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Maldives hotel beach resort on tropical Island with aerial drone view

The 10 Best Resorts In The Maldives

Maldives hotel beach resort on tropical Island with aerial drone view getty

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Dan Koday, Contributor

Forbes Vetted


Flying halfway across the world might seem like incredible lengths for a postcard-perfect beach paradise, but ask any visitor who’s been to the Maldives and they’ll tell you it’s a well-worth-it journey. Situated in a remote part of the Indian Ocean, the 1,000 small islands here form an archipelago of 26 natural atolls into a serene paradise where luxury meets sparkling waters and pristine white-sand beaches. The best resorts in the Maldives all have relaxation and rejuvenation top of mind for guests, highlighting the destination’s natural beauty, dynamic marine life and indulgent, sensorial experiences.

The low-lying water surrounding the small islands makes the Maldives an ideal location for spectacular overwater villas built on stilts, a staple of any stay. Our favorites are the ones found at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands—but there are plenty of accommodation options that make an equally breathless getaway. For families, we love Soneva Jani, with its spacious and secluded island villas, and for great value, it’s hard to beat the contemporary Lux* South Ari Atoll, with its direct access to a pristine lagoon. Below, our picks for the best hotels in the Maldives for 2024.


Best High-End Resort In The Maldives: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Who Will Love It: Seekers of exclusive, uninterrupted luxury
All-Star Amenities: The Vommuli Dive and Water Sports Center, featuring scuba diving experiences and glass-bottom kayak tours; the yoga and meditation studio, offering aerial yoga classes is also a highlight
What Not To Miss: The Whale Bar, a chic overwater bar and lounge shaped like a whale shark, with incredible cocktails and beautiful views
Location: Vommuli Island

No matter the occasion, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort offers an exquisite taste of paradise to travelers seeking luxury in a far-flung corner of the world. The remoteness of this resort ensures a quiet, uninterrupted experience amid breathtaking vistas and top-of-the-line service. Guest rooms are the definition of Maldivian glamor, featuring beautiful architectural details, oversized and light-filled windows that draw the outside beauty inside, and a soothing neutral palette accented by turquoise and water-hued blues. With 77 suites options, the St. Regis is designed to give each guest a personalized stay, whether in popular overwater bungalows or one of the larger estates, like the John Jacob Astor Estate. The hotel also excels at service, with friendly staff on call 24 hours a day to accommodate any request, big or small.

Gourmands will love all the alfresco options on white sand beaches, with restaurants catering to every palate. T•Pan–the resort’s latest concept–is intimate, including an Omakase tasting menu prepared over two Teppan counters. Private dining options are also available in various packages: Guests can enjoy the decanter five-course dinner in an underground wine cellar, a sandbank picnic on the island’s shores, or a starlight dinner after dark. In fact, the property is home to seven world-class restaurants and bars in addition to the main event, the Vommuli Island’s tranquility and marine life. The property also boasts the flashy Iridium Spa and Norma—an Azimut Flybridge 66-Yacht—ideal for gentle cruises on the Indian Ocean to private islands for snorkeling and lunch.


Best Value Resort In The Maldives: Lux South Ari Atoll

Lux* South Ari Atoll

Who Will Love: Those looking for a casual, relaxed 5-star resort without hefty price tags
All-Star Amenities: The night market-inspired street food available at East Market
What Not to Miss: The resort’s tours to see whale sharks and manta sightings near the jetty
Location: Dhidhoofinolhu Island

As the only hotel on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu, this lovely, contemporary resort offers visitors unspoiled beaches, glimmering pools, and excellent access to snorkeling in a pristine lagoon. Unlike some of the more romance-focused resorts in the Maldives, Lux* South Ari Atoll appeals to all types of travelers, from solo travelers and couples to families and groups of friends. The room setups reflect this, and with the correct configuration, some sleep up to six guests for maximizing value. Despite many different villa types, including overwater and beachfront villas steps from the shoreline, even the property’s smaller pavilions are well-equipped and have modern furnishings. They’re outfitted with vaulted ceilings and light wood details punched up by orange accent pillows and circular rugs with charming outdoor balconies. The spa-like bathrooms are open-air, flooded with light, and boast stylish rain showers.

