The Most Luxurious Places to Stay in the Maldives
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Look up paradise in the dictionary, and you’ll find a picture of the Maldives’ sugar-white sands and palm-fringed waters. Far-flung but well worth the trip, this string of nearly 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Every celeb from Taylor Swift to Stanley Tucci to the Beckhams has jetted off to one of its private island escapes.
With more than 170 resorts and nearly every major hotel brand in the world setting up shop, there’s never been more variety across the Maldives’ 26 atolls. From ultra-luxe overwater bungalows to family-friendly suites, this Pinterest-perfect vacation spot has something for every kind of beach lover. Travelers can spend their days snorkeling or diving some of the world’s best reefs, getting 24-karat-gold facials in an overwater spa, practicing yoga on the beach, sailing around the lagoons, or simply doing nothing. That’s the magic of the Maldives—your wish is the resort’s command.
“The Maldives is a little piece of paradise on earth with incredible lagoons in light blue sparkling shallow waters that encompass most people’s idea of a perfect paradise. They truly understand luxury in the destination and cater to people in a very customized way that most other places don’t,” says Jonathan Alder, CEO of Jonathan’s Travels. “The resorts here are truly one of a kind and more elaborate than any other beach resorts on earth.”
With so many different oasis-like bookings to choose from, we’ve helped you narrow it down. Keep scrolling to see our list of the 12 top hotels in the Maldives.
For more luxury travel ideas:
Soneva Jani
Arguably the Maldives’ most photographed resort, each of the overwater palaces here has its own waterslide and retractable roof for stargazing. If you do ever decide to leave your villa, Soneva Jani’s massive spa, kids’ club, and 24/7 ice cream and chocolate rooms make it among the world’s most indulgent island escapes.
Gili Lankanfushi
Like Robinson Crusoe’s hideaway but with five-star amenities, Gili Lankanfushi is a barefoot luxury castaway’s dream. This private island, a 20-minute speedboat ride from the capital of Malé, has 45 open-air rustic overwater villas designed for lounging. It’s a no-plastic resort that composts the majority of its waste, making it one of the country’s most sustainable.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Situated on a former coconut plantation that's now part of the Baa Atoll Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru welcomes you with towering palms and blinding white sands. Newly refurbed, the interiors are light and clean with pops of pastels to match the serene natural surroundings. While nearby marine life is the star here, don’t miss dinner at the overwater Middle Eastern restaurant or the beachside Italian spot.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
One of the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive resorts is also 100 percent solar powered. Kudadoo has just 15 Japanese-style overwater villas with super-spacious interiors and direct access to the Tiffany blue waters below. Here, everything—including food, wine, spa treatments, and water sports—is part of the package.
Velaa Private Island
It’s impossible to get bored at this 47-villa ultra-luxury resort. Set on one of a handful of islands in the Maldives with a golf course, Velaa Private Island also has a new wellness center with every ancient and new-age treatment under the sun, including ones with aloe.
Joali
This Raa Atoll resort is undeniably feminine and stunning. Emerald marble bathrooms, rose gold finishings, and rattan furniture make Joali a design lover's favorite. Its vibrant marine life is perfect for snorkeling, and the stellar culinary creations, including one of the Maldives’ most opulent breakfast buffets, make it a standout.
The Nautilus Maldives
Time doesn’t exist on this Baa Atoll island, or at least that’s what they say when you arrive at this 26-villa hideaway. With no clocks, schedules, or set dining times, Nautilus caters to an entirely bespoke experience. Its boho decor and circular-edged design are all part of the resort’s plan for complete and total relaxation.
Amilla Maldives
Located on a lush natural island, Amilla has a wonderful family-friendly feel. It also has two of the Maldives’ most unique accommodations: a clear, glamping bubble by the ocean and treehouse villas hidden in the canopies.
Naladhu Private Island Resort
A short speedboat ride from Malé takes you to the beach house of your dreams. Although there are no traditional overwater bungalows here, the 20 beach and oceanside villas at Naladhu have everything you could want, including a steam shower and private pool. Plus, its small size means guests can order anything they want at any time of the day; dining here is unscripted.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Among the most popular resorts in the Maldives, the Waldorf Astoria has extravagant thatched roof villas (including two residences reachable by boat) and even more over-the-top dining options. There are 11 restaurants to choose from, but be sure to book the world’s only overwater location of the Japanese izakaya Zuma for the freshest sushi around.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Architecture lovers will swoon over the design at this Marriott brand resort. Its beach villas look like traditional Maldivian fishing huts, its overwater villas look like manta rays, and its sunset bar resembles a giant whale shark. Then there's its knockout overwater spa, designed to look like a multi-legged crustacean.
You Might Also Like
