When it comes to Maldives resorts, visitors are spoilt for choice. So much so that it can be difficult to pick one. Don’t miss this definitive guide to the best luxury hotels in the Maldives for your getaway to paradise.
So you’re thinking of heading to the Maldives? You’re in for the trip of a lifetime… crystal clear waters, incredible views, food, spas and watersports. What’s not to love?
This in-depth guide to the best Maldives hotels for 2023 will help you plan the perfect trip.
At a Glance: The Best Places to Stay in the Maldives
| Best Hotel in the Maldives – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Hotel in the Maldives | Baros Maldives |
| Best Hotel in the Maldives for Choice of Amenities | Saiii Lagoon Maldives Curio Collection by Hilton |
| Best Maldives Hotel for Honeymoons | Hurawalhi Island Resort |
| Best All-Inclusive Hotel Maldives | Dhigali Maldives Resort |
Best Hotels in the Maldives
Luxury Hotels in the Maldives
Baros Maldives
Baros Maldives is one of the best-known luxury hotels in the Maldives and with good reason.
It’s difficult to believe it now, but Baros Maldives was only the third Maldives resort when it opened in 1973. This small coral island is ringed with a sandy beach and comes with its own house reef mere metres off the coastline.
This small, intimate island resort has been welcoming guests since 1975 and it’s easy to see why it’s such a favourite – from the moment you step foot on Baros, you feel like royalty.
Baros holds a long-standing reputation as the home of laid-back chic in the Maldives. This island resort has maintained its skilled combination of friendly hospitality in a luxurious setting throughout the decades.
The beachfront villas are surrounded by lush vegetation, and the beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling. The coral reef on Baros’ doorstep provides excellent diving and fishing opportunities.
The award-winning hotel is also at the forefront of eco-conservation in the Maldives.
Guests transfer to Male via speedboat, meaning that you can touch down and be in your private villa in a matter of moments.
Rooms are spacious and elegantly furnished to complement the surroundings – they incorporate many of the area’s natural materials. If you can tear yourself away from yours, take some time to indulge in a treatment or two at the wonderful spa.
Alternatively, opt for something more active with a spell underwater at one of the 30 dive sites in proximity to the hotel.
Check Rates and Availability at Baros Maldives
Saii Lagoon Maldives Curio Collection by Hilton
If you’re looking for a laid-back Maldives getaway, Saii Lagoon by Curio Collection is the perfect destination.
The epitome of barefoot luxe, accommodation is a combination of beach villas, overwater villas and spacious rooms with either private beach-side patios or terraces.
The hotel itself has a number of restaurants and bars onsite. Additionally, guests have access to numerous facilities and activities at Marina @ The Crossroads a short boardwalk away, where there’s a diverse range of eateries from a steakhouse to a traditional Maldivian restaurant and everything in between.
Not content with just lazing on the (rather idyllic) beach? Explore the area by traditional dhoni boat – spend lazy days meandering between the reefs and islands or stop off for a snorkel in one of the many pristine lagoons.
Dolphin-spotting tours are a popular option , and the hotel can also organise fishing trips, sunset cruises and excursions to local villages.
If you’re looking for a Robinson Crusoe-style getaway, Saii Lagoon Maldives is the perfect choice – it offers peace and privacy in an idyllic location that’s only a 30 minute transfer from Male Airport.
Check Rates and Availability at Saii Lagoon Maldives
Niyama
Niyama offers a unique take on the traditional Maldives resort with its offer of two island resorts: Play and Chill. The two islands are connected by a bridge but, as the names suggest, have different focuses.
Play is tailored to those who like their island getaways with an added touch of adventure. While many hotels focus on adult-only guests, Play is the perfect destination for those with young families – the Explorers Kids Club entertains kids from 12 months up to 12 years, leaving parents free to indulge in a bit of solitary island-time.
