maldives travel 2023

Traveling to the Maldives – A Month-by-Month Guide to the Best Times to Go

The Maldives is hot and sunny all year, with average temperatures of between 23ºC / 74ºF and 31ºC / 88 ºF, making it an ideal year-round destination for some fun in the sun. There are, however, better times of the year to travel to the Maldives, as some months see higher rainfall and winds than others. The island nation enjoys the best weather between November and April with full days of sunshine, warm air and sea temperatures, and very little rainfall. The monsoon season runs between May and October, peaking around June, with the northern atolls seeing the highest rainfall between May and November, and the southern atolls between November and March.

Dry Season and Wet Season

The dry season in the Maldives typically runs from around mid-December through early May, but these tend to change each year. The Northeast Monsoon season, which is most prevalent in the northern atolls, actually occurs between November and March, but due to being the dry season, it rarely amounts to anything more than a quick downpour or shower,  a couple times a week. The rainy season in the Maldives runs from early May through mid-December, with the Southwest Monsoon season (in the southern atolls) officially being in July and August.

Cloudbursts and Sunshine

Typical of the tropics, when it rains in the Maldives, it pours down heavily for a short time and then clears up just as quickly. Even during the dry season, it is not unusual to have a brief, torrential downpour in the afternoon, followed by a beautifully clear and balmy evening. During the rainy season, it tends to rain more at night, so days are sunny and bright with just a few interspersed clouds and some light rainfall. It’s rare to have more than a few cloudy days per week with sunny days in between.

It is relatively humid all year round in the Maldives with a typically muggy tropical feel, which takes a few days to become acclimatized to. The temperature, however, rarely peaks much above the averages, so even the high humidity is never unbearable like it can be in Mediterranean Europe during the hottest summer months.

Being an archipelagic island nation strung through a vast portion of the Indian Ocean, steady winds cross through the Maldives throughout the year, bringing cool breezes to the islands. During the Southern Hemisphere winter, which lasts from March until October, the North-East and South-West monsoons bring off-shore winds that create beautiful, peaking surfing waves for those who are there to surf.

Here is a month-by-month guide to the weather in the Maldives and the best times to visit.

• The Maldives in January

The Maldives’ weather in January sees hot, sunny days with low humidity and plenty of sunshine. There might be a slight chance of some rain, but this tends to occur in the afternoons and passes over quickly. The ocean is clear and warm with excellent visibility and is perfect for snorkeling and scuba-diving .

The Maldives in January: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

High: 30°C/86°F

Low: 25°C/77°F

Rain: 76 mm/3″

• The Maldives in February

February is probably one of the best months to visit the Maldives. It’s the nation’s driest month, with less than 70 mm of monthly rainfall, around 10 hours of sunshine every day, and balmy temperatures of 30°C / 86°F plus. Visibility is excellent for snorkeling and scuba-diving .

The Maldives in February: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Low: 26°C/78°F

Rain: 51 mm/2″

• The Maldives in March

March in the Maldives sees temperatures rising to an average of 30°C / 88°F which are great for long, lazy days on the beach, sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming. There might be a few possible short bursts of rain, which offer relief from the steaming temperatures, and visibility is excellent for snorkeling and scuba-diving . March is also the beginning of the surfing season in the Maldives, which brings beautiful waves and last until October. During this ‘surfing season,’ the biggest waves are most likely to occur between June and August, caused by storms in the Roaring Forties bringing big swells to the archipelago.

The Maldives in March: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

High: 31°C/88°F

Rain: 74 mm/2.9″

• The Maldives in April

This is another gorgeously hot month in the Maldives with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s / 80s. April is officially the end of the dry season, and frequent showers begin to occur around the middle of the month. The air also becomes more humid, however, visibility for snorkeling and scuba-diving is excellent.

The Maldives in April: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Low: 26°C/79°F

Rain: 132 mm/5.2″

• The Maldives in May

May is officially the beginning of the wet season with hot, muggy days, average temperatures of 31°C / 88°F, and a high risk of heavy rainfall and storms during the day. Due to the heavy rainfall and higher levels of plankton in the water, visibility for snorkeling and scuba-diving is slightly reduced, but still enjoyable. Be aware that if there are thunderstorms in the area, it’s not a good idea to be in the water, so head down to the beach for some water-based activities. May also sees the start of the holy month of Ramadan (known as Ramazan in the Maldives), bringing some restrictions to local islands.

The Maldives in May: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

High: 31°C/87°F

Rain: 216 mm/8.5″

• The Maldives in June

While June has a high chance of rainfall and reduced visibility due to the plankton in the water, this is a fantastic time to dive with manta rays and whale sharks that come to feed on the vast amounts of plankton in the water. This month sees many of the resorts offering special deals where visitors can enjoy the plethora of non-beach and water-based amenities that they have to offer. The holy month of Ramadan (Ramazan) continues into June.

The Maldives in June: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Rain: 173 mm/6.8″

• The Maldives in July

The Maldives’ weather in July is hot and humid, with short heavy downpours. This is a particularly good time of the year for surfers with the largest waves stemming from the storms in the Roaring Forties bringing big swells to the archipelago. Swell is amazingly consistent during this time of the year, with the average wave measuring two to eight-foot in height. It is also still a great time to dive with manta rays and whale sharks that come to feed on the enormous amounts of plankton in the water. The 26th July is the Maldivian Independence Day and sees parades and public celebrations on most of the resort islands.

The Maldives in July: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Rain: 147 mm/5.8″

• The Maldives in August

August is hot, humid and wet, with an average of seven hours of sunshine each day and short heavy downpours throughout the day. Visibility is slightly reduced due to the plankton in the water, but many of the resorts offer enticing deals, making it a favorite time to visit.

The Maldives in August: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Rain: 188 mm/7.4″

• The Maldives in September

September in the Maldives is one of the wettest months with average maximum temperatures of 30°C / 86°F and around seven hours of sunshine each day. Due to the heavy rainfall and higher levels of plankton in the water, visibility for snorkeling and scuba-diving is slightly reduced, but still enjoyable with excellent chances of seeing manta rays and whale sharks.

The Maldives in September: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Rain: 244 mm/9.6″

• The Maldives in October

October is the Maldives’ wettest month, with high humidity and full days of rain. This is the last month of the Maldives’ surfing season, with the South-West monsoons, which occur between May and October, providing outstanding surfing the Northern and Central Atolls. Due to the heavy rainfall and higher levels of plankton in the water, visibility for snorkeling and scuba-diving is slightly reduced, but still, a great time to dive with manta rays and whale sharks.

