Luxury Maldives resorts: Why these 15 are the best!
Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays
The Maldives is the global benchmark for a tropical escape in barefoot luxury. With its endless turquoise lagoons, expansive beaches and five star indulgence, it rewrites your idea of perfection. There are a number of luxury Maldives resorts and you don’t know which would be the right one for you. We have made things easier for you.
If you are looking for information on the best luxury all inclusive resorts in Maldives, the key is to understand which places truly deliver. There are some resorts which go beyond service and redefine indulgence.
In this blog we have listed luxury resorts and added all the information you would need to make your choice.
Also read: Private Island Resorts In Maldives: The Epitome Of Luxury – Flying Squirrel Holidays
Jump to Sections
· Why resorts trump hotels in the Maldives
· Combining art and eco consciousness
· Best time to visit and how to reach
Why resorts trump hotels in the Maldives
It is not just the view that sets the Maldives luxury resorts 5 star experience apart, it is the philosophy behind it. In traditional hotels, guests share beaches and facilities. Whereas Maldives follows the ‘one island, one resort’ model. Each property in this place exists on their own private islands which creates a level of privacy and serenity that no city hotel can replicate.
Here the best luxury all inclusive resorts are entire worlds of their own. The overwater bungalows stretch into turquoise lagoons. The beach villas have direct access to a private beach. Coral reefs just wait steps away from your resort room.There are open-air spas as well as restaurants perched above the ocean. Every detail here is designed so carefully that it blends perfectly with nature.
The Maldives luxury resorts also redefine service with personal butlers, private chefs and tailor–made experiences. Guests here just don’t take up a room, it’s like investing in immersive experiences. For all those seeking the best resort in Maldives for Indian travellers or international travellers alike, this sense of exclusivity is the ultimate luxury.
The reigning monarchs of luxury Maldives resorts
Maldives is a place where celebs from the world go to holiday. So when it comes to opulence and customised services some surpass the world’s best.
1.Velaa Private Island
Velaa Private Island is a resort which reevaluates what a Maldives luxury resort 5 star experience truly means. This island is situated at Noonu Atoll and the resort is a secluded sanctuary where every detail has been carefully crafted for the ultimate sense of exclusivity.
Opulent stay: Guests can choose on their own accord from expansive overwater villas, beach pavilions as well as duplex suites, all of which feature private pools, direct reef access and expansive terraces overlooking beautiful turquoise lagoons.
Amazing experiences: Marine life is easily accessible from here. Marine adventures like snorkelling or diving from your villa brings you face-to-face with tropical fish, manta rays and vibrant coral gardens. Private butlers orchestrate personalized experiences like bespoke dining and you can go for guided water adventures as well.
Exclusive highlights: The resort offers a private submarine, a snow room, and a world-class golf academy that ensures every new day brings something extraordinary. Human wellness is elevated through a spa that offers traditional healing techniques alongside modern treatments which are tailored to individual preferences. Culinary experiences in this resort span fourteen spectacular venues, which includes casual beachside seafood to haute cuisines crafted by renowned chefs.
2.Cheval Blanc Randheli
Cheval Blanc Randheli is a resort that reflects polished refinement and understated elegance which makes it one of the best resorts in Maldives for Indians and global travellers seeking absolute exclusivity. It is also located in the pristine location of Noonu Atoll.
Opulent stays: The villas in this resort have paid minute attention to sleek contemporary designs which features private infinity pools and also has direct lagoon access. The floor to ceiling windows in each room allow guests to soak in a panoramic ocean view.
Amazing experiences: From dining under the stars to curated excursions that explore untouched reefs and sandbanks, this resort also offers direct access to pretty coral reefs and plentiful marine life. Add to that private yacht cruises, jet-skiing and diving and snorkelling sessions.
Exclusive highlights: Spa treatments here are offered by Guerlain and there are tailored wellness sessions as well involving yoga. Exclusive kids clubs, cooking and fishing lessons are truly enjoyable.
French haute cuisine to locally inspired seafood and fusion dishes makes the culinary experience here very diverse. Dine on the beach, under the stars or go for a relaxing floating breakfast.
3. COMO Cocoa Island
COMO Cocoa Island can be called a resort that offers a peaceful experience. It is the definition of minimalist luxury. Nestled in the South Malé Atoll, it feels more like a private sanctuary than a resort, perfect for travellers who crave peace over pageantry.
Opulent stays: The overwater villas here are shaped as traditional Maldivian boats which are called dhonis in their native language. These are gently curved wooden boats floating above lagoons. The interiors of every villa room here are airy and whitewashed, with private decks that open directly to the ocean.