Chill is much more laid back, so it’s fitting that it’s also home to Niyama’s LIME Spa. This is generally where those on honeymoon and other big folk stay to catch up on serious rest and relaxation time.
Whichever island you decide to go for, all guests are looked after by a personal Thakuru, or butler. Rooms come with mini-bar stocked with numerous treats including complimentary popcorn and ice cream.
Check rates and availability at Niyama
Lux* South Ari Atoll
Lux* South Ari Atoll is set against the picture-perfect backdrop of Dhidhoofinolhu island.
The hotel offers guests a barefoot luxe experience through the beach house chic property. The recent renovation has made the already stylish property a cut above.
With 193 villas, Lux is one of the larger Maldives resorts on this list, but excels at creating an intimate experience for each guest.
The larger size of the resort means that there’s plenty of choice when it comes to dining – take your pick from one of the eight restaurants. There are also five bars. Work your way through them to decide which is best for sundowners.
Choose between sunrise or sunset villas – either way, you are guaranteed the glorious colours that the Maldives is famous for.
Check Rates and Availability at Lux* South Island
COMO Cocoa Island
COMO Cocoa Island has been luring international travellers to bed down and escape from it all since it opened in 2002. Located a 40-minute speedboat ride on Makunufushi in the southern atolls, Cocoa Island is a peaceful retreat welcoming to all.
Stylish Indian Ocean chic is the order of the day at this quiet and calm Maldives resort. Villas are simply decorated with crisp linens and natural materials for a contemporary look.
The resort also features COMOs signature spa brand, COMO Shambhala Retreat. They host a range of wellness programmes, or guests can create their own spa packages with the expansive spa treatment menu and yoga classes.
Check Rates and Availability at COMO Cocoa Island
Amilla Fushi
Amilla Fushi’s stark and futuristic design stands in stark contrast to the barefoot luxe aesthetic predominant in the Maldives’ luxury resorts.
The result is a hotel that wouldn’t look out of place in Miami or St Tropez. Think striking white walls, cocoon tubs and cantilevered suspended pools and you’re on the right track.
Amilla offers a range of accommodation options. There are the more traditional over-water villas and beach houses, each with a slightly different layout and amenities to suit different guests.
Not so standard are Amilla’s treehouses. Set in the midst of tropical palms and greenery, the treehouses’ stunning infinity pools overlook the tree canopy. Undertake a digital detox – you couldn’t ask for a better setting.
As I mentioned above, Amilla is my pick of Maldives resorts for 2019 thanks to its unique take on a luxury island property. Plus the Instagram opportunities are out of this world.
Check rates and availability at Amilla Fushi
One & Only Reethi Rah
The One & Only Reethi Rah is the Maldivian outpost of ultra-luxe brand One & Only Resorts. This 128-villa luxury resort features some of the largest villas in the Maldives and a whopping 12 beaches dotted across the island.
The wood and thatch villas are elegantly designed, larger than most London homes and come with personal butler service.
Based in the Maldives’ largest island, Reethi Rah is a memorable destination. The hotel has its own time zone (an hour ahead of Male) to guarantee the maximum number of daylight hours and goes out of its way to ensure that every guest feels as pampered and cosseted as possible.
There’s no detail too small or ask too big for them to cater to. They’ll happily pop a bottle of champagne on the beach or send a private golf-buggy to transport you around the island without ruining your pedicure.
Check rates and availability at the One & Only Reethi Rah
Velaa Private Island
Nestled within the Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island describes itself as a “beyond luxury” boutique hotel in the Maldives.
Velaa is privately owned by Czech billionaire Jiri Smejc, whose vision to create a property catering to the travel elite has been realised through Velaa. He set out to create a property that stood out from other Maldives resorts and that he certainly has.
The island only features 47 villas, houses and residences, in addition to four four bedroom residences. All the accommodation boasts jaw-dropping views and comes with a private butler.
Guests can do as much or as little as they would wish – the spa is excellent (of course), but its features such as a climbing wall, golf academy and squash and tennis courts that set Velaa apart.
