The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean and it is one of the most luxurious destinations in the world.
The country is made up of 26 atolls and more than 1,000 islands which are home to some of the most incredible hotels and resorts you are likely to ever stay in.
The Maldives is the most picture perfect destination famous for it’s islands, beaches, crystal blue lagoons and world class resorts.
Whether you are looking to take the ultimate break of your life, planning a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, there is so much choice of amazing places to stay. You can book boutique hotel rooms, floating sea villas and even whole islands!
View our guide to the best luxury hotels and resorts in the Maldives and find your perfect Indian Ocean stay today.
1. Soneva Jani
Located on the island of Medhufaru in a 3.5 miles lagoon in the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani features both overwater and island villas. Each water villa opens to its very own stretch of lagoon and is complete with a private pool and a retractable roof to stargaze from the master bedroom. Some of the villas have slides from the top floor directly into the lagoon below.
With beautifully designed interiors made from sustainable materials, all villas are equipped with a spacious master bedroom with an adjoining kids sleeping area. All villas have an open-air bathroom with bathtub, shower and lagoon access. They also have a walk-in mini-bar with espresso machine and private wine cellar selection. An outdoor deck and seating area with sun loungers and direct access to the lagoon are also available.
The main facilities of Soneva Jani are located at The Gathering, which is a three-storey structure that hosts the main dining outlets as well as an Observatory, a Spa, gift-shop and a water sports and dive centre. There is also an overwater silent cinema, a tennis court, a labyrinth gardens, an eco-centro and a Children’s Den on the main island.
Soneva Jani offers a number of dining options and cuisines, as well as the complimentary cheese room, chocolate room and ice-cream room for all guests. The property is a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport and 1-hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani’s sister resort.
2. Anantara Kihavah Villas Maldives
Featuring luxurious villas with private infinity pools, Anantara Kihavah Villas is located on beautiful Kihavah Huravalhi Island in Baa Atoll. Surrounded by coral reefs and blue lagoon, it has free WiFi access and an over-water spa. Anantara Kihavah Villas is a scenic 35-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport. Airport transfers are provided by the hotel at an extra charge.
Choose from several spacious Pool Villas and Residences either sitting above the crystal-clear waters or along a pristine stretch of virgin sand. Fitted with fine wood furnishings and premium cotton bedding, the air-conditioned villas feature an over-sized bathtub, outdoor dining pavilion and an entertainment system with a flat-screen TV and more.
A wine chiller, espresso machine and fully-stocked minibar are also included. Each villa offers absolute privacy, beach and ocean access, personalised iPad concierge services, and a dedicated Villa Host on call 24 hours a day to help tailor-create your dream escape to the finest detail.
A range of water sports, including wake-boarding, windsurfing, canoeing, catamaran sailing and snorkeling, is available. For those looking to exercise, there is a tennis court and fitness centre on site. Swim with majestic manta rays or snorkel at one of the world’s most treasured house-reefs, just steps away from your villa. Stargaze into the night at the world’s only over water observatory.
Young VIPS are treated to an unforgettable holiday experience with mini-master chef classes, a giant trampoline park at the Kid’s Club, children’s amenities, and pampering sessions curated especially for young travelers at the over water spa.
The resort offers unique dining experiences in the Maldives ranging from a gourmet breakfast of live cooking stations on the beach to theatrical Teppanyaki cuisine. Integrating itself with the surrounding beauty of the vibrant coral reefs, a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic experience awaits at our multi-awarded winning underwater restaurant, SEA.
3. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – Luxury All inclusive by Hurawalhi is an exclusive resort comprising just 15 expansive, over water Ocean Residences with 44 sq metre terrace pools.
It is located in the Lhaviyani Atoll and will be the first top-end 5 star deluxe resort in the Maldives to be truly fully inclusive. From unscripted dining experiences, on the beach or on your private terrace, to in, on and above the water adventures, incredible spa treatments, private diving, excursions and water sports. Personal butlers are available 24 hours a day to assist in making this possible.
