Best Luxury Hotels in Maldives

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.

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.

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.

Mudhdhoo Island is a gorgeous part of the Maldives and home to this resort with some of the best diving, snorkelling among manta rays, and swimming in the country. Located on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the resort features 360-degree ocean views, a turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches, as well as spa rooms elevated coconut trees, and activities for families of all ages including tennis, yoga, and cycling. Dusit Thani also has one of the largest infinity pools in the Maldives.

Nestled in the South Atoll, this luxury 5-star resort is a haven for a laid-back island getaway and especially for unplugged vacations. The 193 villas extend out onto the water, giving you a premier experience. Facilities include two infinity pools, floodlit tennis courts, a cinema, and a luxury spa. When you aren’t enjoying being in or near the ocean on the two miles of stunning beaches where you might catch a glimpse of a whale shark, you can enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Luxury abounds here, but there’s also plenty of rest and recreation to choose from. Enjoy villas that cater to adventurous visitors or kick back in style in one of the over-the-water studios on one of two private islands: Play and Chill. Hop back and forth between the two islands for alternating thrills and adventure and tranquillity and relaxation. An exclusive spa and premier dining are ideal for after a day of water sports, biking, or reef diving.

W Maldives presents guests with contemporary design, vibrant social spaces, and world-class amenities. The 77 villas, designed by Miaja Design Group, take inspiration from the Maldives’ marine life and lush landscapes, featuring overwater and beach accommodations, including Supreme Overwater Two-Bedroom Villas and Oasis Two-Bedroom Beach Villas with private pools and exhilarating water slides. The resort’s culinary experiences include sustainable ocean-to-table fine dining at FISH, expertly grilled dishes at FIRE, and international favourites at KITCHEN, alongside exclusive pop-up events with renowned chefs. The overwater bar SIP serves Latin American-inspired cocktails against breathtaking sunsets, while the WET Deck pulsates with energy, featuring the Maldives’ first Splinterworks Vertex water slide. The AWAY Spa offers indulgent treatments in overwater pavilions, while the Rise & Energize programme provides year-round wellness and fitness activities. Guests can explore one of the Maldives’ finest house reefs, embark on bespoke excursions to the private island Gaathafushi, and experience a seamless blend of adventure and relaxation. Sustainability remains at the core of the resort, with eco-conscious design elements, a biogas plant, and a commitment to self-sustainability by 2026. W Maldives is a vibrant playground where bold design meets indulgence, offering an unforgettable island escape.

This blissful island retreat seamlessly blends beachfront and overwater living with contemporary architecture and interiors – with crystal blue waters as its backdrop. From relaxing to spa treatments to an energetic workout in the fully equipped gym, the spectacular overwater views can be enjoyed from every angle. There is a superb range of dining options which include fusion cuisine from Japan and Peru, Mediterranen-inspired menus and many delightful all-day snacks.  The private butler service, sporting activities, kids club (and more!) offer guests the option to enhance their Maldivian experience. This is the ideal choice for a holiday where sanctuary and seclusion are high on the agenda.

Just 20-minutes by speedboat from Male airport, this brand new resort on Amingiri Island is taking bookings for its very first guests in September 2022. 109 villas are either on the beach or overwater, all with their own pools, ocean-facing bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the paradise views of the surrounding aquamarine lagoon. Additionally, the family-friendly resort offers a shared pool, a kids’ pool, a spa, salon, fitness centre, a kids’ club and a teen zone, as well as six dining concepts and bars (one of which is adults-only, specialising in gin and champagne and suspended above the water).

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.

Raffles’ Maldivian property encompasses two islands of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll; one is set entirely over-water and includes its spa, the other offers lush tropical flora and fauna, with sandy beaches and villas, each has its own reef and around the clock butler service. The larger island hosts the laidback all-day dining venue,Thari, perched beside the shore, while the over-water dining option is Yuzu, serving international fusion Nikkei Cuisine in rustic-chic surroundings. During your time at Raffles, you may like to go snorkeling with a marine biologist, practice yoga at sunrise and swim in its divine infinity pool.

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.