Award-winning architect Petr Kolar has created the ultimate luxury island escape. Decor-wise, there are no gold taps or flashy accessories: the focus at Velaa is in using the very best quality materials to create a pared-back, high-end aesthetic.
Check Rates and Availability at Velaa Private Island Resort
Best Hotels for Honeymoons in the Maldives
Hurawalhi Island Resort
Hurawalhi Island Resort might be one of the newer Maldives resorts, but it’s already established itself as one of the best – and is particularly popular with honeymooners in the Maldives.
The 90 villas on this private island resort all come with breathtaking ocean or beach views. Adults-only barefoot luxe is the name of the game, and Hurawalhi plays it very well. Guests can choose from an expansive range of activities from diving to deep-sea fishing, windsurfing and jet-skiing.
One of Hurawalhi’s biggest draws (along with the picture-perfect beaches and paradise views that are de rigeur in the archipelago) is 5.8 – the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.
Where else can you dine 5.8 metres under the sea? It’s hard to focus on the (stellar) food when there’s a never-ending marine view stealing the show.
Check Rates and Availability at Hurawalhi
Soneva Fushi
Maldives island resort, Soneva Fushi is the laid-back playscape for adult adventurers.
Tucked away in the Baa Atoll on Kunfunadhoo island, the resort is a 30-minute seaplane ride from Male. The hotel defines itself by the simple concept of “No news, no shoes”.
Soneva offers its guests the perfect place to switch off and experience the glorious views, water and adventures of the Maldives.
Soneva Fushi is the original desert island hideaway, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice with guests.
Soneva’s 56 villas are set on a stretch of pristine, white sand beach – all of which come with their own pool, private garden, open-air bathroom and butler service.
Each one comes with a private garden and open-air bathroom. It’s no wonder guests have a hard time leaving them throughout their stay. Soneva Fushi is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a luxurious, eco-friendly getaway in paradise.
You should also check out Soneva Fushi’s newly-opened sister property Soneva Jani in Noonu Atoll. The small resort features 25 exclusive villas set in a 5.6km lagoon.
Check Rates and Availability at Soneva Fushi
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives
The Four Seasons brand is synonymous with luxury worldwide, even so, the Four Seasons Maldives stands out from the crowd.
Where else offers guests a choice of two hotels, live-aboard cruises or, for the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience, a stay on a private island?
The two Four Seasons Maldives resorts, Kuda Hari and Landaa Giraavaru are miles apart. Kuda Hari is a 25-minute speedboat ride from Male airport, while Landaa is a 45-minute seaplane flight. Both personify get-away-from-it-all charm and crystal waters.
Marine lovers should consider the Four Seasons Explorer – a three-deck catamaran that sets out for 3- 4- and 7-night excursions. It sails between the two resorts and is also available for private charter.
Those looking to go all out can hire out Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll. Voavah opened in December 2016 as an exclusive-use island escape in a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Guests are treated to Four Seasons service, with use of a private yacht, a dedicated dive centre, beach house and other luxuries for the duration of their stay.
Check Rates and Availability at the Four Seasons Maldives
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Resort
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Resort is a luxurious resort located on the private island of Vabbinfaru in the North Male Atoll. The resort offers guests stunning ocean views and all-pool villas for you to treat yourself to the ultimate island escape.
As you’d expect from a Banyan Tree Resort, the spa is world-class and offers a range of treatments based on Asian healing philospphies. On the more active side of things, there are plenty of water-based activities on offer – including snorkelling and diving in some little-known gems that are teeming with wildlife.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Resort is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a luxurious resort getaway in paradise.
Check Rates and Availability at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Resort
Shangri La’s Villingi Resort & Spa
Shangri La’s Villingi Resort & Spa opened in 2008 and has been wowing visitors ever since.
