Best 16 Top Luxury Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives by Olanike Olagoke

Best 16 Top Luxury Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives

Olanike Olagoke

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Soneva Jani, Maldives - Best 16 Top Luxury Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives

Maldives is one of the most remarkable island destinations in the world adorned with extravagant luxury hotels and resorts with water villas and exquisite beach suites, in this post, we reveal 16 of the best luxury hotels and resorts in the Maldives. If you’re someone who enjoys luxury, excellent service, exquisite designs, and unique, real-world island vacation experiences, then this list is definitely for you.

The Maldives’ latest generation of hotels has raised the bar considerably. Not just villas are submerged underwater these days. Nowadays, glass-floored lagoons with spas suspended above them let visitors see turtles while getting a soothing treatment. Restaurants have been submerged, and seaside treehouse bars have replaced traditional pool bars.

Maldives is the place you’ll find some of the most lavish overwater bungalows and beach resorts in the world. For guests preferring utmost exclusivity, Maldives’ Private Island Resorts offers the highest possible hospitality services with maximum comfort, relaxation and satisfaction of guests in mind.

Most hotels and resorts in Maldives also place a high premium on sustainability, as evidenced by their commitment to coral programs and conservation initiatives. Some resorts have already started relying completely on solar.

After in-depth research, here is a comprehensive guide to the best luxury resorts and hotels in the Maldives.

Water Villas in a Resort in the Maldives

Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives

1. Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani is on the edge of a lagoon in Noonu Atoll, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful white sandy beaches, – one of the best Maldivian island resorts. It is located off a large island, the resort is surrounded by shallow waters, making it one of the largest lagoons in the country. The architecture and interior design of the resort are designed to offer a comfortable and relaxing barefoot beach vacation experience, with a whitewashed style, and impeccable service to make every day special.

Soneva Jani could be said to be a world of its own, where both children and adults can enjoy roaming the jungle interior on bikes, lounging in hammocks on beaches like Robinson Crusoe, enjoying thrilling water slides, swimming in colourful reefs, and watching dolphins race through the iridescent baby-blue waters.

The overwater villas have glass-bottom floors and pool decks with corkscrew slides, while the fantastic Den, which is just a year and a half old, is the largest kids’ club in South Asia. But it’s not just about embracing your inner child, as adults can also enjoy the delights of The Gathering, located on the north side. It is an overwater barn consisting of restaurants, a library, and a wine cellar, providing an experience that is sure to enthral.

Official Website: Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani, the Maldives Source

2. Six Senses Laamu

At the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, you will be amazed at the resort’s blending of remote location, eco-living, and luxury. The beautiful villas are spread throughout the island. 91 beachfront and overwater villas are there, the largest 12 of which are retreats.

The villas are decorated in a way that promotes relaxation, using warm wood tones and calming shades. The bed is hung with billowing nets, thus creating a peaceful ambience.

The Ocean Water Villa is incredibly beautiful, spacious, and creatively designed, which is just what a paradise destination experience should be.

It is clear why Six Senses was drawn to this scenic place, surrounded by beautiful coral islands, turquoise seas, and aquamarine lagoons.

The resort is simply amazing; a tropical paradise filled with wide white beaches, abundant house reefs, and a lush forest with towering coconut palms, twisty screw pines, and fragrant sea almonds. This is a special feature for the guests, who can explore the island with the hotel’s free bikes.

There are seven excellent bars and restaurants on the property, including Drift, a charming café on Jehunuhura island, and The Point, built in a circular shape on the sunset side of the island, with a Spanish restaurant and a rooftop infinity pool.

Official Website: Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses Laamu, Overwater Villas, Laamu, Maldives Source

3. St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli is a resort on the secluded deserted island of Vommuli on Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives. It opened in 2016 and it has a very unique design that is inspired by nature, with overwater villas like manta rays and built primarily of cross-laminated wood. The library of the resort is an impressive tower, the bar is like a whale shark, and the spa is like a lobster.

The resort is relatively far and by taking a 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé you can get to it. The over-the-water villas come with spacious sundecks and private pools, which can be seen on various social media platforms, including the official page of the resort.

Most mornings at Iridium Spa inside the resort will have yoga classes with trumpetfish swimming by practising yoga.

Official Website: St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Source

4. Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Island

Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is a 5-star luxury resort with 100 villas ranging from 1-3 bedrooms that also provide a wide range of facilities like a spa, dive centre, kids club, tennis court, fitness centre, and even a photography studio.

