The Ultimate Maldives Guide
By: Jeremy Austin & Angie Villa
Welcome to The Ultimate Maldives Guide! The Maldives has over 1,200 islands, with over 132 of them being islands occupied by resorts and there are new properties added to the list every year. With so many beautiful options providing their version of the bucket-list overwater bungalow experience, how does one begin to choose where to stay? We’ve had the privilege of traveling to the spectacular Maldives islands multiple times over the past few years and have stayed in over 30 of the top luxury hotels and resorts. Not only have we experienced these amazing properties as guests, but we were also hired as media partners to capture imagery and create content for social media marketing purposes. This gave us a unique perspective and deeper knowledge on each resort, allowing us to view the overall product offered at every location, including the highs, lows and what resorts standout from the rest. It's really important to know exactly what you are looking for to truly experience the Maldives holiday you’re dreaming of. Our Ultimate Maldives Guide will provide you with our personal experience and professional insight to help you choose the best resort and plan your perfect Maldives getaway!
Honeymoon Dream Destinations
The Maldives is a perfect place to celebrate an unforgettable honeymoon. From dining under the stars surrounded by heart shaped candles in the sand, to a private overwater cinema set up exclusively for you and your partner. Maldives is a magical place that most can only dream of experiencing. Here are our top 3 resort destinations where your honeymoon dreams can become a reality.
1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Anantara Kihavah has just about everything you could possibly ask for all in one resort. Located in a the BAA Atoll a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Kihavah has some of the most pristine beaches and arguably the best baby blue crystal clear lagoon of any Maldives resort. The BAA Atoll is also one of the few places in the world where whale sharks congregate for mating. After experiencing all 3 of the top underwater restaurants in the Maldives, we can honestly say that “Sea” Kihavah’s underwater restaurant, is without a doubt the most beautiful of them all. Our favorite moment at Kihavah and one that every honeymooning couple should experience was a Star Gazing class in Kihavah’s one of a kind Overwater Observatory, the first in the Maldives. Their “SKY Guru” showed us the constellations, stars and we even got a chance to view Saturn from the most powerful telescope in the Maldives. It was truly an extraordinary experience that will leave you wondering about the unknown and also amazed of how beautiful our universe really is.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas 
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,063 USD per night
2. Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu stole our hearts from the moment we arrived! This authentic Maldivian style resort is where adults can joyfully become kids again. Six Senses encourages a “No news, No shoes” policy, meaning you leave your shoes in your suitcase and become grounded with nature, while also leaving the news at home. Their intention is to ensure you completely disconnect from the outside world or your busy work life and instead reconnect with yourself and the natural beauty surrounding you. Aside from it’s spectacular lagoon and unparalleled service, Six Senses was also named the “Leading Eco-Resort of 2018” for its commitment to sustainability and environmentally-responsible operations. From the water systems to the composting process, Six Senses is one of the few Maldives resorts pioneering the future of sustainable luxury. The “Sunset Laamu Water Villa with Pool” is one of the most unique overwater bungalows and our top recommendation, especially for honeymooners! It was quite the experience counting the tropical fish beneath us while we sipped champagne in the all glass bath tub. And then there’s the exclusive private sandbank experience, where they’ll drop you off for a private picnic on a pristine remote island surrounded by the most vibrant crystal clear waters we’ve ever witnessed! Above all, our favorite moment was when the amazing staff surprised us with a magical beachfront dinner inside of a candle-lit heart carved into the sand, it was one of those pinch me moments that almost felt too good to be true!
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas 
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,102 USD per night
3. One & Only Reethi Rah
One & Only Reethi Rah is one of the most romantic destinations on Earth and one of those rare places that you can almost imagine never returning home from. It has everything you can ask for in a leading resort from a renowned spa, to world-class dining with over 8 incredible restaurants and an extremely highly trained staff, that won't even let you lift a finger. We shared so many beautiful memories here, including one of our most magical moments ever, which was swimming with the protected and majestic Manta Rays. We previously swam with Manta's before this occasion, but it was always in the deeper blue ocean and only during certain times of the year, however Reethi Rah is one of the few places in the Maldives that you can possibly see Mantas all year round because of the Manta cleaning station that's just 5 minutes from the resort. Here we got a once in a lifetime chance to swim with them in shallow crystal clear water where we could respectfully get closer and admire their full beauty, as they gracefully swam circles around us. It was complete bliss and a moment we wish every couple could experience together!
