Creating the ultimate guide to the best hotels in Maldives? Easier said than done! The Maldives isn’t just another pretty face in the island getaway game—it’s the crowned jewel, setting the bar sky-high for luxury, privacy, and jaw-dropping beauty. Forget your typical beachfront hotels; here, overwater villas are basically a given, and those boutique, lo-fi hideaways? Yeah, you won’t find many of those around. Instead, imagine world-class hotels lounging on their private islands, surrounded by lush jungles, pristine beaches, and coral-filled reefs. Sounds rough, right?
But wait, the latest best hotels in Maldives are turning things up a notch. Overwater villas are no longer enough—now, Soneva Secret is working on the first-ever floating villa. Spas are getting in on the overwater action too, letting you spy on sea turtles through glass floors while you’re getting that much-needed massage. Pool bars? So last year. How about sipping cocktails in a beachside treehouse or dining at an underwater restaurant? Oh, and did we mention sustainability? These hotels aren’t just pretty; they’re planet-friendly too. Most have their own coral conservation projects, and one is even entirely solar-powered.
So, if you’re hunting for the best hotels in Maldives that will make your bucket list scream “Take me there now!”, look no further. The best hotels in Maldives have it all—luxury, innovation, and a whole lot of wow.
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Maldives Magic: 8 Best Hotels You Need on Your Bucket List
Soneva Jani: A Slice of Paradise in the Best Hotels in Maldives
Imagine a place so dreamy it feels like it was plucked straight from a storybook—welcome to Soneva Jani, a jewel in the crown of the best hotels in Maldives. Nestled on the edge of a stunning lagoon in Noonu Atoll, this slice of heaven is surrounded by lush, emerald-green jungle and fringed by powdery, neon-white beaches. It’s the kind of place where both kids and adults get to live out their wildest island fantasies. Picture yourself biking through the jungle, lounging in hammocks on deserted beaches, or zipping down slides into vibrant reefs, all while dolphins playfully dance in the shimmering baby-blue waters.
The overwater villas are pure magic, featuring glass-bottom floors and pool decks with twisting slides that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical wonderland. And let’s not forget The Den—the largest kids’ club in South Asia, where the fun never stops. But don’t worry, grown-ups, Soneva Jani hasn’t forgotten about you.
The Gathering on the north side is an overwater haven housing restaurants, a library, and a wine cellar. Dining here is a serious affair, with options like a meat-free marvel by award-winning chef Mathias Dahlgren and So Local, a garden oasis serving up fresh delights. And with guest chefs like Tom Aikens and Jane Alty (of The Begging Bowl fame), your taste buds are in for a treat.
The spa? Oh, it’s not just any spa. The treehouse-like Island Spa features egg-shaped rooms connected by walkways that float above the water, leading to a serene yoga shala. And then there’s Soneva Soul, the brand’s next-level approach to wellness. They’ve rolled out three-, seven-, and 14-day wellness journeys that focus on everything from sleep and detoxing to anti-ageing, blending naturopathy, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese Medicine with cutting-edge treatments like platelet-rich plasma therapy and ozone therapy. At Soneva Jani, wellness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s woven into the fabric of your stay, right from the moment you kick off your shoes at check-in.
When it comes to the best hotels in Maldives, Soneva Jani doesn’t just raise the bar—it redefines it. This is where luxury, fun, and wellness collide, creating an unforgettable experience that will leave you wondering if you’ve stumbled into paradise itself.
Six Senses Kanuhura: A Hidden Gem Among the Best Hotels in Maldives
As your seaplane glides into the Lhaviyani Atoll, you’ll instantly understand why Six Senses couldn’t resist adding this stunning trio of coral islands to their collection. Six Senses Kanuhura, the second Maldivian masterpiece from the brand (after Six Senses Laamu), is the epitome of island perfection. Imagine sweeping white beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, a vibrant house reef teeming with marine life, and a lush jungle heart bursting with coconut palms, screw pines, and fragrant sea almonds—all yours to explore on complimentary bicycles.
The best hotels in Maldives have a reputation for offering dreamy accommodations, and Six Senses Kanuhura doesn’t disappoint. Scattered across the island are 91 beachfront and overwater villas, including 12 sprawling retreats that are pure paradise. With a soothing palette of warm woods, peach, and teal, these villas feature big, comfy beds draped in airy nets that practically beg you to take an afternoon nap.
When it comes to dining, Six Senses Kanuhura delivers in style. Choose from seven incredible bars and restaurants, including Drift, a charming little café on the sister island Jehunuhura, and The Point, a circular Spanish restaurant with a rooftop infinity pool where you can sip cocktails while watching the sunset. And the daily activities? They’re as diverse as they are delightful. Whether you’re into core training, yoga, meditation, or sound healing, this resort has something for everyone. The spa is top-notch, too, making Six Senses Kanuhura a place where you can unwind, recharge, or stay as active as you please.