The Maldives in October: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Rain: 221 mm/8.7″

• The Maldives in November

November in the Maldives is the end of the wet season with short showers in the afternoons and otherwise bright, sunny days. Temperatures average around 30°C / 86°F, and the visibility of the water begins to clear of the plankton, making for good scuba-diving and snorkeling.

The Maldives in November: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Rain: 201 mm/7.9″

• The Maldives in December

The climate in December is primarily hot and dry with showers around the middle of the month. This time of year is ideal for a mid-winter escape and some sun. Christmas and New Year are particularly popular and may include minimum stays at some resorts.

The Maldives in December: Average Temperatures and Rainfall

High: 29°C/85°F

Rain: 231 mm/9.1″

Article by Mia Russell©

• Best time to travel
• best time to visit the Maldives
• Humidity in the Maldives
• North-East and South-West monsoons
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[…] If you need a little extra help booking a Maldives trip then check out this article to find the best time to go to the Maldives, and read this for everything you need to know before you go. […]

Hi. Would you know the best islands to go to in July in the south as I think there is the least rainfall then. Thank you, Elizabeth

You didn’t mention anything about manta rays, shark whales or scuba diving on August 😅 we want to visit on August for honeymoon and want to know what to expect.

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The Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide – Jetset Christina (Updated 2024)

Planning a trip to the Maldives or a Maldives honeymoon ? Here’s your ultimate Maldives travel guide for the best hotels in the Maldives, best places to see in the Maldives, things to do in the Maldives and all your Maldives travel questions, answered!

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THE MALDIVES .

Doesn’t just seeing its dreamy name give you the travel bug? I think the Maldives may be the buzziest destination around the world right now. And it’s not hard to see why. It’s a country that’s 99% water and only 1% land, made up of 1200 islands (only 200 of which are inhabited), and many thriving coral reefs. The ocean is a brighter turquoise blue than anywhere in the world, and the overwater resorts take luxury to a whole new level. While 10 or 20 years ago, only the elitest of the elite would have even heard about the Maldives, let alone gotten the chance to visit and see it in person, today we see pictures of this paradise flooding our Instagram feeds every single day, and every single photo makes you wonder – could this place really be on earth?

Well, I’m here to confirm that The Maldives DOES exist, it is EVEN more beautiful and breathtaking in person, and yes. It is in fact heaven on earth.

Planning a trip to the Maldives can be a little overwhelming at first. There are more than 200 resorts to choose from (!!!), and they all cater to a different traveler, with a different budget. Each resort has different things to offer (some are better for divers, some are better for surfers, some have better food, some have better overwater bungalows, etc, etc) and since very few of us have actually  been  to the Maldives, it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to planning. My main goal with traveling there this time was to make sure I could give you guys the best  recommendations and info you need to plan your trip to this heavenly country.

I had a lot of questions about this mysterious, otherworldly paradise going into my first trip to the Maldives, and a lot of questions came up from you guys while I was there, so I thought it would be fun to structure this Ultimate Travel Guide to the Maldives as a Maldives FAQ! Let me know in the comments or shoot me a DM on instagram  any other questions you may have and I’ll be sure to answer them!

THE ULTIMATE MALDIVES TRAVEL GUIDE

Table of Contents

What are the best resorts in the Maldives?

$$$$$ hotels:, six senses laamu.

Barefoot, eco-luxury. A stunning and wild paradise on earth.

At Six Senses Laamu , you can do it all, and nothing at the same time. It’s the perfect place to strike the healthy vacation balance between the two. Your bike to breakfast and morning paddle board or surf session can balance out that insane breakfast buffet.  You can try a new yoga class while taking in views from the pavilion that are sunset-lounge-worthy, or dive into your new novel before diving into the sparkling turquoise sea. Your afternoon snorkels and manta ray dives are balanced with sunset champagne & canapes. You can enjoy the privacy of your overwater bungalow or walk over to get a pizza made in paradise and 2 for 1 margaritas at Sip Sip.  You can even get dropped off at a completely private sandbank for the day, complete with a set up umbrella, beach chairs, and cooler. A vacation at Six Senses is truly a choose-your-own adventure, and at the end of each fun-or-relaxation-filled day, you’ll melt into your mattress blissful, content, and maybe just a little bit sunburned.

But, aside from being a such a fabulous world-class luxury five star resort, Six Senses is so much more. They are leaders and trailblazers in sustainability practices, and are setting the standard for eco-luxury for the entire hospitality industry worldwide, striving to be a completely sustainable resort. The resort’s mission and values focus on protecting paradise environment and benefitting the communities and ecosystems around them. Their sustainability manager, Megan, is wonderful and leads popular tours of the “back house” of the resort, where you can see everything from their desalination tanks that provide drinkable water derived from the sea for the entire island, to how the island creates its own energy to run the resort. She’ll tell you how all soaps, shampoos, etc, used at the resort meet the highest standards of biodegradability, and are all all-natural and non-toxic.  They are striving to be completely plastic-free by 2022, and use no plastic bags, straws, or even plastic toothbrushes, on their island, instead, they’ll find a sustainable way to do everything, such as creating bamboo straws and toothbrushes, and only using glass bottles throughout the resort (did you know that glass comes from sand, and thus can be recycled into sand infinity times?). They even their own gardens, filled with vegetables and herbs used in their restaurants, and have a food waste composter that uses the food waste from the resort to help fertilize said garden.

Every single thing the resort is doing is having as minimal of an impact as possible . It makes you start to wonder about all the other resorts you’ve ever stayed in, and it’s hard not to think about how many resorts aren’t  thinking about their impact on the environment, and the incredible waste and toxicity they create.  I know that I noticed right away that a beach hotel I stayed at wasn’t offering reef-safe sunscreen in their store, a seemingly easy switch that every hotel on a reef should make!

You can feel good about vacationing at the  Six Senses Laamu –  their love for their island and our world is contagious and something you will take with you long after you’ve gone home.

For more on the Six Senses Laamu, check out my Six Senses Maldives Hotel Review here.