Designed by renowned architect Yuji Yamasaki, Kudadoo is inspired by traditional Japanese architecture. The Retreat – a central complex based over the water alongside the intimate 30,000 sq meter island – is home to the spa, restaurant, a wine cellar and cheese room, bar, games room and swimming pool. Its design includes perhaps the highest vantage point in the Maldives built on the sea and integrates enough solar power to sustain the resort.
Guests can enjoy unlimited private dining, spa treatments, water sports, unlimited private excursion, Private yoga and meditation, private personal trainer, unlimited in residence dining, unlimited private dining, premium champagnes, wines and beverages and all non-alcoholic beverages.
Ideal for exclusive hire, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – Luxury All inclusive also offers additional accommodation for guests’ personal team.
4. Soneva Fushi
Spacious luxury villas at Soneva Fushi are hidden among dense foliage on a private island, located within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is a 30-minute seaplane transfer from Male International Airport.
At this eco friendly resort, all the villas and rooms are extraordinarily spacious and enjoy direct private access to the beach. Signature bathrooms are built within a large private garden setting with outdoor showers and separate bathtubs.
You can explore the island with complimentary bicycles. Intuitive service is provided by Barefoot Butler. Highlights include the open-air Cinema Paradiso, counting Saturn’s rings in the high-tech Observatory, the home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms, five hundred wines to choose from and six different restaurants.
Learn the art of glass blowing at the Maldives’ only glass studio, discover the waters with complimentary non-motorised water sports, and sail aboard Soneva’s luxury two-bedroom yacht, Soneva in Aqua. Guests can spend an evening overnight at the Sandbank, completely private and remote for a truly intimate experience under the stars.
5. Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu is a sustainable luxury resort surrounded by clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Its villas come with a 37-inch flat-screen TV and Bose entertainment system. Rooms offer free WiFi.
Beautifully designed, air-conditioned villas feature an outdoor bathroom with rainshower where guests can shower under the stars. Private day beds and sunloungers lets guests enjoy the Maldivian sun from the comfort of the villas. Rooms offer electric kettle, slippers and dental kit. Newspaper can be acquired on request.
Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, in the south of Maldives. It is located on Olhuveli Island which is a 35 minute inter-island domestic flight away from Male International Airport to Kadhdhoo, followed by a short speedboat ride
Six Senses Spa features stylish private treatment rooms, Ayurvedic therapies and relaxing body massage. The resort also provides a modern gym, yoga pavilion and an on-site diving centre.
LEAF serves modern Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh organic ingredients, while premium wine and cheese can be enjoyed at Altitude Wine Cellar. Breakfast options are available. Other dining options include international cuisine at Longitude, pizza at Sip Sip, ice cream at Ice and drinks at the Chill Bar.
6. Como Maalifushi
Overlooking sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, COMO Maalifushi is a luxurious property placed in Maalifushi Island. Guests can enjoy elegantly furnished villas and soothing spa treatments. Free WiFi access is available at all areas.
All the villas feature a dining table, iPod docking station, DVD player and coffee machine. Marble bathrooms come with a large bathtub and rain-shower facilities. Most villas include a spacious private pool.
COMO Shambhala Retreat combines Asian-based therapies, nutrition, exercise and yoga with a results-driven agenda managed by experts in holistic health. With Whale Shark Excursions get up close with whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea. Choose from scheduled trips to the Farms area – a contoured, reef-corner that delivers mechanical-shaped waves that are ideal for noseriding, fish or finless, SUP or even tearing it up on a shortboard when the swell is up – or dearer private charters to some remote, secret spots. Surfers may also enjoy the benefits of Tropic surf’s world renowned coaching system.
Featuring a private beach area, this beautiful resort is located a 60-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport. It is placed in the heart of Thaa Atoll, popularly known for its diverse species of fishes and sharks.
7. Four Seasons Resort Maldives At Landaa Giraavaru
Featuring lush jungle interior and a sparkling 2-kilometre lagoon, Four Seasons Resort Maldives is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It is a 30-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport. Guests can enjoy the meals at any of the four in-house restaurants.