In the world of the best hotels in Maldives, Six Senses Kanuhura stands out as a hidden gem, offering a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you’re after a lively escape or a peaceful retreat, this island haven has it all—wrapped up in the stunning natural beauty that makes the best hotels in Maldives so unforgettable.
Soneva Secret: The Untouched Jewel Among the Best Hotels in Maldives
Soneva Secret, nestled in the untouched beauty of the Makunudhoo Atoll, might just be the most authentic embodiment of barefoot luxury in the Maldives. With a strong focus on sustainability, wellness, and the raw, natural environment, this newly opened retreat has quickly earned its spot among the best hotels in Maldives.
Arriving at Soneva Secret is an experience in itself. With no other islands in sight, you’ll glide down in a seaplane, landing in a world of pure turquoise, where the horizon is an endless blend of blue skies and even bluer waves. Each of the 14 villas offers uninterrupted ocean views that will make you question if you’ve stumbled into a screensaver.
Here, “simple luxury” is the mantra, and it’s easy to see why. There’s no sprawling resort feel—just chic, unassuming elegance. Whether you choose an overwater villa or a beachfront haven, you’ll be immersed in nature. For something truly unique, there’s even a floating villa on stilts currently under construction, set to redefine luxury living.
The design here is more open to the elements than at Soneva’s other retreats. Glass doors in the bedrooms (the only air-conditioned spaces) vanish, letting you drift off to sleep with the sound of waves nearly kissing your toes. It’s all part of the charm that places Soneva Secret firmly among the best hotels in Maldives.
Dining at Soneva Secret is an adventure in itself. The island offers two main dining spots: the relaxed, driftwood-chic Living Room and the aptly named Out of This World, a circular fine-dining restaurant perched 330 feet offshore. Getting there? Well, how about ziplining from the Living Room? It’s very much the Soneva way, and the reward is a meal crafted by the tattooed Brazilian chef Henrique Lork, who started his culinary journey as a humble baker.
In the realm of the best hotels in Maldives, Soneva Secret stands out not just for its luxury but for its commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes the Maldives so magical. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, immerse yourself in nature, and indulge in the simple luxuries that make life worth living.
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Joali: Where Luxury Meets Laid-Back Chic in the Best Hotels in Maldives
Joali, a dazzling addition to the best hotels in Maldives, first made waves on our 2022 Hot List of the world’s freshest new stays. Designed by Istanbul’s Autoban (the creative minds behind London’s Duck + Rice and the stunning Baku airport), Joali is a stunning blend of innovation and elegance. Their design magic is evident in every detail, from locally hand-carved wood panels and bamboo-slatted headboards to rose-gold bathroom taps that look like oversized pebbles. And let’s not forget the heron-and-palm-leaf printed kimonos by Ardmore and slippers so fluffy they could double as clouds.
This gem of the best hotels in Maldives strikes the perfect balance between laid-back luxury and high-end sophistication. Slide into Mura Bar in your bare feet for a sunset Martini, savor a buttermilk-chicken slider, and puff on a shisha pipe, or get glam for a refined dinner at Saoke, the Japanese restaurant that’s all about elegance without any pretentiousness.
Joali doesn’t dictate how you should relax or what you should wear. Instead, it embraces a relaxed, high-achieving vibe that makes it a standout choice for winter sun-seekers. In the realm of the best hotels in Maldives, Joali is not just another luxury destination; it’s a delightful escape that combines style, comfort, and a touch of whimsy.
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa: The Robinson Crusoe Fantasy Among the Best Hotels in Maldives
Dreaming of a Robinson Crusoe escape but with all the modern luxuries? Look no further than Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, a dazzling contender among the best hotels in Maldives. This hidden paradise is just seven hectares of sheer bliss, featuring 80 villas that are as varied as they are stunning, split between overwater and beachside. There isn’t a single bad view here—every room boasts a breathtaking panorama where the Indian Ocean and sky blend into one magical horizon.
Your stay at one of the best hotels in Maldives comes with a personal butler who will cater to your every whim. Whether it’s booking a spa treatment, setting up a tennis match, or crafting a heart-shaped seat in the sand for a romantic evening, your wish is their command.
Dining is nothing short of spectacular. Savor teriyaki chicken and miso reef fish at Teppanyaki Grill, or indulge in a meal at the overwater Mediterraneo restaurant. Picture yourself enjoying homemade tortellini and tiramisu with waves serenading you below and stars twinkling above, all while sipping house Champagne—definitely one of the smartest all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives.