One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

Paradise, perfected. Ultimate Maldives resort, transcends luxury.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Jetset Christina (@jetsetchristina)

On our most recent trip to The Maldives, we spent our first few days at the One&Only Reethi Rah resort. I had been eyeing this resort for years, and after the fantastic experiences I had at the One&Only Mandarina and Palmilla resorts , I knew I had to check this place out for you guys. This island is SO beautiful. We traveled with my parents and our baby boy, which was so much fun. It blew ALL of us away.  Luxury begins with the way that you arrive at the resort – by luxury yacht direct from Male. It’s so much easier and more luxurious to be able to board a yacht rather than having to hop on another flight from Male when you’re exhausted from all of the travel and ready to get to the resort! Once you are on the property, there are golf carts that can take you to and from your villa, the beach, or to any of the delicious restaurants (there are eight on the resort!!), etc. Our villa had a (HUGE) private plunge pool, comfortable lounge areas for basking in the sun, and all of the five-star amenities you can imagine, from a mini skincare fridge (yes, you heard that right) on the vanity, to a wine cellar fridge in the room, it was to die for. The One&Only also has a great house reef  – we saw SO many sharks here (all friendly!) and even had a family of nurse sharks in the water right outside our room!

A huge highlight of the resort was the food – we all loved the food SO much, and we all thought the breakfast buffet out of this world. They even have a kids’ buffet that is on kid-level, so your littles can grab their own food with ease. This speaks to just how family friendly the One&Only Maldives is – the kids club is UNREAL, and families are definitely abundant here.

But if you want to work off all of that amazing food (and beach club cocktails), have no fear because there are tennis courts, an amazing gym, pickle ball courts, and more.  And if relaxing is more your vibe, One&Only Reethi Rah has an award-winning spa, which you absolutely cannot miss. I went every day of our vacation and I have no regrets. It was my favorite spa ever. Even if you don’t do a treatment, you can explore the sauna & steam – which is amazing, and a highlight of our entire trip! The spa was named the Global Winner of Best Luxury Spa and made Condé Nast Traveler’s top 20 list!

All in all, One&Only Maldives is paradise, perfected . It’s a HUGE island compared to most in the Maldives, which means you will never get bored. It sits on six kilometers of some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the Maldives, and they have 12 pristine beaches and two pools (other than your private villa pool) for you to enjoy. If you’re feeling like relaxing, sip on a glass of rosé at the beach club, or head to the award-winning spa, and if you’re feeling adventurous, choose from the many, many activities they have on the island. Challenge your partner to pickle ball and ping pong, go jet-skiing, do some arts and crafts at their beachside pottery studio, or go diving or snorkeling along some incredible coral reefs which are home to over 2,000 species of fish. Whatever your ‘paradise’ is, trust me, O&O is it. 

Check rates for your dates here

St. Regis Maldives

Ultra-luxurious, opulent, seven-star luxury and service..

There are two categories of villas: sunset-facing and island-facing. While the sunset-facing villas are a higher category of room, and make for some dreamy sunset views, there is no problem with the island-facing villas. The overwater villas here are a design-lover’s dream, and are designed to resemble manta rays, each giving you an incredible amount of privacy, which I love. If you’ve ever stayed at a St. Regis anywhere in the world, you know about their signature butler service, which usually includes complimentary coffee, pressing of your clothes, and a butler available to you whenever you need it, for whatever you need. 

This dreamy private island resort is set on more than 22-acres, and has 77 beautiful villas scattered through the island – each with their own private pool and private entrance for an unparalleled degree of seclusion and privacy. The premium two- and three-bedroom villas – including the famed John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater villa in the Maldives – are perfect for families and groups looking for a perfect escape.

It is worth noting that because the St. Regis is a seaplane away from the main Male airport, all guests have to pay $695 for the round-trip seaplane transfer. However, if you think of arriving to the St. Regis via a seaplane as its own excursion (sea plane rides in the Maldives are one of the best experiences you can have!!) It’s easier to justify the cost somewhat.

For more on the St. Regis – check my St. Regis Maldives vs. Six Senses post here .

Is the St. Regis Maldives popular with families?

Yes, the St. Regis is very popular with families and there is a kids club. I think honeymooners will still enjoy it and find quiet, but families will absolutely adore this resort. 

Anantara Kihavah Villas

For the trip of a lifetime, the Anantara Kihavah is a great choice. It’s located in the Baa atoll, famous for its THRIVING marine life. It is only accessible by sea plane and the whole island is full of the whitest, powdery sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters that you traveled to the Maldives for! The remote location of Anantara Kihavah means endless horizon views and stunning starry night skies – best experienced atop the resort’s Sky Bar, where you can find the Maldives’ largest telescope!

The vibe at Anantara is low-key, barefoot luxury. 

Check rates for your dates here.

Fairmont Maldives – Sirru Fen Fushi

I love that at the Fairmont Maldives, each of the 120 villas features a gorgeous private pool.  It’s located in the Shaviyani Atoll in North Maldives, and the island has a gorgeous nine kilometer-long house reef directly accessible from the beach. While the overwater bungalows exude modern classic luxury, the unique ultra-private safari-tented jungle villas offer a romantic castaway vibe. Guests of the resort have plenty of activities to choose from, such as glamping BBQs in the jungle or watching movies at the jungle cinema.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi (@fairmont.maldives)

$$$$ hotels:

Gili lankanfushi.

Gili Lankanfushi is such a magical place, you guys. The overwater bungalows here give off a rustic chic, understated luxury vibe, and feel somewhere between a luxurious pirate ship and a floating treehouse. They’re gorgeous . You’ll want to spend all day laying out on your hammock over the water, and all night sleeping under the stunnnning stars (your butler – called your “Friday” can set it up for you!). Some of the villas – called the “cruisers” give you an even more unique experience as they are only accessible by boat (you can boat yourself during the day or there is always one on call for you!). And, if you want the best of the best, or have a big family, you can look into the biggest overwater bungalow in the Maldives , called “The Private Reserve”, which is complete with four bedrooms, its own infinity pool, its own private ISLAND, and a slide into the ocean.

Gili Lankanfushi was started by the same owners as Six Senses, so many of the sustainability principles, philosophies, vibe and decor remain similar between both properties. What’s nice about Gili Lankanfushi is that it’s only a boat ride away from the airport, so you won’t need another domestic flight or a seaplane to get to it, making it a popular vacation choice for Americans and Maldives honeymooners who want to make the most of one week in the Maldives. It is definitely nice to be able to get straight there from the airport! I highly recommend this spot if you’re looking to avoid an extra flight!!! (and the extra cost that comes with it!)

Conrad Maldives

Famous for having the first underwater restaurant to ever exist in the world, Ithaa Restaurant, and its 2 award-winning spas,  this gorgeous Maldives property is consistently one of the most popular.

