Malé
The capital island Malé is a bustling place where the seat of the government, trade, education and health sectors lives, most importantly of all, the international airport is located here.
It is the ideal place to meet your charter yacht. The main town is pleasant enough with a hectic fish market, a 17th century mosque built entirely from coral and the Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. This island has a very different vibe to the rest of the atolls. An interesting place to land and spend half a day acclimatising but to really feel the true spirit of the Maldives, it is advisable to get out onto the rest of the islands.
Kuda Bandos
Located in the Malé Atoll, Kuda Bandos is an uninhabited, lush green island, engulfed by a colourful coral reef. Superyachts drop anchor, while guests either swim ashore, or arrive by tender. For nature lovers, the inland mini-jungle is abuzz with tropical birdlife and different species of reptile, for those who like to get out in the water, don a pair of fins and snorkel and head over to the coral where the underwater world comes alive. The Kuda Bandos sunset is breathtaking and most crews will offer to set up a private sunset picnic on the beach.
Villingili Shangri-La
Sat at the very bottom of the Maldives archipelago, Villingili owns the warm serene waters of the Laccadive Sea to its north but is battered by the unbroken waves of the Indian Ocean to its south. This gives the island a very unique feel.
The island has been made into a luxury resort owned by Shangri-La. Guests can choose from over water villas, beachside bungalows and jungle houses. Each type of accommodation offers a different type of holiday. For superyacht guests, the Chi spa and the multitude of restaurants on offer here is the perfect on land experience. Firstly, Dine by Design, the resort can set up private dining experiences in the most remote locations on the island. Dr Ali's has three distinct dining options; Indian Ocean, the South China Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Fashala owns spectacular views of the ocean and serves fine local cuisine and finally Javvu is the all day dining where anything is possible.
One & Only Reethi Rah, North Male Atoll
This is the ultimate retreat for those with a taste for the finer things in life. On this island you will find the largest collection of Champagne in the Maldives plus a Sake sommelier. One&Only Resorts have a reputation for luxurious accommodation set in the most romantic settings. As most of the islands are, Reethi Rah is no different and is located on a coral reef. The island's staff offer excursions to near by dive sites offering possible sightings of Whale Sharks, Turtles and many varieties of fish. Guests can make use of the spa and indulge in treatments such as a Reethi Rah Sun Ritual a body and mind experience using different smells and oils to reinvigorate the skin after exposure to the sun.