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $2,090 USD per night
Luxury at its Finest
If you are looking for the epitome of luxury and are willing to splurge to enjoy the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives, here are our top 3 most luxurious resorts and private island recommendations.
1. Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah
For $250,000 dollars you can experience the most exclusive resort island in the entire Maldives, the mind blowing Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah, and that's just for a 4 night stay! Not only is the price tag steep, but not just anyone can visit this one a kind tropical haven, there is an approval process that each potential guest must go through to see if they're accepted to arrange a booking. Voavah is unlike any property we've ever experienced, the seven-bedroom, private island Maldives resort is the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway. The entire island accommodates over 22 guests with a jaw dropping 3-Bedroom Beach Villa, a spectacular 2-Bedroom Overwater Villa, as well as spacious Mezzanine Suites. There's also an ample living space and beautifully appointed main pool deck for you and your guests to congregate. Since it is a complete private island experience, just make a call and your private chefs can prepare Chinese, Japanese, Sri Lankan, Indian, Maldivian, Italian, Lebanese, Moroccan or any other cuisine you crave. Our favorite spot on the island was definitely in the Overwater Villa, being at the edge of the gorgeous infinity pool while you're overlooking the mesmerizing Indian Ocean is the pinnacle of a private island experience! Even the most discerning world traveller would be lost for words!
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 10/10
Pricing: Starting at $40, 000 USD per night
2. Kudadoo Private Island
This ultra-luxe private island oasis is one the newest and most exclusive resorts in the Maldives offering only 15 spacious Overwater Residences. As a newcomer in the Maldives, it can be difficult for a new property to stand out from the rest, but this spectacular resort jumped into the best of the best winning multiple accolades including,"THE WORLD’S BEST NEW LUXURY HOTEL FOR 2018 BY LUXURY TRAVEL INTELLIGENCE" and also "ROBB REPORT’S BEST ISLAND RESORT 2019". What sets Kudadoo apart is the one of a kind “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” experience. Guests can literally have anything they want, at any time, any where they may want it. You're in the mood for succulent breakfast spread while you soak your feet in the calm lagoon, consider it done! Or how about endless massages and spa treatments? It's all included in their high end all-inclusive experience. From the food, to unlimited diving trips, water activities, excursions, romantic beachfront dinners and anything else under the moon! As Kudadoo guests, you also have access to their stunning sister property Hurawalhi, which is only a 5 minute boat ride away and is home to the largest underwater restaurant in the world. And yes, dining underwater while you're surrounded by tropical marine life is included too! Kudadoo Private Island is truly a honeymooners ultimate paradise!
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9/10
Pricing: Starting at $4,715 USD per night
3. One & Only Reethi Rah
We couldn't list the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives without mentioning One & Only Reethi Rah again. This is actually Jeremy’s personal favorite resort in all of the Maldives and for great reason. OO Reethi Rah is the largest resort island in the country, so this brings extremely spread out villas that offer an unparalleled sense of privacy and seclusion. For most Maldives resorts the villas are stacked right next to each other or within close proximity, but this is far from the case at OO Reethi Rah. Waking up every morning in their spacious "Beach Villa with Pool" is a complete dream, nothing like being steps away from spectacular azure waters and having no other guests in sight! The international cuisine is world-class and they also offer a vast selection of health focused options including delicious smoothies and bliss bowls, rich in fresh, natural ingredients, and even our favorite Acai Bowls! If you want to take your stay at OO Reethi Rah to another level, we recommend going for the "Grand Beach Villa with Pool", one of the most breathtaking beachfront accommodations in the entire Maldives.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $2,090 USD per night
Serenity & Wellness
What if you are looking to get away from the chaotic work life and find a place of pure calmness and serenity. An island escape that can also provide a renowned wellness experience or a holistic spa journey. Somewhere that you can indulge by the pool without distractions or enjoy a simple afternoon nap while you drift away to the sounds of nature. Here are our top 3 resort picks for those seeking ultimate serenity and wellness.
1. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a natural UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most beautiful and lush islands in the Maldives. This innovative oasis offers the very best in natural well-being: from ancient sciences to modern day advancements. The Vedic traditions of Ayurveda and Yoga will blissfully bring you to ease alongside profoundly rejuvenating massages and non-invasive beauty therapies. We were taken on a journey with our very own personalized Ayurvedic treatment, that provided us deep insight into mind body connection and how we can improve our overall well-being. Not only is Landaa a dream destination for those seeking the ultimate in wellness offerings, but they also have the country’s widest selection of water sports, including the World's first three-person Deepflight Submarine adventure. Imagine being one of the first and few to glide through massive shoals of colorful fish, above coral formations, and alongside dolphins, turtles, sharks and rays, in this bucket-list subaquatic experience.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,860 USD per night
2. Joali Maldives
Joali is one of the newest resort offerings in the Maldives and one of our absolute favorites! This luxurious serene escape is fringed by pristine white-sand beaches and surrounded by brilliant blue waters that are full of vibrant marine life. The island is a picture perfect paradise, meticulously manicured from corner to corner at all times, as if the landscaping team never sleeps. The Overwater Villas are among the most glamorous we've seen in Maldives, with high grand ceilings, exquisite modern decor accented with rose-gold finishes, a gorgeous sunken bath tub and an overly spacious deck with a stunning infinity pool overlooking endless views of the enchanting Maldivian waters. The concept combines Maldivian character and solid craftsmanship with high-tech and contemporary art. The spa at Joali is pure opulence, where you can find a lavish marble hammam, a floating yoga pavilion that frames the sunrise, and overwater treatment rooms with glass-fronted saunas. Imagine having your Bhutanese therapist provide a reiki healing during a Mindful Massage, it completely elevates your emotional experience. Breakfast at Joali was also another high point of our days, offering an abundant buffet with a unique wellness menu, which even had a fine selection of ancient Ayuverda drinks. Joali is the true essence of luxury and a destination we already can't wait to return to.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,930 USD per night
3. Conrad Rangali Island
Conrad Rangali island is the brands most exclusive resort offering and is uniquely located on two islands in the magical South Ari Atoll. Everything is spread out adequately amongst the two islands with most of the facilities being situated on the main island known as Rangalifinolhu. This provides guests staying on the more private Rangali Island, a very serene and exclusive experience, almost feeling as if the entire island was your very own tropical playground. For that reason we highly recommend booking your accommodation on the Rangali side of the resort, which is also where you'll find the award-winning Spa Retreat, a luxurious sanctuary where every aspect of your health and wellbeing can be addressed, from diet and body treatments to beauty. They even offer Chakra Colour Rituals to help you connect to your deepest and highest self, while you're immersed in their healing Signature Treatments. Conrad is also home to "The Muraka", the worlds first and only luxurious underwater two-level residence. The master bedroom is submerged over 16 feet below sea level and surrounded by the calming Indian Ocean. Imagine opening your eyes in the morning and seeing a sea turtle glide across the 180 degree window around you, a definitive once in a lifetime bucket-list experience!
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8/10
Pricing: Starting at $630 USD per night
Most Glamorous Overwater Bungalow
If price limitations are foreign for you and you're looking to be mind blown by the most glamorous overwater villas in the Maldives, here are our top 3 resort picks.
