When I picture the ultimate tropical island vacation, my mind immediately wanders to the coral atolls and gin clear water of the Maldives. And I’d bet money I’m not alone.
It might not surprise you then that many of the absolute best stays on the planet can be found scattered across this picture-perfect paradise.
Lori and I have put together this carefully-crafted guide to the best Maldives luxury resorts to help you discover which is one is right for you!
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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
North Malé Atoll
We kick off our list of the very best five-star resorts in the Maldives with the Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands, one of the most unique destinations you’re likely to find anywhere on the planet.
✪ Highlights Forbes 5-Star rated • Unique open-design overwater villas • SEVEN gourmet restaurants • Lavish and sophisticated • All ages welcome
🔥 HOT TIP 🔥
We recommend taking a look at Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands’ current offers & promotions before you book, for big savings, seasonal deals, and extra add-ons.
Located on its own private island, this wow-inducing resort offers what we and many others consider to be the ultimate Maldives escape.
From the powder-white sands and calm azure waters to super-comfy accommodation and world-class amenities, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is an ideal place to experience island luxury at its best.
The resort features seven restaurants, each serving up a selection of globally-inspired cuisine. There are also several bars and lounges, custom-made for enjoying a hand-crafted sundowner or two.
When you’re not exploring the stunning resort islands, you can shift into full-on relaxation mode in their full-service spa, go for a swim in one of the inviting infinity pools, or take a dive and explore the nearby coral reef.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Baa Atoll
A luxury pool-villa oasis surrounded by nature, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offers artfully-designed rooms and facilities, which includes their award-winning underwater restaurant and cellar, SEA.
Located in the UNESCO-designated Baa Atoll, we think you’ll love snorkeling with mantas and sea turtles along the pristine reef or taking your rejuvination to the next level at the region’s only Cocoon Medical Spa.
✪ Highlights 5-Star resort • UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge • Luxury pool villas • Award-winning underwater restaurant and cellar (SEA) • Located in UNESCO-designated Baa Atoll • Cocoon Medical Spa • All ages welcome.
COMO Cocoa Island
South Malé Atoll
COMO Cocoa Island wows guests with its innovative Dhoni-inspired design, mind-blowing lagoon views, and sprawling COMO Shambhala Retreat, the island’s extensive holistic island resort spa.
A variety of recreational activities and excursions await you, from wreck diving and whale shark tours to relaxing along the island’s endless white-sands beach, making COMO Cocoa Island—in our minds—one of the very best luxury resorts in Maldives.
🔥 HOT TIP 🔥
Be sure to check out COMO Cocoa Island’s current offers and promotions for big savings, seasonal deals, and extra add-ons.
✪ Highlights 5-Star resort • Unique Dhoni-inspired overwater bungalows • COMO Shambhala Retreat holistic spa • All ages welcome.
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
North Malé Atoll
Next up, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives—simply one of the most wonderful island resorts in the world.
From the jaw-dropping, picture-perfect island setting and super-convenient location (a 20-minute speed boat ride from Malé International Airport), to world-class service and amenities at your fingertips, Gili Lankanfushi is a luxury resort quite possibly with no equal.
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives offers lots of high-end amenities, from a top-notch spa to an outdoor pool with a sundeck, and more.
Feast on delicious international and locally-sourced cuisine, from fresh and forward-thinking Maldivian dishes at toes-in-the-sand Kashiveli to exquisite Japanese fusion at aptly named By-the-Sea.
And if you’re dreaming of out-of-this-world aquatic adventures, there’s plenty of that too, from snorkeling, diving, and fishing, to kayaking and sailing.
The resort also offers lots of next-level accommodation options, from swank overwater villa suites to private residences. For the ultimate in privacy, try to snag one of the resort’s incredible Crusoe Residences, only accessible by private boat.
To top it off, Gili Lankanfushi has demonstrated a strong commitment to the natural habitat and sustainability, and is an Earth Check certified resort.
✪ Highlights 5-Star resort • Earth Check certified • Spectacular private Crusoe Residences • Only 20 minutes from Malé International Airport by speed boat • All ages welcome.
Soneva Jani
Noonu Atoll
When it comes to luxury resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Jani is in something of a league of its own.
Located on the remote Noonu Atoll, this remarkable resort is one of the lowest-density and most exclusive luxury resorts in the world providing a perfect escape for those looking for a tropical getaway like no other.
From the overwater villas with private pool and lagoon access to the secluded beaches and garden surroundings, every aspect of Soneva Jani is designed to provide an utterly serene experience.
Want your own personal waterslide from your overwater villa into a crystalline lagoon? At Soneva Jani, it can be yours!