The super-spacious overwater bungalows stretch up to 500m into the Indian Ocean, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful sea views. It takes a 30-minute scenic seaplane transfer from Male International Airport to get to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island , which is about the same as Kandolhu.

$$$ Luxury budget hotels in the Maldives

No matter what resort you stay in in the Maldives, the beaches and water is all the same, and you’re going to have a fabulous experience. I asked some local experts on what resorts were good at a lower budget and were the best value hotels in the Maldives, and they gave me these two hotels, where you can still have the overwater bungalow experience, but at a rate much more affordable than the more expensive resorts.

Summer Island

I was told that Summer Island has one of the very best beaches in the Maldives! It’s a great option for a luxurious but still budget resort in the Maldives. The resort features an infinity pool, an overwater spa and fitness center, watersports, volleyball, a dive center and gorgeous views all around the island. Definitely go for a water villa and ask for a sunset view 🙂 It’s only 20km from the airport and the boat shuttle is included in the rate, which is a big win!

Oblu at Helengeli

I was told that Halengeli has outstanding food and a beautiful setting, but is a bit further away, which makes it a bit more expensive for the 50 minute speedboat from the airport. But, it’s still a fabulous value hotel in the Maldives. It has a beautiful spa, an outdoor pool with gorgeous views, and a paradise bar.

Should I stay in more than one resort in the Maldives?

It depends on how long you have in the islands. If you have a week to 9 days, probably not. While there are tons of stunning hotels and resorts, making it tempting to want to split your time among two or three, the Maldivian islands are veryyyyy spread out from one another. Many resorts are only accessible via seaplane or domestic flights, and you don’t want to spend your relaxing vacation in paradise packing, unpacking, and dealing with airports and flying. On top of that, many of the resorts are similar to one another, so it’s better to get the FULL experience of one, than two half experiences at two.

However, if you have more than 9 days or two weeks or more, it can definitely be fun to explore two different resorts! Just make sure you pick two very different resorts rather than 2 that might be too similar. 

What’s the food like in the Maldives?

Do i have to eat at the resort do the resorts include food in the maldives.

The food is SO GOOD IN THE MALDIVES!!!! Of course it depends on the resort you choose, but if you choose a luxury resort, you can rest assured you’re going to get some great food during your trip. Whenever possible in the Maldives, you’re getting incredible local cuisine (read: coconut, tuna and other underwater delicacies), and when it’s not possible to grow or fish something locally, the best of the best is imported to the resorts, such as European charcuterie, german sausages, French cheeses and Swiss chocolate.

Since you’ll be on a private island, the only option is to eat at the resort. As far as what’s included in your rate, it depends on the resort, but many offer you the option to go “half board” (meaning breakfast and dinner is included) or “full board” (meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner is included). In my experience in the Maldives, I have never felt the need for full board, as we would fill up on the amazing breakfast buffets, and be full until dinner time.

How long should I spend in the Maldives?

In my opinion, you want minimum of 5 nights at a resort, anything less than that you won’t get the full Maldives experience! After all, part of the experience of these resorts is taking your shoes off, putting your wallet and phone away, and enjoying the private island life to the fullest. You want to give yourself time to experience all that your island has to offer. Around 7 nights would be ideal, in my opinion, or more time if you’re going to more than one resort.

Will I get bored in the Maldives?

No!!! I think this is one of the biggest misconceptions about the Maldives. People worry about getting “island fever” and not having enough to do for a week on an island. If you’re staying at one of the resorts I recommended, trust me, you are going to have ENDLESS activities to do and keep you busy (if you want to!). From snorkeling and diving, to paddleboarding and sailing and all the watersports, to biking, tennis,  movie nights, cooking classes, wine tastings, and sunset dolphin cruises. I was having so much fun doing everything on the islands that I didn’t even have a chance to touch my book that I bought for the trip!!!

Is The Maldives only for honeymooners and couples?

What about families are there resorts that cater to solo travelers in the maldives.

When I started dreaming of traveling to the Maldives, I was convinced that it was the most romantic place on earth – the perfect place for a honeymoon. While it definitely is that, what I realized when I got there was that the Maldives actually caters to all types of travelers – from couples, to families with young or older children, to groups of friends (the Six Senses had awesome 2-bedroom villas connected by a pool that are perfect  for two couples, and Gili Lankanfushi has 2 bedroom overwater villas that would be so fun for a family), to full-blown 30th birthday parties (the yacht we cruised for a few days on, Searex, recently had a US-based group on it to celebrate one of the friends’ 30th birthdays), to royals with their entourages (Yes, the prince of Morocco was actually staying at the Six Senses when we were there), to solo travelers looking to get away from it all and do a digital detox in the Maldives. It wasn’t all that surprising to learn that certain properties, like Gili Lankanfushi , see quite a few solo travelers, because I can totally see the appeal to a hard-working person looking to go off the map for a week, but not so off the map that they don’t have a little bit of resort society and people around. It wouldn’t have felt weird at all to be at one of their restaurants or beaches alone, but rather relaxing. The Maldives seemed to me like the perfect place to turn your phone on airplane mode, and embrace full relaxation, whether that be by yourself, with friends, family, or with loved ones.

Is flying across the world to the Maldives worth the flight?

YES. Definitely!!! But, if you’re flying from the United States or Europe, you should allot yourself enough time for your vacation. I think anywhere from 6-9 days is the perfect time to spend in the Maldives. You’re going to be exhausted after a 20-30 hour flight, and you’re not going to want to spend your whole vacation jet-lagged.

What time of year is best to visit the Maldives?

The Maldives is famous for being “80/80/80” year-round, meaning it’s 80 degrees, 80% humidity, and 80 degree ocean water the whole year. The driest season runs from November-May, but this is also peak season for tourists, meaning not only are the resorts usually at 100% capacity, but the prices are twice as high than the rest of the year. And, since The Maldives is super popular during the high season, make sure you are booking well in advance if you’re traveling then. I think a lot of people are scared away from the Maldives’ “wet” season, but, after experiencing 10 straight days of sunshine, and two partly cloudy days with the occasional rain squall blowing through, and talking to lots of people working at the resorts about the different seasons, it seems like no matter what time of year you visit the Maldives, you could get incredible weather, or rain, it’s kind of random! They see plenty of rainy days during the dry season, and plenty of gorgeous days during the “wet” season! My advice is book your trip when it works for you, and hope for the best! Also, rain in the Maldives is NOT the worst thing in the world. The resorts have plenty of things to do if it rains, from wine tastings and cooking classes, to games and movies, and lotssss of good food. The sun is so intense in these islands you may be wishing for a rainstorm for an excuse to hang inside after a few days outside here! 🙂

What does a honeymoon to the Maldives cost?