Guests can expect culinary variety at eight restaurants and five bars, including Japanese, Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine, and little luxuries like intricate towel art, electric cruising bikes, and buggy drivers to whisk you seamlessly around the resort. Other guest favorites at Lux* include the resort’s magical pop-up movie nights on the beach, game nights and disco parties, a homemade ice cream parlor, island-roasted coffee, and a large kids club with a separate activity program for teenagers.


Best Resort In The Maldives For Couples: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Who Will Love It: Couples in need of a luxurious, relaxing getaway from everyday life
All-Star Amenities: Yoga for mind, body and spirit with expert guidance
What Not To Miss: Baraabaru fine Indian dining in a gorgeous lagoon setting
Location: Kuda Huraa Island

Serenity awaits at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, especially for those looking to unwind in a world-class spa. The resort offers expert-led yoga classes, acupuncture, cupping, and reflexology—all of which are best enjoyed with a partner. Book ahead for a private session through the visiting practitioner program, which brings in top healers from around the world to offer their gifts to guests. The resort can also set up a romantic sailing excursion on anything from a small speed boat to a more luxurious yacht. Other unique activities include a private seaplane photo shoot and the very unique opportunity to participate in baby turtle feeding.

The resort is big on programmed activities, like sunrise kayaking, snorkeling and standup paddle boarding, as well as a CrossFit class that takes place three times a week should you be inclined to break a sweat on vacation. Other complimentary services include access to tennis courts, the infinity pool deck, and pristine beaches attended by attentive staff. Of course, if the wedding hasn’t happened yet, this is a perfect spot to tie the knot, with your big day framed against the backdrop of the dazzling Indian Ocean.


Best Resort In The Maldives For Families: Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani

Who Will Love: Adventurous families seeking an unforgettable tropical escape with a dash of luxury
All-Star Amenities: A celestial dining experience accompanied by an astronomer
What Not to Miss: The Den, the Maldives' largest children's zone, featuring a two-story, technology-free family playground with activities like zip lining over waterfalls, a pool, and a pirate ship
Location: Medhufaru Island, Manadhoo

Who says family-friendly resorts can't possess a touch of luxury? Soneva, a boutique hospitality group located across the Maldives and Thailand, welcomes guests to a paradise by day where they can snorkel in crystalline waters or participate in captivating dolphin-watching cruises. By night, as the stars twinkle above, their Cinema Paradiso allows guests to cuddle up for cozy family movie nights on plush loungers with delightful refreshments.

While little ones embark on adventures and discover maritime wildlife, adult guests can enjoy a serene meal in a floating restaurant. For those intrigued by local fauna, the dive center offers the opportunity to get underwater near the resort with expert PADI-certified instructors. More adventurous souls can embark on the Baa Atoll Discovery, a three-day, two-night expedition exploring the Baa Atoll, complete with snorkeling, dolphin encounters and enriching cultural visits.

The resort offers overwater villas, but its secluded island villas are practically designed for making family memories in a private setting with uninterrupted ocean views; most rooms are blanketed in a cooling white color, while the villas come with dedicated kitchens with Smeg refrigerators, large private pools, soaking jacuzzis tubs, and swing chairs. Meanwhile, the resort's dedicated staff, including renowned experts in fitness, gastronomy, and holistic wellness, ensures that guests of all ages can immerse themselves in the most inspiring, rejuvenating, or revitalizing experiences imaginable.


Resort With the Best Amenities in the Maldives: Baglioni Resort Maldives

Baglioni Resort Maldives

Who Will Love It: Watersports and canoe enthusiasts
All-Star Amenities: Gorgeous tennis center, surrounded by lush palm vegetation, a nature academy for young ones, as well as a music-filled children’s play area with its own dedicated pool
What Not To Miss: The attentive and talented bartenders slinging cocktails from the Pool Bar
Location: Maagau

In Italy, Baglioni is known for some of the finest resorts in cities and coastal regions like Sardinia, Venice, and Puglia, and their approach to fine hospitality translates quite nicely on the Maldivian isle of Maagau. The 96 luxe villas here have beds in the middle of the room, floor-to-ceiling windows, glass sliders to take in the magnificent views, and large closets and oversized freestanding bathtubs. The sparkling-clean property scores points for its many amenities, which include various beachfront pools and shallow wading areas, lounge chairs hanging from palm trees, tennis courts, a yoga pavilion, and a large fitness studio. There are also four separate restaurants, including standout Umami, an open-air Japanese concept.

