The Maldives: where perfect waves lap up idyllic tropical shores. The breaks are a little calmer than surf-havens like Indo and Hawaii but there are waves to suit everyone. June to August is best for those in search of big swells, while September and October provide consistency. Stay in one of these luxury surf resorts for the perfect combination of riptides and relaxation.
Anantara: Five-star resort
Surrounded by ivory sands and crystal clear waters, Anantara is a modern five-star resort that caters to all levels. It’s actually comprised of two different private islands which are only reachable by boat. You can stay, play and dine on either island, depending on your needs. Veli is a haven for solitude, while the larger Dhigu, with kids club, sport centre and spa, is designed with families in mind.
The area provides a huge selection of waves from pristine barrels to peeling breaks. The swell is often smaller and less consistent than the more populous breaks of North Male but this ensures that the crowds are kept to a minimum.
In association with luxury surf experts Tropicsurf, Anantara offers surfing lessons for beginners plus a range of excursions for the more advanced levels. First-timers can learn the ropes in the calm lagoon, while the pros can enjoy some of the best right barrels in the country at Natives.
Six Senses Laamu: Beyond five-star
For an aquatic paradise free from the crowds who so often line surf-sufficient shores, book a room in the luxury Six Senses. This beyond five-star haven is completely eco-friendly and has been carefully crafted from wood and glass to blend into its surrounding landscape. Enjoy a open-air shower encircled by trees, relax in the private gardens or watch an unforgettable sunset from comfort of the treetop deck.
Every level of surfer will be satisfied and the resort is hugely flexible when it comes to transferring you from board to break. The challenging Yin Yang reef break sits within spitting distance so advanced surfers are sure to be in their element.
Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa
This lush garden-island paradise has everything guests need to relax and have fun. From the thatched roofs to the white-stone walls, every architectural detail at the Four Seasons has been constructed by locals using indigenous materials. You can recover from a hard day in the surf by taking a fishing boat to the resort’s indulgent Night Spa, situated on another private island.
Some of the Maldives’ best surf spots are just minutes away and its in-house surf-school is crammed with Aussie instructors who promise to get beginners standing on their first day. Mark Richards, Mark Occhilupo, Tom Curren, Taylor Knox, Layne Bleachley and Damian Hardman are just a few of the greats that have graced Kuda Huraa’s perfect shores.
