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What do you get when you combine one of the most spectacular places on Earth with divine accommodation, outstanding food, fantastic facilities and five-star service? The Maldives.
Luxury and the island nation go hand in hand, with some of the very best resorts in the world finding their home in the Maldivian atolls. From world-class wellness programs at COMO, to famous five-star hospitality at Lily Beach and Pullman’s heavenly underwater villas, there are dreamy travel moments for every type of traveller.
Read on for our pick of the best.
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort
Finolhu is an all-time favourite of Luxury Escapes members – and for good reason. Amid the beauty of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort unfolds along a sandbank stretching almost two kilometres, which connects four islands. Overwater villas fan out across the lagoon, each with uninterrupted sea views plus private sundecks, outdoor showers and steps leading into the dazzling turquoise water below.
Your time here begins with seaplane transfers from Malé and then is as unhurried or as jam-packed as you like. Those wanting to truly embrace island time may do nothing beyond wandering between beachside restaurants, while those wanting to do a little bit more can perfect their zen in the Yoga Pavilion, book treatments at Fehi Spa or take up water activities, like kayaking, windsurfing and snorkelling. All-inclusive packages are available, leaving you wanting for nothing.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
As the back-to-back winner of the Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort Award at the World Travel Awards, you can expect complete indulgence at Lily Beach Resort & Spa. From the refined comfort of your beachfront suite or villa perched above the sparkling Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, celebrate with a glass of crisp Taittinger champagne and premium wine brands from around the world, at the click of your fingers.
For those seeking exclusive escapism, you can even hire your own private pontoon away from the resort, complete with cosy sun loungers and snooze-inducing hammocks. Enjoy a picnic from the seclusion of a private sandbank, so you can truly feel like you’re the only person in the world.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Glamour and exclusivity sum up the vibe at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, where luxe dining (including an overwater restaurant and a treehouse-style experience) meets locally inspired spa treatments and immersive marine experiences. Families, or those who want that extra something special, should look to the out-of-this world Kiaali Residence, a three-bedroom overwater oasis with glittering 16-metre infinity pool, private fitness centre, hot tub and uninterrupted horizon vistas: it’s just you and the ocean for as far as the eye can see.
The resort is set on the ultramarine waters of one of the Maldives’ deepest atolls, the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and there are countless activities for exploring its majestic waters, from dolphin cruises and fishing trips to reef snorkelling. But the most luxurious is the equator experience, where guests journey in style to cross the equator complete with a welcome ceremony, snorkelling and the possibility of spotting wildlife along the way.
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa
Complete indulgence on a private island enveloped by a turquoise ocean is unsurpassable – and very much achievable at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. This resort offers one of the most generous all-inclusive packages in the Maldives, with more than 80 wine varieties to choose from, an overwater spa and next-level villas. The pièce de resistance is its two-storey Aqua Villa, with both overwater and underwater bedrooms and floor-to-ceiling glass windows, so you can fall asleep watching marine life glide past your bed.
Dive into the waters of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll to discover up to 13 different types of sharks (including spinner sharks) then return to the shore to explore the island’s jungle with a natural lake at its centre.
SO/ Maldives
Only a 15-minute speedboat ride away from Malé International Airport, SO/ Maldives is one of the newest escapes to make a splash in the archipelago. This collection of five-star beachfront and overwater villas is inspired by the world of fashion and high art; even the arrival dock, onto which guests first alight from the aforementioned speedboat, is dubbed ‘the runway’.
Each villa here comes with its own private pool, but the resort’s main pool is worth visiting for a dip too, if not just to paddle across the technicolour stripes that line the floor. Dry off at Lazuli Beach Club with cocktails and live music, graze on Asian fusion plates at The Citronelle Club, and dine on delicious Middle Eastern fare at the resort’s signature restaurant, Hadaba.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Nestled amid the tropical vegetation and fine white sands of Meradhoo Island, a blissfully secluded and pristine spot at the Maldives’ southernmost point, this five-star resort is perfect for honeymooners and families alike. Here, profound luxury meets laidback ambience and superlative Raffles service, with exquisite natural beauty and breathtaking views.
COMO Maalifushi
As the only resort in the Maldives’ Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is a masterclass in elegant exclusivity. Wake each morning to the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean, before spending blissful days making the most of the resort’s facilities. Dine on Maldivian specialties on the sand at Madi beachfront restaurant, discover a new level of serenity with a treatment at COMO Shambhala Spa, or charter the resort’s luxury yacht for an unforgettable day at sea.
For something extra special, unlock a core memory with a swim alongside a whale shark. Finish each day watching the sunset over the ocean from your overwater villa, where a private pool and butler service mean you’ll want for nothing.
Soneva Jani Maldives
Five-star opulence is served in spades at Soneva Jani Maldives on the golden sands of Medhufaru in the Noonu Atoll. The seaside sanctuary boasts some of the largest retreats in the country – you’ll find palatial villas plus one to four-bedroom residences complete with water slides or set over the crystal-clear lagoon.
The resort is home to 13 gourmet restaurants which offer memorable culinary experiences, including cooking over fire at Primitive, dining under the stars at Starstruck Observatory or cracking into Sri Lankan Mud Crab curry at The Crab Shack. When you’re not dining or drinking, snorkel at the atoll with a marine biologist guide, or unwind with relaxing rituals at Soneva Soul.
Discover the Maldives
Feature image: Soneva Jani Maldives.
