Best Luxury Hotels In The 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.



Baa Atoll, Baa Atoll

Soneva Fushi

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms63 Villas & Suites
Amenities11 Dining Options Serving International Cuisine and Visiting Michelin-Starred Chefs, Two-storey Soneva Soul Wellness Centre, Private Pools, Personalised Butler Service, The Den Kids & Teens Clubs & Large Playground, Activities & Experiences
MoreSet Within the Baa Atoll Unesco Biosphere Reserve

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.

North Male Atoll, Kaafu Atoll

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms45 Overwater Villas, Including the Expansive Private Reserve
AmenitiesMultiple Dining Venues Such as Kashiveli & By The Sea, Private Dining & Beverage Experiences, Meera Spa with Overwater Treatment Rooms, Fitness Centre, Outdoor Infinity Pool, Personal Butler Service, Tennis Facilities & PADI Certified Dive Centre
MoreLocated in the North Mal Atoll

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

Heritance Aarah

(5 stars)

Home to the Maldives’ first-ever Medi-spa, this retreat is in the Raa Atoll. Choose from 150 villas, some over-water, duplexes, others on the beach and those best suited to family groups. Depending on the category, you can benefit from butler service and a private pool, with those in ocean suites able to dine at an overwater restaurant and exclusive bar. There are five further restaurants, providing buffets, grilled seafood, Sri Lankan fine dining and a chef’s table, plus several bars with views to die for. Plus there are two swimming pools, a playground, a kids club, futsal fields, tennis courts and watersports.

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Heritance Aarah

Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

Hotel
(5 stars)

Perched on a huge lagoon, beside the jungle and the ocean, this all-villa resort is on Sirru Fen Fushi island, in the Shaviyani Atoll. Stay on the beach, hidden in the mangroves, over-water or in a luxury tented residence nestled in the jungle. Each makes use of local materials, with local design and ranges from one to three bedrooms. Play tennis, beach volleyball and water sports, take a Maldivian cooking class, paint at the onsite art studio and swim in what is the longest swimming pool in the Indian Ocean. Other amenities include the Willow Stream Spa, four restaurants, a kids club and a teen games room.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)

Choose from either overwater or beach villas at The Standard. There are 115 in total, with mood lighting and infinity pools, each providing easy access to the protected house reef, for some scuba, snorkel and sailing action. The hotel’s spa has a hammam, a cypress steam room, a meditation studio and aerial yoga classes. And the four eateries include the overwater Maldivian restaurant, Guduguda. The Standard has an inflatable water park, a kids club and a programme of entertainment, such as traditional Maldivian Boduberu, beach movie nights and karaoke.

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The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

JOALI Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)

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

Baros Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)

Having been around for 50 years, this resort has continually reinvented itself, while maintaining a reputation as one of the finest in the Maldives. Book a villa, a suite, or the Baros Residence, with designer toiletries, a deep free-standing tub, an outdoor shower with palms and plants, 24-hour butler service and a private infinity pool. There are so many places and ways to dine here; consider a romantic meal on the floating Piano Deck, aboard a dhoni at sea or in The Lighthouse. Indulge in some spa treatments, unwind in the Relaxation Sala, or take a class led by the in-house yogi.

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Baros Maldives

Park Hyatt Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)

The Park Hyatt provides guests with the ultimate Indian Ocean Luxury adventure. Guests can have a  number of adventures from learning essential survival skills and then eating freshly caught fish to diving with turtles, sharks and tropical fish, there is something for everyone at the Park Hyatt. The  Park Hyatt is the perfect destination for families as it offers a variety of kids’ experiences which include experiences which teach children about the maritime world and sustainability. The Park Hyatt is home  to 51 luxurious Villas and the exquisite 3-bedroom Kiaali residence. Villas are all either over the water  or metres away from it and many have private pools. The resort’s restaurants The Dining Room and  The Island Gill offer a range of international and local dishes in a stylish and open-air environment.  The Park Hyatt is also home to the overwater intimate Japanese restaurant, Koi, which serves guests  incredibly fresh Japanese food all whilst they gaze over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The  Park Hyatt also offers private beach dinners and in-villa dining at all times.

