20 Best Island Resorts Near Malé Airport in 2025: Distance, Transfer Costs & Family Features
Planning Maldives resort options close to Malé? Here’s a curated list of the 20 best island resorts near Malé Airport in 2025, including distance from MLE, accurate speedboat transfer cost, plus what each resort offers for families, kids, dining and more.
1. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives – 9 km (≈15 min speedboat)
Free round‑trip transfer often included, otherwise USD 160 per person roundtrip; family perks: children’s programmes, water sports, multiple dining venues including “24 Degrees”, complimentary speedboat makes it ideal for families seeking ease and luxury.
2. Bandos Maldives – ~7 km (≈15 min)
USD 108 adult / USD 54 child round‑trip; promotions offer one‑way free transfers for stays May‑Sept 2025; family-friendly with kids’ club, playground, multiple restaurants, water‑sports, spa, diving centre—very popular for families (bandos.com-maldives.com, MakeMyTrip).
3. Adaaran Prestige Vadoo – ~10 km (~15 min)
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is renowned as one of the top premium all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, offering complimentary transfers to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for its guests. upscale boutique resort with overwater villas, spa, snorkeling – quieter, more suited to couples than large families.
4. Gili Lankanfushi – ~12.2 km (~20 min)
USD 237 adult return, child 118; offers family villas (“Family Crusoe Residences”), kids’ meals, turtle reef snorkelling and gourmet restaurants.
5. Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – ~8 km (15 min)
USD 178 adult round‑trip, child 89; large resort with family suites, kids’ club, teen zone, surf lessons, live entertainment, buffet and themed restaurants.
6. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives – ~13 km (15‑20 min)
USD 165 adult returns, children half price; adults‑only? Actually mixed; offers family suites, waterpark nearby, spa, dive school, dining options.
7. Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives – ~16 km (20 min)
USD 180 adult return, child half price; surfers’ favourite (Surfing “Surf Break”), family rooms, pool, spa, buffet dining.
8. Anantara Veli Maldives Resort – ~24.7 km (≈35 min)
USD 271 adult round‑trip, child half price; adults‑only by policy so not ideal for families, but dining and spa are world‑class.
9. Thulhagiri Island Resort – ~14 km (≈20 min)
estimated USD 116‑140 adult return similarly priced to Gili and Bandos; has family villas, kids’ club, diving, multiple restaurants, spa.
10. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa – ~17.5 km (≈30 min)
USD 272 adult return; family activities include surf school, turtle rehabilitation centre, kids’ club, marine discovery centre, multiple gourmet dining options.
11. Huvafen Fushi – ~26.6 km (~30 min)
USD 186 adult return; couples‑oriented but welcomes families, has spa pavilions, fine dining, diving, overwater cinema, water sports.
12. COMO Cocoa Island – ~30.8 km (~40 min)
USD 220 adult return; boutique resort with few children’s villas—not ideal for families; renowned for diving, spa, personalized service.
13. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa – ~7.4 km (≈15 min)
USD 90 adult round‑trip, child half price; offers spa, kids’ club, tennis, water sports, several restaurants, family‑friendly beach and lagoon pool.
14. Malahini Kuda Bandos Resort – ~9.3 km (≈15 min)
similar to Sheraton pricing (~USD 85 adult return); budget family resort with water sports, family rooms, simple restaurants.
Type of transfer: Speedboat
- Adult (12 years old and over): USD 85.
- Child (2-11 years old): USD 42.50.
15. SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton – ~9.8 km (~20 min)
USD 178 adult return; large integrated resort with lagoon villas, kids’ club, beach club, multiple F&B outlets, diving, pool, spa.
Please note that the Shared speedboat are for the following additional fees from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025:
- Adult: USD 178
- Children aged 2–11 years: USD 89
Please note that the Private speedboat are for the following additional fees from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025:
- Adult: USD 1500
16. Villa Nautica Maldives – ~11 km (~20 min)
USD 185 adult return and USD $98 per child estimate; family‑friendly with beach and water‑villa accommodation, restaurants, spa, diving.
Private Speedboat Transfers (Round-trip):
- Adult (12 years and above): USD 990 per person.
17. Velassaru Maldives – ~12.4 km (~25 min)
USD 172 adult return and child USD 86,13; offers family villas, kids’ meals, multiple restaurants, spa, water sports, diving centre, sunset cruises.
18. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – ~24 km (30–40 min)
ultra‑luxury resort with family villas, private yacht, kids’ club, multiple fine‑dining restaurants, spa.
Adult Rates:
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Shared Speedboat:
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1st May to 30th June 2025: USD 1,148.40 per person (round trip)
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1st July 2025 to 1st July 2026: USD 1,158.30 per person (round trip)
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Private Yacht:
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1st May to 30th June 2025: USD 8,932 (maximum 8 guests, round trip)
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1st July 2025 to 1st July 2026: USD 9,009 (maximum 8 guests, round trip)
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Children Rates:
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Shared Speedboat:
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0–6 years: Complimentary
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6–11.99 years:
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1st May to 30th June 2025: USD 574.20 (round trip)
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1st July 2025 onward: USD 579.00 (round trip)
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19. OBLU SELECT Lobigili – ~13.8 km (20‑25 min)
Free transfer; family‑oriented all‑inclusive resort, water villas, kids’ club, diving, seafood restaurants.
20. Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa – ~19 km (~30 min)
USD 300 adult return estimate; family and couples welcome, beach villas, spa, multiple dining options, water sports.
Premium Shared Roundtrip Speedboat Transfer Rates:
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Adult: USD 300 per person, plus 27.6% tax and service charge
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Child (6–11.99 years): USD 150 per child, plus 27.6% tax and service charge
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Child (5.99 years and below): Complimentary
Choosing one of these Maldives resorts near Malé Airport means shorter transit times and more time enjoying beaches, water sports and resort amenities. The transfer costs are sourced from trusted travel guides and official resort info. Families will appreciate resorts like Bandos, Taj Exotica, Sheraton, SAii Lagoon and Four Seasons which offer kids’ clubs, varied restaurants and activities for all ages. Couples and honeymooners may prefer quieter adults‑only options like Anantara Veli, COMO Cocoa, or Huvafen Fushi. Booking directly through official resort websites or trusted agents ensures accurate transfer rates, family benefits and up‑to‑date promotional offers.