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Ten dreamy destinations from Mexico to the Middle East with beaches so pristine that they’ve earned the nickname of the “Maldives of” their region.
Say “Maldives” and the brain immediately conjures images of water so teal it looks as if it went through a social media filter, an endless parade of bright corals and diverse sea life, a velvety soft, white sand beach with nary a footprint. It’s a honeymooner’s favorite, a SCUBA diver’s bucket list visit, and a solitude-loving beachcomber’s dream. It’s also practically become a one-word code for “best beach vacation ever.” So much so, that destinations with similar natural wonders and paradise vibes have become known as “The Maldives of…” their location, whether in Mexico or the Middle East. If the long flight is a deal breaker or local regulations are off-putting, it’s nice to know there are hidden gems patiently waiting for their moment in the sun.
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The Maldives of Southeast Asia
WHERE: Palawan, Philippines
It may not be easier to get to than the Maldives, but Palawan comes with its own more rugged and less formal vibe. Located in the remote, southwestern region of the Philippines archipelago, Palawan is known for visually jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, coconut trees, and unspoiled beaches. And that’s just above land. Tubbataha Reef, which was discovered in the 1970s, is a diver’s paradise, with 600 species of fish and one of the most incredible coral reefs on Earth. And if Maldives-esque overwater bungalows are a must, Palawan still delivers. Resorts like El Nido and Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort offer luxurious stays right above the water at a fraction of the cost.
INSIDER TIPWe’re loath to tell anyone to walk away from a beach this perfect, but it’s worth taking the time to visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, an underground body of water considered one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
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The Maldives of Italy
WHERE: Le Maldive del Salento, Italy
A trip to Italy often includes art, history, and copious amounts of stracciatella gelato (just us?). But that doesn’t mean the country is without its turquoise waters and picturesque coves that look like a postcard from the Maldives, albeit one on the Ionian Sea. How could a place not look like the Maldives when it’s literally named Le Maldive Del Salento? No wonder the local motto is “Salentu, lu sule, lu mare e lu lentu,” which translates to Salento, the sun, the sea, and the wind.
INSIDER TIPFamilies flock here during summer break, so best to avoid the June-August swarms.
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The Maldives of the Middle East
WHERE: Dahab, Egypt
Once known as a backpacker favorite, this spot on the Sinai Peninsula’s Red Sea hasn’t entirely let go of its bohemian energy. It might not be as well-known or glitzy as Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada, but Dahab is a low-key gem of sandy coves and unspoiled beaches. SCUBA divers can’t get enough of the Blue Hole, a 300-foot deep limestone sinkhole, and the Canyon, a sea floor fissure that creates a natural cave-like area. And unlike the Maldives, visitors can spot a camel in town and get some pretty great falafel.
INSIDER TIPA Laguna Beach sunset is not to be missed, with the calm waters rippling in front of the Biblical Sinai mountain range.
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The Maldives of Japan
WHERE: Miyakojima, Japan
The stunningly gorgeous island in Okinawa has everything you’d want from the Maldives, from the white sand to the “Miyako blue” water to a thriving coral reef to boutique hotel overwater bungalows. The island’s beauty is especially welcoming to families, with shallow and calm water and plenty of fish species to explore without a tank and regulator. The island, which is a quick flight from Tokyo, is best explored by car or bike to really get to appreciate a coastline dotted with hidden and human-devoid beaches.
INSIDER TIPWhen hunger sets in, find a roadside noodle shop for the famous Okinawa soba, fresh mangoes, or treats made of yukishio (snow salt).
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The Maldives of Mexico
WHERE: Bacalar, Mexico
This is the one destination on our list that’s freshwater and not ocean water, but that doesn’t minimize its breathtaking beauty. Known as the lagoon of Seven Colors, it might appear at various points of day like any number of bluish and greenish crayons in the Crayola box, while the sand rarely varies from its gentle, creamy white. And that’s just during the day. By nighttime, the water picks up every shade of the sunset, which is the best backdrop while enjoying cheap tacos and tequila.
INSIDER TIPBe sure to visit the nearby Cenote Azul, a freshwater sinkhole with a 13-foot cliff jump.
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The Maldives of South Asia
WHERE: Lakshadweep, India
These Indian atolls are close enough to the Maldives to share visual similarities, from the bright blue lagoons to the colorful reefs. But unlike the touristy Maldives, Lakshadweep is more of a destination for travelers who want a hefty dose of solitude with their perfect beaches. For those who want the full Maldives-esque experience, there are overwater bungalows at resorts like Bangaram Island Beach Resort, and the well-known Taj group is working on a luxury property that will feature 50 overwater bungalows, slated to be open by the end of 2026.
INSIDER TIPTravel with your own snorkeling gear because you might go hours without seeing another soul and wouldn’t want to miss seeing another sole. (Sorry.)
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The Maldives of the Caribbean
WHERE: Los Roques Archipelago, Venezuela
Los Roques is a cluster of more than 300 cays with those bluest of waters, softest of beaches, and most teeming of coral reefs. Though across the world, it has a distinctly Maldivean style, with the atoll structure and the way huge cruise ships and overwhelming resorts just know to stay away.
INSIDER TIPOnly one island in the archipelago is inhabited (Grand Roque), so don’t expect a well-known brand hotel to pop up. Instead, it might be wise to book a posada, a local inn, as a home base while taking in some of the most beautiful beaches in the western hemisphere.
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The Maldives of Down Under
WHERE: Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Like the Maldives, the Whitsundays along the Great Barrier Reef are composed of multiple islands, some inhabited and others not, but all breathtaking. And yes, each is more beautiful than the next, with seaglass-green water, soft sand, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the region. Though the Maldives are flatter atolls, these islands are green and mountainous, but throw on a mask and fins, and there is plenty of wildlife and reef formations (we’re looking at you, Heart Reef!) to explore.
INSIDER TIPCedar Creek Falls, a freshwater waterfall, is worth a visit. Though if you’re visiting in late winter/early spring, you might not want to take your eyes off the humpback whale migration.
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The Maldives of South America
WHERE: Fernando di Noronha, Brazil
Considering how often the Brazilian archipelago’s sands are featured on “Best Beaches” lists around the world, it’s a wonder more people haven’t sought out this Indian Ocean dupe. The marine diversity is unmatched (spinner dolphins galore!), the water visibility a brag-worthy 160 feet, and the dramatic cliffs rival the world’s most luscious landscapes. Visitors stay in local pousadas (guest houses) instead of grand resorts, though beachside bungalows have views that can’t be improved upon.
INSIDER TIPWith the addition of a new Latam flight, visitors can travel directly to Fernando de Noronha from San Paolo. That said, to protect the ecosystem, there is a strict limit of how many visitors can travel to the island on any given day.
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The Maldives of…the Great White North
WHERE: Manitoulin Island, Canada
Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, Ontario Canada might not feel like a place that would draw Maldives comparisons, but take a second peek and the similarities are unavoidable. On this world’s largest freshwater island, there are some of the most breathtaking beaches on the planet, not to mention the clearest waters you can imagine that somehow still manage to feel tropical.
INSIDER TIPThe island features 100 inland lakes, incredible waterfalls, and an important indigenous culture. But before visiting, best to know that it can only be accessed by ferry or the terrifying-sounding one lane swing bridge.