Best Luxury Hotels in Maldives

It’s the ultimate opulent escape, a longstanding favourite with honeymooners and the feature of many a bucket list. The Maldives – where turquoise waters meet pristine white-sand beaches and indulgence is an everyday affair – is a tropical haven scattered across the Indian Ocean. From breathtaking overwater villas to underwater restaurants and unparalleled tropical marine adventures, the islands’ resorts epitomise paradise living. Whether you’re a couple seeking that quintessential romantic holiday of a lifetime, a family wanting equal quantities of seclusion and activity, or an individual looking for somewhere to relax and rejuvenate, you’ve come to the right place. Here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels in the Maldives.

Maldives, Baa Atoll

Soneva Fushi

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 72 villas spanning Beach, Overwater and Signature categories, among the largest in the Maldives.
Amenities Out of the Blue, Fresh in the Garden, Flying Sauces and many more dining venues, Chocolate and Cheese Rooms, Cinema Paradiso, astronomy observatory, Soneva Soul spa, glass studio, The Den kids' space, diving and water sports
More On the private island of Kunfunadhoo in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé

This resort can be found on its own private island nestled amid lush green foliage. In addition to the traditional villas, the resort also offers the Private Reserve, complete with its own gym, chef, and children’s area. All of the villas are luxuriously outfitted with pools and plush bedding and the resort also offers premier diving, a Lego room, music room, library, and decadent dining options to please any palate. An excellent menu of excursions and activities includes a picnic, dolphin sunset cruise, eco-friendly windsurfing, and an astronomy dinner cruise.

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Noonu Atoll, Noonu

Soneva Jani

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms Island Villas and overwater Water Reserves, most with a slide into the lagoon and retractable roofs, up to four-bedroom Sunset Water Reserves.
Amenities Crab Shack, Director's Cut, Asian Kitchen in the Garden, The Lagoon Club and Primitive; Wine Cellar, Cheese and Chocolate Rooms; Soneva Soul wellness, Cinema Paradiso and The Den kids' club.
More A remote private-island resort in the Noonu Atoll, reached by seaplane from Male.

Soneva Jani is nestled within the tranquil waters of the Noonu Atoll, presenting breathtaking panoramic views of turquoise waters and blue skies. With just 51 over-water and three island residences, the resort offers guests privacy and space. Choose from Chapter One: Water Retreat or Chapter Two Water Reserve Villa (the latter being the most recent properties) – all of which boast private pools and some of which have their own waterslide into the lagoon. Dining is an international affair with several restaurants presenting varied menus; from plant-based dishes to seafood and the exciting secret menu and location concept. A wide range of activities and experiences, for all the family, can be enjoyed within the resort and within the local area; from dolphin spotting, diving, DJ’ing, cooking classes or a restful time at the spa.

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Thaa Atoll, Maalifushi

COMO Maalifushi, The Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 59 suites and villas above water and in tropical gardens, each with a private pool or sundeck, rising to the two-bedroom Maalifushi Water Villa on its own jetty.
Amenities Madi all-day and Tai Japanese restaurants, COMO Shambhala Retreat spa with sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi, fitness centre, pool, padel court, daily yoga, Tropicsurf surfing, diving and watersports, PLAY by COMO kids' club
More Set on a private island in the remote southern Thaa Atoll, a 60-minute seaplane flight from Malé

Searching for somewhere especially remote? The Thaa Atoll will provide that luxury castaway feel. Take the beautiful 60-minute seaplane journey to the resort (which is a highlight in itself), where you can check into your suite, villa or water bungalow, with up to two bedrooms. Eat the freshest sushi and sashimi at Tai, dine anytime of day at Madi, and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere at Thila. Menus are based around COMO Shambhala Cuisine, a healthy cooking concept, with gourmet meals available in the privacy of your own accommodation. And guests can take advantage of the wellness options at the resort’s COMO Shambhala Retreat.

