Olhuveli Island has become home to Six Senses Laamu, opened in April 2011. Another who wants to be more beautiful than any others, and who accepts the philosophy of ecological luxury inherent in the hotels of the Six Senses group is fantastic. And it's not missing, there's more than magic. At Six Senses Laamu, most of the villas and facilities are built overwater. However, beach villas and on-land dining is an option. An eco-friendly, yet luxurious in every way all villas offer a sense of privacy and seclusion, with an amazing view to the Ocean and Maldivian nature. Six Senses Laamu offers a wide range of dining options, with cuisines from around the world, a swimming pool with a sunken bar, an ice cream parlour, an overwater wine cellar and a signature Chill bar. The bars and restaurants offer the best organic, fresh food, locally grown and caught, cocktails inspired by original ‘tropical' recipes, over 400 wines kept in a climatically controlled towering glass wine ‘cellar' and fun, live music, visiting DJs and mixologists. Many activities, excursions and options are available for everyone to enjoy, both overwater and underwater, in addition to the Six Senses Spa and surfing. Service is second to none, with Six Senses GEMs (Guest Experience Makers) overseeing every need from arrival to departure.

2 LUX North Male Atoll

LUX* North Male Atoll, the second resort in the Maldives by Mauritius based hotel group LUX* Resorts, has officially opened on February 1, 2019. LUX * Resorts & Hotels promises to demonstrate the transformation of Olhahali Island with an area of six hectares, into the most innovative luxury resort in the Maldives. Accessible by luxury speedboat or a short 15 minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport, this intimate resort is ripe with eye-catching architecture and ocean-inspired interiors.

A visual banquet of nautical shapes and colors, the resort is elegantly decorated by the Singapore design group Miaja, a project that combines superyachts with the energetic spirit of southern beaches. Each of the 67 two-story residences is located either on the beach or above the water, whose guests will enjoy a minimum living area of 350 m2. Whether set on the beach or stilted over the crystal blue lagoon, every penthouse villa takes indoor-outdoor living to a new level of breezy sophistication. Big Green Egg Barbecue, Rooftop Bar, Cinema and SONOS, Yoga Pavilion, Star-lit Jacuzzi and Outdoor Games help create an unforgettable paradise lounge for people who love to enjoy life.

3 Baglioni Resort Maldives

Best Experience: for Couples and Families, beaches, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving, fine dining, spa, Quiet and Private

Surrounded by shimmering sapphire waters with a powder soft sands, Baglioni Resort Maldives is an idyllic retreat for honeymooners and families alike in the Dhaalu Atoll. Located on the island of Maagau this exclusive newest resort of 96 villas is located on the one of the most spectacular Maldivian islands, allows guests to experience a bespoke stay in the heart of the Indian Ocean with the unique Italian hospitality of Baglioni Hotels. Opened on March 2019, Baglioni Resort Maldives sits on a private island surrounded by clear water teeming with vibrant marine life and a thriving reef system. The hotel is described as “ Paradise with Italian grace ” on the company's website. With a focus on Italian design and gourmet cuisine, the property provides a chic retreat for holidaymakers.

Lose yourself in the vastness of the Indian Ocean…and find yourself again, luxuriating blissfully under a palm tree. This is just one of the unique experiences that await you at Baglioni Resort Maldives. Its comprehensive comforts offer an unforgettable stay with a blend of sport, relaxation and prestigious gourmet dining to suit its exclusive international clientele. It is a piece of paradise in true Baglioni Hotels style.

4 Baros Maldives

Best Experience:    Honeymoon, Beach, Spa, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving

Baros is a perfect getaway located in the North Malé Atoll only a 25-minute by speedboat from Malé Airport. With a variety of villas to choose from, these very stylish settings make this the ideal island retreat for couples young and old.

Located on a beautiful private island with a crystal clear coral lagoon, Baros is a 5 * star boutique hotel in the Maldives that will surpass all of your highest fantasies of the "dream island". Surrounded by clean, warm waters and snow-white sands, with groves of coconut palms and fragrant flowers, this cozy resort landscape is really worthy of fainting. The team is serene modern rooms (including water villas), fine dining, a fantastic spa, a large swimming pool and water entertainment from a luxury yacht to diving and yoga.

Baros is one of the first luxury resorts in the country - four decades ago when communication occurred through the Morse code and the guests needed three hours by a dhoni boat to get to the pristine atoll beaches. Today, the natural beauty of Baros island still thrives due to local efforts to preserve the environment. You will have time to participate in an internationally recognized house reef conservation program, or go snorkeling with a marine biologist to learn more about vibrant marine life or just listen to wind music through the thatched roof of your villa and enjoy the splendor of seclusion in a tropical paradise.

