Best adults-only resorts for scuba divers in the Maldives

The Maldives is easily one of the most indulgent holiday destinations in the world, with plenty of elegant luxury, sophisticated relaxation and a touch of romance – the ultimate playground for discerning, fun-loving adults. And, while children are, of course, our future, sometimes a little grown-up time can do us the world of good.

Thankfully, the Maldives has a selection of idyllic adults-only private island resorts where grown-ups can find genuine tranquillity. And, being the Maldives, many of these resorts are well-equipped to cater to the underwater whims of dedicated divers.

So, keep reading to discover the Maldives’ best adults-only resorts for scuba divers.

Age restriction: 15+

Hurawalhi Island Resort is a chic adults-only escape rich in luxurious details. Nestled on the northwest edge of Lhaviyani Atoll, Hurawalhi aims to blend the serenity of its secluded location with sophisticated entertainment, such as fine dining at the world’s largest all-glass underwater restaurant. Welcoming guests aged 15 and over, energetic adults are free to make full use of the island’s recreational facilities, including futsal, tennis and badminton courts, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling. And, when it’s time for exclusivity and romance, Hurawalhi’s voguish villas, private charter yacht experiences and award winning spa are on hand to elevate the ambience.

Diving from Hurawalhi is organised through an onsite partner dive centre operated by Prodivers Maldives. Certified divers are free to enjoy unguided exploration of the resort’s own house reef, while comfortable dive boats are on hand to transfer guests to more than 60 dive sites throughout the atoll. Of course, daily dive excursions from Hurawalhi hit all the best sites at the right time of year, including the Shipyard and Muda Thila - the region's most exciting manta cleaning station.

Age restriction: 18+

Lying just a stone’s throw southwest of Hurawalhi, Komandoo Island is one of the leading adults-only resorts in the Maldives. With its low-key surroundings and captivating charm, this resort is one of Lhaviyani’s most intimate escapes. And, with a strict age restriction of 18 and above, Komandoo provides the perfect place for a honeymoon, a tranquil romantic escape or a getaway with friends. Fine dining and fancy cocktails in an overwater setting are sure to delight discerning palates, while the award-winning spa and peaceful beachside yoga and meditation sessions help alleviate the everyday stresses of adult life.

Komandoo Island's onsite dive centre is managed by Prodivers Maldives, one of the most reputable operators in the country. Both experienced and beginner divers will certainly appreciate the high standards set by Prodivers, which extends to top-quality rental equipment, including underwater cameras, and free nitrox for those certified. The resort is well located for adventurous divers, with short boat rides to Lhaviyani’s protected reefs, shipwrecks and manta cleaning stations. In fact, daily guided adventures usually hit two of the atoll’s best dive sites, including Kuredu Express and Felivaru Kandu.

Age restriction: 9+

Milaidhoo Maldives is located on the eastern coast of Baa Atoll, just a few kilometres from Hanifaru Bay. While rooted in heritage and culture, Milaidhoo has found a new and unique way of enjoying authentic Maldivian experiences. The resort’s reinvented notion of luxury centres around barefoot informality, where five-star hospitality is delivered in a friendly and approachable manner. In line with this ethos, Milaidhoo allows guests aged nine and above, ensuring all guests enjoy their trip whilst maintaining a casual, youth-friendly atmosphere. Indulgent adult facilities on offer here include a 24-hour fitness centre, a large infinity pool, and an overwater spa offering sensuous treatments and complementary yoga and meditation classes.

Guests at this resort will be diving with the onsite Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre – a well-equipped PADI 5-Star dive centre consisting of experienced instructors and marine biologists. This skilled team offers a range of superb services, including multilingual scuba course instruction and ‘fluo’ night diving. Milaidhoo’s location places it within easy reach of Hanifaru Bay’s one-of-a-kind manta ray congregations, as well as numerous world-class dive sites, while the island’s house reef provides plenty of interest for laid-back afternoon exploration.

Age restriction: 12+

Situated near the northern tip of North Male Atoll, Kagi Maldives aims to help guests escape the pressures of their busy lives and bring a sense of balance to both body and mind. With an age restriction of 12 years and over, Kagi offers the calm setting required for guests to reconnect with themselves and one another, while maintaining an honest, unpretentious atmosphere. Adult guests will undoubtedly appreciate this resort’s extensive wine cellar, stocked with some of the most luxurious bottles from the world’s most prestigious estates. Other indulgences include personalised wellness programmes in the onesie spa, group and private fitness sessions, and a wide range of engaging activities.

Kagi Maldives’ onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre is overseen by Euro Divers, an operator with more than 40 years of experience. The island’s house reef is a great place for guests to start their scuba diving journey and is open for self-guided exploration by certified buddy teams. Beyond the house reef, Kagi Maldives offers access to more than 30 different dive sites, with daily excursions typically hitting two or three of the atoll’s best. Experienced divers visiting this resort are also able to make the most of unique opportunities such as ‘fluo’ night diving, as well as complementary nitrox for those certified.

Age restriction: 18+

Having opened its doors in 2022, this resort is a relatively new addition to Atmosphere’s Colours of OBLU portfolio. Meaning ‘island of love’ in Dhivehi, Lobigili’s idyllic tropical vistas and nature-inspired designs deliver a secluded, castaway-style atmosphere despite lying mere minutes from the airport. The resort’s exclusive adults-only atmosphere creates the perfect setting for romance and relaxation, while a meandering walkway provides easy access to additional facilities on the neighbouring island of OBLU Xperience Ailafushi. Highlights across these two resorts include the Only BLU under-ocean restaurant, a 15-metre dome-shaped theatre, and sumptuous spa services.