But, there are plenty of activities available around the resort as well. Enjoy a variety of water sports, from scuba diving to kayaking and more.
Ready for a transformative wellness experience? Then we think you’ll want to spend some quality time at the resort’s top-rated spa, Soneva Soul.
Hungry? 13 outstanding restaurants are waiting to please your palette.
✪ SONEVA JANI vs. SONEVA FUSHI
It’s also very much worth checking out Soneva Jani’s exceptional sister resort, Soneva Fushi, the original luxury resort in the Maldives.
Soneva Fushi offers more of a luxury beach resort vibe with a few more activities, restaurants, and other amenities. Soneva Jani, on the other hand, offers more of an exclusive, far-flung wellness resort vibe.
✪ Highlights Forbes 5-Star Rated • Earth Check certified • Overwater villas with private pool • Spectacular private waterslide villas • 13 outstanding restaurants • All ages welcome.
The Nautilus Maldives
Baa Atoll
Uniquely located in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus Maldives is a slice of tropical paradise, offering a more personal and intimate five-star experience across just 26 amenity-packed villas.
Enjoy world-class dining options with a variety of restaurants offering fresh seafood, international cuisine, and other delicious fare. The Nautilus is also home to a number of superb bars, including a beachside bar and a poolside bar.
On the water, dive-in to snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and other fun water sports. On land, there’s tennis, yoga, golf, and lots more.
The Nautilus also has an extensive spa and wellness center, ideal for relaxing and unwinding.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, we think the Nautilus Maldives is a phenomenal place to escape to and enjoy the height of luxury in the Maldives.
✪ Highlights 5-Star resort • Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve • 26 super-luxurious and private villas with pool • Lots of activities • All ages welcome.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Lhaviyani Atoll
The uber-exclusive, all-inclusive Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi is an oasis of tranquility, featuring 15 private villas, each with its own infinity pool, spacious living spaces, and breathtaking Indian Ocean views.
Kudadoo Maldives is surrounded by—yep, you guessed it!—white sands and gin-clear water, making for an ideal setting to relax, recharge, and take in the stunning views in your own little tropical paradise.
✪ Highlights Forbes 5-Star Rating • 15 private overwater luxury willas with infinity pool • Snorkeling and diving paradise • Access to sister property Hurawalhi’s amenities including their undersea restaurant • All ages welcome.
Time to explore? We recommend taking in the wonders of the surrounding area, especially the nearby coral reefs teeming with a diversity of marine life. If you want to really get your feet wet, book a scuba diving or snorkeling trip, sunset cruise, or island tour.
And don’t forget the food! Sample a range of cuisine in the resort’s two excellent restaurants, or indulge in a massage or spa treatment.
Alternatively, hop on a short shuttle to Kudadoo’s sister property, Hurawalhi Island Resort, for an extraordinary dining experience at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant.
Four Seasons Maldives, Landaa Giraavaru
Baa Atoll
Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru is yet another truly exceptional resort in the Maldives offering five-star luxury and seclusion in a true paradise destination.
Located on a pristine island in the UNESCO-designated bio-diverse Baa Atoll, this resort offers everything you could want for a super comfy and oh-so-relaxing vacation with lots of amenities.
From spacious and elegant villas with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean to four top-notch dining options, we think you’ll feel pampered in every way.
The resort also boasts an impressive assortment of unique features and amenities, like Anti-Gravity Yoga, an award-winning spa, fully-equipped dive center, and conservation-focused Marine Discovery Centre.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, go snorkeling, or take a dip in one of the many pools, we’re pretty sure you’ll find your happy place at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru, hands-down one of the top Maldives luxury resorts on offer today.
✪ Highlights EarthCheck certified • Located in the bio-diverse Baa Atoll • Marine Discovery Center • Anti-Gravity Yoga • All ages welcome.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Alifu Dhaalu Atoll
Widely considered one of the best luxury resorts in the world, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a paradise of relaxation and luxury that sets the stage the ideal romantic getaway or family holiday.
With its dreamy island backdrop across two amazing islands, world-class amenities, and top-rated service, the Conrad has made a name for itself as one of the most sought-after Maldives luxury resorts.
🔥 HOT TIP 🔥
For an adults-only experience, you’ll want to request a villa on Rangali Island (ages 16+). The resort’s sister island, Rangali-Finolhu (connected by a bridge), offers accommodation and loads of activities for all ages.
✪ Highlights 5-Star resort • Set across two breathtaking islands • Private overwater villas with pool • All ages welcome on Rangali-Finolhu island • Ages 16+ only on Rangali Island.
