Maldives water-villa resorts with surfing

While the Maldives is known mostly as a honeymoon and sunshine-holiday destination, the country has very good surf spots at a variety of locations throughout the archepelago. If you are going to focus your entire trip on surfing in the Maldives then you should probably contact a tour operator that specializes in those trips, but if you are rather looking to surf a few days as part of a trip to a resort then you've come to the right place.

Most of the 80 or so water villa resorts on private islands in the Maldives offer wind-surfing in addition to diving, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing, but only a limited number have proper surf beaches on their islands or very nearby. The water villa resorts that offer surfing are listed below, and fortunately they come in all price ranges. The best surf is said to be at the Chaaya Island Dhonveli, which is the cheapest on the list as well. Others are in the moderate or luxury price categories, so there's a great choice for every budget.

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Surf seasons in the Maldives

The Maldives islands are spread out over literally thousands of kilometers, with some actually below the equator, and the surf season peaks at different times in different places. For the most part, the peak season in the North Malé Atoll, which is where most resorts are located, is April through October.

In the Outer Atolls the peak season usually goes from February through April and also September through November.

The surf is quite dead during December and January, so if you are coming during those months (which are the busiest and most expensive) then you might not be getting conditions good enough to make it worthwhile.

Maldives water villa resorts with surfing

Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives

Water villas: 60
Total rooms/suites: 115

With 60 water villas in two different classes in addition to 55 island rooms and suites, the Chaaya Island Dhonveli Resort offers popular all-inclusive meal plans that offer excellent value. The surfing beach here is said to be among the best in the entire region, and certainly one of the very best of those attached to private-island resorts. In fact, this resort is world famous for its surfing, making it a hot spot for those chasing waves.

This is also one of the few resorts that has reliable nightlife as well as a Maldivian culture show. The modest prices help seal the deal for the right crowd, so it should be a top choice for surfers and those who aren’t coming to the Maldives simply to read a novel on a deck chair.

Low season online specials from US$606 per night
High season online specials from US$704 per night

>More information about the Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives >Check rates

Sun Island Resort & Spa – Maldives

Water villas: 68
Total rooms/suites: 426

The largest private-island resort in the Maldives, the Sun Island Resort has 68 water villas among the 426 total rooms. A hotel of this size has some real advantages, and in this case one of the advantages is a surfing beach, as most smaller resorts barely have room for a beach at all.

The water villas here are relatively small, though still quite roomy compared to a city hotel, and the modest price is one of the better values in the Maldives. Most guests go on the all-inclusive plan, but there are other rate-plans that are even better value for people who don’t drink or don’t like rich buffet food around the clock. Those who come here to surf will find that surfing spots are very easy to reach and special surfing trips can be arranged any time during your stay.

Low season online specials from US$386 per night
High season online specials from US$743 per night

>More information about the Sun Island Resort & Spa – Maldives >Check rates

Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas All-Inclusive – Maldives

Water villas: 40
Total rooms/suites: 40

For visitors who prefer to have their own personal butler included in the room rate, the Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas Resort is a perfect choice. The surfing beach offers rentals and lessons as well as a perfect left venturing down the entire side of the island, but that’s only one aspect of this luxurious hotel with 40 lovely water villas.

The whole place was remodeled in 2009, so it feels much more modern than many others in its price category. Each water villa is quite large, and they offer a long list of daytime activities and water sports in addition to the surfing, so this is a great choice for active travelers.

Low season online specials from US$878 per night
High season online specials from US$990 per night

>More information about the Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas All-Inclusive – Maldives >Check rates

Robinson Club Maldives

Water villas: 25
Total rooms/suites: 101

Primarily an all-inclusive hotel, the Robinson Club Maldives is a solid 4-star resort with 25 huge water villas that each have their own Jacuzzi. The resort is German-run, and popular with Germans, which could be good or bad news depending on your own preferences.

There are 76 beach bungalows as well, so the Robinson Club is large enough to offer many other activities, including fantastic scuba diving. The lagoon villas each each huge, but for families they also have a Lagoon Suite on the end that comes with 2 bedrooms and a private pool on the sundeck. If you’re interested in surfing, but have yet to try the sport you’ll also have access to surfing lessons in addition to surfing itself.

Low season online specials from US$450 per night
High season online specials from US$620 per night

>More information about the Robinson Club Maldives >Check rates

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives

Water villas: 60
Total rooms/suites: 142

In the case of the Shangri-La Villingili Resort, a surfing beach is only one small part of the charms of this place. First off, this is an expensive and exclusive resort so it’s just something to daydream about for most of us. The 60 water villas are each as big as the house you grew up in, assuming you grew up in a pretty big house. If you’re interested, you can also book surfing vacation packages here that offer 2 hours of surfing everyday, making it a paradise for many.

Another interesting thing here is the remote location, actually south of the Equator and about 600 kilometers away from the main airport. The good news is that there is an airport that can handle private planes just an 8-minute speedboat ride away, so this is a popular option for those who lease or own their own planes. If you can afford it, you won’t do better than this place.

Low season online specials from US$825 per night
High season online specials from US$1,065 per night

>More information about the Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa Maldives >Check rates

Ayada Maldives Resort

Water villas: 50
Total rooms/suites: 62

Only opened in late 2011, the Ayada Maldives Resort has gotten a lot of attention for its 50 ultra-luxurious and huge water villas, all designed in a Turkish theme. There’s a surfing beach here, of course, plus a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) among the many key luxury features that make this place stand out.

The location is quite remote so it requires a charter flight and then a speedboat ride to reach the island, but that seclusion is a big plus for the high-end visitors who are booking at the Ayada Resort. Surfing wise, you’ll find that great breaks are only a short boat ride away. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it’s perfect for some.

Low season online specials from US$892 per night
High season online specials from US$1,218 per night

>More information about the Ayada Maldives Resort >Check rates

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Water villas: 42
Total rooms/suites: 96

With 42 water villas set over a stunning lagoon, the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Maldives is certainly one of the most famous and photogenic of the Maldives resorts. The surfing beach isn’t as extensive as some others on this list, but it’s there, and lessons and rentals are available. Guests will also find that surfing cruises are available as well.

Those familiar with the Four Seasons name certainly know that this is a 5-star deluxe resort with all the trimmings, with a price to match. The water villas come in several different classes and the cheapest of them are relatively small for this price category, but people who prefer a chain like the Four Seasons will likely be satisfied knowing they’ll get the amazing service they are known for.

Low season online specials from US$2,218 per night
High season online specials from US$2,218 per night

>More information about the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa >Chec rates

Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Water villas: 40
Total rooms/suites: 102

A small surfing beach might seem out of place for this sister resort to the one mentioned just above, but again, the Four Seasons people like to offer the best of everything. The 40 water villas at the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Givaavaru are all quite large, and prices are a bit higher than the other resort, as you’d expect.

You’ve got 7 restaurants and bars from which to choose, as well as a world-class spa that is located overwater itself. There’s also great scuba diving and snorkeling, and 5-star service from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.

Low season online specials from US$1,380 per night
High season online specials from US$2,893 per night

>More information about the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru >Chec rates

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