12 Absolutely Mind-Blowing Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

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.

For the discerning traveler, there’s nothing quite like a stay at one of the Maldives’ most spectacular, top-rated stays. And this personally crafted guide to the best Maldives luxury resorts will help you discover which is one is right for you!

The Best Maldives Luxury Resorts

Looking for the ultimate island getaway? Here it is! Get ready to feast your eyes on picture-perfect seascapes, dreamy private islands, and the ultimate in hotel design and sophistication in our guide to the most spectacular Maldives luxury resorts!

Lori and I are excited to share with you our hand-picked list of the cream of the crop, best of the best bucket list Maldives 5-star resorts that will leave you breathless and stunned at every turn.

The Maldives are widely considered the premier luxury tropical island destination in the world. From bucket list Maldives water villas to some of the best all-inclusive resorts on the planet, a Maldives vacation offers an exceptionally unique and unforgettable experience.

Why Gili Lankanfushi is Our #1 Pick

We kick off our list of the very best five-star resorts in the Maldives with 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 Male International Airport), to the world-class service and amenities at your fingertips, Gili Lankanfushi is a luxury resort with no equal.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by unparalleled beauty. The crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical vegetation make Gili Lankanfushi a paradise come true. And that’s just the beginning.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives offers a wide range of luxury amenities, from a sumptuous spa to an outdoor pool with a sundeck and much 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 an array of accommodation options, from luxurious overwater villa suites to private residences. For the ultimate in privacy, you’ll want 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.

With a perfect combination of excitement, relaxation, luxury, and location, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is a true dream vacation destination.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best
• 5-Star hotel rating
• Earth Check Certified
• All Ages Welcome

Highlights

• Our Top Pick among the best Maldives luxury resorts
• Spectacular private Crusoe Residences
• 20 minutes from Male International Airport by speed boat

What’s Special About Soneva Jani

When it comes to luxury resorts in the Maldives, Soneva Jani is truly in 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 pools and lagoon access to the secluded beaches and lush gardens, everything about Soneva Jani is designed to provide you with a luxurious and utterly serene experience.

Want your own personal waterslide from your overwater villa into a crystalline lagoon? At Soneva Jani, it can be all yours!

Of course, there are plenty of activities available around the resort as well. Enjoy a variety of water sports, from scuba diving to kayaking and much more.

Ready for a transformative wellness experience? Spend some quality time at the resort’s top-rated spa, Soneva Soul.

Hungry? 13 outstanding restaurants are waiting to wow your palette.

Soneva Jani has everything you need for the ultimate getaway. With five-star amenities, stunning natural surroundings, and a leading emphasis on conservation and sustainability, it’s no wonder why this is one of the most sought-after Maldives luxury resorts.

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.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • Forbes 5-Star Rated
• Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s Best Awards: 2023 Best International Sustainable Hotel
• Condé Nast Traveller India’s readers travel awards: 2023 Favourite Overseas Leisure Hotel
• Earth Check Certified
• All Ages Welcome

Highlights

• Overwater villas with private pools
• Spectacular private waterslide villas
• 13 outstanding restaurants
• Next-level service and luxury

What’s Special About Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands

Next up, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is one of the most unique destinations you’re likely to find anywhere on the planet. Located on its own private island, this luxurious resort offers what many consider to be the ultimate Maldives escape.

From the pristine white sands and tranquil turquoise waters to lavish accommodation and world-class amenities, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is a perfect place to experience true island luxury.

The resort features seven restaurants, each serving up a selection of globally-inspired cuisine. There are also several bars and lounges, perfect for enjoying a hand-crafted sundowner or two.

When you’re not exploring the amazing resort islands, you can shift into full-on relaxation mode in the luxurious spa, go for a swim in one of the stunning infinity pools, or take a dive and explore the colorful coral reef, nearby.

With its incredible location, ultra-luxe amenities, and world-class service, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is a must-visit for anyone looking for the ultimate Maldives luxury resorts escape.

Be sure to check out Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands’ current offers and promotions for big savings, seasonal deals, and extra add-ons.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • Forbes 5-Star Rated
• All Ages Welcome

Highlights

• Unique overwater villa open design
• 7 gourmet restaurants
• Lavish and sophisticated

What’s Special About The Nautilus

Uniquely located in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus Maldives is a tropical paradise offering a more personal and intimate five-star experience across just 26 luxurious 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, enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and other fun water sports. On land, there’s tennis, yoga, golf, and much more.

The Nautilus also has an extensive spa and wellness center, perfect for relaxing and unwinding.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Nautilus Maldives is a phenomenal place to escape to and enjoy the luxury of the Maldives.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• 5-star resort
• World Travel Awards: 2021 Maldives Leading Boutique Resort
• All Ages Welcome

Highlights

• Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• 26 super luxurious and private villas with pool
• Lots of activities

What’s Special About Kudadoo

The exclusive, all-inclusive Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi is an oasis of tranquility featuring 15 private villas, each with infinity pool, spacious living spaces, and breathtaking Indian Ocean views.

Kudadoo Maldives is surrounded by white sands and turquoise waters, and provides an ideal location to relax, recharge, and take in the stunning vistas of this tropical paradise.

Time to explore? Take in the wonders of the surrounding area, from coral reefs teeming with sea life to lush tropical gardens. The resort also offers scuba diving and snorkeling trips, sunset cruises, and island tours.

Finally, 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.

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable holiday or a romantic getaway, Kudadoo Maldives is an outstanding five-star destination and one of the best Maldives luxury resorts you’re bound to find.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• Forbes 5-Star Rating
• All Ages Welcome

Highlights

• 15 private overwater luxury villas with infinity pools
• Snorkeling and diving paradise
• Access to sister property Hurawalhi’s amenities including their undersea restaurant

What’s Special About the Four Seasons

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 need for a luxurious, relaxing vacation. From the spacious and elegant villas with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean to four exquisite dining options, you will be pampered in every way.

