From the A-list’s favourite to the full Robinson Crusoe experience, these are the best hotels in the Maldives.
Unhurried and unspoilt, these impossibly beautiful islands promise a stay of utter tranquility and luxury. Whilst most are small enough to walk around, to explore some you may need to borrow a bicycle, but why stray from your stilted water villa, where you can relax on a daybed with the waters lapping below, or slip down the private steps into the warm sea.
Expansive beach villas, many served by private butlers, come complete with their own exclusive stretch of sand. Whether you are opting for a blissfully romantic Maldives honeymoon or quality time with your family, these idyllic islands are the epitome of paradise.
Best for… space and seclusion: One&Only Reethi Rah
Classic luxury entwines with modern escapism at arguably the Maldives’ premier address – this is a glamorous island hideout for ritzy-glitzy beach goers.
Meaning ‘beautiful island’ in the local Maldivian tongue, One&Only’s flagship has aged like a fine wine since its original opening 15 years ago. A contemporary escape resplendent with no less than a dozen beaches, six restaurants and a one-of-a-kind certified dive centre, its all-singing-all-dancing nature has earned it grande dame status in the Maldives. Here exists an inimitable class of castaway comfort rooted in exceptional standards of elegance.
Best for… wellbeing: JOALI BEING
On secluded Bodufushi in the Raa Atoll, there’s a well-being wonderland masquerading as an island, where what some thought impossible has been built – a hotel concept the Maldives hasn’t seen before.
It would seem that every brand and its sister has a resort in the Maldives, so the fact that JOALI BEING has managed to create a retreat that’s unlike anything else in the region (or the world for that matter) is an accomplishment that demands to be celebrated. A whirling dervish-inspired arrival jetty provides the gateway to a place that lives and breathes wellness in whatever form it may take, whether the mercury is high or the stars are twinkling. Don’t expect subpar spa treatments or rigorous bootcamp-style detoxes. Instead, Signature Immersion Programmes and specially designed spaces target particular areas of lifestyle change, eco-friendly architecture aims to enhance positive energy, and there’s no need to fear the clean cuisine, it cleanses but leaves no room for hunger – even the wine that makes an appearance if desired claims to be hangover free.
Best for… eating and drinking: Patina Maldives
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is a fresh-faced flagship leading a carefully considered life of discreet tranquillity, all the while moonlighting as a vibrant hub of Riviera-esque shenanigans.
The stylish bunch and travel-trend-conscious have had the debut hotel of Capella’s new lifestyle brand on their radar for some time. There’s a fine balance between Maldivian peace and the Southern France party scene, a clear respect for nature is synchronised with all the mod cons and bare feet dance alongside high heels. This is somewhere they can connect with creativity and comfort, and it’s blatant that opposites attract here. But it’s Patina’s core ethos that unites the dichotomy – the aim to bring together the like-minded who venture to these parts to revel in isolation together.
Best for... rest and relaxation: Soneva Fushi
Powder white sands, unusually rich vegetation, crystal clear waters and understated luxury is what the original desert island hideaway is all about.
Soneva Fushi is fifty seven vast villas and private residences, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, all hidden amongst dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine, UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve. If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday private butlers who know what you want before you want it.
Every visit makes you feel young again. Watching movies in Cinema Paradiso, deciding between sixty flavours of ice cream, eleven types of pillow, five hundred different wines, six different restaurants and countless destination dining options too. Children are well looked after at the state-of-the-art children’s Den whilst adults indulge in a variety of body treatments and specialist traditions in the Six Senses Spa.
Best for… an authentic castaway experience: Gili Lankanfushi
A ‘No Shoes, No News’ philosophy permeates this iconic property in the Maldives archipelago – considered one of the finest water villa resorts in the world.
The epitome of barefoot chic, it comprises just forty five exclusive overwater villas with private water garden, including seven Crusoe Residences and an über-chic Private Reserve which can only be reached by boat. Villa interiors boast an open-air living room and bathroom, with sun decks both on the roof and over the lagoon. Each villa enjoys the services of a dedicated ‘Mr/Ms Friday’ who will ensure all your wishes are fulfilled. Choose from moonlit in-villa dining, sunset Champagne cruises on board a dhoni or dinners in the gourmet wine cellar.
By The Sea restaurant serves Japanese cuisine to the accompaniment of sakes and stunning ocean views. A dive school will train you to be PADI-certified within a week, sunset and dolphin cruises can be organised and there’s a plethora of watersports from Hobie Cats to surfing at the dedicated Surf Centre. In the award-winning Meera Spa with its glass-panelled floors, holistic therapies complement Ayurvedic programmes and yoga. Little ones are kept entertained by the resorts’ Mr and Ms Fridays.
If you feel inspired to visit, or if you have more questions about picking the perfect resort, you can contact me and i'll help curate your perfect trip https://www.allthingsmaldives.com/book-with-me
Jane
PS - I might just see you there, if so, say hi!
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