5 Huvafen Fushi

Huvafen Fushi is glamorously grown-up Maldivian hideaway with incredible beaches, magnificent service and the world's first underwater spa. Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from the Male airport, Huvafen Fushi ideally mixes Maldivian style with hip and chic features; thatched villas on the outside and on the inside, unique amenities, sophisticated design, high-tech equipment, and last but not least cool events which all contribute to make Huvafen Fushi a truly dreamy island.

In the competitive world of the best resorts, where each new discovery adds something better or more to the word "Wow" or more than other hotels, the Huvafen Fushi meets high expectations - and widely recognized promises, like one of the best in the Maldives. Today, the island's 44 enrapturing, naturally modern villas – all with private pools – are refreshed and the ultimate in luxurious privacy and intimacy; Encircled by one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, this private island paradise is one of the most romantic resorts in the country and home to the famed spa resculpted and enhanced by celebrated wellness practitioners from PURE Massage to Teresa Tarmey. New culinary experiences include modern Japanese cuisine with a Latin twist at Feeling Koi and designer drinks dreamt up by mixologists from London's PURL, complimenting the established gastronomic lineup including subterranean wine trove Vinum, alfresco Italian Forno and relaxed deck dining at Celsius. Accented by pure island beauty and serenity, each moment at Huvafen Fushi is one to treasure forever.

6 Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi is the first top-end five-star, truly all-inclusive resort in the Maldives.The newest addition to the portfolio of leading hospitality group Crown & Champa Resorts, Kudadoo ensures a secluded getaway purposefully crafted for the more discerning guest — all accessible by a 40-minute scenic journey aboard a private seaplane.

An island defined by the philosophy ‘Freedom Reimagined', the private island, located in the northern Lhaviyani atoll, comes alive with effortless adventures as the resort endeavours to offer anything, anytime, anywhere. Kudadoo promises the best escapism on the island, which will not leave even the most discerning travelers indifferent. Personal butlers are available 24 hours a day to assist in making this possible by facilitating authentic experiences that capture the senses.

Surrounded by a beautiful lagoon with an excellent house reef and a magnificent sandy beach, the private adults-only island is run by Hurawalhi, that is only five minutes by speedboat from the hotel, allowing guests to take full advantage of all facilities of the new large sister property, including the signature "5.8" underwater restaurant at Hurawalhi.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi promises to take Maldives' resort luxury to new heights with a uniquely private and personalised experience complete with all facilities of a resort. The island motto is Anything. Anytime. Anywhere. You will think that rather daring, considering what demands some people can come up with, but after having visited you make sure the staff at Kudadoo can manage whatever, whenever, wherever. Besides the spacious, sustainably designed residences with 44 m2 private infinity pools that are located atop an aquamarine lagoon the luxurious all inclusive resort also includes its own restaurant, spa, main freshwater infinity pool, gym and small but pleasant beach.

Have you ever heard about paradise on Earth? Maybe yes: blue sea, warm water, palm trees, colorful fishes, confortable room... Kudadoo is no doubt more than this. The main thing about this private resort is the new conception of LUXURY All-inclusive. What sets Kudadoo Maldives Private Island apart is also its all-encompassing AAA concept. Residents can embark on effortless adventures whenever they wish, indulge in unscripted culinary treats at any time and anywhere, and rest, reset and connect with the help from various well-being options (including the Maldives’ first Himalayan salt chamber) as often as they like. At Kudadoo, anything is available, at any time and anywhere.

7 One & Only Reethi Rah

The One&Only Reethi Rah is the all-villa ultra-luxury resort in the North Male atoll, accessible by a short luxury yacht jorney from Malé. Set on one of the largest islands in Maldives a chic and sophisticated One&Only offers unrivalled level of service and an array of luxurious options to create an unforgettable holiday. A palm-fringed island idyll with powder-soft beaches and fabulous dining options, One&Only Reethi Rah inspires extraordinary journeys for the soul. From extensive outdoor adventure options, including snorkelling and diving in the exotic underwater world, to the mesmerising One&Only Spa, guests are spoilt for choice. Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy this award-winning resort, a favourite among A-listers, is perfect for couples and families in search of privacy and the ultimate in laidback luxury. This is tropical island living at its sublime best.

