Best Luxury Hotels in Maldives

Dita Von Teese, Roger Federer and Kris Jenner have all been spotted holidaying at this celeb-friendly idyll. It’s spread across two islands joined by a wooden bridge, in the South Ari Atoll. Villas and suites are either nestled among greenery or suspended above the lagoon. And if you want to see underwater without getting wet, you can book a table at the incredible Ithaa, which takes the form of a subaquatic tunnel, five metres below ground (there are 11 other restaurants besides). Or stay in the Conrad Rangali Island’s showstopping underwater suite, The Muraka, where you’ll receive 24-hour butler service.

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.

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.

Translating as “Turtle Island” in the local Dhivehi language, Angsana Velavaru is a wonderful place to snorkel and dive if you’re dreaming of coming up close to Maldivian marine life. It has its own PADI 5-star Gold Dive Centre and a Marine Lab (dedicated to protecting coral reef ecosystems through research and conservation) where you can join a class or a snorkelling safari. Those preferring to take it easy can visit the outdoor treatment pavilions of the award-winning Angsana Spa, or bliss out at the infinity pool with a design cocktail from the bar. Meanwhile, kids are catered for with activities at the Rangers’ Club.

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.

A complimentary speedboat transfer will deliver you from the airport to this idyll on the private Furanafushi Island in less than half an hour. After getting settled into your thatched overwater bungalow, you can choose whether to visit the Shine Spa, swim in the freshwater pool, play tennis, take a yoga class, book a dive session, or unwind with a beverage at the Anchorage or Beach Bars. When you’re feeling peckish you can snack on dim sum at Chopstix, tuck into steak and seafood at Sea Salt Beach Grill or dine at Baan Thai, eat anytime at Feast and al fresco at the Masaala Hut.