The best resorts in the Maldives

North Malé Atoll.

The closest atoll to the airport, reached by speedboat or a short seaplane flight.

South Malé, Dhaalu and the south.

Private islands and overwater estates south of the capital.

Baa and Raa: the manta atolls.

Home to Hanifaru Bay and the UNESCO biosphere reserve, about 30 to 45 minutes by seaplane.

Noonu, Lhaviyani and the far north.

The most secluded resorts, with longer flights from Malé.

One island, one resort.

Each of the Maldives’ resorts occupies its own island, with no roads, towns or neighbouring hotels in view. The choice comes down to the atoll and its marine life, the time and kind of transfer from Malé, the house reef, and whether the resort is built around wellness, families, design or seclusion.

Villas come in two kinds: beach villas with direct access to the sand, and overwater villas above the lagoon. Many guests divide a stay between the two.

Private islands and residences.

For a family or a party, several resorts keep residences or whole islands apart. The Waldorf Astoria’s Ithaafushi – The Private Island covers 32,000 square metres, with two villas and a four-bedroom residence for up to 24 guests. Cheval Blanc Randheli keeps its own Private Island, The Nautilus offers exclusive use of the whole island, and Soneva Secret, with thirteen villas, describes itself as reserved for you and your chosen few.

Whether a residence or an island is free on your dates, and on what terms, is what your advisor finds out.

For families.

Many of the finest resorts welcome children with their own spaces: The Den at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, the Muramas Kids Club at JOALI Maldives for ages one to twelve, a kids’ club at Cheval Blanc Randheli and at Velaa Private Island, and the Young Wonderers hub at The Nautilus. JOALI BEING offers a wellbeing programme for children aged four to sixteen.

For wellness.

JOALI BEING, in Raa Atoll, is built entirely around wellbeing, with programmes for the mind, the skin, the microbiome and energy. Cheval Blanc Randheli has its spa on an island of its own, and Kudadoo’s Sulha Spa and The Nautilus’s Solasta Spa serve resorts of only fifteen and twenty-six residences.

The shortest transfers.

The resorts of North Malé Atoll are the quickest to reach: the Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa is about 25 minutes by speedboat at any hour, and the Fari Islands resorts are about ten minutes by seaplane or about 45 minutes by boat. They suit a short stay, a late arrival or travellers who prefer not to fly.

Further atolls take 30 to 45 minutes by seaplane, and the far north, such as Haa Dhaalu, longer still, by seaplane or by domestic flight and speedboat.

Recognised by Michelin.

The MICHELIN Guide lists 35 hotels in the Maldives and gives Keys, its distinction for exceptional stays, to fifteen of them. Cheval Blanc Randheli holds three Keys, the highest distinction.

What booking through an advisor adds.

Advisors’ relationships with resorts bring benefits such as an upgrade on arrival, a resort credit and early check-in, and villas that never reach public booking sites. Your advisor tells you which apply to your stay, and arranges the private flight, the seaplane and the timing of the journey.

Your questions.

Tell us how you would like to stay in the Maldives.

Recommendations chosen for you, an itinerary crafted around them, and every booking managed by an independent Ultra Advisor who works with local specialists in Maldives.