The Maldives: An Entire Island for Yourselves

Land by seaplane on a Maldives island booked for your group alone, with its own reef, beaches, chefs and dive team.

One Island, One Resort

The Maldives is made up of more than a thousand coral islands spread across the Indian Ocean, and only a small share of them are inhabited. Most resorts follow a “one island, one resort” model, so each one sits on its own island, surrounded by its own reef.

A handful of these islands can be booked in their entirety. For a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or a gathering of close friends, it means an island that belongs to your group alone.

For LGBTQ+ travellers, that level of privacy matters. The Maldives has strict laws, and an island of your own is one of the most relaxed ways to enjoy it.

Arriving by Seaplane

After landing at the international airport near Malé, you transfer by seaplane or speedboat to your island. From the air, the atolls look like scattered rings of turquoise and white, and the flight is often a highlight of the trip in itself.

Out Of Office can arrange a private lounge after immigration, so the time between landing and departure is calm and comfortable.

Your Island, Your Rules

With the whole island booked, the resort’s staff, chefs, and guides are entirely at your disposal. Meals can be served wherever you like, from the beach at sunrise to a jetty under the stars, and the day’s plans are built around you.

Many private islands come with villas set over the water and on the beach, a spa, a dive centre, and a team who quickly learn how you like to spend your time.

Life Underwater

The reefs around the islands are home to turtles, reef sharks and countless tropical fish. In certain atolls and seasons, you may also be able to swim with manta rays or whale sharks, accompanied by a marine biologist.

Snorkelling from your own beach, diving the outer reef and sailing at sunset on a traditional dhoni are among the simple pleasures that make the islands so special.

A Welcome You Can Trust

Out Of Office works only with resorts we know and trust, and some of our partners have openly gay managers. They understand what LGBTQ+ guests need, from a discreet note marking your anniversary to a romantic dinner arranged without any awkwardness.

On a private island, those small touches go further still. You can relax entirely, with a team whose only focus is your group.

Knowing the Law

Same-sex relationships are illegal under Maldivian law, and same-sex marriage is not recognised. Resort islands feel very different from Malé and the inhabited islands, but the law still applies throughout the country, and greater discretion is sensible when you travel outside the resort.

Our blog, The Law vs. Reality: Gay Travel to the Maldives, explains the situation in detail, so you can make an informed decision before you book.

Planning Your Private Island Experience

The best time to visit is during the drier months, roughly from December to April. Private islands are limited and book early, particularly over the holidays, so it is worth planning well in advance. Seaplane transfers operate in daylight, which can affect arrival times.

Out Of Office can recommend the islands best suited to your group, arrange private transfers and lounge access, and plan every detail of your stay in the Maldives with resorts we trust, as part of our private group holidays. Your LGBTQ+ travel specialist can also suggest alternatives such as the Seychelles or French Polynesia if you would prefer a destination with more protective laws.