The Maldives has a collection of around 1,200 irresistible islands, all with white sands, palm trees and stunningly blue seas, making it one of the most picturesque places on the planet. Holidays here provide the ultimate in privacy and seclusion with most resorts set on their very own island. But with more than 150 Maldives resorts to choose from – and many more opening every year – how do you go about picking the right one for you?
In this guide, we've handpicked some of the best resorts and hotels in the Maldives to help you decide which is the best choice for your holiday to this far-flung destination. So, whether you are seeking a romantic escape just for two or want to take the whole family away, we have the right Maldives island resort for you.
Best resorts in the Maldives for Honeymoons
Exclusive, secluded and undeniably romantic, it’ll come as no surprise that the Maldives is one of our favourite honeymoon destinations – and for good reason! Incredibly popular with newlyweds, honeymoons here are all about escapism and pure luxury. Think overwater villas with private pools, bespoke dining experiences just for two and once-in-a-lifetime excursions from champagne sunset cruises to overnight stays on castaway islands. Discover the perfect resort in the Maldives for your honeymoon right here.
H3 OBLU SELECT at Sangeli, Helengeli
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 50 minutes by speedboat
We love the added extras available for honeymooners at OBLU Select. Stay in one of the Honeymoon Water Suites with Private Pool and enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne plus canapés and a fruit platter on arrival. There is also a couples’ treatment at the ELENA Spa when you stay four nights or more and a special turndown service in the evenings, as well as complimentary excursions as part of the impressive Serenity Plan™.
Just some of our favourite features of Oblu Select for honeymoons include:
- One Banyan – an adults-only island with its own pool, restaurants and bars
- A gorgeous spa offering luxurious treatment packages
- Unique fine-dining restaurants, Just Grill & Simple Veg, both included in the Serenity Plan™
For honeymooners who love nothing more than donning a snorkel and seeking adventure beneath the waves, you'll also find that this resort island is in a prime location for diving. Helengeli plays host to its own reef, a spectacular array of marine life and a 5* diving centre. Its location in the channel between a deep lagoon and the Indian Ocean makes it a sought-after diving destination with at least 20 impressive dive sites close by.
And diving enthusiasts or not, all honeymooners can enjoy the relaxed vibe of the island and excellent value of the All Inclusive options on offer including gourmet restaurants, buffet dining and sundowners cocktails at The Rock Bar.
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, Veligandu
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 30 minutes by speedboat
On Veligandu Island in the South Malé Atoll you’ll find the 5-star adults-only Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, delivering quintessential luxury and iconic ocean panoramas, making it a perfect resort for a romantic honeymoon. One of the few adults-only resorts in the Maldives, Anantara Veli is seemingly designed with honeymooners in mind: nearly all villas are set in stilts over the water and there are a number of exclusive excursions available.
Here are some of our favourite features of Anantara Veli Maldives resort:
- The open-air cinema, where you can watch classic movies under the stars
- Wine tasting sessions and a dedicated wine room
- Cooking classes that teach you how to create authentic Maldivian dishes
Indulge in romance on your honeymoon with the private ‘Dining by Design’, choosing from dinners under the stars or beneath a traditional faree tent. You can also head to the uninhabited Gulhifushi Island on a day trip – private butler on hand, of course – or simply relax beside the infinity pool.
In search of a more active holiday? The Aquafanatics Watersports Centre (as the name suggests) provides a range of activities to keep even the most adventurous couple entertained. This features a diving centre with PADI courses as well as access to jet skis, kayaks and sailboats. You certainly won't be bored!
Six Senses Laamu
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 25 minutes by seaplane
The only resort in the Laamu Atoll, Six Senses Laamu epitomises barefoot luxury. An all-villa resort with a ‘no news, no shoes’ philosophy, it also has an eco-friendly conscious, from the use of locally sourced and sustainable materials to serving dishes using herbs and vegetables grown on-island. But don’t worry, those A-List touches are still present with a Guest Experience Maker (that’s a butler to you and me) for every villa.