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COMO Maalifushi, The Maldives
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Maldives, Male City

COMO Cocoa Island

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 33 overwater villas shaped like traditional dhoni boats, up to the Dhoni Loft and two-bedroom COMO Sunrise Villa
Amenities Ufaa and COMO Shambhala Kitchen, COMO Shambhala Retreat with hydrotherapy pool and steam room, pool, gym, kayaks and paddleboards, diving
More Set on a small island in the South Malé Atoll, a 40-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport

With two private house reefs teeming with green turtles, reef sharks and bigeye trevally, this is an elite dive spot. 33 overwater villas have an understated design, adding to the sense of serenity encouraged at the resort. COMO Cocoa Island is a place to disconnect from the outside world; take a yoga class in the open-air studio, book a Shambhala massage treatment beside the lagoon, ease aching muscles in the hydrotherapy pool and take a wellness class to get fine-tune your holistic well-being. The food is created to balance flavour and nutrition, with organic ingredients rich in living enzymes, vitamins and sea minerals, served raw, steamed or grilled for optimum health benefits.

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Kaafu Atoll, North Male Atoll

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms Around 45 villas across eleven categories, Overwater Villa Suites, Villa Suites with Pool and multi-bedroom Crusoe Residences, up to The Private Reserve sleeping eight.
Amenities Kashiveli, By The Sea and Fini Foni restaurants, Overwater Bar, Underground Wine Cellar, Organic Garden, Meera Spa with Ayurvedic therapies, gym, private dining experiences
More On the island of Lankanfushi, a 30-minute speedboat from Malé, with overwater villas over its own reef

Located on the North Malé Atoll, this superb 5-star resort presides over the ocean with its luxurious villas complete with decks and overwater hammocks. Indulgent gourmet dining and romantic white beaches make this a great place for couples. There is an excellent choice of water sports which include lessons for beginners in windsurfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing and wakeboarding, and of course, diving. There’s also a number of daily excursions meaning that families will also enjoy a stay here. Cooking classes and an exclusive spa are also on-site for fun and relaxation when you aren’t strolling the beach or enjoying the mesmerising views of the turquoise Indian Ocean.

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Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
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Laamu Atoll, Laamu

Six Senses Laamu

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms Ninety-four beach and overwater villas in natural timber and thatch, several with glass-bottomed bathtubs over the lagoon, rising to the four-bedroom Retreat with a private 20m lap pool.
Amenities Longitude, Zen and Kaji, adults-only Leaf, over-water Chill Bar, Ice & Chocolate Studio, Six Senses Spa, pool, fitness, Tropicsurf surf school
More Set on Olhuveli in the remote southern Laamu Atoll, a 65-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport

Since opening a little over a decade ago, Six Senses has maintained a strong commitment to sustainability. Shoes are discarded on arrival, making it true barefoot luxury, and with the opportunity to feel the soft silver sand between your toes, and soak in your own glass-bottomed bathtub with marine life passing beneath, who needs footwear? It offers some unforgettable experiences and excursions, like sunset dhoni cruises, private picnics, sand-dune dining, chilli dining (at a communal table, surrounded by a garden of chilli plants), Cinematic Orchestra DJ sets and jungle movie nights.

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Kaafu Atoll, Reethi Rah

One&Only Reethi Rah

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 118 villas across six categories, from Beach Villas to Water Villas, crowned by the signature Grand Sunset Residence.
Amenities Tapasake, Botanica, Reethi and Rabarbaro / Rah Bar dining, One&Only Spa, dive centre with PADI courses, padel, cycling
More On the island of Reethi Rah, reached by boat from Malé, with long beaches and its own house reef

The brand’s name reflects its approach to unique resort design. Here 122 thatched villas, many with their own pools and all designed by Jean Michel Gathy, are found beside the beach or suspended over the calm lagoon. One&Only Reethi Rah is found on the North Malé Atoll , with no fewer than twelve powder-like beaches just made for picnics, swims and boating ventures. It’s a deeply romantic place, yet caters for all kinds of groups, with a KidsOnly club offering dynamic activities, including rock climbing and badminton. The resort is home to the Maldives’ first PADI National Geographic dive centre and seven drinking and dining venues.

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Kaafu Atoll, South Male Atoll

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 117 reef, beach and overwater villas across three islands, up to the private island of Ithaafushi for up to 24 guests
Amenities Eleven restaurants and bars including Terra, Li Long and The Ledge by Dave Pynt, Waldorf Astoria Spa, Aqua Wellness Centre, pools, fitness centre, The Stars Club
More Spread across three islands in the South Malé Atoll, a 40-minute private-yacht journey from Velana International Airport

The ultimate in exclusivity, you can book your own private island within the already super private Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi; it comes with five pools, a cinema, two spas, a children’s playground and an entourage of chefs and butlers. Found in the South Male Atoll, the resort is spread across just over two miles and three islands (including the private one), accommodating 11 dining venues, watersports and a sprawling wellness centre. Shakira recently shared snaps on social media of herself and her family at the hotel, living the Maldivian dream, paddle boarding and taking speed boat rides from the hotel.

