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Heaven on Earth: The Most Luxurious Resorts in the Maldives
Written by Emily Jacobs
Just when you thought the Maldives couldn’t get any dreamier, these ultra-luxurious resorts took the splendour up a notch.
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 Jumeirah and One&Only’s heavenly villas and grand residences, there are dreamy travel moments for every type of traveller.
COMO Maalifushi: experience a dreamy spa day
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: a culinary wonderland
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.
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island: all-villa luxury
A private island paradise awaits at Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island, a five-star, all-villa resort located atop the turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll. Dive straight into the Indian Ocean from your Water Villa, or bring along the whole family for an escape like no other to the three-bedroom beach retreat, complete with an 18-metre infinity pool. If you can pull yourself away from the luxuries of your exclusive villa, you’ll be rewarded with barefoot dining at the all-day Glow restaurant, cocktails at Shimmers beach club, or Nikkei favourites at Kayto. Find sanctuary in the seclusion of the overwater Talise Spa, or simply spend your days relaxing and re-energising by the pool.
One&Only Reethi Rah: hideaway with 12 secluded beaches
Island living is elevated to new heights at the five-star One&Only Reethi Rah, a breathtaking resort tucked away on its own private island just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé. Hide away on the pristine shores of 12 secluded beaches, or get up close and personal with local wildlife with a raft of water-based activities, including scuba diving. Six world-class restaurants celebrate produce grown on the island and found in surrounding waters, which are enhanced with Asian, French, Italian, Japanese and Middle Eastern flavours. Each evening, retire to your overwater villa or beach residence, complete with ocean views and a quintessential Maldivian aesthetic.
Patina Maldives: Sea turtles and snorkelling
With just 110 villas and studios, Patina Maldives is a Maldivian masterclass in exclusivity and seclusion and offers five-star luxury from its spot on the Fari Islands, in the North Malé Atoll. Each day can look vastly different – discover spectacular art installations, kayak across the turquoise waters (keeping an eye out for sea turtles), or dine at one of 12 exceptional restaurants including Aegean eatery Helios, Nordic-Japanese Koen or Fari Beach Club. Or, forget it all and fall deep into a new book on your sun-soaked terrace, cooling off with a dip in your private pool. Rinse and repeat until true relaxation is found.
Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve location
Live out your tropical island fantasies among the azure waters of the immaculate Raa Atoll at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau. Positioned near one of the Maldives’ UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the protected Hanifaru Bay Sanctuary, a stay here offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to admire large populations of whale sharks and endangered manta rays, among a rich and diverse marine habitat. On land, discover the ethereal AVI Spa, soak up the sunset while sipping a cocktail or savour a sumptuous seafood dinner at one of the four resort restaurants. Travelling with friends or family? The three-bedroom residences balance style and substance, with direct beach access and private pools for fun in the sun.
Discover the Maldives
Feature image: Soneva Jani Maldives.
For more Maldives inspiration, read Ultimate Indulgence: The Maldives’ Best All-Inclusive Resorts.