You can expect to spend anywhere from $10,000 – $30,000 on just your room rate alone for a one week stay in the maldives..

This means a room rate of around ~ $1000-$3000 per night plus taxes, depending on caliber of resort, the level of room you choose (is a beach villa or an overwater bungalow more your style?) and the season you’re traveling in (the dry season is the high season in the Maldives, and it runs from November-March) You’ll find much less expensive rates in the off season (like half off!!)

You can then expect to spend about 250 per person per day in the Maldives, whether you are on a full-board meal plan or if you are paying a la carte. Most resorts in the Maldives offer a half-board or full-board meal option. At a resort like Six Senses , full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and costs $222 per adult and $111 per child, and the half board meal plan includes just breakfast and dinner, and is $148 per adult, $74 per child.

For more information of costs of a honeymoon in the Maldives , read this post : The Actual Cost of Honeymooning in the Maldives

What do you tip a butler in the Maldives?

It’s recommended to tip at least $15 per day for your butler in the Maldives. It’s up to you! We tipped our butler at each hotel around $25 a day – all paid to them in USD cash at the end of the stay. We then gave an extra tip of about $15-20 a day to the front desk at check out for housekeeping and other services.

What should I pack for the Maldives?

I have a whole post on What to Pack for the Maldives , so check that one out too, but I’ll summarize it here!

Sunscreen . Lotsssss of sunscreen.

The sun is very intense in the Maldives (The islands straddle the equator), and you’ll feel it as soon as you arrive. Make sure to avoid that first-day-of-vacay lobster burn, and stock up on some sunscreens before you leave.  And please make it reef-safe sunscreen ! Most of our sunscreens we use are toxic to the reefs we swim over after we put it on.  Help practice sustainability on your travels and buy some reef-safe sunscreen for your trip. 

An Underwater Camera or Gopro!

If you’ve been thinking of a perfect excuse to invest in a GoPro , this trip is it. There are so many beautiful tropical fish everywhere you look in the Maldives! And some awesome turtles, sharks, and manta rays too! I highly recommend bringing a GoPro ( I use this one ) with you for your trip so you can capture the incredible marine life!

I love my camera so much, and can’t imagine traveling without it – here are all the details on all the camera equipment I use on my trips!  

Do you need a power converter for the Maldives?

If you’re from the UK, then nope! But if you’re from the US, you will. While some of the resorts may have US plugs available in the rooms, I always make sure to buy a power converter and adapter before a trip to be safe ( I like this  one  by Travel Smart by Conair because it also works for all my hair tools, and is a power converter and adapter in one… plus it comes with plugs for use all over the world, so you won’t have to buy a new one for your next vacay!)

Leave (most of) your shoes at home!

Ask your resort ahead of time to be sure, but many of the resorts have a “barefoot luxury” vibe, and encourage you to ditch your shoes the second you arrive. It’s an awesome feeling not to wear shoes for a whole week, and to be eating dinners with your toes in the sand rather than squished into uncomfy heels! I brought one pair of tennis shoes for the resort gyms, but found out that some resorts actually have shoes you can borrow for that reason! You really only need one pair of shoes for the airplane.

Some resorts you will want shoes for dining, etc. so it depends where you are! But either way, you don’t need too many shoes.

Lots of swimwear & cute cover ups !

You’re going to be in the water every day of your trip – so pack your bikinis and swimwear accordingly! Also, keep in mind you’ll probably be keeping pretty active in the ocean – from surfing to snorkeling to jumping off your villa, so you’re going to want to not only pack some chic swimwear to lounge on your overwater bungalow in, but make sure you pack some sporty, supportive bikinis you can actually swim in, too! ( Like this one )

And these are some of my other favorites I wore in the Maldives:  *affiliate links, click on each photo to shop*

Do not underestimate the Maldivian sun. Having a couple chic sun hats with you to protect your face (and neck) is so important! Not to mention they look chic in all those vacation photos you’re about to take. Click on the photos below to shop the hats that I brought on my vacation!

*affiliate links, click to shop

Cute cover ups and beach dresses!

Click the photo to shop

Can you bring wine to the Maldives?

Ugh. No. and it sucks. I was actually flying to the Maldives from the Amalfi Coast, and was SO excited to pack at least 5 bottles of delicious Italian wine in my suitcase, but I’m so glad I googled bringing wine in the Maldives before I bought them! The Maldives is a muslim country, and as such, alcohol is not allowed in the country. If you try to sneak it in your suitcase they will find it, and you can get fined, or worse, thrown in jail. Sooooo not worth it. The good news is an exception to this rule has been made for the private islands that the resorts live on! (yay!) which is why they’re allowed to sell you alcohol and you’re allowed to drink your sunny days away with poolside pina coladas and champagne sunset cruises. Alcohol at the nice resorts in the Maldives  is  more expensive than bringing your own, but I was actually shocked that the booze was less expensive than resorts I had been to in French Polynesia and Bora Bora and bottles of wines at restaurants in the Maldives were less than in restaurants in Bali , so that was a big win!

Most of the nice resorts feature in-house sommeliers, as well, and I was very impressed by the somms at Six Senses and Gili Lankanfushi , who both picked out outstanding bottles of wine to pair with every dish! I was very impressed, and being a Napa Valley girl, that’s hard to do!

Should we honeymoon in Bora Bora or the Maldives?

Oh man , I have gotten this question a lot! Since both paradises are known for their overwater bungalows, beautiful resorts, and sparkling blue waters, it’s hard not to compare the two. But, when it comes to honeymooning in Bora Bora versus a honeymoon in the Maldives , it completely depends on the couple! I found both places to be absolutely unreal vacation destinations. The water is so beautiful in both, and both boast some seriously incredible aquatic life. While I absolutely loved both, I personally found Bora Bora to be a little more “resortey” and the Maldives to be a little more private, evoking a feeling like you are in a paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean (I also found this at Cambodia’s ultra-private Song Saa Private Island !) I think Bora Bora’s much-easier flight path from the states make it a great and easier option for couples who may not be able to take as much time off for their wedding and honeymoon, but the Maldives’ mystery and allure make it that much cooler for the couple that want to go where none of their friends have gone before.

Do you need a travel agent for the Maldives?