The resort also boasts an impressive array of unique features and amenities, from Anti Gravity Yoga and an award-winning spa, to 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, you’ll find something to suit you at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru, one of the top Maldives luxury resorts on offer today.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• GQ Russia Travel Awards: 2021 Best Beach Resort
• EarthCheck Certified
• All Ages Welcome

Highlights

• Located in the bio-diverse Baa Atoll
• Marine Discovery Center
• Anti Gravity Yoga

What’s Special About Conrad Rangali Island

Widely considered one of the best luxury resorts in the world, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a paradise of relaxation and luxury that evokes the perfect romantic getaway or family holiday.

With its dreamy island backdrop across two amazing islands, world-class amenities, and impeccable service, it’s no wonder why the Conrad is one of the most sought-after Maldives luxury resorts.

This exceptional resort features a range of accommodation options, from private villas with their own private pools and decks, to luxurious overwater bungalows with direct access to the magnificent Indian Ocean.

For an adults-only experience, make sure 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.

Indulge in the resort’s many offerings, such as a world-class spa, gourmet restaurants, and a variety of fun activities such as snorkeling and deep-sea fishing.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• 5-star resort
• World Travel Awards: 2023 Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel

Highlights

• Set across two breathtaking islands
• Private overwater villas with pools
• All Ages Welcome on Rangali-Finolhu island
• Ages 16+ only on Rangali Island

What’s Special About Naladhu

Wildly wonderful Naladhu Maldives Private Island will blow you away with eye-catching villas, elegant design, sumptuous amenities, and true barefoot luxury.

Ideally located 12 miles south of Male International Airport in the South Male Atoll, this gorgeous resort offers a wealth of exciting 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 relaxation to the next level with a yoga class or rejuvenating massage in the resort’s top-notch spa.

Dine on scrumptious international cuisine and local dishes, or prepare your own meals in each villa’s fully equipped kitchen.

With breathtaking surroundings and first-class amenities, Naladhu Private Island is a perfect place to relax and escape there stress of everyday life, earning the resort a spot on our list of very best Maldives luxury resorts.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• 5-star resort
• All Ages

Highlights

• Luxurious villas with private pool and sundeck
• Close proximity to Male and Male International Airport

What’s Special About Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi

If you’re looking for a luxurious and idyllic stay, it’s hard to go wrong with the exceptional Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

A scenic 40-minute yacht journey from Male International Airport, the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi is the epitome of island paradise, from the stunning beachfront villas to the incredible ocean vistas that make up the backdrop for an unforgettable escape.

Spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring the crystal clear waters, and admiring the stunning sunsets. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at some of the island’s more daring activities, like scuba diving, snorkeling, or parasailing.

When it comes time to eat, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the 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.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• 5-star resort
• All Ages

Highlights

• Stunning overwater accommodation
• 11 outstanding restaurants

What’s Special About Joali Being

If you’re in the mood for a truly unique destination in the Maldives, 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 astounding 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 wide assortment of treatments and therapies.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• 5-star resort
• Ages 13+

Highlights

• Top pick on our list for immersive wellbeing retreat
• 39 wellness treatment rooms
• Striking forward-thinking design
• 68 lavishly appointed rooms and villas

What’s Special About Anantara Kihavah

A luxury pool-villa oasis surrounded by nature, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offers exquisitely designed rooms and facilities including the award-winning underwater restaurant and cellar, SEA.

Located in the UNESCO-designated Baa Atoll, Anantara Kihavah offers something for everyone, from snorkeling with mantas and sea turtles along the pristine reef to the region’s only Cocoon Medical Spa.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• 5-star resort
• UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge
• All Ages

Highlights

• Luxury pool villas
• Award-winning underwater restaurant and cellar (SEA)
• Located in UNESCO-designated Baa Atoll
• Cocoon Medical Spa

What’s Special About COMO Cocoa Island

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of the very best Maldives Luxury Resorts, 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 guests from wreck diving and whale shark tours to relaxing along the island’s endless white-sands beach, making COMO Cocoa Island one of the very best luxury resorts in Maldives.

Be sure to check out COMO Cocoa Island’s current offers and promotions for big savings, seasonal deals, and extra add-ons.

Ratings & Awards

• TripAdvisor Rating: 5.0 • 2023 Traveler’s Choice
• 5-star resort
• All Ages

Highlights

• Dhoni-inspired overwater bungalows
• COMO Shambhala Retreat holistic spa

Our Top Tips for Booking the Best Luxury Resorts in The Maldives

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, then booking a luxury resort in the Maldives is the perfect choice. But with so many resorts to choose from, it can be hard to know which one to pick. To make it easier, here are some top tips for booking the perfect Maldives luxury resort.

• Be aware that some of the best Maldives luxury resorts have minimum stay requirements to book. For example, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives requires you stay at least 5 nights.
• 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 Male International Airport and the resort.
• It’s helpful to consider the kind of environment you want to be in. Do you prefer the hustle and bustle of a busy resort, or would you rather have a more peaceful, laid-back atmosphere?
• Make sure the resort offers amenities that fit your needs, such as a spa or an on-site restaurant. Consider booking all-inclusive packages, which often include a variety of activities and amenities.
• Read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of the level of service and what to expect from your stay.
• Be sure to book early! Many of the best resorts in the Maldives 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 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.

Maldives Luxury Resorts FAQ

FEATURED IMAGE CREDIT: SONEVA JANI