
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.

Kaafu Atoll, Reethi Rah
One&Only Reethi Rah

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.

Maldives, Raa Atoll
JOALI Maldives

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.

Maldives, Raa Atoll
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Sitting on the Southernmost tip of Raa Atoll, on the edge of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and within its own natural lagoon, Maamunagau Island offers the perfect family holiday. Boasting an exceptional kids’ club, resident chefs and most recently, manta ray retreats, the resort accommodation is well-suited to hosting families in beautiful, spacious villas and residences. As the first and only all-Club InterContinental resort, guests are spoiled with complimentary benefits alongside five-star facilities. With 81 beach, lagoon and over-water villas, as well as six restaurants and bars, the resort enjoys the peace of a boutique hotel but hosts world-class resort facilities.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Maldives, Male City
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

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.

Dhaalu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

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.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Maldives, Baa Atoll
The Nautilus Maldives

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.

Gaafu Atoll, Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Park Hyatt Maldives

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.

Maldives, Raa Atoll
Raaya by Atmosphere

Raaya by Atmosphere is situated on a lush private island in Raa Atoll. The resort draws inspiration from the natural surroundings and the open ocean, offering guests a sense of adventure. It features 187 beach and ocean villas with stunning ocean views. The resort experience is intertwined with the story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist who made the island his home. Seb’s story adds a unique touch to the resort, showcasing his art studio, ship, and watch towers converted into dining and star-gazing venues. In the evening, guests can enjoy live entertainment, traditional Boduberu performances, and cultural events. The resort offers various exciting activities such as diving, water sports, and excursions on the open ocean. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, including archery, kids’ play areas, mini golf, and paddle tennis. Guests can also indulge in delicious food and pampering spa treatments at Maai Spa. Overall, the resort promises an unforgettable and immersive experience in a beautiful and adventurous setting.

Maldives, Raa Atoll
Heritance Aarah

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.

Shaviyani Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

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.
Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort

Maldives, Raa Atoll
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa

This minimalist Maldivian paradise features 80 freestanding villas, offering a mix of luxurious beachfront and overwater accommodations, each with its own private pool. The resort’s dining options are impressive, including an overwater Mediterranean restaurant, a beachside churrascaria, and a vibrant teppanyaki grill. The resort’s unique spa is set in air-conditioned treehouses above a grove of palm trees, providing a variety of tropical treatments, from ritual Thai massages to red coral facials. For those seeking adventure, the resort offers a range of activities such as diving, kayaking, and windsurfing, all enhanced by the stunning Indian Ocean backdrop.

Kaafu Atoll, North Male Atoll
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

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.