The resort houses six restaurants, one of which is managed by a Michelin-starred chef. Each guest has his or her butler who is committed to making him/her feel at home and fully satisfied.

Over the last few years, the architectural design of the Maldives has been becoming more modern and sophisticated, and The Ritz-Carlton is a part of this process with its contemporary circular villas designed by the late architect Kerry Hill.

These villas sit above water and along a coastline next to the sea, offering guests beautiful views of the ocean. They are pools, to offer a peaceful and tranquil environment, with glass doors that open up to half-moon decks, teardrop-shaped plunge pools, and a deep blue sea.

While the rest of the resort is gorgeous, the resort may seem a bit outdated compared to the modern design of the villas.

Official Website: Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Island

Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Island Source

5. The Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Kuda Huraa

If you need a peaceful place to relax, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is the ideal location for you. The resort has a top-notch spa that provides yoga classes guided by experts, cupping, acupuncture and reflexology.

This is most enjoyable when one comes with a partner, so remember to book ahead for a private session through the visiting practitioner program. The program does not fall short of having the best healers from all over the globe to render their services to the guests.

Also, apart from the spa services, the resort has something uncommon, such as a private sailing tour on a small speedboat or a luxurious yacht, a private seaplane photo shoot, and the opportunity to be part of feeding baby turtle.

There are activities scheduled, such as sunrise kayaking, snorkelling, and standup paddle boarding, if you want to get a workout on your vacation.

The resort also offers guests free access to tennis courts, the infinity pool deck, and private beaches. The staff on the beaches are attentive. If you are getting married and looking for a venue, this is the perfect place for you to fill in the gap with the beautiful Indian Ocean as your background, that would be a wedding to remember!

Official Website: Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Kuda Huraa

Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Kuda Huraa Source

6. Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll

The Four Seasons surprisingly came up with a new development – a private island covering an area of more than five acres and containing seven bedrooms.

The island is very remote and enables a variety of experiences to suit your tastes. The Four Seasons’ design team has gone as far as redesigning the bar, ensuring that it looks good and is functional at the same time.

You’ll be able to visit Baa Atoll which is simply awe-inspiring and explore it on board your yacht. You’ll also get access to a dive centre, different beach toys, a spa, and even the Ocean of Consciousness.

And since they have a staff of 28 to take care of your comfort, you can enjoy reading under the shade with a nice book and let everyone else take the day off. The Island itself is stunning, with a mix of woven seagrass to diamond-polished concrete.

Official Website: Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll Source

7. Baglioni Resort Maldives

Baglioni is an established hospitality brand in Italy, and its luxurious resorts in cities and coastal areas such as Sardinia, Venice, and Puglia are well known. Now, they have successfully brought their excellent service to Maagau Island, the Maldives.

The resort has 96 luxury villas, which have beds in the middle of the room, floor-to-ceiling windows, glass sliders for the surrounding views, and large closets with free-standing bathtubs.

The property is well looked after and provides different amenities, including beachside pools, shallow wading areas, lounge chairs hanging from palm trees, tennis courts, a yoga pavilion, and a large fitness studio.

There is an open-air Japanese restaurant called Umami, which is a highlight among the resort’s four distinct dining destinations.

Guests of the resort will get the best, individualized service, and it will be delivered with a friendly smile.

Among Baglioni Maldives’ best incentives for booking is their free 8th night during an 8-night stay that is offered to the guests and their $100 spa credit.

Official Website: Baglioni Resort Maldives

Baglioni Resort Maldives Source

8. Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island

Randheli Island, Cheval Blanc’s most luxurious property, provides its guests with an exceptional experience. The property offers deluxe suites and overwater bungalows including an island villa with the capacity to accommodate singles, couples, and families.

Garden Water Villa and Lagoon Garden Villa room types have jungle gardens with ocean views. The resort’s cuisine is influenced by the French classics, and there is a hair salon run by top Parisian hair stylist Leonor Greyl, to ensure that visitors experience the French sophistication that they are looking for.

The rooms have amazing architecture, panelled walls that go on from the living area into plush bedrooms, indoor and outdoor rain showers, and large soaking tubs.

Nevertheless, Cheval Blanc Randheli’s ultimate luxury is its exclusive spa. The spa, which partnered with the French luxury skincare brand Guerlain, is located on a private island dedicated to this purpose.

It has a wide range of Maldivian culture-based wellness experiences and a spa bar as well. The Spa Boutique and two private villas, comprising four single treatment villas and two Orchidée treatment villas each for two people, offer luxury services such as an ice bubble facial massage and paraffin treatments.

