Each and every breath-taking Maldivian island has a distinct character; the sparkling cobalt ocean, sandy white beaches and laid-back lifestyle make these islands near enough to paradise on earth. They're also home to some of the best resorts in the world. So whether you want a thrilling week enjoying water sports or a relaxing and revitalising spa session, the Maldives can provide the very best, it’s just a case of knowing where to look.
Our Indian Ocean expert and 'resort matchmaker', Melissa Matthews, takes a look at the best Maldives resorts for each and every holiday.
SIX SENSES LAAMU
Best for Pampering
Six Senses Laamu is an idyllic retreat for wellness enthusiasts seeking holistic rejuvenation in a breathtaking natural setting. The resort offers personalized wellness programmes tailored to individual needs, focusing on mind, body, and spirit. Guests can indulge in therapies such as yoga, meditation, detox treatments, and locally-inspired spa rituals, all designed to restore balance and vitality. With a focus on sustainable living and natural healing, Six Senses Laamu combines expert-led wellness activities with eco-luxury villas, ensuring a transformative experience. Surrounded by pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, it's the perfect sanctuary for those looking to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with nature. READ MORE >
CHEVAL BLANC RANDELI
Best for Pure Perfection
True to its luxury brand heritage, Cheval Blanc Randeli is the height of European chic in an Indian Ocean setting. Dedicated ‘Majordomes’ grant every wish whilst a team of ‘Alchemists’ create land and sea based adventures, such as beach barbecues and dhoni sailings to uninhabited islands. The spa is by Guerlain and dining has a Mediterranean flavour, with four venues. Accommodation is contemporary perfection, with spacious jungle, lagoon and ocean villas with high ceilings and open plan living. READ MORE >
AMILLA
Best for Family Fun in the Maldives
Family life is hassle-free when it comes to the youngsters at Amilla. From one-bedroom houses to eight-bedroom residences, families of all sizes can be easily accommodated in this luxurious, yet relaxed, resort. Mealtimes needn’t be a challenge as families can share a table yet still order from the resort’s varied eateries. There are many inclusions such as a colourful children’s club, an abundance of water sports and both a nanny and butler service. READ MORE >
FINOLHU
Great for Families with Older Children
Keep both sides of the family happy at Finolhu. The sleepy Baa Atoll has been shaken to its reef by the arrival of this new kid on the block. Retro chic, vintage design, all day music and luxurious overwater and beach based villas combine to create the resort to beat all resorts for fun lovers. Spa cabins dedicated to Hollywood stars and a retro camper van dictating the day’s activities are just some of the fun touches created to waken up the sleepy island paradise. While kids are entertained by vocational staff in the kids’ club or teens listen to the DJ’s sounds by the main pool, adults can languish over a long lunch at the Crab Shack on the Maldives’ longest white sand beach across the lagoon. READ MORE >
FOUR SEASONS KUDA HURAA
Best for Wild Watersports
Kuda Huraa at the Four Seasons is the place to be if your idea of heaven is the vast ocean and a pair of goggles. The Water Sports Centre offers an array of group and individual activities to suit all age groups. From exhilarating shark safaris to relaxing sunset fishing life under and above the waves has never been more inviting. Plus with activities such as parasailing, windsurfing and jet skiing, the adrenaline junkies can get their fix. READ MORE >
HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA
Best for Deep Sea Diving
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa in the Maldives is a paradise for deep-sea divers, with unparalleled access to some of the world’s most vibrant underwater ecosystems. Located in the stunning Haa Alifu Atoll, the resort has a PADI-certified dive center, ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Guests can explore the rich marine life, including colorful coral reefs, manta rays, sea turtles, and an array of exotic fish species. With crystal-clear waters, excellent visibility, and dive sites that are just a short boat ride away, Hideaway Beach provides an unforgettable diving experience for thrilling wall dives or serene underwater photography. READ MORE >
THE NAUTILUS
Best for Star-Crossed Lovers
Nestled within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus offers unparalleled seclusion, with each of its beach and overwater houses inspired by the shape of the native Nautilus’ shell, featuring private pools, personal butlers, and direct access to the ocean or sandy shores. There’s no shortage of things to do: there are over 40 dive sites which can be explored with a marine biologist, various water sports, complimentary yoga and meditation sessions, a Padel tennis court and an open-air cinema. Designed for the ultimate bespoke experience, couples can indulge in candlelit dinners on a secluded sandbank, sunset cruises, and spa treatments for two at the overwater Solasta Spa. With a "no schedule" philosophy, The Nautilus allows couples to enjoy complete freedom and privacy, making it the perfect destination for romance, relaxation, and connection in an idyllic tropical paradise. READ MORE >
