Hey there, sunseekers! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant here, ready to dive into those crystal-clear waters of Maldives info. One question I get *a lot* is: “How many holiday islands are actually in the Maldives?” Sounds simple, but buckle up—it’s a juicy topic with more layers than a coconut! Let’s break it all down.

So… How Many Holiday Islands *Are* There?

Short answer? Around **150-160** dedicated resort islands (and counting!). But here’s the fun part—the Maldives is an archipelago of **1,200+ coral islands** total, only 200-ish of which are inhabited. The rest? Pristine sandbars, local villages, or untouched nature reserves. Those 150+ holiday islands? They’re the ones packed with overwater bungalows, spa retreats, and Instagram-perfect beaches. New resorts pop up almost yearly, so the number’s always creeping up!

Why the Confusion About the Count?

Great question! The Maldives divides its islands into **26 atolls** (like giant coral necklaces), and resorts are scattered across them. Some atolls—like **North Malé** or **Baa Atoll**—are resort central, while others stay sleepy. Plus, “holiday island” can mean:
– **Private resort islands**: One hotel = one whole island (most luxurious option!).
– **Local islands with guesthouses**: Budget-friendly stays mixing with residents.
– **Day-trip islands**: Uninhabited spots for picnics or snorkeling.
So the number shifts depending on what you call a “holiday island.” Sneaky, right?

The Best Atolls for Resort Hopping

Want the cream of the crop? These atolls are *stacked* with dreamy resorts:
1. **North/South Malé Atoll**: Close to the airport, easy to reach (think: Conrad Maldives).
2. **Baa Atoll**: UNESCO biosphere reserve = insane marine life (hello, Soneva Fushi!).
3. **Ari Atoll**: Whale shark central (try: Lily Beach Resort).
Pro tip: Atolls farther from the capital (like Gaafu Alifu) offer next-level privacy.

Can You Visit Non-Resort Islands?

Absolutely! Ferries and speedboats zip between **local islands** like Maafushi or Fulidhoo, where you’ll find cheaper homestays and cultural gems. Just remember:
– Alcohol’s banned outside resorts (BYOB won’t fly here).
– Dress modestly in villages (save the bikini for resort beaches).
– Try the street food—mas huni (tuna salad) for breakfast is a *must*.

Quick FAQs

**Q: Are all resort islands 5-star?**
A: Nah—there’s everything from backpacker-friendly stays (like Cinnamon Hakuraa) to $$$ private-island suites (aka Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru).

**Q: What’s the smallest resort island?**
A: Some are tiny! **Gili Lankanfushi** (North Malé) is just a speck—you can walk across it in 5 minutes.

**Q: Best time to go?**
A: December–April = dry season (but pricier). May–November = cheaper with occasional rain.

To wrap it up: The Maldives has **150+ dedicated resort islands**, plus countless others for adventures. Whether you’re splurging on a private villa or island-hopping like a explorer, this paradise’s got you covered.

Faqpro Thanks for reading, beach lovers! Now you’re a Maldives island-counting pro. Got more questions? Slide into our DMs—I’m always here to chat tropical getaways. 🌴✨