Gaafu Alifu Atoll is in the far south of the Maldives, where life moves at an unhurried pace. This guide covers getting there, the sea and who our hand-picked resorts here may suit.
Our Gaafu Alifu Atoll resorts list features Mercure Maldives Kooddoo on Kooddoo and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa on Maamutaa. You can also find both on the resort map.
Map of our hand-picked Gaafu Alifu Atoll resorts
The numbers on the map match the list. Choose a resort to open its page.
- Pullman Maldives MaamutaaDomestic flight
- Mercure Maldives KooddooDomestic flight
Ask us about these resortsEnquiring is free and there is no obligation.
About Gaafu Alifu Atoll
An atoll is a ring of coral reef around a lagoon, with islands along the reef. Gaafu Alifu Atoll is the northern half of a very large atoll ring, and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll is the southern half. Mercure Maldives Kooddoo sits on Kooddoo, the island with the domestic airport, and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is on Maamutaa, a short boat ride away.
For more on how the islands and atolls fit together, see our guide to the Maldives atolls. For the southern half of the ring, see our Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll guide.
Getting to Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Both resorts are reached by domestic flight from Malé to Kooddoo, which takes about 55 minutes. Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is on the airport island itself, so a short buggy ride takes you to your villa. For Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, a speedboat ride of about 15 minutes follows the flight. Ask us for the full arrival details.
The sea and marine life
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo has a house reef and a PADI 5-star dive centre. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa also has a PADI 5-star dive centre, where children aged ten and over can join their parents on dives. If time in the water matters to you, ask us about reef access and the options available during your stay. Our house reefs guide explains what to consider when choosing a resort for snorkelling.
Choosing a resort here
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is for adults only and suits couples, honeymooners and divers, with beach and overwater villas, many with a private pool. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is the family choice, with a supervised kids’ club, a space for teens, family villas and an all-inclusive meal plan.
If a particular meal plan matters to you, ask us what is available for your preferred villa. Our meal plans guide explains the terms, including all inclusive.
Our hand-picked resorts in Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Explore Mercure Maldives Kooddoo and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, our hand-picked resorts in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
Mercure Maldives KooddooAn adults-only island beside the domestic airport, with overwater pool villas and a house reef.
Pullman Maldives MaamutaaAn all-inclusive family island with a kids’ club, a freshwater lake and a PADI 5-star dive centre.
Want to talk through villas and meal plans? Ask us about either resort.
Quick checklist
- Look for both resorts on the resort map to see where they are in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
- Allow time for the domestic flight from Malé to Kooddoo.
- Decide whether you want an adults-only resort or a family-friendly one.
- Choose between a beach villa and an overwater villa.
- Tell us if reef access or a particular meal plan is important.
Frequently asked questions
Which resorts are on your Gaafu Alifu Atoll resorts list?
Our hand-picked resorts list for the atoll features Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, on Kooddoo, and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, on Maamutaa.
Where can I see the resorts on a map?
The map on this page shows both resorts, and each resort page has its own map of Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
How do I get to Gaafu Alifu Atoll?
By domestic flight from Malé to Kooddoo, about 55 minutes. Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is on the airport island, and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is about 15 minutes away by speedboat.
Which resort here suits families?
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, with its kids’ club, space for teens and family villas. Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is for adults only.
Is an all-inclusive meal plan available?
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is planned around an all-inclusive stay, and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers all-inclusive as well as other meal plans. Ask us what is available for your preferred villa.
How do I enquire about a stay?
Maldives Desk is a local desk based in the Maldives. Send us an enquiry and we’ll prepare a tailored quotation covering your villa, meal plan, transfers and taxes; there is no online checkout.