Why this resort is perfect for honeymooners:
- Over-water villas with direct lagoon access and over-water hammocks
- Complimentary ‘Cinema Under the Stars’ with private screenings available at a cost
- Intimate dining experiences in the Zen restaurant
- Beach picnic setups are available on request
But it doesn't just end there! You'll find a wealth of incredible experiences to enjoy as a newly married couple at this premium resort from fishing and diving excursions as well as the opportunity to try your hand at a range of watersports along the shoreline. Plus, when you're done exerting yourself, you can unwind in the Six Senses Spa offering rejuvenating facials and calming yoga sessions in its open-air studio.
Best resorts in the Maldives for families
The Maldives isn't just for loved-up couples. While long associated with romantic escapes, this paradisiacal destination is just as welcoming to families. The ‘one hotel, one island’ concept provides a sense of security for parents as well as freedom for little ones.
And when you pick the right resort you and your family will discover that the Maldives delivers fun and adventure for travellers of all ages. Spacious villas means there’s enough room for everyone, while kids’ clubs offer so much more than arts and crafts and movie nights (though there’s plenty of those activities too!). Kids and teens can go on treasure hunts, take part in crab racing or even spot turtles or help with coral reef building. Here are some of our best family resorts in the Maldives.
Constance Halaveli
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 25 minutes by seaplane
Crystal clear waters, white sands and thatched-roofed villas make Constance Halaveli a luxurious haven for families. Leave the reality of school runs and homework behind as you spend time together as a family unit – we recommend the Beach Villas with Private Pools – and let the Premium All Inclusive package take the hassle out of your holidaying.
Here's what to expect during your family holiday:
- A fantastic, complimentary kids club for ages 4 - 11 (open 9AM - 9PM)
- On-site shops to pick up any of those last-minute bits you've forgotten
- Tennis courts to practice your serve on
- Watersports lessons, where kids can learn how to snorkel and dive in the pool. Snorkel masks and equipment are complimentary with the Premium All Inclusive package.
And while the kids are entertained, adults can enjoy the Constance Spa – as part of the Premium All Inclusive package you’ll receive spa credit for every night of your stay, as well as unlimited access to the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Sounds like a dream!
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 30 minutes by speedboat
This resort is a great all-rounder with a family-friendly focus. A laidback Robinson Crusoe-style escape, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is rustic yet chic – and every single one of the bungalows and suites comes with a private pool. Children are welcomed by a special gift and those under 12 years old are given beach essentials on arrival.
Here are just some of our favourite features of this family-orientated resort:
- The interactive Marine Discovery Centre where you can get up close to and even feed the fascinating sea life!
- An on-island house doctor and clinic
- The turtle rehabilitation centre where you can see turtles hatching and being cared for before being released back into the wild
- Spa treatments for kids’ and teens from seaweed baths to magic shell massages.
Kids will also love heading off for fun-filled days at the Kuda Mas Kids' Club, where they'll spend their time making new friends, building sandcastles and gardening, learning more about Maldivian culture and history and even enjoying scavenger hunts and hermit crab racing!
If you're looking for entertainment as a family under the Maldivian sun, sign up for a shark safari where you can head out onto the water to spot these impressive marine creatures in the depths or a dolphin cruise that gets you up close to these playful animals in their natural habitat. As cliche as it sounds, this Four Seasons resort really has something for everyone.
The best eco-friendly resorts in the Maldives
For many of us, sustainability is more important than ever in every aspect of our lives including those luxurious getaways. While decades of tourism have had a negative impact on the Maldives coral reefs and marine ecosystems, many of the resorts are making a conscious effort to make a positive contribution, reducing their environmental impact and championing conservation in this low-lying country. We've featured just a few of our Maldives resorts combining luxury with sustainability.
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 30 minutes by speedboat
Alongside the breathtaking beaches, sumptuous spa and stunning overwater villas which are a common sight in the Maldives, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu also offers the eco-friendly traveller a clear conscience. Lying within the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO biosphere reserve, the resort is a nesting site for the endangered green sea turtles and hosts a Marine Turtle Rescue Center and a full-time marine biologist whose job is to monitor the coral reefs and conduct coral replanting schemes, making this one of the best resorts for an eco-friendly experience.
Some of our favourite features of this resort include:
- The Recreation Centre - offering volleyball, a gym, tennis and a jacuzzi to soothe sore muscles.
- A boutique and gift shops for those holiday souvenirs.