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Park Hyatt Maldives

The Nautilus Maldives

Hotel
(5 stars)

Nautilus provides a highly personalised and luxurious experience for guests in the heart of the Maldives. With only twenty-six beach and ocean villas every detail is tailored to you for your trip. Each villa has its own separate living area, and private pool and has every modern luxury one might want. The Nautilus is the perfect choice for guests seeking a private and exclusive getaway in the idyllic Indian Ocean. The resort offers many incredible experiences like luxury yacht trips, private beech cinema screenings and private beach dinners. Dining at the Nautilus is another bespoke experience as guests are invited to eat whatever they desire whenever they are hungry and explore the Mediterranean-Arabic fusion restaurant Zetyoun or the Japanese-South American fusion restaurant Ocaso. These restaurants, as well as Thyme, the resort’s international restaurant, have no open or closing times, chefs are at guest’s beck and call at all times.

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The Nautilus Maldives

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Hotel

Inhabiting its own island, just a 25-minute speed boat from Velana International Airport, the Banyan  Tree Vabbinfaru is one of the Maldive’s top all-inclusive resorts. Its villas are all moments away from  the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. They are spacious and bathed in natural light, they all also have their own private pools and modern amenities. The hotel offers many experiences to guests  like scuba diving, cultural evenings, holistic wellness experiences, private beach BBQs and floating  breakfasts. The resort is also home to a renowned Spa which focuses on traditional Asian healing  practices. The Banyan also boasts the Madi Hiyaa, an overwater restaurant which serves  exceptionally fresh Japanese dishes. The hotel’s bar, the Naiboli, is the perfect place to end your day  as guests are invited to enjoy divine craft cocktails and refreshing nibbles.

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Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Hotel
(5 stars)

Situated on its own private tropical island St Regis resort is one of the most luxurious Indian ocean escapes. The vibrant marine life surrounding St Regis, white sand beaches and the islands lush  rainforest make the resort nothing short of paradise. The island is home to numerous different Villas  which are spacious and modern, many villas also have their own private pools. Guests can choose  either to stay in a villa on the island or in an overwater suite where one can quite literally dive out of  bed into the turquoise hew of the Indian Ocean. The resort offers many experiences including yacht  hire, diving, water sports, spa treatments and private dining on the beach. St Regis is home to its own  Spa, infinity pool, private lagoon and exceptional butler service. St Regis boasts six different dining establishments which include a beachside pizzeria, a luxurious international restaurant, a Japanese  restaurant and a stunning overwater tapas restaurant.

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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives

At a glance
Rooms95 Luxurious Villas & Residences including Beach & Overwater Options with Private Pools
AmenitiesSeven Restaurants & Three Bars offering Diverse Cuisines, Full-Service Spa on Private Island, 150-Meter Outdoor Pool, Health Club, Kids Club, Two Flood-Lit Tennis Courts, 24-Hour airport Transfers
MoreLocated in North Mal Atoll, 30-Minute Speedboat From Velana International Airport

The Kuda Villingli resort is a paradise on earth due to its turquoise sea and lush forests. The hotel’s villas fuse Asian design aspects with traditional Maldivian styles to create elegant and inviting places to stay. Guests have a choice of beachfront villas or over-ocean villas, both of which have Egyptian cotton bed linen and private pools. The Kuda Villingi is home to an exclusive spa, the Maldive’s largest pool, surf spots and exceptional dive spots, guests will simply never get bored. The resort is home to many different dining establishments ranging from the chic Restaurant which serves classic local dishes to Mar-Umi which serves Peruvian Japanese fusion dishes which are bound to excite the palate of even the toughest food critics. It is also home to a beachfront bar, Mediterranean restaurant, Korean restaurant, and Indian-Arabic fusion restaurant.

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Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives

* All the properties and products we feature are independently selected by our editors and contributors. If you buy something we may earn a commission.

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