10 Best Luxury Hotels in Maldives

The Maldives has long been one of the most-desired travel destinations in the world, and with good reason! The crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and array of activities you can enjoy making it an ideal vacation spot to suit almost anyone’s tastes. And with so many resorts in this region, deciding which one is best for you can be confusing — especially if you’re on a budget or just looking for a top-of-the-line experience.

1. SONEVA JANI

The Maldives' largest resort is located on an uninhabited cluster of five islands in the Noonu Atoll surrounded by pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon that is crystal clear and viewed uninterruptedly across the Indian Ocean. A 5.6 km (3,4 mi) magnificent lagoon of crystal clear waters surround 51 overwater villas on two jetties. Jetties (mooring structures) built at the first and second chapters, respectively, can link the resort island with a number of tropical beach settings. A few of the highlights at Soneva Jani include the villas' retractable roofs, private water slides, a wide range of memorable restaurants, and a stunning new spa facility, Soneva Soul. As a guest at Chapter Two, you can take advantage of Soneva Unlimited, an all-inclusive way to experience the resort. 

2. SONEVA FUSHI

A Robinson Crusoe-style hideaway, Soneva Fushi is located on the tropical island of Kunfunadhoo in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The Maldives is among the larger islands with a length of 1,400 m (4,600 ft) and a width of 400 m (1300 ft). Aside from the clear water, white sand, and tropical climate, the island offers unique plant life to visitors. Hidden among the dense tropical foliage are huge, multi-bedroom luxury villas and private residences. Villas on the island look like tree houses and many open to private beaches with sugary sand and seawater pools. Additionally, Soneva Fushi will unveil eight of the most luxurious overwater villas in the world in summer 2020.

3. ONE & ONLY REETHI RAH

It was the world's first chic resort to open in 2005, and it continues to do so as the Grand Dame of the Maldivian islands. On an octopus-shaped island in the North Male Atoll, the resort boasts a remarkable coastline of 6 km (3,7 mi), dotted with white sand coves and turquoise bays. Every one of the 130 villas is surrounded by lush landscaping, occupying a secluded piece of sandy shore or a private deck that overlooks the lagoon. In addition to innovative and high-quality food prepared in a variety of ways, the staff accommodates the individual requests of every guest. There are tranquil gardens and manicured lawns surrounding a spa that is set apart from the rest of the resort. The One&Only Reethi Rah is popular among royals and A-list Hollywood stars.

4. VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND

Operated out of the Noonu Atoll, 110 miles north of the Male Island, Velaa Private Island is the realization of a dream to create a secret haven of ineffable luxury, where guests are treated like royalty. Its name derives from the generations of sea turtles that migrate there to nest and hatch. Velaa is a destination that embodies the very best of this beautiful, blue-skied archipelago bathed by azure seas in the Arabian Ocean. The resort features 45 separate lodging spaces that range from one to ten guests, with one extra-special property in particular—reachable only by boat—and has some opulent touches like glimmering Italian marble, . Guests that enjoy luxuries can enjoy Velaa Spa or work on their golfing skills at the Velaa Golf Academy by Ryder Cup captain José María Olazábal, or see what it's like to explore the undersea world with a Seabob or a James Bond-style submarine.

5. JOALI MALDIVES & JOALI BEING

The JOALI Maldives story began with the launch of JOALI Maldives, a 73-villa property in the amazing Raa Atoll, where travelers can enjoy the joy of beachfront living through the island's expansive collection of artwork. You can expect innovative dining concepts with a wide variety, such as Japanese restaurant Saoke, Levant restaurant Tuh'u, Tuscan-inspired Bellinis, and the Spa by ESPA which all feature a wellness journey along with a world-class fitness center and expert trainers. Opening in 2021, JOALI BEING is a sister property to it's neighbor property and incorporates ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology in order to bring guests on a life-changing journey.

6. CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI

There is the ultraluxurious Cheval Blanc Randheli Resort in the spectacular Noonu Atoll, as well as Soneva Jani and Velaa Private Island (see below). Property is built on a few small islands protected from the ocean by a coral reef that is home to an array of colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles. On this one-of-a-kind safari, you will take off in a Twin Otter of Havilland seaplane from the stunning slopes of Semenggoh's trails, as well as marvel at Maison Valentina's stunning spring collection, that pairs taupe with Randheli's iconic solar yellow. There are 46 different water, garden, and island villas in shades of neutral color and vibe, which blend well with the hotel's spacious layout. In addition to contemporary design elements, high ceilings, outdoor areas for relaxation, a stunning private swimming pool and lagoon-side pontoons, the accommodations feel like elegant cathedral-style lofts. Kate and William stayed at Cheval Blanc Randheli during their Maldivian getaway a few years ago.

7. THE ST REGIS MALDIVES 

Arranged in the Dhaalu Atoll - a 40-minute seaplane ride southwest from Malé - the notable St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is encircled by fantastic scenes, tremendous tropical vegetation, a beautiful white-sand beach, a pristine lagoon, and the gleaming turquoise Indian Ocean. The resort offers 77 luxuriously appointed villas, some with private terraces overlooking beaches and pools that provide for majestic backdrops. John Jacob Astor Resort offers one of the most extraordinary over-water villas in the Maldives: a three-bedroom house. Visitors can choose from six different restaurants and bars, not to mention the luxurious over-water spa, where guests can pamper themselves.

8. FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES 

Located in the secluded Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers a remote island getaway with the novelty of a scenic seaplane ride from Male. To comply with their philosophy of following innovation, wellness, and conservation, this resort features 103 thatched bungalows and villas of contemporary Maldivian design. Both resorts are linked by the luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer, which stops at exquisite dive sites, remote uninhabited beaches, and a multitude of remote island communities on the way.In 2017, Four Seasons opened a super luxury private island, called Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, an isolated location for a limit of 22 visitors.

9. RAFFLES MALDIVES MERADHOO RESORT

Privately set on the private island of Wagers Maldives Meradhoo Resort opened in 2019 following a broad renovation of the past Jumeirah lodging, A short boat ride from the main island is 16 ocean villas and 21 island villas with private pools. This property includes a beachfront set of stairs leading directly to the ocean as well as outdoor marble bathtubs, perfect for looking out on the ocean. There are three different restaurants to choose from, a scenic cocktail bar, a range of facilities to rejuvenate you, and a wealth of different activities to choose from. The resort also has an award-winning luxury spa, over-water fitness center, and private chef and butler service. Through the resort's PADI-certified dive center, we're able to access and experience some of the most remarkable coral reefs in the world.

10. ANANTARA KIHAVAH VILLAS MALDIVES

Anantara Kihavah Villas, a beach resort located on one of the most beautiful and unspoiled Maldivian islands, is 30 minutes away from Male International Airport by seaplane. The villas at this resort are elegant and spacious with either sweeping ocean views or views of the beach. Every overwater villa is made of straight-grained wood and has high ceilings and hardwood floors. These rooms also feature a porch where guests can catch sight of sea turtles and dolphins. This incredible villa also offers several luxurious amenities including an underwater restaurant as well as a breathtaking spa with picturesque views.