- Complimentary snorkelling equipment, water, wi-fi and in-villa minibar soft drinks daily with the All-Inclusive package.
Aside from marine conservation efforts, the Coco Collection started the Coco Dreams Green initiative with the aim to reduce the use of single-use plastic, including banning plastic straws in favour of paper ones and replacing in-villa amenities – we love the wooden toothbrushes! And did we mention that the resort hosts weekly interactive and awareness session on the impact of tourism in the Maldives on the environment and marine life? If you're a fellow eco-warrior there are few resorts better for your stay in the Maldives.
Soneva Fushi
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 30 minutes by seaplane or 12 minutes by private speedboat
No news, no shoes – those are the rules at the Soneva Fushi resort located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. This luxury destination not only offers a tranquil escape from everyday life but it also plays its part in the world of eco-friendly travel. In 2019 alone, the resort triumphed in its campaign to reduce waste and give back to the environment by banning plastic straws, increasing its recycling rate and using repurposed styrofoam to build Soneva's impressive villas.
Here are just a few of our favourite features of this eco-friendly resort:
- A cinema that serves complimentary popcorn and ice cream while you enjoy your movie.
- The incredible excursions on offer, from swimming with manta rays and glass blowing classes to dolphin cruises that take you out to meet these playful creatures as the sun sets.
- The observatory, where you can look through Soneva's state-of-the-art telescope and see the stars in a whole new light.
- Indulge with a hot stone massage or a private yoga session at the Six Senses Spa.
But that's not all, even Soneva's excursions do their part for the environment. If you've always wanted to don a wettie (that's surfer slang for wetsuit) and try your hand at navigating the ocean waves, sign up for the eco-friendly surfing experience. All of the equipment provided on this experience is made from recycled waste from the surfboards to the rash guards. Choose from the beginner's one-hour session or head out on a 1-3 hour guided surf trip with highly skilled instructors leading the way. You'll be a pro in no time!
Best Maldives resorts for food
If a holiday for you is all about tucking into the finest dishes and sampling the local cuisine then there's plenty of places to stay in the Maldives. With menus brimming with freshly caught seafood, Maldivian twists on international classics and premium and made to order dishes for those with special requirements you'll never go hungry at one of these resorts.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 30 minutes by seaplane
Rangali is technically two islands, linked by a 500m footbridge, and it plays host to the magnificent Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort. This location is a popular choice for those who love to sample new and exciting cuisine, with a range of impressive restaurants to choose from.
When it comes to food and drink be sure to check out our full guide on the best places to eat across the Maldives but for now, we've rounded up the best locations to wine and dine on this stunning island resort.
- Ithaa Undersea Restaurant - Arguably the finest restaurant in the Maldives, it’s also the world’s first all-glass underwater eatery. Observe reef sharks and manta rays gliding past as you feast on a six-course meal of contemporary European dishes. For those on a stricter budget, you can also limit yourself to the impressive cocktail menu or a four-course lunch.
- Uffaa - If you ever get tired of the view in Ithaa (although we're not sure that's possible!) head above sea level to a tempting selection from six other restaurants at the resort, including the impressive Ufaa offering Chinese cuisine created by celebrity chef Jereme Leung.
- The Wine Cellar & Vilu Bar - For those who like a tipple (or two) take your pick from 15,000 bottles of wines with up to 950 labels in the island’s famous wine cellar or the 80 different types of martini cocktail on offer in Vilu Bar.
- Atoll Market - If you're looking for somewhere that serves up a filling breakfast – great if you're feeling a little delicate after that wine selection – Atoll Market is a popular morning spot. Tuck into the buffet, make the most of the juice bar and freshly cooked eggs and get ready for a day of relaxation on the island.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 45 minutes by seaplane
Couples, families and friends will all love the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi thanks to its plentiful facilities and activities - there’s multiple swimming pools, a dedicated kids’ club and an award-winning spa - and you’ll be spoiled for choice at mealtimes with 15 impressive restaurants and bars including Indian, French, Japanese, Vietnamese, Maldivian and Italian.