Amazing experiences: The resort is deeply restorative and health-focused. The COMO Shambhala spa is a destination in itself. Mornings of every guest here begins with yoga by the sea, while the afternoons drift by in hammocks or snorkelling alongside colourful reef life. Later the evenings end with herbal teas under a pink sky.
Exclusive highlights: Stay in a Loft Suite is costly but the exclusive experience is what many people go for. COMO Cocoa Island’s strength lies in purity: space to breathe, health-focused cuisine and quiet luxury at a price gentler than the ultra-opulent retreats. This is absolutely island therapy done right.
You will also like: Maldives Resorts With Private Pool – Flying Squirrel Holidays
Elegant and authentic stays
These resorts are opulent and sophisticated enough to host royalty. These luxury resorts are also frequented by the rich and famous and are no less than the best of best.
4. Soneva Secret
Soneva Secret, located in the far-flung Makunudhoo Atoll, represents Maldives in its truest form. It is like a return to nature without ever sacrificing a whisper of extravagance. It is one of the most secluded Maldives luxury resorts in the 5-star category.
Opulent stays: It’s a fourteen villa resort with each one seemingly floating in an endless expanse of ocean giving the guests an experience of a level of privacy that feels otherworldly. It has open-air living, glass floors that reveal coral gardens beneath and natural materials that blur the line between inside and outside.
Amazing experiences: The thrill of ziplining to Out of This World, which is a circular restaurant set above the water with its own observatory. Have dinners crafted to personal taste by a private chef. Snorkel and spot turtles and go whale spotting.
Exclusive highlights: Retractable roofs in villas for stargazing, focus on tailored wellness sessions, utra-privacy and exclusivity.
5. The Nautilus Maldives
The Nautilus is a rare freedom in a world built on schedules and structure. In this resort, there are no check-in and check-outs, no menus and also no rigid itineraries.
Opulent stays: Luxury bends on the guest’s will here. The twenty six beach and ocean houses in this resort are sanctuaries with curving architecture and private pools.
Amazing experiences: Wake up to breakfast served on a floating tray in your private infinity pool, then dive into the turquoise lagoon for a guided snorkel with manta rays. Spend the afternoon sailing on a private yacht or indulging in a personalized spa ritual beneath the palm trees. Enjoy a private cinema under the stars, or a chef-curated dinner on a sandbank.
Exclusive highlights: Service includes private butlers and chefs yet what sets the Nautilus apart is the hyper – personalised approach. We can say that this resort is best for a hideaway for dreamers who value freedom over spectacle.
6. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives is a resort located in the South Malé Atoll spanning three islands.
Opulent Stays: It’s almost cinematic that guests arrive here in a private yacht with champagne flute in hand and find a resort that’s larger than life in its grandeur. There are a total of hundred and nineteen villas with each palatial residence having ocean front decks, 50-square-metre infinity pools, and glass floor panels revealing fish gliding below it. It is one of the largest Maldives 5-star luxury resorts.
Amazing experiences: The resort also proudly holds eleven restaurants of its own. The Ledge by Dave Pynt and Terra are the most well known where guests dine in bamboo nests above trees. The spa over the water, padel courts and curated experiences are also part of the deal.
Exclusive highlights: The only private ultra-luxury island within a resort The Waldorf Astoria Private Island at Ithaafushi is the only one of its kind in the Maldives. It’s a fully serviced, standalone private island that is part of a larger resort but operates completely independently.
You can experience nature, serenity and opulence, all together in Maldives. Just get in touch with us and we will make your vacation in Maldives memorable.
![Luxury Maldives resorts: Why these 15 are the best!](https://flyingsquirrelholidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Web-Button-Speak-to-A-curator.png"){kind=small}
Combining luxury with art & eco consciousness
These resorts are an example of how it is possible to be artistic, sustainable and eco conscious with a focus on luxury.
7. Joali & Joali Being
Joali and its sister retreat, Joali Being is where design meets consciousness. They form a new chapter in Maldives luxury resorts where art, architecture and awareness converge. These sister sanctuaries are located in Raa Atoll. They elevate tropical indulgence into an aesthetic and emotional experience.
Opulent stays: Joali is filled with art illustrations, hand carved wooden panels and whimsical architecture that gives more of a gallery vibe than a resort. The villas are elegantly wrapped in rose gold tones and natural textures. The service is filled with an intuitive warmth.
Amazing experiences: Joali Being is the wellness-focused sibling who takes this vision forward. It has sound therapy, hydrotherapy halls and nutrition based cuisines which are guided by in-house experts, taking wellness to a different level.