Located 55-minutes by luxury yacht from the airport at Malé the resort offers 122 thatch-roofed overwater and beach villas and a wide range of culinary experiences, including the Botanica restaurant, which offers the ultimate in organic garden-to-fork cuisine, and Rabarbaro, which offers genuine Italian fare, as well as a superfoods breakfast menu. Guests at One&Only Reethi Rah can also enjoy an array of spa experiences, including private sunrise yoga classes on a secluded sandbank, Barber+Blade – a men's grooming and shaving studio and a Spa Courtyard featuring a vitality pool, outdoor sauna and steam room. The resort has excellent leisure facilities for everybody. The kid's club takes children from 4 years old, there is also a dedicated area for older children to mix and socialise. For the more active, there is a football pitch, a fully equipped gym with personal trainers, two lighted tennis courts, and a large freeform pool and a lap pool for serious swimmers. There is a fully certified PADI dive school to cater for beginners and very experienced divers alike. Non-motorised water sports are complimentary with additional sports available at a cost and paid locally, e.g. snorkelling excursions, fishing, jet-skiing and parasailing. Perhaps no other luxury resort in the Maldives, does not give its guests so much space and privacy - and so manythings to do and see. You can stay at Reethi Rah for a month and not get bored.

8 Milaidhoo Island Maldives

A tiny tropical slice of paradise, Milaidhoo Island Maldives is the perfect getaway that bringing back-to-basics, barefoot luxury to the Baa Atoll. Tucked in the heart of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, surrounded by powdery white sands and nestled beside a colourful coral reef, at Milaidhoo it’s about enjoying the natural environment in understated luxury.

This highly anticipated boutique island resort opened its doors in late November 2016. Committed to offering a unique and authentic Maldivian experience, this new child in the best Baa Atoll hotels collection that making waves with its refreshing contemporary twist on classic Maldivian style. Intimate and stylish, Milaidhoo purposely shuns the glitz for barefoot informality and embraces its naturally beautiful setting with an effortless mix of understated luxury and striking design. Envisage upscale delights with a ‘Reinvented Luxury’ twist, where guests will experience an indulgent escape in the Maldives’s most unique getaway.

One of the most impressive features of Milaidhoo Maldives is its proximity to the breathtaking Hanifari Bay: the place where you’ll glimpse the world’s largest group of manta rays from June to November. And if you’re especially lucky, you might catch sight of a whale shark or two as well. What’s more, it is only 30 minutes by seaplane from Male or a 15 minute domestic flight followed by a short speedboat ride.

So with that in mind, let's check out 10 reasons to visit the Milaidhoo island that many travelers touts as “The best tropical escape in the Maldives.”

9 Velassaru Maldives

Offers luxurious beachfront and over-water accommodation with uninterrupted ocean views, Velassaru Maldives was reborn as a lovely 5-star resort for couples and families. It was beautifully redesigned and now stands next to all but a very few best resorts in the Maldives. What is immediately noticeable is the level of staff training. Quite suddenly, Velassaru began to stand out for its excellent service, in a place that seems quite quiet and well organized. All right - today the resort is a part of the prestigious chain of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH).

With thoughtful and clean design elements, stylish and modern furnishings, luxurious facilities, including products of the prestigious L 'Occitane cosmetic line in the bathroom, and guests from couples to families, Velassaru Maldives is a luxury resort with a lively, relaxed vibe. It is also awarded one of the most impressive infinity pools that you have ever seen in the Maldives. 129 rooms are equipped with exceptional amenities, as well as coconut decor items, personal wine coolers, mini-pools, outdoor showers, and some rooms have a private piece of beach. And of course there is a large public beach with a house reef, overwater spa, diving school, water sports center, and five restaurants and two bars - everything in 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport.

Despite the fact that the hotel exposes itself as a luxury resort (and it certainly is a top range), Velassaru Maldives is filled with a real all-inclusive atmosphere. The place becomes especially lively during meals, at breakfast - in Vela, when all the guests gather at the tables. Although this may not be the best option for a romantic getaway in the Maldives, if you are a social type or you want a little more noise than just a beautiful beach, great food, service and design, then Velassaru can be an ideal choice.

10 The Nautilus Maldives

New bohemian luxury, The Nautilus Maldives is a highly exclusive, fully private resort of 26 beach and ocean houses. A privately-owned island in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus Maldives will be opening in January 2019 with the serious ambition of being noted as one of the leading luxury resorts in the world. A refuge beyond the bounds of time and expectations, where every moment is tailored to you. A celebration of the individual spirit, The Nautilus gives you space – to share, to meet, to be yourself and to shape your own personal journey. And, most of all, to celebrate the people you’re with, in any way you choose.

Built by a Maldivian entrepreneur Dr I. U. Maniku, a Maldivian entrepreneur with over 30-years’ experience in business and resort ownership, The Nautilus Maldives is his ultimate project in the country, created to express his personal vision of the best that luxury can be – not just in the Maldives, but worldwide. A celebration of the individual spirit, The Nautilus offers liberation and freedom unconditional.

