Dhaalu

Dhaalu Atoll, also known as Southern Nilandhe Atoll, lies in the central Maldives about 150 kilometres southwest of Malé. It is a calm, reef-focused destination of 56 islands where the main draws are clear water, healthy coral and a slower pace than the busier atolls closer to the capital.

The administrative centre is Kudahuvadhoo, an inhabited island at the southern tip of the atoll known for traditional gold and silver jewellery making. Hulhudheli and Rinbudhoo share that craft heritage, while Kudahuvadhoo also holds an 8th-century Buddhist stupa and a 17th-century mosque built with finely carved coral stone.

Most visitors stay on private resort islands such as The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, Niyama Private Islands, Kandima Maldives, Angsana Velavaru and Sun Siyam Vilu Reef. Niyama is home to Subsix, an underwater restaurant, and Kandima offers a wide activity programme including the Maldives' first asphalt go-kart circuit. Guesthouses on Kudahuvadhoo, Meedhoo and other local islands provide a community-based alternative.

Diving and snorkelling are the atoll's strongest attractions. Sites including Vommuli House Reef, Kudarah Thila, Lion's Head and Fushi Kandu attract manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays and guitarfish, with whale shark sightings reported mainly between May and November.

Reached by about a 40-minute seaplane or a domestic flight to Dhaalu Airport on Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll suits divers, honeymooners, families and all-inclusive travellers seeking a quieter, reef-rich Maldives experience with space for both leisure and small corporate or incentive events at its larger resorts.