No! You definitely don’t need a travel agent for a trip to the Maldives ! I always book myself, and it’s super easy. I like going through this site to find the best deals . If you book direct with the resort, be sure to tell them that Jetset Christina sent you! Also I always appreciate if you book through the links in my site as I receive a small commission that helps me keep running the blog!! 

PS – have more questions on the Maldives, or any other destination? Join the JETSETTERS secret facebook group to get & give travel recs to our Jetset Christina community and connect with other #JSCJetsetters!

Pin this post.

*Please note that this post contains affiliate links to some hotels! If you choose to book one of the hotels I recommended, I would so appreciate you using these links to do so! An affiliate link basically just means that at no cost to you at all, I get a small kickback from the booking site for bringing them your business! I never recommend any hotels that I don’t 100% LOVE & think you will, too! If you have any questions at all, please see my  advertiser & affiliate policy page here .

Check out these related posts:.

the best Dubai and Maldives itinerary

What to Pack for the Maldives

What I use to take my photos

What I do every day to stay healthy 

Easy tips for better vacation photos

The best tie dye bikinis and one pieces

The Ultimate Maldives Honeymoon Guide

The Best Sunscreens

Honeymoon packing guide

Gorgeous Maldives photography prints for sale (and other destinations!)

Jetset’s Travel Presets – for mobile photos!

The Best Credit Card for Travel – Amex Platinum

Planning the Perfect Cabo Bachelorette Party

12 Key Tips for Visiting Disney World with a Toddler for the First Time

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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Eric Wilson

THANK YOU!!! Planning my entire honeymoon based on your blog and instagram!!! Can’t wait.

The Maldives is an amazing destination for people who love the beach life.

I have been there once, and wish to be back.

Your guide was impressive and photos are mind-blowing.

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Samkeliso Nkwanyane

I have been to Maldives once and I am intending to go back in the future. This Maldives guide will come in very handy. Thank you!

Akansha Negi

Great and Amazing Maldives travel guide. I really thanks for giving us better information. It is a lovely destinations, fun-filled place for everyone whether it is a couple or a family.

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36 Stunning Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives

By Lee Cobaj and Lauren Burvill

To create a definitive guide to the best hotels in the Maldives in no easy feat. The archipelagic country sets the standard when it comes to superior island living. It’s where overwater stays come as standard, privacy is a given, and natural beauty is all around. The caliber is sky high. Boutique stays and lo-fi boltholes are a rarity; instead, world-class hotels are spread out on their own private islands, nestling state-of-the-art spas and multiple restaurants amongst lush jungles, pristine beaches, and house reefs.

The new generation of Maldives hotels are taking this formula one step further. It’s not enough for just villas to be overwater anymore. Spas dangle above lagoons now too, with glass floors allowing guests to spy turtles as they enjoy a massage. The classic pool bar has been outdone by a beachside treehouse bar, and restaurants have relocated underwater. Steps towards sustainability are also commonplace too: Most hotels have their own conservation projects and coral programs. One is even completely solar powered.

How we choose the best hotels in the Maldives

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location, and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.

Which Maldives hotel is best for couples?

As the stuff of honeymoon legends, the Maldives has plenty to offer couples. For the truly standout spots, we love Cheval Blanc Randheli (as do the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), and the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru . See our pick of the best Maldives honeymoons for more recommendations.

Which Maldives hotel is best for families?

The Maldives might be best known for honeymoons, but its private island resorts will fulfill family holiday dreams too. Spacious villas mean there’s plenty of room for everyone, while kids clubs, restaurants, and pools are all at your fingertips. Some of our favorite hotels for families include JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa and Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi .

Which Maldives hotels are leading the way in terms of sustainability?

When it comes to nurturing this precious ecosystem, the Four Seasons resorts have been setting the bar for more than two decades with their full-time resident marine biologists and reef restoration programs. From the Marine Discovery Centres at  Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru  and  Four Seasons Kuda Huraa , their work with Reefscapers, along with the Maldivian Ministries, they’ve been coral-frame planting, rehabilitating marine life, and carrying out vital research.  Six Senses Laamu  is a member of the respected conservation collective, The Long Run, and the only luxury resort in the southern Maldives’ Laamu Atoll, and their endeavors include next-level protection of seagrass meadows—one of the most effective carbon-storage marine vegetation systems. Soneva has always been sensitive to hospitality’s delicate relationship with nature, on land and in water, since 1995. Their NGO, Soneva Namoona, was set up recently to roll out their holistic sustainability strategy as modeled at their Eco Centers at  Soneva Jani  and  Soneva Fushi , and it’s changing the way waste is understood by local communities and handled in the Maldives. A tour of the back-of-house might not be your typical holiday activity, but it’s actually very inspiring. Soneva’s Waste-To-Wealth initiative sees the hotels recycle 90 percent of the solid waste and alchemize trash into bricks, food matter becomes compost, cans are compacted, and glass bottles are reused. As with all paradise-island destinations, fossil-fuel-run generators powering these dreamy escapes will always be one of the biggest sustainability hurdles. Recognizing the fragility of their ocean home, too,  Kudadoo  deserves praise for their solar energy innovations since a remarkably extensive surface area of photovoltaic panels is required to generate even a little electricity in this context. Few blue, watery landscapes rival the drama of this romantic-as-can-be location—which means all the more reason to celebrate the hotels that show a genuine passion for protecting this unrivaled setting. — Juliet Kinsman, sustainability editor

More stand-out properties:

• For an all-inclusive stay: Kudadoo
• For an underwater restaurant: Hurawalhi Island Resort
• For a focus on wellness: COMO Cocoa Island
• For rooms with retractable roofs: Soneva Jani
• For an independently Maldivian owned stay : The Nautilus
• For your own private island: Coco Prive Kuda Hithi

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Six Senses Kanuhura Arrow

As you swoop into the Lhaviyani Atoll by seaplane, it's easy to see why Six Senses were so keen to bring this trifecta of natural coral islands ringed by turquoise seas and aquamarine lagoons into the fold. The second Six Senses property in the Maldives (the other being Six Senses Laamu) is a beauty, with great sweeps of broad white beach, a flourishing house reef, and a jungly heart overflowing with soaring coconut palms, twisty screw pines, and fragrant sea almonds, which you can explore on complimentary bicycles. Dotted around the island are 91 beachfront and overwater villas, including 12 sprawling retreats, all decked out in a pulse-slowing palette of warm woods, peach, and teal, with big beds hung with billowing nets. Seven superb bars and restaurants include Drift, a little clapboard and thatch cafe on sister island Jehunuhura, and The Point, a circular building set on the sunset side of the island housing a Spanish restaurant and a round rooftop infinity pool. Alongside stacks of complimentary daily activities—core training, yoga, meditation, sound healing—and a tip-top spa, a stay here can be as lively or as sleepy as you like. — Lee Cobaj

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort Arrow

Despite opening in September 2019, this blissful resort flew under the radar due to the pandemic. But the delayed opening celebrations ended up being a blessing in disguise—the resort had ample time to smooth out any newbie crinkles and ensure that everything was functioning as perfectly as possible. And while the hotel is now getting its fair share of industry buzz, the private lagoon, white-sand beaches, and nature offerings still feel like a well-kept secret. Guests can choose between three different room categories, from beach villas that fringe the shoreline and lagoon villas bordering the shallow waters to overwater bungalows hovering over lapping waves.