1. Soneva Jani
The Soneva brand is well known for its boastfully impressive architecture and Soneva Jani brings new meaning to the overwater resort experience in the Maldives. The Overwater Residences at Jani will completely blow your mind, from a push button retractable roof to gaze at the star-lit sky at night, to villas that even have their very own waterslide. Imagine the sensation of sliding into the crystal clear lagoon below, it was an absolute blast and we lost track of time going from our pool to the slide and into the ocean then repeat over and over again. If you aren't sold on Jani already, this innovative oasis is also home to the only Overwater Cinema in the Maldives. Watching a classic movie while we sipped on tasty margaritas was a highlight of our stay. Although all of the Residences at Jani are spectacular, there are still those that might want to splurge to have the best of the best. If that's you, we recommend going for the "Four Bedroom Overwater Residence", this overwater mansion offers a wealth of indoor and outdoor spaces, along with Jani's largest overwater infinity pool, waterslide, sunken seating, sauna, steam room and 4 spacious bedrooms. This awe-filled villa residence definitely takes the cake for the most glamorous overwater bungalow in the Maldives.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9/10
Pricing: Starting at $2,632 USD per night
2. Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo Private Island is home to quite possibly our favorite environmentally conscious Overwater Residences in the Maldives. The island is powered by solar cells in its entirety, and at every touchpoint Kudadoo aims' to minimize the environmental impact. The Overwater Residences are masterfully crafted with the design encompassing large sliding doors on two sides, which allows for a pleasant cross-breeze, as well as the illustrious feeling of a large, open living space that extends all the way to the ocean. We fell in love with the overall layout and beautifully appointed interior finishes, not to mention the state of the art technologies like mood lighting, that are at your finger tips. The overall ingenious design was created for you to feel the elements of the Maldives, while in an elegant and contemporary place that has the natural environment at its heart. With only 15 Overwater Residences in total on the entire island, there's an unparalleled sense of privacy and exclusivity that separates Kudadoo from the bunch. Opt for the massive "Two Bedroom Residence", which also has a separate accommodation for your personal team, making it the perfect destination not only for families with a nanny, but also celebrities who travel with body guards or assistants.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9/10
Pricing: Starting at $4,715 USD per night
3. Joali Maldives
Joali's overwater Villas are among the most glamorous we've seen in the Maldives, with high grand ceilings, exquisite modern decor accented with rose-gold finishes, a gorgeous sunken bath tub and an overly spacious sundeck with a stunning infinity pool overlooking endless views of the enchanting Maldivian waters. The concept combines Maldivian character and solid craftsmanship with high-tech and contemporary art. If you're seeking Joali's most distinguished overwater villa offering, the "Three Bedroom Ocean Residence" is the pinnacle of luxury. In addition to three bedrooms, two living rooms, and three dressing rooms with two built-in closets, there's also not only one but two large infinity pools! You'll also find 4 overwater hammocks suspended above vibrant turquoise waters, the perfect spot to get acquainted with breathtaking uninterrupted ocean views!
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,930 USD per night
Fun & Upbeat
The incredible serene white-sand beaches and relaxing spa days are amazing, but what if you're also looking for a lively upbeat destination that offers adventure and fun-filled unique experiences. Here are our top 3 resort picks that will bring some exciting thrill to your Maldives holiday.
1. Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is where adults can become children again and tropical island enthusiasts can be treated to a unique castaway experience. The boast worthy architecture is unlike anything else you will experience in the Maldives. Many of Jani's Overwater Residences feature waterslides that slide from the top level straight into the crystal clear lagoon. A must do experience at Jani is the "Cinema Paradiso", where you can watch classic and contemporary movie favorites beneath the stars, while their chefs craft you a menu of comfort food, refreshing cocktails and complimentary popcorn. Jani is also home to a state-of-the-art overwater observatory, where you can let their resident Astronomers guide you through the magic of space and the constellations above. The options are endless at this spectacular property and after visiting once, we're confident you'll likely return again a second or third time.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9/10
Pricing: Starting at $2,632 USD per night
2. OZEN Bolifushi
