Maafushivaru Maldives

Maafushivaru has a lovely little-island feel, but its real USP is what is happening in the water. I remember stepping off the villa deck into warm, clear water and finding reef sharks, rays and plenty of fish almost immediately. Being in South Ari also puts whale shark trips within easy reach. The island is quite built up for its size, and some of the seawalls are noticeable. Booking takeaway: choose it for marine life, good dining and easy access to South Ari's big-ticket experiences, rather than for untouched-island looks.