The resort is home to six restaurants and bars—The Lighthouse is our favorite, with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean and spectacular Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The spa is also noteworthy, with a rotating schedule of visiting practitioners and floating treatment rooms over the water. But the most impressive aspect of the resort is the partnership with the Manta Trust and Ocean Conservation Program. The hotel hosts marine biologists from the trust to conduct research and take guests on safe and responsible excursions to see them in their natural habitat. As both reef and Oceanic mantas are listed as vulnerable and endangered on the IUCN Red List, the work of this organization is critical, and it was a magical experience to swim with these graceful giants alongside scientists who have dedicated their career to helping protect them. Seeing a luxury resort taking ocean conservation and sustainability is seriously is a joy. — Olivia Morelli

Renowned Istanbul -based design studio Autoban (behind London’s Duck + Rice, the extraordinary airport in Baku, and numerous hotels in their hometown such as the House Hotels and the Witt Suites) were commissioned to come up with something fresh and different at Joali. The design details in the overwater and beach villas are beautifully curated. Locally hand-carved wood panels and bamboo-slatted headboards are counterbalanced with rose gold bathroom taps resembling giant pebbles. In the dressing rooms you’ll find heron-and-palm-leaf printed robes by Ardmore and slippers like chubby clouds.

Joali is a hybrid of the best that the Maldives has to offer. Turn up barefoot at Mura Bar for a sunset martini, a buttermilk-chicken slider, and a shisha pipe. Or get dolled up for dinner at Japanese restaurant Saoke. It’s this deep-rooted, solid luxury, without the slightest hint of dictating who guests should be, what they should wear, and how they should relax, that immediately aligns Joali with the frontrunners. For Maldivophiles, here is a worthy winter-sun detour that is every bit as high-achieving as some of the beloved old-timers and big-name brands. — Alice B.B.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Design in the Maldives has been slowly dismantling its thatched- roof image, and The Ritz-Carlton continues the trend thanks to the studio of the late architect Kerry Hill. Its 100 contemporary circular villas are scattered above the water and up and down a stretch of beach. Each is polished, pared back, and pulse-slowing, with glass doors that open onto half-moon decks, teardrop-shaped plunge pools, and the high-definition blue of the ocean. The rest of the resort, by contrast, feels a little conservative, if still beautiful. Most of the action is confined to the island’s southern tip, where there’s a gym and photography studio, plus a water sports center (with the usual kayaks , SUPs, and windsurfing) and a large kids’ club with dancing fountains hidden in a Teletubbies -style mound of grass. This is also where you’ll find Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, the only one in the Maldives, staffed by marine biologists who are monitoring sea life with underwater robots and airborne drones, in addition to guiding guests.

Head out snorkeling with them at night for spooky encounters with nurse sharks, unfurling feather stars and bioluminescent squid. At the showpiece restaurant Iwau, knife-juggling chefs prepare pretty nigiri rolls and just-caught lobster, but there are six more restaurants to choose from, including one in a Bedouin tent and a food truck in the Fari marina. One of the island’s luxuries is its space (which is why Ritz-Carlton ended up opting for this man-made spot), giving guests with less tolerance for lazing about plenty of opportunity to cycle around on bicycles. Another is the timber-clad spa in the middle of the lagoon—look out for stingrays hovering below on your walk to a treatment—offering therapies by British brand Bamford. Ritz-Carlton is known for its classic, old-school luxury, but here is an exciting forward-looking update. — Lee Cobaj

Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll Arrow

Wide-brimmed straw hats off to the Four Seasons. With this five-acre, seven-bedroom, profoundly private island it has raised the proverbial bar. How much or how little you make of Voavah is likely to be your main—and only—concern. There's no shortage of possibilities. You've got the splendors of the Baa Atoll lapping at your shores and your own yacht on which to explore it. You've got your own dive center and every beach toy known to man. Not to mention your own spa, the immaculate Ocean of Consciousness (surely missing an ‘un’), and 28 staff dedicated to making your life as agreeable as possible. There may be no better circumstances in which to simply retreat to a shady spot with a book and give everyone the day off.

The place looks great and feels great too. The juxtaposition of smooth and rough textures, and traditional and contemporary materials, is brilliantly managed. Voavah is where woven seagrass met diamond-polished concrete and fell hopelessly in love. The muted palette of the interiors may at first appear unduly subdued—until you realize that what seems like conservatism is really a form of reverence. It serves to draw your eye outwards, back into the sublime, saturated color and endless space of sea and sky beyond. — Sophie Knight

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Arrow

Situated on a lush, natural private island with pool villas and wonderfully friendly and professional staff, this is easily one of the most charming hotels in the Maldives. About 45 minutes north of Malé International Airport by seaplane, in the Raa Atoll on a natural island known as Kothaifaru, the setting here is blessed with long white beaches and endless palm trees. Throughout the 27.6 acres, there is also thick jungle vegetation that gives the new space an already settled-in feel. The 80 villas—all with pools—are split between overwater villas (with bathrooms that open up to the sea) and beach villas (with sunrise and sunset options). There are two restaurants and two bars to choose from, as well as a spa tucked away deep within the jungle vegetation. But the service here is what makes this resort stand out in the crowd of smart hotels in the Maldives. After a few days, it will start to feel like home with staff remembering your preference for still or sparkling water, the names of your children, and where your favorite table is—so much so that there is an urge to book a repeat trip before you have finished the first one. — Mary Lussiana

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Arrow

This is an island that attracts a fashionable globetrotting crowd, and loyal St Regis fans—arguably one in the same. During the day it’s less barefoot luxury and more Chanel heels on the beach. At sunset its Amina Muaddi slingbacks, when honeymooners head to the bar to make the most of the martini shots while a could-be-a-model DJ plays cool and breezy beats in a midriff-bearing top. It’s a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in Manhattan , and yet this bar couldn’t be further from New York, sitting over the Indian Ocean and shaped to resemble a whale shark.