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Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
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Maldives, Baa Atoll

Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms Eighty beach and overwater pool villas and residences, each with a private pool, rising to the two- to four-bedroom Residences.
Amenities SEA underwater restaurant, FIRE, SPICE, Manzaru and Plates dining, SKY overwater observatory and bar, Overwater Spa, swimming pool, dive centre, padel and tennis courts, fitness centre
More On the island of Kihavah in Baa Atoll, a 35-minute seaplane from Malé, with dive thilas on the doorstep

This beachfront haven is one of the best for exploring the Indian Ocean from either your oceanside villa or overwater villa nestled amid lush vegetation on a pristine island. Crystal waters are prime for snorkelling amid the five species of turtle that call the reef home and there’s an underwater dining room for a truly unique experience. Don’t miss the on-site holistic spa which can tailor-make a wellness experience during your stay or the many dining options.

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Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives
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Kaafu Atoll, North Male Atoll

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 110 keys in all, ninety one- and two-bedroom beach and water pool villas plus twenty wellbeing-led Fari Studios, topped by the two-storey Beach House.
Amenities Ten-plus venues including Portico, Brasa, Farine, Helios, Kandu and Wok Society, Flow wellbeing centre, outdoor pool, Footprints Kids Club, Fari Marina Village.
More Set on a 42-hectare island in the Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll, 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport.

Interactive sculptures and curated artworks accent the spaces in this deeply stylish and contemporary beach resort. Guests are accommodated in 90 Beach and Water Pool Villas each with between one and three bedrooms, or 20 Fari Studios. Patina offers 12 dining concepts (including a beach club, an Aegean kitchen on the sands, a tuk-tuk serving gelato and a Japanese-Nordic fusion restaurant. There’s also a Footprints Kids Club, a dive school by Dive Butler International and a watersports centre. And a calendar of events presents the likes of artisanal craft workshops, holistic healing sessions, modern art exhibitions and themed feasts.

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Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
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Maldives, Raa Atoll

JOALI Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 73 beach and water villas with private pools, up to the four-bedroom residence.
Amenities Saoke Japanese, Vandhoo all-day Asian and Bellinis fine-dining restaurants, Mura Bar, JOALI Spa by ESPA, Art Studio & Gallery
More Set on the private island of Muravandhoo in the northern Raa Atoll, reached by seaplane from Malé

Land via seaplane and check into your private villa (one of 73) on Muravandhoo. An unspoilt idyll, the resort is committed to maintaining the local ecosystem, having banned single-use plastic and preserved 1000 trees in its build. Joali’s ESPA spa caters to adults and kids alike, and little ones have their own range of activities beyond, with junior chef classes, treasure hunts and native storytelling. You may want a romantic meal for two on your own terrace, or to arrange a BBQ on the beach. But there are also several dining venues onsite: Vandhoo, Bellinis, Saoke, Mura Bar And Lajoi.

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JOALI Maldives
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Kaafu Atoll, North Male Atoll

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms Around 96 villas, all with private pools, Beach Pavilions and Water Villas, rising to the three-bedroom Kuda Estate and Sunset Water Suites.
Amenities Baraabaru, Reef Club, Kandu Grill and Cafe Huraa; URJA Naturopathy Island wellness and pools; surf coaching, dive centre, Tennis Academy and dolphin cruises.
More A coral island in the North Male Atoll, a short speedboat ride from Male.

A brief speedboat hop from Male will bring you to Kuda Huraa, a coral island with 96 palm-thatched pavilions and bungalows (sleeping up to five) situated beside the sand and above the lagoon. Separate adult-only and family pools ensure both types of traveller are at home here and there are treatments catering to both younger and grown-up guests; take the minute-long sail across the lagoon by dhoni, to reach this very special mini-island spa, where you can indulge in rituals both day and night. Addtonally, you’ll have access to two restaurants, a surf school and PADI 5-star diving centre, a kids’ club, shark safaris, dolphin cruises and the onsite Marine Discovery Centre.

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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
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