Ozen Bolifushi certainly deserves to be on the list if you're seeking an exciting holiday filled with thrill and adventure. At Ozen you can find the signature Maldives escape filled with powder white sands and clear turquoise waters, while also being surrounded by an exciting and lively atmosphere. During the day you can spend endless time experiencing one of the many enjoyable activities the resort has to offer like yoga, bootcamp class, a jet-ski snorkeling safari, an Indian cooking class or even practice your skating routines and play ice hockey on their one of a kind ice rink, which is the first in the Maldives. One of our favorite activities is the coconut oil creation class, you get a chance to learn the secrets of how they make their famous roasted coconut oil, it's literally the best coconut oil ever! The days are a blast, but Ozen truly comes alive during the night. The colorful ambient-lit "MU Bar" is an awesome place to unwind, you can indulge with a crafted cocktail by the oceans edge while you enjoy live music until the moon rises. Bolifushi is the perfect resort option for those that want a great balance of everything all in one location.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,525 USD per night
3. LUX* North Male
If you've ever dreamed of having an ultra-modern Maldives destination sprinkled with a hint of Greece inspired design, then LUX* North Male is just for you! This innovative luxurious resort offers exclusive penthouse-style villas that are split across two or three levels and come with a private infinity pool and a spacious rooftop "Sky Lounge" with sweeping views of the brilliant blue lagoon. We highly recommend arranging a signature Rooftop Dinner and Cinema Paradiso, where you'll dine over the lagoon and then enjoy a blockbuster movie under the stars right from your penthouse. You’ll also find two main swimming pools, a translucent overwater LUX* Me Spa, world-renowned diving, high adrenaline water sports, private yacht voyages, tennis and beach volleyball courts, or you can unwind in dedicated beauty spots for tai chi and yoga. One of our favorite spots on the island was the "ICI" ice-cream parlour, where you'll find delicious freshly whipped recipes and crunchy waffle cones. For those that want to enjoy a once in a lifetime island experience, the LUX* team will whisk you away to a secret private sandbank for a lunch picnic or during golden hour for sunset cocktails. This Mykonos-meets-Maldives property is a great location we recommend for your second or third Maldives sojourn.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 7.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $792 USD per night
Clearest Waters & Best Lagoon
After traveling to many of the top tropical destinations in the world, the Maldives is without a doubt on top of our list for having the most crystal clears waters and pristine lagoons we've ever seen. From idyllic hotel photos or images on social media you might think all Maldivian waters are created equal, however after visiting over 30+ leading Maldives hotel properties, we've found the best of the best! So here are our top 3 resort islands with the clearest waters and best lagoons.
1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
With over 1,200 Maldivian islands to choose from it's nearly impossible to choose the best beach, but we must admit Anantara Kihavah tops our list for having the best waters and lagoon of any resort we've visited. The waters are so blindingly blue and clear it makes the waters at some other Maldives resorts look murky in comparison. Snorkeling at Kihavah is spectacular, you'll come across turtles, rays and sharks daily, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can venture further and explore their underwater restaurant from the ocean depths. We actually swam past the restaurant just discretely enough to avoid being seen by the guests that were dining below. We saw bunches of colorful marine life gathered together, it was like a natural aquarium, and we even got to see a majestic Eagle Ray gliding along with its new born baby. The waters at Kihavah are more than just paradise, they also tell a story to those that are privileged to wander in their mystery.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,063 USD per night
2. Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi brings meaning to the phrase "50 shades of blue" with some of the most dazzling azure waters we've seen in the Maldives! Gili offers something a little different—something that’s hard to define unless you’ve been there. This Robinson Crusoe themed paradise is situated in a hard-to-rival location: a little island in a large lagoon in the North Malé atoll, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. At Gili you'll find authentic Maldivian style bungalows with a recently renovated interior design, a spacious second floor with a rooftop daybed and unique tropical outdoor showers. When we weren't jumping into the stunning lagoon from our sundeck, we dug our feet into the sand and enjoyed the laid back nature of this home-away-from-home-style resort. For those that want to take their stay at Gili to another level, you can empty your pockets and book their "Private Reserve", the world’s largest overwater villa!
