Noonu Atoll

The Noonu Atoll (Miladhunmadulu Dhekunu) lies north of the Lhaviyani Atoll and is one of the newest frontier areas of Maldivian tourism. Still barely developed, the few resorts here offer a seclusion that is unparalleled even in the Maldives.

Resorts

• Cheval Blanc Randheli: The most exclusive resort in the Maldives — operated by LVMH (Louis Vuitton), with only 45 villas on 5 private islands. Architecture by Jean-Michel Gathy, private yacht for island hopping, Alain Ducasse restaurant. From $2,500/night. Seaplane 40 min. Coordinates: [5.6892, 73.2839].
• Soneva Jani: The sister resort of Soneva Fushi — even more luxurious, with standalone water villas featuring their own water slides into the sea. Observatory, outdoor cinema, glass studio, and the "Silent Room" (lightproof room for stargazing). From $2,000/night. Coordinates: [5.7214, 73.3731].
• Velaa Private Island: Ultra-exclusive with its own 9-hole golf course (the only one in the Maldives), snow room (real snow chamber for cooling down after the sauna), and one of the best underwater hotels in the world. From $2,800/night. Coordinates: [5.7478, 73.3078].

The Noonu Atoll is the address for ultra-luxury in the Maldives — three of the country's most expensive and exclusive resorts are located here. The dive sites are untouched and rarely visited — gray sharks, eagle rays, and hammerhead sharks are regular guests.