Disclaimer: Top 10 Lists are created keeping in mind only my opinion. Rest assured that IH Aviation and Travel is not biased whatsoever.
The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, are a collection of more than thousand small coral atolls, located on the equator towards the south of India and stretching across 800 km (500 mi) of the Indian Ocean on a north-south axis. The stunningly beautiful islands are the visible coral tips of an oceanic volcanic mountain range whose outer edges at some points plunge to depths of over 3 km (10,000 ft). The islands feature some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, crystal clear turquoise lagoons, phenomenal underwater wildlife, and unrivaled luxury resorts that take up their own private islands. Widely considered as the most exclusive holiday destination in the world, the islands are home to some of the world’s most beautiful and ultra-luxurious resorts. Here are the Top 10 5 star Hotels and Resorts in Maldives that can be booked with points.
10. Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau
Located in Raa Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort features private Beach, Overwater and Lagoon villas and residences. The hotel offers 81 villas with private pools and minibars. It has 5 restaurants right from Mediterranean tapas amid 360-degree vistas at The Lighthouse, to sea-to-table South Asian inspired dining at The Fish Market and a fusion of cross-continental flavors at Café Umi, expect organic, local and sustainable ingredients in thoughtfully curated ambiances. For creatively crafted cocktails, succumb to the romance of The Sunset Bar, or reconnect in The Retreat, an adult only enclave with deep blue lagoon views. For an elevated touch of personalization, Dining by Design sees guests stimulate their senses on a sunset cruise, indulge in a gourmet picnic or make lifetime memories with a movie night under the stars. Club InterContinental benefits for guests include afternoon tea, evening aperitif at the Pool Bar and all-day refreshments at The Retreat and The Pool Bar. Avi Spa has 7 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, facials, body scrubs and detox wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including Ayurvedic and reflexology. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a spa tub and a steam room. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children’s pool. Other recreational amenities include a private beach, a sauna and a fitness centre. A yoga pavilion offers personalized training. The Marine Discovery Center provides screening of educational films and collaboration with the Manta Trust Foundation. Guests can embark on an exploratory snorkeling or even make a difference by adopting a Manta.
Intercontinental Maldives Maamanagau can be booked with 1,00,000 IHG points per night, more than any other property in the IHG portfolio.
Website: Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau
9. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Sen Fushi
Located on the Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives, each luxury villa at Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi features a private pool. The property features 200 meter of infinity pools as well as luxury safari-style tented villas nestled in the island’s lush interior jungle. The nine kilometer-long house reef is directly accessible from the beach. Each of the 120 rooms include private pools and private plunge pools and are accessible via exterior corridors. Dining includes an international all-day dining spot called Raha Market; an over-water Japanese restaurant, sushi bar and lounge named Kata, and the over-water fine dining destination, Azure where fresh seafood and fish-market displays of daily local catches are complemented by fantastic wines and Champagnes. At the all-bamboo Onu Onu, loungers and fire pits add to the laid-back poolside atmosphere, while sunsets are best enjoyed with a sun-downer at the Kata Rooftop Bar and lounge that overlooks the entire western side of the island. Willow Stream Spa has 8 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples and outdoor treatment areas. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa. Other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and sports massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic and hydrotherapy. The spa is equipped with a spa tub. It has sea breeze passages designed to draw fresh sea air into the treatment rooms. A dedicated Olympic size spa bath is provided for spa guests for pre or post treatment immersion. The unique tented jungle villas offer privacy while other guests can also experience the island interiors with glamping, BBQs or jungle cinema. 4 outdoor swimming pools and 5 hot tubs are on site. In addition to a kids’ pool, other recreational amenities include a private beach, an outdoor tennis court, a 24-hour health club and complimentary bicycles. The property also houses a a kid’s club, toddler’s play garden, and the dedicated teen town. It can also arrange for sunset dolphin tours for guests.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Sen Fushi can be booked from 45,000 ALL points per night.
Website: Fairmont Maldives Sirru Sen Fushi
8. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Located on Rangali Island, Conrad Maldives offers 151 rooms that present beautiful sea or beach views which are framed through wooden floor-to-ceiling windows. Conrad Maldives’ 12 world-class restaurants and bars serve an assortment of international, Mediterranean and grilled dishes. Over 600 bottles of premium wine can be enjoyed at The Wine Cellar. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a children’s pool. Other recreational amenities include an outdoor tennis court and a 24-hour fitness centre. The Spa Retreat has 13 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages and Thai massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic and hydrotherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a spa tub and a steam room. Public bath/onsen services include a yukata (Japanese robe).