Exclusive highlights: Both of the properties have some of the most photogenic interiors in the best luxury all inclusive resorts Maldives category. Jaoli is Maldives’ first art-immersive resort, it features an inspiring collection of interactive art installations and design pieces spread across the island
8. Soneva Jani
Tucked within the Noonu Atoll, this sprawling resort is a fantasy brought to life, where every inch feels designed to spark childlike wonder and adult indulgence in equal measure.
Opulent stays: The best feature in this resort is that the villas have the signature glass floors and the spiral slides which slope into the lagoons. Each residence comes with a private pool, retractable roof for stargazing, and the kind of privacy that feels liberating yet connected to the natural world.
Amazing experiences: Guests can cycle along wooden jetties, dine under starlit canopies as well as watch dolphins from inside the private pool. The kids’ club is exceptional in this resort. The eco-conscious ethos makes this overwhelming treat feel more justifiable.
Exclusive highlights: What truly sets Soneva Jani apart is its ethos of conscious hedonism — indulgence done sustainably. Solar energy powers much of the resort, and every experience feels rooted in respect for nature.
9. Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo is the definition of quiet luxury. It is a tiny sanctuary with just fifteen over the water villas where privacy, sustainability and indulgence merge seamlessly with abundance. The resort is entirely powered by solar energy.
Opulent stays: Each villa in this resort is crafted with Japanese-inspired minimalism with clean lines, pale wood and soft fabrics alongside uninterrupted views of the ocean. There are private decks with infinity plunge pools.
Amazing experiences: The unlimited spa treatments and fine dining on demand, along with champagne breakfasts at sunrise, sandbank picnics, or diving into coral-filled lagoons right from your villas.
Exclusive highlights: What sets Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, the most exclusive offering is its “Anything. Anytime. Anywhere.” concept. Also it is the only fully solar-powered luxury resort in the Maldives, operating entirely on renewable energy from its seamless solar roof, a striking architectural statement of sustainable sophistication.
Don’t miss: 10 Best Scuba Diving Destinations – Flying Squirrel Holidays
The critics’ favorites (and why they are right…)
These resorts frequently come up in critic’s lists or travel writers’ fave lists. Why is that? We tell you.
10. Anantara Kihavah
Anantara Kihavah consistently and rightfully earns accolades for being one of the best luxury all-inclusive resorts in Maldives ideal for couples’ escapes. This place turns romance into performance art.
Opulent stays: The villas combine luxury with traditional Maldivian design. Its signature features are thatched roofs, timber accents, private pools and hammocks suspended over the lagoons.
Amazing experiences: The resort service arranges open-air cinemas under the stars and candle-lit dinners on sandbanks. A discreet yet thoughtful service style ensures privacy, while romantic settings deliver pure escapism. It is perfect for honeymooners who crave postcard perfection and solitude.
Exclusive highlights: The famous underwater restaurant SEA is in this resort where divers glide past you as you sip champagne.
11. The St. Regis Vommuli
The St. Regis Vommuli is a resort with bold, marine-inspired architecture. It is designed for travellers who like Maldives with a metropolitan twist.
Opulent stays: The villas here resemble manta rays, spiral shells and sleek yachts. Private pools, marble interiors and panoramic ocean views give penthouse suite vibes right in the middle of the ocean.
Amazing experiences: Time spent here feels like a curated runway where you arrive by seaplane and sip champagne at the Whale Bar. The resort provides impeccable service, world-class dining and a stand out spa.
Exclusive highlights: The uniqueness of this resort that it dares to be different. However, its urban flair and high-energy vibe may lack the raw tranquillity and castaway charm that quieter Maldivian retreats offer. We can say though that this is a paradise for all guests who like Maldives served with a side of Manhattan.
12. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a well known resort to travel with families. This resort is absolutely a seamless, worry-free Maldivian escape.
Opulent Stays: The Villas are spacious and thoughtfully designed with families in mind and the intuitive layouts of each villa has private pools as well as beach access. The service is predictably excellent as they deliver comfort and functionality with unmistakable Four Seasons finesse.
Amazing experiences: The marine biology program the resort offers is among the best in the world which gives both kids and adults real conservation experiences alongside classic resort pleasures. Guests can assist marine biologists in coral propagation, manta ray research and turtle rehabilitation. Kids’ clubs, water sports and Ayurvedic spa experiences keep every age group engaged.
Exclusive highlights: The rare blend of education, recreation and reliability is what makes this resort exceptional.
You might like…Islands In Zanzibar: Marine Magic And Luxury Redefined! – Flying Squirrel Holidays
Affordable luxury Maldives resorts
Luxury Maldives resorts come with a heavy price tag, this is a known fact. But there are some resorts where you do not have to spend lakhs per night but the luxury you experience is no less. If you are looking for luxury on a relative budget these places are meant for you.
13. Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi is the torchbearer of every ‘sustainable’ island that came after. It’s less a resort and more a philosophy that inspired an entire generation of best resorts in Maldives for Indian and global travellers alike.
Opulent stays: It is almost like an eco-conscious ancestor. Open-air bathrooms and treehouse villas are some exceptional features it provides. Its design is rustic on purpose as if to make the guests forget the world exists beyond the lagoon.
Amazing experiences: Watching movies under the stars, snorkelling with manta rays, or cycling barefoot through tropical forests, each and every activity here feels unhurried and real.
Exclusive highlights: What makes Soneva Fushi special is the authenticity it carries. It doesn’t try too hard.
14. LUX South Ari Atoll
This is exactly where Maldives luxury resorts 5 star dreams meet down-to-earth joy. It has hundred and ninety three villas and is one of the livelier islands.
Opulent stays: Guests can choose from a variety of beach villas, family pavilions and over-water retreats, each of which is designed in a contemporary style. Many villas include private pools, outdoor showers, and direct lagoon access, blending style with barefoot comfort.
Amazing experiences: This resort is a playground for active travellers. There’s always something happening in this resort right from snorkelling with whale sharks to beach volleyballs, sunset cruises and open-air movie nights alongside diving into coral gardens.
Exclusive highlights: What sets this resort apart is the balance it thrives in with refined dining, exceptional coffee and ice-cream bars, alongside a relaxed nightlife scene. All of this is within a price that feels accessible compared to other Maldives luxury 5-star properties.
15. Amilla Maldives
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences is a refreshing twist in the world of luxury Maldives resorts. It’s bold, creative and proudly independent. It is located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll.
Opulent stays: Villas and residences range right from beach and over the water villas to unique treetop villas. Each of them comes with spacious interiors, private pools, outdoor showers and expansive decks.
Amazing experiences: Amilla is well known for its “Wellness Your Way” which offers personalised keto, vegan, paleo or gluten-free dining.Guests can spend a whole day floating in a pod spa or cycling through coconut groves.
Exclusive highlights: The charm of this resort lies in its personality which includes kombucha bars, jungle gyms, solar-powered wellness spaces and artisan food trucks. The resort is playful, wellness-driven and proudly independent.
When to visit and how to reach
The appropriate time for visiting Maldives is during the months between November to April. When the sky stays clear and the sea remains calm which is ideal for sunseekers and divers alike.
Reaching your island entirely depends upon where it is located. Speedboats work well and are good for transporting to nearby atolls, while seaplanes provide a scenic but expensive way to reach farther destinations. North and South Malé offer convenience. Noonu and Lhaviyani provide true seclusion.
While you are packing for the trip, keep in mind to pack light resort wear. Make sure you have everything to enjoy the barefoot lifestyle of the place. Always remember to bring sunscreen which will be reef-safe. For smart travellers, the best resort deals in Maldives often come during the shoulder months. This is when half-board and transfer-inclusive offers turn luxury into value.
Book your trip with Flying Squirrel Holidays
Plan your dream escape in Maldives with Flying Squirrel Holidays. From handpicking resorts that match your style to creating personalized itineraries, we make sure every detail aligns with your ideal vacation.
We are also here to guide you on the best seasons to visit and secure the most competitive deals on flights and stays. Our goal is to make your trip worthwhile by securing the best deals on resort and flight bookings.
Just let us know what you want, and we’ll ensure you have an unforgettable Maldives vacay.
Call +91 33 4052 5777 or visit www.flyingsquirrelholidays.com to start planning your perfect Maldives trip.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Maldives?
The dry season between November-April is the best time to travel because the weather is calm, sunny and ideal for water activities.
2. Which is the best luxury all-inclusive resort in Maldives?
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is rated as the best luxury all-inclusive resort in the Maldives because it offers an ultra-personalised stay.
3. What is the best resort in the Maldives for Indian travellers?
Anantara Kihavah Maldives and LUX South Ari Atoll are popular with Indian travellers due to direct flight access, excellent Indian cuisine options, and family-friendly activities.
4. How do you get to your resort from Malé Airport?
Seaplanes and speedboats are available which take you to your resort as per the distance and mode of travel you choose to take.
5. Are all Maldives resorts on private islands?
Almost all resorts are located on separate islands in this country. They follow a “one island, one resort” model which allows guests to enjoy complete privacy and exclusive access to the island’s beaches and lagoons.
6. Are resorts in Maldives eco-friendly?
Soneva Fushi, Joali Being, and Kudadoo run coral restoration programs, renewable energy systems, and zero-waste initiatives, making them lead the charge of sustainability.