Our favourite features of this incredible resort:
- The kids' club for 3 - 12 year olds that give parents a little respite during their holiday
- Outdoor mini golf to break up those hours on the sun lounger
- The Spa by Thalgo France with it's very own hydrotherapy circuit
- A gym plus yoga and pilates classes so you can burn off all those indulgent dinners at the resort's restaurants
We're big fans of the over-water dining experience in The Trio, which serves award-winning food inspired by the flavours of Italian cuisine, as well as the Bubble Lounge which is dedicated to handing out fizzing glasses of the world's finest champagnes and sparkling wines.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to seek out La Cremaria where ice cream is served up in generous scoops for those looking to cool off. Plus, when staying on All Inclusive, ice cream is unlimited 11AM - 7PM!
Best Maldives resorts for nightlife
While most visit the Maldives for the tranquil and truly relaxed vibes, there is fun to be had once the sun goes down. The islands aren't known for their nightclubs or wild bars but instead sophisticated and always welcoming venues where guests can unwind and indulge.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 40 minutes by seaplane
Spanning two stunning tropical islands, the 5-star Niyama Private Islands Maldives boasts the most restaurants and bars of any resort in the country. If you're staying at this impressive location, here's where to go for incredible wining and dining once evening falls.
- Subsix – This famous underwater restaurant is located six metres below the ocean's surface with views out into the Indian Ocean, as you sip on cocktails and premium spirits. Book a table here for one of the renowned champagne breakfasts and enjoy the marine-inspired decor with chairs that remind us of sea anemones and a bar shaped like an oversized clamshell.
- Nest – For something more substantial when it comes to food, visit the unique tree-house setting of east Asian restaurant, Nest where you can tuck into avant-garde style cuisine under a canopy of trees while looking out over the resort.
- Fahrenheit – The impressive drinks menu at the swanky Fahrenheit bar is sure to have you going back for more with its trendy vibes, impressive ocean views and live music by local artists in the evening.
Best All-Inclusive resorts in the Maldives
All Inclusive holidaying takes away any worries or stress about money while you're away. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy yourself as almost everything is covered from meals and drinks to activities and even excursions, depending on the resort. Wondering where to book your break in the Maldives for the best All Inclusive deals? Here are our top picks.
Atmosphere Kanifushi
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 30 minutes by seaplane
This luxury 5-star resort is surrounded by pristine beaches and is one of our top picks for its fantastic All Inclusive package. Opt for the Platinum Plus package and you can expect a wide range of incredible extras during your stay from discounts on spa treatments to dining at both speciality and fine dining restaurants.
The best parts of staying All Inclusive include:
- Complimentary snorkelling equipment and two excursions per day out in the water
- Complimentary non-motorised watersports equipment for days spent on the beach
- A sunset fishing excursion during your stay
- An in-villa minibar with refreshments replaced twice each day
We also love the Akiri Spa, where couples who have opted for the Platinum Plus All Inclusive package can enjoy 50% off massages, as well enjoy use of the relaxation lounge, steam room and sauna. Perfect for refreshing your mind and body after spending time out in the hot sun.
Constance Moofushi
Nearest airport: Malé International Airport
Transfer: 35 minutes by seaplane
With an incredible location in the South Ari Atoll and in the path of the manta ray migration route, Constance Moofushi is an underwater paradise with excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. A clever mix of luxury and simplicity, the atmosphere here is all about barefoot chic – think sand-floored restaurants, thatched wooden bungalows and an over-water spa – while the Cristal All Inclusive package is one of the best in the Maldives.
Take a look at some of the best features in the Constance Moofushi All Inclusive plan:
- Daily themed buffets at the Manta restaurant with house champagne served during meal times
- A mini bar which is restocked daily with selected red and white wine, beers, soft drinks, Moofushi water and snacks
- Afternoon tea between 4pm and 6pm for a light snack before getting ready for the evening
- Complimentary snorkelling equipment plus a guided snorkelling excursion during your stay
- A Playstation 3 available for the kids on request.
But that's not all, from birthday and wedding cakes on request to a personal greeting and transfer to the resort as well as Wi-Fi, premium drinks and complimentary movies available to watch in your villa this resort is for those looking for all-out, All Inclusive luxury.
Where you stay in the Maldives depends entirely on the type of holiday you want. Speak to our Indian Ocean travel experts today about your upcoming trip to learn more about what's best for your budget and needs and book a holiday that offers everything you could want and more.