Award nights at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island start at 95,000 Honors points per night.
Website: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
7. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort
Located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll on 2 islands, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort is on a private beach. It offers two experiences packed with luxury: a private island with white sands, turquoise lagoon and lush greenery that was launched in May and an overwater enclave facing east and west to witness the magnificent sunrises and sunsets which is opening soon in September. The resort offers 38 villas which include private plunge pools. Thari is the all day dining restaurant where guests can enjoy the open, relaxed atmosphere of dining on the beachfront. The Firepit is where guests can enjoy a unique beach side experience at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo’s barbecue restaurant with chilled cocktails and an exceptional wine list. Yuzu serves Peruvian – Nikkei cuisine while Yapa Sunset Bar is the over water bar that draws its inspiration from the national drinks of South America and Japan. Guests can also enjoy cocktails and champagne at Long Bar. Activities such as snorkeling with complimentary snorkeling gear and diving can be arranged at the property. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a private beach and a 24-hour fitness centre. Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort can be booked from 45,000 ALL points per night.
Website: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort
6. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives is located on a private island named Hadahaa. Park Hyatt Maldives is about 400 km to the south of Velana International Airport. Nestled amidst tropical greenery, the 50 villas feature open-concept bath areas that offer scenic views. International dishes are served in the elegant dining environments of the 2 themed restaurants, The Dining Room and The Island Grill. For a more intimate experience, in-villa dining can be arranged. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a private beach and a 24-hour fitness centre. The Vidhun Spa has 5 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include hot stone massages, Thai massages, facials and body wraps.
For a award night stay, one will have to pay anywhere between 25,000 and 35,000 World of Hyatt points depending on the season.
Website: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
5. W, Maldives
Located on a private island named Fesdu, within the North Ari Atoll, W Maldives is a 1.5-hour speed boat ride or a 25-minute sea plane transfer from Male International Airport. A private W Lounge is available at Malé International Airport. The resort has 77 villas that offer direct beach, reef or ocean access and also come with a private plunge pool. An international menu is served at KITCHEN, while barbecued foods are offered at FIRE. W Maldives specialty restaurant, FISH set above the Indian Ocean serves seafood. Cocktails and assorted beverages are featured at SIP. Relaxation can be found at AWAY Spa, which has a menu of massage, Ayurvedic and facial treatments. Guests can also enjoy activities ranging from watersports, yoga and aqua aerobics. A library and activities room is also available. The hotel also features a diving center, fitness center and outdoor infinity pool.
W Maldives is a category 8 hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy Award Chart, meaning that a base category villa can be booked with 70,000 Bonvoy Points for an off-peak award night stay, with 85,000 Bonvoy Points for a standard award night stay and for 1,00,000 Bonvoy Points for a peak award night stay.
Website: W, Maldives
4. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Set on the stunning island of Vagaru in the secluded Shaviyani atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is spread over 22 acres of golden sand and palm trees. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa offers 61 villas featuring separate lounges, bedrooms, and bathrooms, all tastefully accented with materials and colors inspired by the natural surroundings and cultural influences of the Maldives. The resort features 5 restaurants, 3 bars, wine cellar and a range of beach dining options with entertainment. The resort also offers 24-hour in-villa dining service, as well as memorable destination dining experiences. For families travelling with children, Little Griffins, a Family by JW kids’ club, featuring a 13 m long pirate ship, kids’ sleeping areas, a servery, games and educational activities will provide hours of fun and entertainment. For guests over 18, the resort offers an adults-only infinity pool area on the tip of Vagaru island, as well as a clubhouse complete with a cigar room, a shisha room, and billiards table. Spa by JW has 7 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs and detox wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology. The spa is equipped with a spa tub and a steam room.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a category 8 hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy Award Chart, meaning that a base category villa can be booked with 70,000 Bonvoy Points for an off-peak award night stay, with 85,000 Bonvoy Points for a standard award night stay and for 1,00,000 Bonvoy Points for a peak award night stay.