The hotel has partnered up with iconic Italian sparkling winemaker Ferrari Trento for a daily aperitivo hour, as well as other Italian brands like Frette, the luxe linen company known for their handmade bed linen and bath towels, as well as Insìum, an anti-aging cosmetics company. Guests at the resort can also expect top-notch, personalized service delivered with warm smiles. Still, perhaps one of Baglioni Maldives’ best incentives for booking is the complimentary 8th night they offer guests during an 8-night stay, with a $100 spa credit to boot.


Best Private Island Resort In The Maldives: Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island

Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island

Who Will Love It: Professionals looking to recharge and rejuvenate
All-Star Amenities: The Cheval Blanc Spa, which stretches across an entire island
What Not To Miss: Seasonal collaborations with top jewelers, fashion designers, and chocolatiers from around the globe
Location: Randheli Island

Dazzling under radiant sunshine, the azure waves of the Indian Ocean and exotic gardens beckon visitors to Cheval Blanc’s Randheli Island. This exclusive property caters to individuals, couples, and well-heeled families with an array of deluxe suites and overwater bungalows, not to mention a prestigious island villa. The Garden Water Villa and Lagoon Garden Villa room type feature unique jungled gardens on top of ocean views. The cuisine at the resort is inspired by French classics, and a hair salon by top Parisian hair stylist Leonor Greyl ensures visitors will experience the French sophistication they’re looking for.

Rooms feature beautiful architecture, paneled walls that lead from the living area into the plush bedrooms, an indoor and outdoor rain shower, and large soaking tubs. But where Cheval Blanc Randeli truly exceeds is at its decadent spa. Affiliated with Guerlain, the French luxury skincare brand, the spa is on a private, dedicated island. It offers an extensive menu of wellness experiences inspired by Maldivian traditions and a spa bar. The Spa Boutique and two private villas—four single treatment villas and two Orchidée treatment villas for two people—offer prestige treatments like an ice bubble facial massage and paraffin treatments.


Best All-Inclusive Resort In The Maldives: Lily Beach Resort And Spa

Lily Beach Resort And Spa

Who Will Love It: Families and value-hunters
All-Star Amenities: The Tamara Spa, complete with yoga sessions and holistic therapies
What Not To Miss: The Spirit Bar, bursting with unique signature cocktail options
Location: Huvahendhoo Island

The alluring beaches of Huvahendhoo Island offer visitors of all ages the chance to swim, dive, kayak, snorkel, relax, and soak up the sun in style, and Lily Beach Resort And Spa's all-inclusive offering makes it a fine option for larger groups and families. The hotel offers visitors the option of a la carte dining or the popular Platinum Plan, which includes unlimited signature drinks and soft beverages, an extensive selection of wines, Taittinger champagne by the glass, and plenty of a la carte and buffet dining options, not to mention complimentary group sunrise yoga sessions, and access to the Turtle Kids' Club for various thrilling experiences. Every guest at Lily Beach Resort & Spa can also choose three excursions per stay: coral garden snorkeling, a fishing trip, a sunset cruise, or a visit to a local island.

Suites are available in a variety of configurations, from more standard rooms with patio areas to larger suites, some with their own private pools or private hot tubs, and more significant villas and residences to accommodate families or spread out in, along with three impressive overwater villa options. Each room is carefully curated in sleek, contemporary, comfortable modern furnishings, bright, crisp linens, and darker wood and stone accents.


Best Overwater Villas In The Maldives: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Who Will Love It: Ocean lovers; honeymooners; Ritz-Carlton brand loyalists who appreciate consistency
All-Star Amenities: Overwater villas; butler services; complete fitness center with professional tennis court offering tennis lessons
What Not to Miss: Watching the sun dip below the horizon during the elegant Bodu Beru drum performance, followed by a captivating flame ceremony marking the transition from day to evening
Location: Fari Islands, North Male Atoll

Prepare to reimagine paradise at The Ritz-Carlton’s Maldives outpost, where their legendary service is at its pinnacle, and their overwater villas are breathtakingly gorgeous. Each villa features beautiful modern architecture that exposes impressive views of the glimmering Indian Ocean waters and serene beach coves and is outfitted in warm woods, natural stones, and stylish contemporary furnishings, boasting its own infinity pool and sundeck.