The Nautilus Maldives is the only Maldivian member of Relais & Châteaux, one of the world’s most prestigious hotel and restaurant associations and a globally recognised signifier of exceptional quality.

kayaking is a fun activity that involves moving through water in a small water vessel with the aid of a double-bladed paddle. It allows the boat driver to maneuver through waterways by sitting face-forward and propelling ahead with alternating side-to-side paddle strokes. The paddler sits in the cockpit with the legs extended beneath a closed deck, leaving the upper body free and exposed.

The kayak has been around for centuries. It was first used by the Inuit's in the Arctic regions for navigating waterways. It was a pragmatic way to hunt, fish, and transport passengers across the water. Its easy access and basic functionalities have made it the burgeoning recreational activity known around the world today.

It is a great activity for enthusiasts of all levels. It can be a wonderful way to quietly discover the shallow waters at the edge of a lake, or an exciting high-energy sport to race along rushing waters. Kayaking is open to everyone, requiring no previous experience for its basic form other than a passion for exploring open waters.

Kayaking can be combined with other outdoor activities like camping and fishing, giving an adventurer an added layer of immersion on any given adventure. If you plan on ski touring or rock climbing in areas that require water travel, a kayak can be an excellent tool for accessing the remote beauty of a region.

Types of Kayaking

There are kayak variations which allow for subtle differences in the sport. In general, kayaks have a closed deck. This protects the legs from the water and elements, and its narrow build allows the rider to glide efficiently through all types of water. Sit-on-top kayaks – which leave the legs uncovered while the paddler sits in the deck above the water level – are increasing in popularity. While kayaking is a straightforward and simple sport, it does have a wide spectrum of intensity that can drastically shape the way you enjoy it. 

Recreational kayaking is an easy way for anyone to discover waterways. It offers a tranquil mode of transportation to peruse an inlet and allows the paddler to stop and appreciate a waterscape while exploring a region. Some activities include whale watching, nature discovery, and navigational exploration.

Sport kayaking adds intensity to the experience and can include white water courses or races for a low-impact workout. This is a great way to take the sport to the next level for anyone who wants to get their heart beating faster or join a competition. The length of the kayak and its build will need to be taken into consideration when enjoying sport kayaking.

Sea kayaking is the most immersive form. It involves seaworthy vessels that can endure long journeys, sometimes up to weeks at a time. They have storage space for other equipment and cargo and are well-suited to take on more substantial obstacles in open water. This may necessitate an in-depth knowledge of terrain and logistics and require a certain level of experience.

When is the Best Time of Year to Go Kayaking?

Kayaking is easy, accessible, and always in season. Spring, summer, and autumn are perfect times to enjoy a comfortable ride. Warm weather is generally more appreciated than cold temperatures. For recreational and sport kayaking, this makes for great conditions to explore a region or to tackle the excitement of the sport along challenging or complex routes.

Winter contains more hazards for kayakers, which can make it more dangerous. Not only does cooler weather add discomfort for outdoor activities, water temperature is also affected. Depending on your location, ice may become an issue. Some winter kayaking trips may require a guide for safety and security.

What Equipment Do You Need?

Kayaking is a relatively straightforward activity. It requires only a few essential items, though other gear may become necessary as the intensity of the sport increases. The basic equipment for a kayaking adventure is:

• Kayak: This is the narrow watercraft that you sit in. Without it, you’re just swimming with a stick.
• Double-bladed paddle: Wielding your wind-resistant oar pushes you through the water with ease and is a vital tool for a kayaking excursion.
• Helmet: Protecting the head is a no-brainer and being out on open water is the perfect time to flaunt your head gear.
• Life jacket: Every type of water sport poses the danger of going under and wearing a life jacket is a logical step to keep you afloat.
• Water-resistant shirt and pants: Small waves and paddle splash can rain on your parade. Proper attire keeps you dry and comfortable throughout your kayaking adventure.
• Safety goggles: If you will be paddling out into challenging waterways, splash protection may be necessary to keep your field of vision free to spot potential hazards.
• Durable shoes or footwear: If you are facing conditions that make staying dry a pipe dream, having quality shoes is a must. Even when entering and exiting the kayak, you want a reliable pair of kicks that ensure stability and comfort.
• Waterproof bag: This will keep any valuable items dry while you cruise through the water.

Best Destinations For Kayaking In India

1. Zanskar River, Leh
2. Nagin Lake, Srinagar
3. The Ganges, Rishikesh
4. Mandovi, Goa
5. Backwaters, Kerala
6. Paradise Beach, Pondicherry

Frequently Asked Questions About Kayaking In India