Best Boutique Hotels in South Male Atoll, Kaafu Atoll

Located on a small island 35 minutes from Male, this luxury resort has 33 high-end water bungalows and a peaceful, all-natural vibe. Cocoa Island is primarily geared towards couples, and children’s facilities are sparse. Property highlights include gorgeous beaches, an infinity pool, on-site reef, excellent a la carte restaurant, and a pricey spa with a hydrotherapy pool and free daily yoga classes. Rooms come at a fair price for this caliber of property, but food and extras can add up fast. Still, it's a popular and less expensive alternative to Gili Lankanfushi. 

The most luxurious of the Maldives’ five Adaaran resorts, Prestige Vadoo has 50 top-notch water villas, a beautiful reef, great a la carte food, and a convenient location just 15 minutes from Male Airport by speedboat. The tiny island is frequented by honeymooners and feels especially cozy, however it falls behind on sports facilities compared to other resorts. Rooms are a good value, but food and extras can add up fast.

With thoughtful and clean design elements, chic and modern decor, luxe amenities like L' Occitane bath products, and guests ranging from families to honeymooners, Velassaru Maldives is a luxury property with a lively, casual vibe. It's also got one of the most impressive infinity pools we've seen. The 129 rooms come with thoughtful features like polished coconut shell decor accents, personal wine fridges, plunge pools, outdoor showers, and private beach areas. There's also a large public beach with a teeming house reef, overwater spa, dive center, watersports center, and five restaurants and two bars -- and it's only 25 minutes via speedboat from Male.