Website: JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
3. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Located in South Male Atoll, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi covers 3.5 km length of greenery and beaches spanning across 3 islands encircling a lagoon. Each of the 119 villas offers a spacious outdoor living area with an infinity pool, a gazebo ideal for alfresco dining and a swing day bed for relaxation. The horizontal architecture layout of the villa ensures spectacular view of the azure waters. This luxury hotel offers 11 unique dining venues including Chinese, Middle Eastern and a signature tree top restaurant. The property houses a wellness spa offering 10 treatment villas. Activities on-site include diving and a water sports centre, yoga, a tennis court, fitness centre and a young discovery park with daily children’s programs and babysitting services. Complimentary bicycles are available in every villa.
Award nights at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi start at 1,20,000 Honors points per night.
Website: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
2. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The first St. Regis located on a private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is set on nine hectares of lush tropical gardens, powdery white sand and surrounded by a turquoise lagoon.. The 77 spacious villas and suites each come with a private pool and floor-to-ceiling windows. Personalized St. Regis Butler Service is available for all the rooms. Delight over Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and other international cuisines in an unforgettable setting: The St. Regis Maldives offers six distinct dining venues including a pop-up restaurant, an overwater tapas bar and exceptional wine dinners at Decanter cellar.
Halal food and a Middle Eastern menu are available. Perched over water, guests can indulge in a holistic approach to relaxation and rejuvenation at Iridium Spa. There are six overwater treatment rooms, including two that are dedicated to healing Ayurveda treatments. Each visit offers a customized spa experience such as authentic rituals or luxury caviar treatments. The Blue Hole is one of the most expansive hydrotherapy pool in the Indian Ocean. The property also offers services and entertainment such as acupuncture, meditation, anti-gravity yoga, Children’s club, indoor games at Socialite Club, outdoor main pool, outdoor tennis court and a library. Guests can also delight in a private jungle cinema experience, island picnic, floating rituals and more. In addition to diving, snorkeling and windsurfing, the resort offers jet skiing, sea bobbing, glass bottom kayaking, parasailing and a luxury yacht called Norma available for charter.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Island is a category 8 hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy Award Chart, meaning that a base category villa can be booked with 70,000 Bonvoy Points for an off-peak award night stay, with 85,000 Bonvoy Points for a standard award night stay and for 1,00,000 Bonvoy Points for a peak award night stay.
Website: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
1. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is located in Fari Islands, to the north of Malé. This stunning resort offers 100 villas, both on land and on water, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features private pools and private plunge pools. Summer Pavilion is set in a beautiful lantern-inspired overwater space and takes inspiration from The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurant, showcasing contemporary Cantonese cuisine. Iwau or ‘celebrate’ in Japanese, is an open-air restaurant with two teppanyaki grills for a multi-sensory dining experience. La Locanda serves rich espressos in the morning, while aperitifs in the setting sun preludes an evening of delightful southern Italian cuisine. The Beach Shack is a family-friendly restaurant inspired by the carefree spirit and relaxed cuisines of the Mediterranean, featuring shared plates and grilled seafoods. Eau Bar features a laid-back glamorous setting where guests can indulge in fresh oysters and caviar while sipping on tableside crafted cocktails, while afternoon tea gets a Maldivian twist and sunset is celebrated each evening with a captivating drums and fire ritual. Two of the resort’s dining venues venues are located at Fari Marina, a pleasant eight-minute journey in a dhoni, a traditional wooden fishing boat, from the resort island to Fari Marina Village. Arabesque is an eye-catching tribute to a traditional Bedouin tent, inviting diners on a culinary journey from Lebanon to North India while Tum Tum is a food truck serving light Asian delights; the perfect welcome stop in the middle of a day of shopping and exploration. An outdoor pool and a children’s pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include a private beach, outdoor tennis courts, a waterslide and a sauna. The Ritz-Carlton Spa has 9 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, sports massages and Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic and reflexology. The area is popular for snorkeling and canoeing, and bike hire is available at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is a category 8 hotel in the Marriott Bonvoy Award Chart, meaning that a base category villa can be booked with 70,000 Bonvoy Points for an off-peak award night stay, with 85,000 Bonvoy Points for a standard award night stay and for 1,00,000 Bonvoy Points for a peak award night stay.
Website: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands
Featured image by The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
If you think that I have missed any of the resorts present in Maldives (bookable with points) that you think should be included in the list, let me know in the comments section below.