Which Maldives Resort is Best for You?

From havens of wellness to romantic honeymoon escapes and family-friendly resorts, the Maldives has more diversity than you might expect.

Written by Luxury Escapes

Last updated January 30, 2026

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When postcard-perfect beauty and unparalleled luxury come together, there’s one place that immediately springs to mind – the Maldives. It’s not just the untouched white-sand beaches or the spectacular Indian Ocean views that people are here for: it’s the glamorous, five-star resorts that elevate this tropical paradise above any other destination. From secluded romantic sanctuaries to gourmet food havens and family-friendly vacation spots, there’s a Maldives resort for every type of traveller.

There’s now a shortcut to paradise, as Luxury Escapes has partnered with Maldivian Airlines to cut the journey time to less than 12 hours, on Australia’s first and only direct flight from Melbourne to Malé*.

Best for Families: Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

A true Maldives family holiday wouldn’t be complete without a fun-filled entertainment program, especially for the kids. Luckily, you’ll be able to experience all that and more at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, a stunning resort offering all sorts of watersports, boat cruises and snorkelling trips out in the Indian Ocean.

Children will be beyond enchanted by the resort’s Oceaneer’s Club, with a large variety of activities designed to keep them stimulated. They can learn to shake up a mocktail, embark on a turtle adventure with a professional marine biologist and play to their heart’s content with supervised snorkelling and kayaking expeditions.

Best for Wellness: Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

Take a much-needed breather at the tranquil Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, designed in harmony with the abundant nature surrounding it. This isn’t just a place to stay – it’s the ultimate wellness escape in paradise. Nestled over a turquoise lagoon in the South Malé Atoll, the adults‑only resort centres every moment around holistic wellbeing and restoration.

Its Balance Wellness by Anantara spa blends ancient Ayurvedic traditions with modern therapies – from personalised consultations and yoga to detox rituals and soothing hammam experiences set amid nature’s serenity. Guests can wake with sunrise yoga, enjoy tailored fitness and lifestyle guidance, then unwind with restorative treatments in lush overwater pavilions designed to soothe body and mind. Pure tranquillity, thoughtful wellness programmes and soulful moments make it perfect for travellers seeking deep rejuvenation

Best for Honeymooners: JA Manafaru

Presented as the World’s Leading Honeymoon Resort at the World Travel Awards 2021, the romantic JA Manafaru is the ultimate luxury getaway for a little privacy and seclusion post-wedding. Soak in magnificent sunset views from your private pool villa, complete with direct access to the pristine beach and the Indian Ocean. Check out the seven world-class dining venues, or if you don’t want to leave your intimate bubble, you can even dine in-villa.

For an ultra-romantic touch, arrange a private destination dining experience across the ocean, or explore local or deserted islands with a sunset dolphin-watching cruise. Could there be a more perfect way to kick off a blissful marriage?

Best for Foodies: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is a foodie’s paradise in the Indian Ocean – where every meal feels like an adventure for the senses. With an impressive lineup of restaurants and bars, you can dive into flame‑grilled seafood and global flavours at The Gallery’s live cooking stations, savour modern Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood with ocean views at Bluefin, and sip crafted cocktails overwater at Sunset Social – all set against stunning tropical panoramas. 

From relaxed day bites at Coco Drift to refined tapas and wine pairings at The Club, the culinary experiences here are as unforgettable as the island setting – perfect for travellers who live to eat.