Official Website: Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island

Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island Source

9. Joali Being Resorts, Bodufushi

Joali Being is a resort located on the secluded island of Bodufushi, that is developed to provide an introspective wellness experience tailored to every individual. This resort is equipped with many luxury wellness facilities, such as thirty-nine treatment rooms, a salt inhalation room, water therapies, and sensory deprivation.

Health and wellness are at the forefront of the services offered at the resort, which includes a variety of treatments and alternative health ceremonies. Moreover, the resort’s cuisine is also dedicated to supporting wellness.

One of the most adored architectural features of Joali Being is the villa design created by Autoban, an architecture firm. The villas are built to inspire a feeling of harmony and balance with their unique swimming pools and lounges that seamlessly integrate the outside and inside living.

If you are looking to deeply immerse yourself in a wellness experience combined with an outstanding resort in the Maldives, consider a stay at Joali Being.

Official Website: Joali Being Resorts, Bodufushi

Water Villa with Pool and Terrace, Joali Being Resorts, Maldives Source

10. One&Only Reethi Rah

As one of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives, the One&Only Reethi has maintained its reputation for sophistication and style from the time of its opening in 2005.

The resort has 130 spacious villas, each of which is carefully situated in beautiful landscaping where guests have the choice of having their private sandy beach or a deck overlooking the lagoon’s sparkling waters. The food here is of the best quality, prepared creatively and served in multiple ways, and the staff is well-trained to meet the individual needs of the guests.

The spa presents a tranquil setting that is different from the rest of the resort. It is situated within a garden and lawn that are well maintained.

One&Only Reethi Rah is a preferred choice by royalties and top Hollywood celebrities. The resort also has a teens zone with ping pong tables, water sports and cooking.

Over time, the resort has added various features, like pools in overwater villas, but the beach pool villas remain the most elaborate, providing large wardrobes and a lot of shoe space.

Official Website: One&Only Reethi Rah

One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives Source

11. LUX South Ari Atoll

This island resort offers 193 villas, situated both on the beach and on two jetties, one of which is exclusively for adults.

The villas feature vaulted white ceilings, grey wood-effect ceramic floors, and tree-trunk furniture.

Many of the over-water villas are newly constructed, and the interiors have been updated. The spa is larger and has been renovated to include new features. The resort has a relaxed beach club atmosphere, and guests can use bicycles to travel between the two bars located at opposite ends of the island three kilometres long.

The standard all-inclusive rate includes meals and drinks at seven of the nine restaurants inside the resort, yoga classes, access to the spa’s plunge pool and sauna, an excellent selection of water sports, and a snorkelling trip.

This spa offers unique activities like stand-up paddleboard yoga for core strength, private tennis lessons, and swimming with whale sharks led by a marine biologist in a protected area.

Official Website: LUX South Ari Atoll

LUX South Ari Atoll, Maldives Source

12. Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru

Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru is a luxury resort that was built on a former coconut plantation. The villas are large, tastefully – designed, and the food is natural and delicious.

The Spa at the resort is outstanding and has been given the 2020 Spa Guide award for the most meaningful experience. It consists of overwater treatment rooms and a shady Ayurvedic space in a clearing.

The experts at the Tantric Ayurvedic Center in Indonesia, provide rituals that continue for hours. The spa is also equipped to provide a 14- or 21-day panchakarma weight loss cleanse that will help you lose weight fast.

The resort’s Marine Discovery Center is managed by a team of biologists who are experts in manta-ray research. If you’re passionate about the natural beauty of the underwater world, you can observe the hidden beauty with a snorkel or in a tank.

Official Website: Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru

Water Suite at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives Source

13. Lily Beach Resort and Spa

Lily Beach Resort and Spa is ideal for large groups and families because it provides an all-inclusive package. Visitors are allowed to pick between the option of a la carte dining and the Platinum Plan, which includes unlimited signature drinks and soft beverages and, an extensive wine selection.

Every guest can choose three excursions per stay from coral garden snorkelling, a fishing trip, and sunset cruises, to a local island visit.

Resort suites are available in different layouts, from standard rooms with patios to larger suites featuring pools or hot tubs and even bigger villas and residences for families or those who need more space.

There are also 3 outstanding villa options overwaters. Each room is meticulously designed with modern, minimalist, and comfortable furnishings, fresh linen, and dark wood or stone accents.

