7 days in Kaafu Atoll & South Male Atoll Itinerary

Kaafu Atoll, a scenic portion of Maldives, pairs luxury with island life. Visitors come to the region, which features 107 different islands, because of its private offerings--many of the area's islands are uninhabited except for established resorts. Posh spas, pools, fine-dining restaurants, and beachside verandas along famed white-sand beaches define the atmosphere here. Offshore, you'll find world-class dive sites. In the slightly more populated areas, tourist seek out cultural sites such as museums, mosques, and markets.

Like the rest of the Maldives, South Malé Atoll features dazzling white sand, bendy palms, and turquoise lagoons. Though close to the Maldives' capital, South Malé Atoll feels much less busy and crowded than its northern partner. Barring resorts, only three islands have a resident population, all situated down the eastern edge of the atoll. Thanks to a fiercely competitive diving and day-trip market--plus a high number of (relatively) affordable guesthouses--vacations in South Malé Atoll remain a great choice for budget travelers. With a high proportion of foreign visitors, the biggest island, Maafushi, feels progressive for the Maldives. It even boasts a foreigners' beach, where you can bathe in a bikini without fears of upsetting locals.