The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands, only 200 of which are inhabited. The islands are grouped into natural atolls containing a tropical haven of white-sand beaches and tall, swaying palms. The region is known for its luxurious “water villas,” with each resort generally occupying an entire atoll. Imagine having a suite with a glass floor under which manta rays and reef sharks can be seen swimming in the crystal turquoise water, or accommodations on the mainland among lush gardens with plunge pools and views of the Indian Ocean. Almost all luxury resorts in the Maldives offer similar options; however, the following are our Favorite 5.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives
Rich with coconut, mango, and papaya trees, Anantara Kihavah Maldives is a luxury resort that has maintained the original nature of the island. Perfect for the master astronomer or the average stargazer, this resort has the Maldives’ only observatory that hovers over the water. Anantara Kihavah Maldives has many different types of accommodations, from classic overwater villas to a four-bedroom beach residence that houses up to 12 adults.
This 5-star resort has a spa, boat excursions, water sports, activities for the kids, and eight different restaurant options. Their most popular is SEA, an underwater dining experience.
Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru
This resort sits on an island in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, so guests can expect shockingly iridescent blue waters and thriving green jungles.
The accommodations include 10 different room styles that allow guests to have the option to hover above the ocean in a villa or have direct beach access from a bungalow. Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru also has seven different specialty suites for families or larger groups. The dining includes everything from Italian to Arabic to local Maldivian seafood. There are four bars scattered across the resort that guests can visit.
Hurawalhi Resort
Hurawalhi is an intimate, adults-only resort and is perfect for a peaceful and romantic getaway.
The resort offers visitors five different types of villas. The most popular is the Ocean Pool Villa, where guests have a private infinity pool that suspends over the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. The rooms feature a king-size bed, a private sun deck with chaise lounges, and a table and chair set.
Hurawalhi Resort holds symbolic (but not legally binding) wedding ceremonies from three picturesque locations.
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
With hotels all over the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe, Jumeirah Maldives is the place to go and be pampered. After taking a 15-minute scenic seaplane to the hotel, travelers are greeted with crystal waters and pearly white sand. There are many different styles of villas to choose from at this luxury resort. Regardless of the variety of accommodation layouts, every villa has a private rooftop terrace and infinity pool.
Jumeirah Maldives offers guests private movie screenings, land and water activities, babysitting services, an on-island photographer, and a semi-submarine ride.
Dhigali Maldives
The Dhigali Maldives resort has eight different room styles, ranging from classic over-the-water villas to residences that walk out to the resort’s private beach.
This 5-star luxury hotel presents guests with three swimming pools to choose from, a fitness center, a game room, and a spa. The spa offers massages, body scrubs, facials, and yoga. Dhigali Recreation Center gives guests many different excursion options, such as a dolphin cruise or a sunset cruise. There are eight diverse restaurants to choose from, featuring Maldivian spices that complement the fresh and local seafood.