Land-based accommodations have private beach access, pool, outdoor showers and lush private gardens. Water Villas offer panoramic Indian Ocean views through floor to ceiling windows, spacious sundecks, outdoor showers, and nets for over-water lazing.
Experience Anti Gravity Yoga, Panchakarma, the Night Spa and a Rossano Ferretti Hair Salon at the multi-award winning Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat, complemented by Ayurvedic options in all four restaurants and bars. You can swim with seasonal groups of manta rays and whale sharks. Join coral reefscaping and turtle rehabilitation projects at the Marine Discovery Centre.
The property also offers kite-surfing, X-Jetblades and parasailing.
8. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Enjoy luxurious stays on an exclusive island at Park Hyatt Maldives, with 5-star villas located steps from powdery white sand. It features an outdoor pool, PADI 5 Star dive and activity centre, first-rate spa and fitness centre.
Nestled amidst tropical greenery, villas feature open-concept bath areas that offer scenic views. Villa comforts include private decks with day beds, media hub and flat-screen TV.
Lazy afternoons await by the large freshwater pool or in the relaxing environment of Maldives Park Hyatt’s spa. Offering personalised service, a leisure concierge can help arrange day trips.
International dishes are served in the elegant dining environments of the 2 themed restaurants, The Dining Room and The Island Grill. For a more intimate experience, in-villa dining can be arranged.
9. The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The first St. Regis located on a private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is set on nine hectares of lush tropical gardens, powdery white sand and surrounded by a turquoise lagoon. The resort can be reached by seaplane in 45-minute from Velana International Airport (MLE).
Personalized St. Regis Butler Service is available for all the rooms. The 77 spacious villas and suites each come with a private pool, iPad room controls and floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms also include a walk-in closet, private terrace and Bang & Olufsen BeoVision TV offering International channels. The marble bathrooms come with freestanding bathtub, rainforest shower and signature amenities. A non-alcoholic stocked minibar is available in each villa category. Free Wi-Fi access is also available.
Delight over Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and other international cuisines in an unforgettable setting: The St. Regis Maldives offers six distinct dining venues including a pop-up restaurant, an overwater tapas bar and exceptional wine dinners at Decanter cellar. Halal food and a Middle Eastern menu are available. Guests can also delight in a private jungle cinema experience, island picnic, floating rituals and more.
Perched over water, guests can indulge in a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation at Iridium Spa. There are six overwater treatment rooms, including two that are dedicated to healing Ayurveda treatments. Each visit offers a customized spa experience such as authentic rituals or luxury caviar treatments. The Blue Hole is one of the most expansive hydrotherapy pool in the Indian Ocean.
The property also offers services and entertainment such as acupuncture, meditation, anti-gravity yoga, Children’s club, indoor games at Socialite Club, outdoor main pool, outdoor tennis court and a library. In addition to diving, snorkeling and windsurfing, the resort offers jet skiing, sea bobbing, glass bottom kayaking, parasailing and a luxury yacht called Norma available for charter.
10. One&Only Reethi Rah
One & Only Reethi Rah is located in Maldives’ North Male Atoll. This luxurious tropical getaway overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers an infinity pool, free Wi-Fi and a peaceful private beach.
The elegant villas at One & Only Reethi Rah are situated either over the lagoon or by the beach and enjoy beautiful ocean views. Flat-screen cable/satellite TVs, iPod docks and DVD players can be enjoyed in all rooms.
Guests may enjoy massage treatments at One&Only Spa or rejuvenate with a game of tennis at the outdoor courts. The resort also has a beach club – One Tribe, catered to teenagers and KidsOnly, a spacious activity place for children facilitated by well-trained staff.
Built over the water, Tapasake Restaurant serves modern Japanese cuisine, while the beachside Fanditha Restaurant offers Middle Eastern food and champagne. Reethi offers Mediterranean cuisine. Other dining options include Rah Bar and 24-hour in-villa dining.
One & Only Reethi Rah is a 75-minute luxury yacht ride or a 45-minute speedboat ride away from Male International Airport.
If you are still considering destinations for your next break you might like to also view our guide to the most amazing hotels in Bora Bora – another incredible destinations with some of the most luxurious accommodation in the world.
