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 Resorts in the Maldives.
10. JW Marriott Maldives Resort and 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.
Website: JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa
9. Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, in the south of Maldives and is located on Olhuveli Island. Six Senses Laamu is a sustainable luxury resort surrounded by clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches. The hotel offers 97 individually decorated villas that open to balconies and feature an outdoor bathroom with rainshower where guests can shower under the stars. Private day beds and Sun loungers lets guests enjoy the Maldivian sun from the comfort of the villas. The property has 4 restaurants. LEAF serves modern Mediterranean dishes prepared with fresh organic ingredients, while premium wine and cheese can be enjoyed at Altitude Wine Cellar. Breakfast options are available. Zen, an ocean view restaurant, offers Japanese cuisine. Other dining options include international cuisine at Longitude, pizza at Sip Sip, ice cream at Ice and drinks at the Chill Bar. Recreational amenities at the resort include a private beach, a health club, a steam room and a kids’ pool. Other recreational amenities include complimentary bicycles. The resort also provides a modern gym, yoga pavilion and an on-site diving center. Six Senses Spa has 9 treatment rooms. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa. Other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic. The spa is equipped with a spa tub.
Website: Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
8. Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
Located on the Fari Islands, Patina Maldives features a private white sand beach with gorgeous views. The property has 110 rooms that have a hot tub and pool view. The hotel has 11 restaurants that offer various cuisines like American, Asian, Greek, etc. An outdoor pool and a children’s pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include a private beach, an outdoor tennis court, a 24-hour fitness centre, bar in North Male Atoll and complimentary bicycles. Patina Maldives, Fari Islands offers a children’s playground. Guests can play billiards, table tennis and tennis at the resort, and the area is popular for canoeing. Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. There are 7 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.
Website: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
7. Waldorf Astoria, Maldives
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.
Website: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
6. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and features lush jungle interior and a stunning 3.2 km lagoon. The hotel offers 103 villas. Land based villas have private beach access, pool, outdoor showers and lush private gardens. Water Villas offer panoramic Indian Ocean views through floor to ceiling windows, spacious sundecks, outdoor showers, and nets for over-water lazing. Guests can enjoy the meals at any of the four in-house restaurants that offer Italian, international and regional cuisines with either ocean view or at the poolside. 4 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with an outdoor tennis court, a sauna and 24-hour fitness centre. Experience Anti Gravity Yoga, Panchakarma, the Night Spa and a Rossano Ferretti Hair Salon at the multi-award winning Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat, complemented by Ayurvedic options in all four restaurants and bars. Other services include deep-tissue massages, sports massages, Swedish massages and Thai massages. The spa is equipped with a spa tub and a steam room. Guests can swim with seasonal groups of manta rays and whale sharks or join coral reefscaping and turtle rehabilitation projects at the Marine Discovery Center. The property also offers kite-surfing, X-Jetblades and parasailing.
Website: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
5. 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.
Website: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
4. Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
Cheval Blanc Randheli, an intimate and contemporary hideaway, is located in the pristine Noonu Atoll. The resort has a distinctly French feel. The 45-villa Maison has been conceived in harmony with the island’s lush vegetation and lagoon views. In each villa, a Majordome looks after guests’ every wish, whilst the Alchemists suggest tailor-made activities for the unforgettable experiences. Guests may enjoy exclusive culinary experiences, either in one of the five restaurants and four bars, or by Carte Blanche in-villa private dining. The Cheval Blanc Spa by Guerlain invites guests to a sensory journey on an exclusive island dedicated to well-being and relaxation. Guests may set sail for neighbouring island Maakurandhoo to play on the private tennis courts. Further, guests can perfect their golf swing in the Ranveli Puttin Green and the Floating Golf. Or, having a ride on the latest Surf simulator to enjoy the movement in the Maldivian air. The PADI certified Diving Centre invites guests to discover the unique treasures of Maldivian submarine life. The Maison also invites children to play at Le Carrousel Kids Club’s pool or arts & crafts playrooms and Le Paddock Teens Club. This teenage lounge is equipped with a media lounge and table-football. Throughout the year, Cheval Blanc Randheli hosts exclusive events with the world’s most prestigious brands including those from the LVMH Group portfolio and up-and-coming artists.
Website: Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
3. 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.Iwauor ‘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 Shackis a family-friendly restaurant inspired by the carefree spirit and relaxed cuisines of the Mediterranean, featuring shared plates and grilled seafoods. Eau Barfeatures 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. Arabesqueis an eye-catching tribute to a traditional Bedouin tent, inviting diners on a culinary journey from Lebanon to North India while Tum Tumis 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.
Website: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands
2. Soneva Jani, Maldives
Located on the island of Medhufaru in a 3.5 mi lagoon in the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani features both overwater and island villas. Each water villa opens to its very own stretch of lagoon and is complete with a private pool and a retractable roof to stargaze from the master bedroom. Some of the villas have slides from the top floor directly into the lagoon below. With beautifully designed interiors made from sustainable materials, all villas are equipped with a spacious master bedroom with an adjoining kids sleeping area. All villas have an open-air bathroom with bathtub, shower and lagoon access. It offers 54 such villas. The resort has 15 restaurants offering different cuisines and a number of dining options, as well as the complimentary cheese room, chocolate room and ice-cream room for all guests. An outdoor pool and a children’s pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include an outdoor tennis court and a 24-hour health club. The Gathering, a three-storey structure is the main facility of Soneva Jani and it hosts the main dining outlets as well as an observatory, a spa, gift shop and a water sports and dove centre. Guests can also enjoy overwater silent cinema, spend time at the various gardens and an eco-centro. Children can be engaged at the Children’s Den on the main island. Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. There are 5 treatment rooms. Services include Thai massages, facials, body wraps and body scrubs. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including Ayurvedic and reflexology.
1. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Located within the Baa Atoll which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi is an eco friendly resort set amongst a dense foliage on a private island. The resort has 71 villas that include private plunge pools, jetted bathtubs and direct access to the beach. It has 7 restaurants which offer Modern European and Asian cuisines and breathtaking views. Guests can explore the island with complimentary bicycles. Intuitive service is provided by barefoot butler. Other highlights include open-air Cinema Paradiso, gazing the stars and other celestial bodies in the high-tech observatory, home-made chocolate and ice cream rooms that’s available 24/7 and five hundred wines to choose from. Guests can also learn the art of glass blowing at Maldives’ only glass studio. One can explore the waters with complimentary non-motorised water sports and sail aboard Soneva’s luxury two-bedroom yacht, Soneva in Aqua. Guests can also spend an evening overnight at the Sandbank, completely private and remote for a truly intimate experience under the stars. An outdoor pool and a children’s pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include a private beach, an outdoor tennis court, a 24-hour health club and a sauna. Six Senses Spa has 9 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 Swedish massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, Ayurvedic and hydrotherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna.
Website: Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Featured image by Soneva Jani, Maldives
If you think that I have missed any of the hotels present in Maldives that you think should be included in the list, let me know in the comments section below.