
Niyama, Dhaalu Atoll
The stay: Two islands, two vibes. Are you up for adventure or ready to relax? Niyama’s twin islands, Play and Chill, make you the pacesetter. Connected by a bridge, the islands are scattered with villas and pavilions that are as luxe as they come. But The Crescent (a private overwater playground for up to 14 adults and 8 kids) steals the show. When it comes to dining, it’s less about what’s on the menu but where you’re eating it – from being submerged beneath the sea to hovering high above the treetops.
Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
The surf: Play puts the waves right at your feet – literally. Because Niyama is one of the Maldives’ few resorts with a break you can paddle straight out to. Introducing: Vodi Point, a powerful lefthander that peels just off the shore. But that’s not all – rippable and hollow righthander Kasabu is only a five-minute boat ride away to the west. Surf guides are on hand to read the conditions and take you on surf safaris, while seasonal residencies from pro surfers mean next-level coaching.
niyama.com
Six Senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll
The stay: Do you hear that? It’s the sound of a perfect paradise that’s utterly private. Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the entire atoll, so the only company you’ll keep is the resident dolphins, rays, and parrotfish gliding past. And this serene sense of seclusion seeps out of every square inch of the resort – from the villas cocooned by dense pillows of palms to the overwater bar that looks out over nothing but stretching sea as far as the horizon (and is the ultimate sundowner spot).
Laamu Atoll, Maldives
The surf: With no other resorts in sight, a stay at Six Senses Laamu unlocks exclusive access to the best breaks in the atoll – and the quietest line-ups. The headliner? Ying Yangs, a powerful righthander that serves up fast take-offs and barrel sections best suited to pros. But with Tropicsurf running the show, every level is catered for, whether you’re catching your first wave or perfecting your cutback. And in true Six Senses style, wellness is taken seriously here. So, the spa’s post-surf treatments will have you board-ready again by morning.
sixsenses.com
Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa, North Malé Atoll
The stay: Swimming against the stream of homogeneity on display at some luxury beach resorts, Four Seasons Maldives has a sense of place. Specifically, one of a charming Maldivian village. Expect overwater suites with glass floors that reveal the colourful coral gardens below, traditional Maldivian spa rituals, and fishermen on local dhoni boats. And there’s good news for anxious flyers (or those who are anxious to dive straight into paradise): the resort is only a 25-minute boat ride from Malé International Airport.
North Malé Atoll, Maldives
The surf: Kuda Huraa’s waves have seen some of the world’s best tearing through the barrels – like Kelly Slater and Mark Richards. It’s the surf scene for those looking to ride the raw power of the Indian Ocean. With surf-ready shores, coaching clinics, and even seaplane surf-aris, there’s something for every level. Time your trip to overlap with the annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy, where beginners and pros alike come together to enjoy the thrill of watching the world’s top surfers go head-to-head.