Unwind with a Balinese massage in the spa, nestled in the treetops with playful terns for company, or dive into the turquoise lagoon to meet parrotfish, reef sharks, and stingrays. Whether you’re snorkeling, learning to dive, or simply watching dolphins frolic from your villa’s deck, Emerald Faarufushi is a showstopper among the best hotels in Maldives.
Six Senses Laamu: Surf, Sip, and Chill at One of the Best Hotels in Maldives
While the Maldives is often synonymous with romantic sunsets and serene beaches, Six Senses Laamu takes things up a notch for thrill-seekers and laid-back loungers alike. As the sole resort in the southern Laamu Atoll, this standout among the best hotels in Maldives offers more than just a beautiful view—it’s got a surf break called Yin Yang that will make you rethink your usual sunset selfie routine.
For those who prefer their relaxation with a side of activity, Six Senses serves up paddle-boarding, catamaran sailing, and snorkeling straight off the house reef. And if you’re worried about missing out on your eco-friendly vibes, fear not! This place does the rustic look with genuine charm—think gauzy white canopies over beds to keep air-con at bay, wooden slats in walls for nighttime breezes, and low-slung thatched roofs for natural shade. Even the pencils are responsibly sourced twigs.
But let’s not kid ourselves; Six Senses isn’t all about roughing it. The bar boasts a 100-plus cocktail menu, there’s a cheese-and-wine tower that could double as art, and the sushi restaurant is sensational. The spa? It’s practically a reason to stay here, with its nest-like pods where you can easily lose track of time.
In the realm of the best hotels in Maldives, Six Senses Laamu manages to combine chic relaxation with eco-conscious luxury, making it a top pick for anyone looking to surf, sip, and chill in style.
Kudadoo: The All-Inclusive Solar-Powered Slice of Paradise Among the Best Hotels in Maldives
When it comes to catering to the crème de la crème of the Maldives, the Maldivian-Swedish duo behind Kudadoo truly know their stuff. This isn’t just any luxury retreat; it’s a solar-powered marvel and the country’s very first all-inclusive hotel, nestled on a tiny coconut-coated sandbank. Imagine a slice of the best hotels in Maldives where sustainability meets luxury in the most stylish way possible.
Kudadoo’s 15 rooms, designed by the visionary New York architect Yuji Yamazaki, evoke serene Japanese ryokans—think soothing wood, stone, and reed-thatch that open onto wide decks with plunge pools and direct sea access. The circular wooden walkway around the sea is a scenic masterpiece, offering a panoramic view of the stunning blue waters.
Now, when they say ‘all-inclusive,’ they mean it with a capital A. Enjoy two-hour Healing Earth spa treatments, around-the-clock butler service, jet-ski adventures, and deep-sea fishing—all without ever hearing the dreaded hum of a generator. Instead, you’ll be lulled by the gentle lap of waves and the occasional thud of a coconut.
And let’s talk dining: from light Japanese teppanyaki to Maldivian seafood curry, every meal is a gastronomic delight crafted by French chef Antoine Lievaux, formerly of Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse fame. With 80 top wines from Wine Spectator’s list and dishes that make your taste buds dance, Kudadoo isn’t just a hotel; it’s a celebration of everything that makes the best hotels in Maldives so spectacular.
Vakkaru Maldives: The Jungle Edition
If you think you’ve seen all the best hotels in Maldives, think again. Vakkaru Maldives takes the concept of a tropical paradise and raises it to an art form. This private island retreat is not just another dot on the map; it’s a sprawling, jungle-clad jewel where coconut palms touch the sky and the only thing more breathtaking than the scenery is the luxury.
Step into a Vakkaru villa and you’ll be greeted by an interior that’s as casually elegant as a beachside sundress. Warm, muted tones and natural textures, from burlap wash bags to billowing muslin draped over four-posters, set the scene for total relaxation. And with outdoor spaces that are just as thoughtfully designed, you’ll never lack a plush daybed or a hammock to flop into.
Dining here is a gourmet adventure with six restaurants and romantic private dining experiences that could make Cupid rethink his day job. Picture a candlelit dinner on a secluded sandbank, or a farm-fresh lunch at a serene organic farm—because who says you can’t mix farm-to-table with sea-to-sky luxury?
And let’s not forget the multi-level overwater spa. With glass floor windows, your Balinese massage comes with an underwater show featuring aqua blue parrotfish. Or, if you’re feeling zen, opt for a bespoke Ayurvedic treatment courtesy of Dr. Surandi Disssanayake. Vakkaru Maldives doesn’t just offer a stay; it crafts an experience that rivals the best hotels in Maldives. If luxury had a signature scent, it would smell a lot like Vakkaru’s warm and welcoming charm.