The luxury brand has gone all out on their Maldives resort hotel and the result is notable. Villingi resides on one of the Maldives’ largest islands, with the result that the resort feels spacious and secluded, despite the fact there are over 130 villas.
Villas boast ultra-modern facilities, with huge bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers and complimentary Nespresso coffee machines.
There are the usual watersports facilities, dive centre and gym to keep guests entertained. The nine-hole golf course is the only one in the Maldives – a draw for those looking to work on their swing.
The resort also features Shangri La’s signature spa brand, CHI. Choose from a decadent range of treatments to top off the island paradise experience.
Check rates and availability at Shangri La Villingi
Best All Inclusive Hotels in the Maldives
Dhigali Maldives Resort
Dhigali Maldives Resort is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located on a secluded island in North Male Atoll. This romantic getaway offers guests stunning ocean views and an array of activities, including diving, fishing and windsurfing.
The resort’s well-appointed villas come with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy delicious international cuisine at any of Dhigali Maldives Resort’s restaurants, and the bar is perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink while taking in the incredible views.
The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments, and there are also several pools to choose from.
Check Rates and Availability at Dhigali Maldives Resort
Velassaru Maldives Resort
The Velassaru is a luxurious Maldives island resort located on the private island of Velassaru in the South Malé Atoll.
While not automatically all-inclusive, the hotel offers an all-inclusive package for an extra fee.
The resort offers guests stunning ocean views and an array of activities, including diving, fishing and windsurfing.
The restaurants in the Velassaru Maldives Resort include: international buffet restaurant Vela; a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant; oceanfront dining at Sand and more besides.
The spa is world-class and offers a range of treatments, and there are plenty of activities on offer for those who want to get active.
Check Rates and Availability at The Velassaru Maldives
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Resort
Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Resort is a luxurious all-inclusive resort located on the private island of Meedhuffushi Island in the South Nilandhe Atoll. The resort offers guests stunning ocean views and an array of activities, including diving on the house reef – only 30 metres of the island’s beach.
The restaurants in the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Resort include: international buffet restaurant The Aqua; Italian à la carte restaurant The Spice; and seafood restaurant Well Done.
The spa is world-class and offers a range of treatments, and there are plenty of activities on offer for those who want to get active.
Sun Aqua Vilu Reef Resort is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a luxurious all-inclusive getaway in paradise.
Check Rates and Availability at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Resort
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All of these look amazing!
So glad that you like them. It was a difficult choice!
Oh wow! This is such a tempting list…it would be impossible to pick one as they all look so so good 🙂 One /of my favourites is Velaa Private Island…
Oooh interesting Sid. I’m not sure I can pick a favourite but Velaa is wonderful!
Waw, this list makes me dream!! I could imagine myself in at least five of these resorts, sipping cocktails, going for a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters and floating away on a cloud of relaxation! Those resorts look like they came straight from a movie! 🙂
They do don’t they. Such beautiful places. The only problem with them is you never want to go home.
It is so beautiful that it doesn’t even look real! I think I would go the Niyama!
They don’t do they – such a big fan of all of these resorts.
Some really stunning places making it hard to pick a favourite. Pretty much any Maldives location i would holiday. Thanks for your share.
Thanks Tony, it’s hard to pick a location for sure.
We loved the small cruise ship the Atoll explorer. Touring round the islands and diving and seeing the manta rays.
Absolutely gorgeous isn’t it!
They all look amazing. We were considering 2 weeks with 2 different islands. Good idea and if so your suggestions please?
Hey Sandra – two weeks on two different islands is a great idea. You just need to check the transfers between the islands as it can be difficult/ very expensive travelling between them (rather than flying or taking a boat from Male). I think it’s a tough call to choose two to suggest as it would completely depend on what you’re looking for. My suggestion would be to pick two that have a different focus – so perhaps one where there are stellar watersports or really high-quality dive outfits and another where the focus is the spa or cuisine. That way you can really appreciate the contrast and see two different sides to the Maldives. Enjoy!