The Maldives are synonymous with paradise, and this title is well-deserved. Situated in the Indian Ocean, these 1,000 small islands form an archipelago of 26 atolls, where luxury blends with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches. The selection of resorts is vast, but we have highlighted the best of the best and are ready to tell you why they are worth your attention.
The shallow waters along the coast make the Maldives an ideal location for impressive overwater villas built on stilts. According to hotel critic and Scenario Travel co-owner Tatyana Tretyak, the favorites are the villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Jumeirah Olhahali Island, and Waldorf Astoria Maldives. However, all these resorts also have a splendid collection of beach villas, and the Waldorf Astoria even features a private island! Let’s dive into the details!
Jumeirah Olhahali Island
Here, white villas with open panoramic pools blend seamlessly with the turquoise ocean. Sitting on the terrace, you might feel more like you’re on a yacht than in a villa.
Located on a small island at the northernmost tip of the North Malé Atoll, this resort, with just 67 villas, feels far removed from the outside world, despite being easily accessible by speedboat or seaplane. Moreover, you can book a VIP transfer on the hotel’s newly acquired Gulf Craft 48 yacht, featuring luxurious leather seats and an open deck!
Opened in 2021, the villa design was handled by the renowned Singapore-based design group MIAJA. The property includes the Talise Spa and a world-famous diving and extreme water sports center.
Among the interesting activities are a semi-submarine that can accommodate up to eight people to explore the underwater world, as well as transparent-bottom kayaks, jet skis, and much more.
Food enthusiasts will delight in the three ocean-view restaurants. Enjoy Japanese-Peruvian cuisine at the chic Kayto restaurant, Mediterranean dishes throughout the day at Shimmers, Jumeirah’s popular beach brand, and international cuisine and cocktails by the pool at Glow restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives
Welcome to a tropical paradise on the Fari Islands, where you will be greeted by the sound of the traditional Sangu horn upon arrival! Everything here, from the legendary Ritz-Carlton service and personal butler to magical sunsets and stylish interiors, exudes luxury.
The resort comprises 100 villas, situated either over the ocean or along the beach. This is one of the most striking private island resort projects in recent times. The unique circular design of the wooden-clad villas, distinct from the usual bungalows, was created by the famous Kerry Hill Architects, responsible for many of the greatest AMAN resorts.
The villas form an oval around the circular spa center. At The Ritz-Carlton, you won’t find typical Maldivian interior and exterior designs; here, the focus is on modern aesthetics.
Each villa offers a panoramic pool, terrace, and personal butler service, referred to as "aris meeha," who will attend to every guest's request from the moment they arrive. In the local Dhivehi language, this name means "the one who cares for the royal person."
Seven unique restaurants and bars cater to almost every desire. Enjoy Cantonese cuisine at Summer Pavilion, tacos at Beach Shack, Middle Eastern dishes at Arabesque, Italian classics at La Locanda, and teppanyaki at Iwau.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
The resort debuted with great success in 2019. Spread across three islands, it is one of the largest in the Maldives! One of its highlights is a separate private island—the largest in the country—that can be rented entirely.
What else does Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi boast? The largest spa center and the most extensive selection of restaurants (11 in total).
Overall, the resort offers 119 luxuriously designed beach, reef, and overwater villas, each with a private pool. Every detail here is meticulously crafted, from luxurious furniture to state-of-the-art amenities.
For those who love beautiful and unique photos, the Terra restaurant is a must-visit, where you can dine in large, handcrafted bamboo pods located right in the trees!
For maximum privacy, you can book Ithaafushi—the Waldorf Astoria’s private island. This 32,000 sq. m. property features two villas, five pools, an overwater spa, and an entertainment center with a cinema. A personal concierge will attend to every detail of your stay.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
The first hotel by the LVMH Cheval Blanc group opened in Courchevel in 2006, but it wasn’t until 2013 that they made their mark in the Maldives with Cheval Blanc Randheli on its namesake private island. In 2014, the resort was even graced by the royal visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! After a period of renovation, the complex has been welcoming guests again for the past three years.
Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, who also created One&Only Reethi Rah, the resort features 45 villas thoughtfully integrated with the surrounding nature, harmonizing with the island’s landscape, tropical vegetation, and pristine white beach. Guests can truly unwind at the Guerlain spa, experiencing treatments like the Sun Ritual, which prepares the skin for tanning and prolongs its natural glow, and the After-Diving Experience, a soothing treatment that restores muscles and improves circulation.
Delicious meals await in one of the five restaurants: Le 1947, The White, La Table de Partage, The Diptyque, and Deelani. Enjoy cocktails at one of the three bars.
Joali
The renowned Istanbul-based design studio Autoban, which crafted the unique design of Baku Airport and numerous Istanbul hotels, has created something unique for Joali as well. The resort boasts two magnificent islands surrounded by shimmering lagoons and lush palms: JOALI Maldives and JOALI Being.
Every detail of the resort’s overwater and beach villas is meticulously designed, featuring wooden panels with handcrafted details by local artisans, bamboo headboards, and bathrooms with rose gold accents. For nearly five years, Joali has remained one of the most luxurious and distinctive island resorts in the Maldives, showcasing a love for art and design as the “first art-immersive resort in the Maldives.”
Each island offers a wide selection of restaurants. Plantae serves vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Su offers pescatarian dishes with fresh seafood, and B’Well presents JOALI BEING’s signature menu. For sunset lovers, there’s MOJO, which features an extensive Japanese menu.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
This new resort is located on one of the most remote atolls, Gaafu Alifu, in the southernmost part of the Maldives. It opened in May 2019.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo offers 38 villas with pools, situated either on the beach or over the water. Guests can enjoy 24-hour butler service, luxurious interiors, and a serene spa center. The resort is accessible via a 90-minute seaplane flight or a 55-minute domestic flight from Velana International Airport in Malé, followed by a speedboat ride from Kaadedhdhoo Airport.
Be sure to visit Yapa Bar or the legendary Raffles Long Bar. The resort also offers a choice of four restaurants serving international cuisine.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Welcome to an island that is a natural wild biosphere reserve designated by UNESCO, where clear waters, white beaches, and jungle greenery blend with innovation, conservation, and guest wellness.
The resort offers 102 villas of various categories, featuring elegant interiors in warm tones, natural wood finishes, Maldivian-inspired decor, cozy terraces, and pools. This resort will transform your vacation into a full-fledged retreat! Everything here is infused with the philosophy of Ayurveda. The spa center, winner of the Spa Guide 2020 award, offers personalized programs prescribed by Dr. Shailesh Subramanya after a consultation. Additionally, there is a yoga therapy center to help achieve mental and physical relaxation.
The island’s marine research center, managed by a team of biologists, will amaze you with facts about the diversity of the underwater world! Four diverse restaurants (Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian, and Grill) ensure healthy dining, as even here, guest wellness is a priority.
Whichever resort you choose, the Maldives will not leave you indifferent. We are excited to be your guide to the world of azure waters and white sands and to organize your journey in the best way possible!
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