Naladhu Private Island
South Malé Atoll
Wildly wonderful Naladhu Maldives Private Island might just blow you away with its eye-catching villas, sophisticated design, range of amenities, and what many consider true barefoot luxury.
Ideally located just 12 miles south of Malé International Airport in the South Malé Atoll, this gorgeous resort offers a wealth of memorable activities like sailing and scuba diving, kayaking and paddle boarding, and even an outdoor cinema.
Relax and unwind in your own private pool and sun deck, or take your vacation to the next level with a yoga class or massage in the resort’s highly-regarded spa.
Dine on both international and locally-inspired dishes, or prepare your own meals in each villa’s fully-equipped kitchen.
✪ Highlights 5-Star resort • Luxurious villas with private pool and sundeck • Close proximity to Malé and Malé International Airport • All ages welcome.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
South Malé Atoll
If you’re looking for a luxurious and idyllic stay, we think you should give the exceptional Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi a serious look.
A scenic 40-minute yacht journey from Malé International Airport, the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi offers comfy beachfront villas and world-class sea views that set the stage for an unforgettable vacation.
You can spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring the crystal-clear waters, or taking in the jaw-dropping sunsets. If you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend trying your hand at one of the many fun activities on offer, like scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing.
When it comes time to eat, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a wide selection of 11 outstanding eating venues to tempt your taste buds.
No doubt about it, the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is one of the top Maldives luxury resorts for a truly memorable island stay.
✪ Highlights 5-Star resort • Stunning overwater accommodation • 11 outstanding restaurants • All ages welcome.
Joali Being
Raa Atoll
If you’re in the mood for a truly unique destination in the Maldives, we think Joali Being is definitely worth a closer look.
Joali Being bills itself as an “immersive wellbeing retreat island” and every aspect of the resort is designed with the intention of creating a transformative vacation experience.
Plus, the resort features some of the most striking and forward-thinking architecture you’re bound to find anywhere.
Joali Being boasts 68 wonderful rooms and villas and 39 wellness treatment rooms covering a range of treatments and therapies.
✪ Highlights 5-Star resort • Our top pick for an immersive wellbeing experience • 39 wellness treatment rooms • Striking, forward-thinking design • 68 lavishly-appointed rooms and villas • Ages 13+ only.
What else to know about booking Maldives luxury resorts
If you’re looking for the height of luxury in your beach resort experience, then we think one of these Maldives resorts will certainly fit the bill. But with so many resorts to choose from, it can be hard to know which one to pick.
To make it easier for you, we’ve put together some helpful tips for making your trip planning just a bit less daunting.
- Be aware that some of the best Maldives luxury resorts have minimum stay requirements to book. For example, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives requires a stay of five nights or longer to book.
- Most luxury resorts in the Maldives are only accessible by boat or plane, and require an additional transport fee to cover the cost of getting between Malé International Airport and the resort.
- We think it’s helpful to consider the kind of environment you want to be in. Ask yourelf, do you prefer the hustle and bustle of a busy resort? Or would you rather have a more peaceful, laid-back experience?
- Be sure that the resort you’re considering offers amenities that fit your needs, such as a spa or an on-site restaurant. It may also be a good bet to book an all-inclusive package, which can include a range of activities and amenities at a significant cost savings.
- And of course, take some time to read reviews from other travelers to get a sense of what level of service and any potential issues you should anticipate during your stay.
- Be sure to book early! Many of the best Maldives luxury resorts fill up quickly, and prices can go up as availability decreases. If you’re dead-set on an over-the-water villa, you’ll definitely want to book those as early as possible.
When to Visit the Maldives
Personally, we think any time is a good time for a Maldives vacation. With that said, the best time for you will depend on what you’re hoping to get out of your getaway. Here are the pros and cons of visiting in three distinct seasons.
The Dry Season in the Maldives (Northeast Monsoon) typically runs from December to March and is considered to be high season. This is the best time of year to visit if you’re looking for generally dry weather, lower humidity, clear skies, and calm seas for outdoor activities and water sports. As with anywhere, however, high season tends to be the popular—and most expensive—time to visit.
Conversely, the Wet Season (Southwest Monsoon) from May to October brings higher humidity, occasional rain, and stronger winds, with June, July, and August being the peak of the wet season. Yet, showers during the wet season are usually short-lived and temps are always warm. And you’ll generally find the best prices and fewest tourists in this season as well.
Last, there the Shoulder Seasons (April and November), which would be our preferred months to visit the Maldives. We like shoulder season because you’ll likely still have pretty darn good weather, but without the tourist crowds and high season pricing, which in our minds makes it a win-win.
Featured Image: SONEVA JANI