Upon leaving the room, the Fari Marina Village offers a splendid array of upscale boutiques and fine dining options. Seven incredible restaurants and bars offer flavors from around the world, including Southern Italian cuisine, Cantonese delights, and traditional Maldivian flavors. Beyond these delights, you can also immerse yourself in captivating cultural workshops, allowing you to delve deeper into the wonders of the Maldives. Additionally, the village boasts an immersive art installation by James Turrell and the Fari Lagoon Coral Adoption & Marine Biology Center, adding to its allure.

Dive headfirst into thrilling water adventures by becoming an Ocean Ranger with Ocean Drone X, explore underwater coral cities during the Cities Under the Sea Snorkel, engage in eco-friendly experiences with Terra Firma activities, or simply unwind on the pristine Grand Sunset Beach.


Most Unique Resort In The Maldives: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Who Will Love It: Travelers seeking unparalleled luxury fused with marine enchantment, honeymooners, and those who crave one-of-a-kind experiences, like the opportunity of sleeping beneath the waves
All-Star Amenities: The Muraka, a two-level luxury residence submerged 16 feet below the Indian Ocean's surface with an underwater master bedroom and a stunning, 180-degree curved acrylic dome
What Not to Miss: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world's first all-glass undersea restaurant
Location: Rangali Island, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll

Nestled in the South Ari Atoll and set over two islands, besides its imposing underwater residence and underwater restaurant, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers guests beach villas with private plunge pools and overwater villas with stunning vistas. The resort has become a favorite for its stress-free seaplane flights from Velana International Airport to arrive at the hotel, so guests don't have to worry about making their own arrangements. When they do arrive, they can enjoy barefoot luxury at the Over Water Spa, which offers personalized holistic treatments tailored to support overall health.

A highlight of the property is the pools, which include the 1400-foot infinity pool on the family-friendly Rangali-Finolhu Island, which has a nearby dedicated children's pool, live music and poolside fare from the Rangali Bar. There's also a Quiet Zone Pool with a capacity 50 to keep things intimate. Adventure activities are also a key highlight for the resort, with thrilling activities such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, and various water sports to fulfill a bucket list Maldivian getaway. But the real showstopper here is the on-site Ithaa Undersea restaurant, the world’s first and only undersea dining institution—sure to be the most unique experience you can find in the Maldives.


Best Eco-Friendly Resort In The Maldives: Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses Laamu

Who Will Love: Nature enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers who seek a luxurious escape with a minimal environmental footprint.
All-Star Amenities: Private butler services; meditation and wellness programs focused on diet, sleep and movement
What Not to Miss: The Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL) which is a hub for marine education and conservation, featuring the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), home to an exhibition area, marine lab, cinema, and kids' zone
Location: Laamu Atoll

The only resort located on the remote Laamu Atoll in the southern Maldives, sustainability isn't a mere buzzword at Six Senses—it's seamlessly integrated into the opulent experiences offered. This eco-conscious paradise is committed to preserving the Maldives' marine life and educating guests about sustainability and conservation. The resort’s efforts extend underwater and on land, with marine biologists working tirelessly to protect local manta rays and sea turtles. Six Senses Laamu has eliminated single-use plastics, supports community plastic-free projects, and produces chocolate, microgreens, mushrooms, and vegetables on-site. Sustainable fishing practices are also in place to benefit local fishermen.

Despite their commitment to the natural world, the resort doesn't skimp on luxury, offering over-water villas with private pools and dining at world-class restaurants, not to mention an ice cream and chocolate studio, and the Chill Bar. In this open-air pavilion, guests can swim up to after snorkeling for snacks, salads, pizzas and hard-to-resist desserts like Molten Chocolate Cake. Guests can also explore exciting water sports like sailing diving, turtle hatchling peeping, and informative, marine biologist-led sunset dolphin cruises. Meanwhile, couples can savor a uniquely romantic sailing experience followed by stargazing in an open-air cinema.


About Dan Koday, Your Maldives Guide

As a passionate traveler with a media career spanning more than 15 years, I've stayed at and reviewed some of the top hotels and accommodations in popular tourist destinations like Mexico, France, and Italy, as well as off-the-beaten-path locales like the Maldives, the Lofoten Islands of Norway, and even Antarctica. Still, some of my most treasured experiences are posting for a cocktail hour in the bush during a safari in South Africa, sailing through Drake's Passage to reach Antarctica, and trekking to Machu Picchu.