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,462 USD per night
3. InterContinental Maldives
InterContinental Maamunagau is the brand's first resort in the Maldives and one of the countries newest properties, opening last September 2019. With 81 Beach, Lagoon and Overwater Villas and Residences, guests have a vast selection of luxurious accommodations to choose from. Our favorite spot on the island is "The Retreat", which is probably the best adults-only pool we've seen in the Maldives. Here you'll find a private bar and a glamorous infinity pool that has two levels and is accompanied by shaded overwater hammocks, all suspended over the luminescent baby blue lagoon. In the center of this unique multi-island resort, you'll find a massive lagoon with water so clear that it resembles an oversized swimming pool. You will rarely find a lagoon of that size with such easy accessibility, there are multiple beaches with entry points, and there's even a sundeck anchored in the middle; it's the perfect spot to practice your dives. For accommodations, we highly recommend the "One Bedroom Beach Pool Villa" on the edge of the island near the spa, the beach and sense of exclusivity on this end is spectacular. If you are traveling with extra guests go for the "Two Bedroom Overwater Pool Villa", a luxurious massive villa with an incredible curved infinity pool. InterCon Maldives is also home to "Lighthouse", a Greek inspired restaurant serving Mediterranean style tapas with a contemporary twist. It was one of our favorite and top restaurant experiences we've ever had in the Maldives.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8/10
Pricing: Starting at $807 USD per night
Spa Goals
Not all spas are created equal, but in the Maldives you'll find a large selection of some of the world's most incredible spas. From private island spas nestled in lush tropical jungles, to overwater spa havens built for royalty. After experiencing some of Maldives top world-class resort spas, we've put together our top 3 choices that will completely redefine your definition of spa goals.
1. St. Regis Vommuli Island
St. Regis Maldives is home to the most visually stunning spa in the entire Maldives. The "Iridium Spa" is a 1,850-square-meter architectural marvel situated above an emerald lagoon. This overwater sanctuary offers six treatment suites, including two Ayurvedic suites with private steam rooms, providing a refined luxury retreat in the Maldives. You can admire the sea from their spa beds or indulge in serenity from the sunken soaking tub on your private spa terrace. We lost track of time in Iridium's large steam rooms, saunas and cold-drench showers. If all of that isn't enough, the "Blue Hole" Pool will completely blow your mind and pull you into a trance of relaxation. It's the most expansive hydrotherapy pool in the Maldives, with heated seawater and an array of whirlpool jets that will melt away all of your tensions. The best part is you can book private sessions at the Blue Hole for you and your partner and have it all to yourselves! We recommend booking a few of these during your time at St. Regis Vommuli Island, it's the best way to unwind and hit the refresh button.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,100 USD per night
2. Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa takes the ultimate spa experience to another level with its private island spa. A spa treatment starts with a three minute Dhoni (Maldivian sailboat) ride over glistening waters to the exclusive separated spa island. Here guests can choose from an array of treatments including signature healing massages, island spa rituals and even multi-day spa programs, which can include seaweed therapies and private yoga sessions. For couples that want to spice up their spa experience, we recommend the "Night Ritual" on the new roof terrace. Here you'll indulge in a serene spa treatment under the stars with double massage tables, a crystal-singing bowl, and circular sunken bath. Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is a world-class spa that will bring your spa dreams to reality.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,100 USD per night
3. Vakkaru Maldives
Vakkaru Maldives is one of the lesser known resort islands on this list, but it's a spectacular property located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll. At this secluded paradise you'll find powder-soft, brilliant white sands, deep blue holes and a house reef with unique marine biodiversity. The overwater "Merana Spa" is one of our favorite spas in the Maldives. It features luxurious overwater single and couple treatment rooms, a hair and nail salon, spa boutique and outdoor wellness area featuring a warm infinity whirlpool, cold infinity plunge pool, sauna and a steam room. The spa is also co-ed so you can indulge by the plunge pools or steam room and sauna with your partner, unlike most spas that have separate areas for men and women. It's rare to find a spa quite like Vakkaru's in the Maldives and it was truly a highlight of our stay, spending our mornings enjoying the outdoor wellness facilities while we watched the sunrise above the glistening turquoise waters.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 7.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $919 USD per night
Snorkelers Paradise
The Maldives islands provide some of the most biodiverse waters in the world that are full of vibrant marine life. Whether you like to venture far and dive deep into the ocean depths or stay close to shore and explore the house reef, Maldives has it all! Here are our top 3 resort picks that offer an unrivaled snorkeling and diving experience in the Maldives.
1. Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Hadahaa is a luxury hideaway set on a tropical island at the heart of one of the largest and deepest natural atolls in the world. Unique among most resorts in the Maldives, the Hadahaa has 100% house reef coverage, due to the care that was taken when constructing the resort. Hadahaa's 360-degree reef provides an abundant snorkeling experience teaming with colorful tropical fish, turtles, sharks and rays. For divers the options are endless at Hadahaa, you can get lost in the underwater world at one of over 40 world-class dive sites nearby, or even go for a dazzling Fluo night dive. As for accomodations, we'd highly recommend booking your stay in their "Park Sunset Ocean Pool Villa". It offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from your own private deck with plunge pool and outdoor cabana. The perfect spot to call home as you take in the full Maldivian experience.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 7/10
Pricing: Starting at $522 USD per night
2. Six Senses Laamu
As the only resort located within the waters of the Laamu Atoll, Six Senses provides guests with exclusive access to pristine reefs that see little to no human traffic. The shallows surrounding Six Senses offer vibrant biodiverse patch reefs to explore. Six Senses is also pioneering the seagrass conservation efforts in the Maldives, which is one of the oceans most important ecosystems. Because of these conscious sustainability efforts, the waters at Six Senses are teaming with sea turtles, eagle rays and abundant marine life. Right from our overwater bungalow we could see numerous sea turtles popping their heads up outside of the water to catch a breath, and in one day we counted seeing over 6 sea turtles in just a few hours. At most resorts, they will arrange an excursion to take you out to a separate destination by boat to search for sea turtles, but at Six Senses you don't have to go far, just down the steps of your sundeck right outside your villa. For divers, Six Senses Laamu has become the first premium resort to introduce blackwater diving in the Maldives. The blackwater diving experience is different from a typical day or night dive, you can get up-close and personal encounters with the deep-dwelling wonders of the nocturnal pelagic sea life. Endless photo opportunities for underwater photographers and a fascinating experience for the adventurous divers who are seeking to feed their sense of adventure. Laamu is a diving and snorkelers dream destination in the Maldives!
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 9.5/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,102 USD per night
3. OZEN Bolifushi
Home to one of the healthiest and most abundant house-reefs in the South Malé Atoll, Ozen Bolifushi offers spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities from exploring the vibrancy of the house reef to discovering shipwrecks and admiring the diversity of life beneath the waves. During our stay at Ozen, we were amazed by how marine rich the corals were just outside of our Private Residence, it was like swimming in a natural aquarium. Another great spot to snorkel in Bolifushi's pristine waters, is right outside their overwater spa. Here you'll find a significant reef drop off so there are tons of massive trigger fish, turtles, sharks, rays and more! Ozen Bolifushi is a fantastic option for those that would prefer to have terrific snorkeling close to the resort.
Ratings: (from 1 to 4 stars)
Villas
Beaches
Service
Restaurants
Lagoon
Spa
Experiences
Overall- 8/10
Pricing: Starting at $1,525 USD per night
Jeremy & Angie — June 8 2020
Thank you for your kind words regarding our Ultimate Maldives Guide. To answer your question when booking your trip you can discuss this topic of visiting more than one resort island with Simply Maldives who is linked above. Otherwise, you will almost always have to return back to the main island of Male and then take a sea plane or speed boat transfer to the next island you want to visit.
Simon — June 6 2020
Great guide!! Difficult to pick a favorite.
What if I want to try more than one resort…how can you travel from a resort to another one?
Jane — June 2 2020
Thanks for putting this together we loved Kudadoo based on your rec. We would be interested in which resorts are adults only.
manal beydoun — June 2 2020
wow, such detail and a great read. Thanks for doing this for us.
Jeremy & Angie — June 1 2020
Answer for Joseph:
Hello there, thanks for visiting our guide and we appreciate your comment above. As for your question, Simply Maldives is happy to let you book the flights directly with the airline of choice and use your miles/points for the flight to Male Airport. They can then sort out the hotel and transfer arrangements after you’ve arrived to Male.
Joseph — June 1 2020
Hi guys, thanks for this! Will Simply Maldives allow you to use your points and miles to build your vacation? Or will they only take you on as a client if you pay cash?