Official Website: Lily Beach Resort and Spa

Lily Beach Resort and Spa, Maldives Source

14. Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is an extraordinary private island resort which is located at the southern end of the remote Ra Atoll. It is with this most isolated and beautiful location in the Maldives. The resort has 81 spacious villas and residences that are situated on the beach, around the lagoon, or over water.

The property features several luxury wellness and leisure amenities, unique experiences, and six restaurants and bars, making it the best place for a luxurious vacation. The resort is recognized for its excellent service, which has been extended to Club InterContinental benefits for all guests. It also includes afternoon tea and evening refreshments all day long by the pool or the beach.

One of the best features of the resort is the Manta Ray Sanctuary, which makes it both different and outstanding. Therefore, this is the top Maldives hotel to snorkel with manta rays all year round. The resort is surrounded by a wide variety of marine life which makes it the perfect destination for those who want to discover the underwater world.

Official Website: Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, Maldives Source

15. Jumeirah Maldives, Olhahali Island

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island is a perfect haven for all things luxury, located on the pristine blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The resort is set on the northern tip of the North Malé Atoll and is reachable by a 1-hour speedboat or a 15-minute seaplane ride.

Each of the 67 luxurious villas was designed with a private rooftop terrace, an infinity pool, and 24/7 butler service. The overwater spa features luxurious signature rituals that are based on the Ayurvedic tradition.

The resort’s amazing yet sophisticated architecture and serene interior spaces are the creation of Singaporean design studio, Miaja, who have come up with a contemporary, elegant style that co-exists with nature, reflecting modern Mediterranean chic.

The activities range from yoga classes and underwater photography trips to a splash park amidst the beach and babysitting services that guarantee a restful stay for everyone.

Official Website: Jumeirah Maldives, Olhahali Island

Discover Jumeirah Maldives, Jumeirah – Official Video

16. Ayada Maldives

Ayada Maldives is one of the most luxurious and all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, on a private island with stunning white sand beaches and lush tropical greenery. The resort accommodates its guests in a genuine Maldivian style, with large villas with private infinity pools, multiple award-winning AySpas, and a wide range of restaurant assortments.

Ayada Maldives is located on the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, 30km north of the Equator, and the resort has a land area of 15 hectares. The island is big enough to walk or ride a bike, and there is a lot to explore and find.

For example, the resort provides its guests with the opportunity to taste the rouge with brie slices sitting on a bench made from a fishing boat.

The resort offers a wide range of water sports, excursions, and other activities for the guests to indulge in. This includes sunset cruises, fishing trips, and expeditions to inhabited islands that are handled by a dedicated, professional, and friendly team of guides. There is so much to see and do, Ayada Maldives, is a perfect choice for a luxury holiday.

Official Website: Avada Maldives

Avada Maldives Resort Source

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which are the top luxury hotels and resorts in the Maldives?

Soneva Jani, Six Senses Laamu, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah, and St Regis Maldives are some of the finest and most luxurious hotels and resorts in the Maldives.

2. What facilities will I find in five-star hotels and resorts in Maldives?

The Maldives have luxury hotels and resorts that offer a variety of facilities, including overwater villas or beachside suites, gourmet dining, spa services, water sports, infinity pools, personalized butler service, and access to white sandy beaches and intact coral reefs.

3. What is the key factor that distinguishes Soneva Jani from other luxury resorts in the Maldives?

Soneva Jani has an innovative design, eco-friendly initiatives, and top-notch luxury. It includes luxury villas over the water with perks like glass-bottom floors, private pool decks, and corkscrew slides. The resort also gives you experiences like a stargazing observatory, outdoor cinema, and sustainable dining options.

4. Is it possible for families to stay in luxury hotels or resorts in the Maldives?

Yes, some of the 5-star hotels and resorts in the Maldives also cater to families with huge rooms, kids programs and clubs, babysitting services, family-friendly dining options, and features such as shallow lagoons for kids-safe swimming and snorkelling.

5. What is the perfect time of year for rich hotels and resorts in the Maldives?

The best time for a visit to the magnificent hotels and resorts in the Maldives is during the dry season which usually starts in November and ends in April. While here, you should be ready for sunny days, calm seas, and great visibility for underwater activities like diving and snorkelling. Nevertheless, Maldives is a year-round destination, and the weather condition varies from season to season.

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Posted Jul 15, 2024

Discover the epitome of luxury hospitality with these top luxury hotels and resorts in the Maldives offering stunning overwater villas and unparalleled services

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