10 Best Resorts in the Maldives: Worth to Stay
The Maldives is famous for its postcard-perfect beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts that offer a slice of paradise. With over 100 resort islands, opting for the best resorts in the Maldives can be overwhelming.
So, after visiting Maldives many time, I have listed the best resorts in the Maldives includes Waldorf Astoria, Atmosphere Kanifushi, Emerald Maldives, Soneva Jani, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, and Anantara Dhigu. These resorts are categorized as best due to their stunning locations, luxury amenities, sustainability efforts, unique experiences, and diverse dining options.
Here is the detailed Maldives resorts list with all the necessary information:
1. Luxury Adults-Only Accommodations
Location: Dhaalu Atoll
The St. Regis Maldives impresses with its secluded private island in the pristine Dhaalu Atoll. Shaped like manta rays, the 77 villas offer beachside tropical luxury or modern overwater bungalows with glass floor panels.
Guests can indulge in world-class wining and dining at the 6 restaurants, relax at the Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool, or party at the iconic whale-shaped Whale Bar. This is one of the luxury resorts in Maldives with bespoke Butler Service available 24/7 to accommodate every need.
2. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Location: South Malé Atoll
Waldorf Astoria’s considered one of the top resorts in Maldives for elite hospitality that shines at the Reethi Rah private island. The villas feature private pools, panoramic Indian Ocean views, and the brand’s signature amenities.
Dining is a highlight here, with 11 restaurants that take you on a global culinary journey. The serene lagoon setting offers exceptional snorkeling, and you can learn about marine conservation efforts through customized reef biology excursions.
3. Atmosphere Kanifushi
Location: Lhaviyani Atoll
For a quiet tropical escape immersed in natural beauty, Atmosphere Kanifushi charms with its lush greenery, extensive beachfront, and inviting turquoise lagoon in the Lhaviyani Atoll. The 135 beach and water villas exude a traditional Maldivian aesthetic with thatched roofs and wooden fixtures. Families can enjoy the kids’ club and teens’ lounge while couples enjoy romantic dining on the beach. And the memorable sunrise yoga sessions are not to be missed!
4. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
Location: Raa Atoll
Situated on the beautiful Fasmendhoo island, this resort impresses with its breathtaking beaches, vibrant coral reefs bursting with marine life, and 120 stylish beach and overwater villas. Guests can enjoy unlimited gourmet dining and premium beverages as part of the all-inclusive meal plan. A kids club, spa, fitness centre, water sports galore, and nightly entertainment ensure an unforgettable luxury experience for families and groups.
5. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Location: Lhaviyani Atoll
For the ultimate in exclusivity, the ultra-luxury Kudadoo is a fully solar-powered private island with just 15 ocean retreat villas, offering a flawless all-inclusive holiday. Guests enjoy bespoke private dining, unlimited spa treatments, personal butler service and activities like snorkelling, diving, fishing charters and more. Relax in your private infinity pool or experience the Maldives’ first Hurley Surf simulator – this flawless retreat has it all!
6. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Location: Shaviyani Atoll
Nestled on the remote Vagaru Island, JW Marriott charms with its tropical sophistication, impeccable service, and family-friendly vibe. From beachside pool villas to indulgent couple’s sanctuaries, the accommodations offer laid-back luxury with scenic ocean panoramas. Kids can enjoy aquatic adventures, join marine biology classes or watch movies under the stars. For couples, there are private cruises, champagne breakfasts on white-sand beaches, and sunset dolphin viewing.
7. Soneva Jani
Location: Noonu Atoll
Eco-conscious luxury takes centre stage at this breathtaking resort with overwater villas equipped with slides into the lagoon. Dining is creative, sustainable, and delicious across the 5 restaurants that grow their herbs and vegetables. Guests can gaze at the Milky Way from the observatory, meet manta rays while snorkelling, or explore the “silent cinema”. And families love the kids’ water slides and fun-filled playground.
8. LUX* South Ari Atoll
Location: South Ari Atoll
Contemporary design blended with laid-back luxury makes LUX* South Ari Atoll a magnet for stylish jet-setters. Guests can choose between staying overwater or on the beach while enjoying gourmet dining, a beachfront spa, tennis courts, PADI diving, and a hip ambience with live music and DJ nights. Families love the kids’ club, teens lounge, and range of water sports, while adults enjoy the infinity pool and bubble soak tubs.
9. Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
Location: South Malé Atoll
Anantara Dhigu’s beachfront and overwater villas on Dhigu Island blend indigenous designs with modern luxuries like outdoor rain showers and private plunge pools. it is the best Maldives sea resort that can inspire you with its awesome view.
Additionally, Snorkeling the thriving house reef is a compliment along with world-class diving expeditions to view manta rays and whale sharks. You can enjoy signature dining at this beautiful Sea resort. Fire.Salt restaurant, followed by cocktails and shisha at the sunset bar makes this resort one of the best place to sit at the evening with your loved one and enjoy the yellow light.
10. The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Location: Noonu Atoll
For fun-filled family vacations, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi in the secluded Noonu Atoll delivers its spacious beach suites with slide access into the Indian Ocean. Parents can relax at the infinity pool while kids enjoy waterslides, diving classes, climbing walls, and more. With 14 restaurants and bars, water villas with direct lagoon access, and a house reef teeming with marine life – this resort promises memorable Maldivian escapes.
With overwater bungalows, underwater dining and world-class hospitality, these resorts showcase the best luxury escapism in island paradise destinations. So get ready to have your breath taken away by glittering Indian Ocean vistas, indulge in exquisite global cuisines and build memories to last a lifetime in the Maldives!
FAQs
1. What are the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives?
Some of the most best resorts in the Maldives include The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island, and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Moreover, the one of the most luxury resorts in Maldives is Atmosphere Kanifushi located at Lhaviyani Atoll. These resorts offer elite amenities like private butler service, overwater villas with infinity pools, award-winning dining, and world-class spas.
2. What are the best family-friendly Best resorts in the Maldives?
Family-friendly best resorts in the Maldives include Kurumba Maldives, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, and Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi. These resorts cater to kids and adults alike with clubs, teen lounges, family pools and slides, kids eat free policies, water sports, and more.
3. What resorts in the Maldives offer the best snorkelling and diving?
Some of the best Maldives resorts for snorkeling and diving are Hurawalhi Island Resort, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Milaidhoo Island, Diamonds Thudufushi Beach and Water Villas, and Gili Lankanfushi Maldives. These resorts offer access to thriving house reefs and are close to top dive spots to see marine life like manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and more.
4. What are some affordable or budget resort options in the Maldives?
Some more affordable resort options in the Maldives include Atmosphere Kanifushi, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, Lux* South Ari Atoll, and Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. While not exactly budget, these resorts offer value rates, all-inclusive packages or 3-4 star accommodations at lower prices than overwater luxury villas.
5. What resorts in the Maldives offer overwater bungalows?
Some top resorts featuring overwater bungalows include Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Vakkaru Maldives, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. These resorts allow guests to experience unique accommodations suspended above turquoise lagoons for spectacular ocean views.