Guests looking to dive during their stay will be welcome at OBLU Xperience Ailafushi’s on-site dive centre run by TGI Maldives, one of the most-experienced chains in the country. Attention to detail is just one of the hallmarks of this operator, ensuring all equipment is impeccably maintained, dive boats are customised for increased comfort and free nitrox is available for certified divers. Other tempting facilities include underwater camera rental and instruction, image and video packages, and modern facilities for personal photography equipment. And, thanks to OBLU Select Lobigili’s central location, some of Male’s iconic sites are just a stone’s throw away, including Banana Reef, Maldives Victory and Lankan Manta Point.

Age restriction: 12+

Centara Ras Fushi is an incredibly popular private island retreat at the far southwest tip of North Male Atoll. The resort was designed as an upscale adults-only sanctuary, but welcomes guests aged 12 and above, meaning parents with young teens can also make the most of this well respected resort. Despite its sophisticated style and mature clientele, Centara Ras Fushi is a picturesque playground of discovery, offering snorkelling, surfing, private yacht charter, and genuine submarine tours. Of course, if all the excitement takes its toll, the onsite spa delivers a range of transformative wellness treatments and daily yoga sessions.

Diving from Centara Ras Fushi is done through the onsite dive centre run by Best Dive Maldives. The dive centre is both professional and experienced, ensuring all guests can enter the water with confidence. Located on the atoll’s south coast, this resort enables quick and easy access to many of North Male’s best dive sites, including the Maldives Victory wreck, Banana Reef and the iconic Lankan Manta Point. Best Dive Maldives also offer seasonal turtle, dolphin, and whale shark snorkelling adventures.

Age restriction: 18+

Anantara Veli is a luxurious private island resort located in South Male, just a 30-minute speedboat ride from the international airport. Only welcoming guests aged 18 years and over, Anantara Veli offers a true adults-only experience with an overarching focus on wellness and personal pampering. The beautiful onsite Balance Spa hosts various massage suites, plunge pools, saunas and a salon, while the Medi Spa provides cutting-edge cosmetic treatments designed to cleanse and detoxify. For those in the mood for some outdoor entertainment, Anantara Veli also offers an open-air cinema, tennis courts, and watersports such as snorkelling and surfing.

The diving at Anantara Veli is conducted via the onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre run by Aquafanatics. From here, guests can embark on half and full-day diving excursions to the most exciting sites in the atolls of South Male, North Male and Vaavu. Anantara’s own house reef is also worthy of exploration and can be enjoyed at leisure once guests have completed a check-dive. And, for those looking to try something different, this resort is home to the Maldives’ first PADI certified freediving centre, allowing guests to explore the stunning reefs without scuba gear.

Age restriction: 18+

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is a secluded private island resort located 148-kilometres south of Male, amongst the mesmerising atoll of Meemu. While the main island welcomes families, Hakuraa Huraa’s Platinum Island is an exclusive adults-only oasis that sits in sweet solitude on the opposite side of the welcome pavilion. This superb “resort within a resort” features its own expansive golden beaches, inviting swimming pool, restaurant and bar, creating an idyllic environment for a peaceful, grown-up getaway. For heightened relaxation, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa’s spa delivers a dose of Balinese decadence, while a variety of excursions and watersports are also available for guests looking to burn off some energy.

Located at the resort, Dive and Sail at Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa was the first watersports centre to open in Meemu and is the atoll’s pioneering operator. The dive centre comes equipped with everything guests might need during their adventures, such as a well-stocked shop, a small gear workshop, and an air-conditioned classroom with modern audio and video equipment. Diving is done from a dedicated dhoni which offers access to around 40 different sites throughout Meemu Atoll, incorporating options for all experience levels.

Age restriction: 18+

Nestled in the remote southern atoll of Huvadhoo, Robinson Maldives is a heavenly adults-only escape delivering stunning scenery and staggering seclusion. With nobody below the age of 18 allowed on the island, the entertainment is orientated exclusively towards adults – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. Games such as volleyball, soccer and tennis can be enjoyed along the beach, while windsurfing, catamaran sailing, waterskiing, and kite surfing are just a few of the ocean-based sports available. Group and personal fitness are also offered, alongside more relaxing wellness activities Balinese and Ayurvedic spa treatments, saunas, yoga, and guided meditation.

Boasting an exceptional house reef just metres from the shore and one of the Maldives’ largest, deepest, and least explored lagoons beyond, Robinson Club Maldives is a paradise for passionate divers. Huvadhoo Atoll is home to some of the country’s richest marine life, including untouched coral reefs and unbelievable shark encounters. Thankfully, the guests at Robinson Club Maldives have access to an onsite professional SSI dive centre which organises epic scuba excursions throughout this atoll’s remarkable underwater world.

Age restriction: 18+

Situated in the northeast of Huvadhoo Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is a four-star private island resort catering for adventurous couples and dive buddies. This all-inclusive, adults-only resort has been created with privacy, creativity and relaxation in mind, boasting a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere. Mercure Kooddoo’s all-inclusive benefits can be tailored to suit individual preferences and incorporate facilities such as the Suvadiva Spa, a 24-hour fitness centre and a variety of sports ranging from tennis and volleyball to sailing and jet skiing. The resort also organises regular outdoor movie nights or performances.

The island’s premium location allows divers to slip into some of Huvadhoo’s best sites within minutes of Mercure Kooddoo’s dive centre - including Villingili Kandu and Nilandhoo Kandu. The resort’s PADI 5-Star dive centre, SuvaDiva Divers, stocks a range of modern, well-maintained Aqualung rental equipment and nitrox 32% is free for certified guests. Boats depart in the morning and evening, with a choice of single-tank, double-tank, and full-day trips to see the sharks, sea turtles, and rays that inhabit Huvadhoo’s exceptional lagoon.