The American hotel brand landed a prime spot of tropical paradise when it opened in 2016 on the previously uninhabited natural island of Vommuli. This lush environment has played a key role in the hotel's nature-inspired design—overwater villas are shaped like manta rays and made from predominantly cross laminated wood, while the impressively large library swirls into the sky like a cone shell. Morning yoga classes are held at the overwater Iridium Spa, with mats placed over the open-air lounge’s glass floor portholes, so you can watch trumpetfish paddle past in-between poses. Follow it up with a glass of crystal-infused water and a dip in the Blue Hole Pool, one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the country. The seven restaurants scattered across the island are all undeniably decadent, with Maldivian lobster plucked straight from the sea and served at every turn—even in the omelettes at breakfast. At the Pan Asian restaurant, the lobster comes to the beachside tables looking like plump scoops of ice cream. Don’t sleep on the intriguing looking Maldivian section at the morning breakfast spread either—its a delicious adventure you won't forget.

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives hotel review Arrow

Born from star-studded Hollywood roots and having conquered cities like New York, Miami, and London , The Standard brings a rare sense of irreverent cool to the Maldives. Instead of the typical cream-covered and thatched roof signatures of the region, villas here are brightly colored, with disco balls in the bathroom and neon pink pool floats on the walls. Such playful touches attract an international mix of not just couples and families but also groups of friends.

Mornings start with freshly prepared eggs and proper coffee topped with fish foam art in the breezy beachside all-day restaurant, Kula. Or you can order in to your villa, or more specifically to your villa’s plunge pool, with a full breakfast spread served on a floating tray . During the day, the house reef is just steps away from the overwater villas, while dolphin cruises and swimming with manta rays can also be arranged. Supper is served either on the beach at BBQ Shack, or at overwater restaurant Gudagudaguda—cheekily named after the sound that shisha makes. It's here that you can enjoy a traditional Maldivian experience with cushion floor seating, tuna sambal, and authentic curries with just the right spice level. Keep the party going at the overwater nightclub Beru Bar, where the largest disco ball in the Maldives shines bright above a see-through dance floor.

If anyone understands what discerning visitors to the Maldives want, it’s Lars Petre, the Swedish entrepreneur who not only developed the country’s first sea plane company but co-manages nine other island resorts. On Kudadoo, he has created the country’s first solar-powered hotel and its first all-inclusive luxury hotel—all off a tiny coconut-forested sandbank. Arranged around a circular wooden walkway out at sea, its 15 rooms conjure spacious Japanese ryokans—designed by New York–based architect Yuji Yamazaki from soothing wood, stone, and reed-thatch, and fronted by a wide deck, plunge pool, and ladder into the swirling blue sea. When Petre says ‘all-inclusive’, he means it: whether that’s two-hour Healing Earth treatments in the airy spa, a butler 24/7, Jet-Skiing and deep-sea fishing, or feasts involving fine wines (80 from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list) and impeccably presented dishes, from light Japanese teppanyaki to Maldivian seafood curry, concocted by French chef Antoine Lievaux, who has worked for Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse. Unusually, thanks to the 989 solar panels that roof the airy living area, there is not a single generator to be heard; just a gentle lap of waves on the beach, and the occasional thud of a coconut.  — Lisa Grainger

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa

Looking for a Robinson Crusoe-style getaway? Powder-puff sands and jungly green on the inside, with a turquoise lagoon teeming with rainbow-colored parrotfish, blacktip reef sharks, and cow tail stingrays, this hotel is a dazzling addition to the Maldives. It’s small (around 17 acres) with 80 villas split between overwater and beach. There’s no bad room here—they all overlook that twinkling, breath-stealing Indian Ocean, where water and sky merge seamlessly. You’ll be assigned a personal butler, who’ll organize spa treatments, book you in for a game of tennis, or dig a heart-shaped seat for two in the sand. Food is a winner with five restaurants to choose from. Don’t sleep on teriyaki chicken and locally-caught miso reef fish at Teppanyaki Grill. Then there’s the spellbindingly romantic overwater restaurant Mediterraneo, where you can feast on homemade tortellini and decadent tiramisu with stars overhead and lapping waves below, all washed down with as much house Champagne as you wish (this might be the smartest all-inclusive resort in the Maldives). Book a Balinese massage in the spa, nestled among the trees with chattering terns for company. Snorkel, learn to dive, book a wine tasting on a private sandbank, or simply sit on your villa’s deck and watch pods of dolphins diving in the distance. — A.S.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

When this spot in the North Malé atoll came into existence just over 20 years ago (originally under sustainability hero Soneva’s wing), Malé’s international airport was barely more than a tin shed, postcards were the main mode of communication, and most islands were without regular electricity. The pancakes of sand surrounding the capital were about as isolated a destination as travelers could get to. Now, Gili Lankanfushi is considered within easy reach (just a 20-minute speedboat transfer), yachts and seaplanes criss-cross the ocean and sky from morning until night, and the neighboring islands have street lights and a Coca-Cola factory. But relax, some things never change.

This hotel is still set in one of the most eye-catchingly beautiful lagoons in the country, a vision of broad white beaches, shape-shifting sandbanks, and waters that dance from peacock green to sapphire blue. All the villas here are stilted over the water, keeping the island wild and the beaches on full dazzling display. When fire ravaged the resort in 2019, it was an opportunity for renewal. Interiors were redesigned, with handmade wooden furniture and woven lampshades sourced from sustainable suppliers in Bali; bathrooms are stocked with organic potions and reef-safe sunscreen. For the ultimate Do Not Disturb energy, maroon yourself in one of the clapboard Robinson Crusoe villas, cast out on the edges of the lagoon reached by a little pontoon, where you can lie on your rooftop deck tracing the spine of Scorpio across the night sky.

Putter back to the island and there’s sunrise yoga; beach and jungle restaurants where ingredients come fresh off the boat or pulled from organic gardens; and expert therapists from Thailand, Bali, and India at the Meera Spa. Baby coral being grown on ropes in the house reef will eventually be replanted in the sea in a bid to create reefs that are more resistant to climate-change bleaching (they also work as an underwater hammock for a big green turtle that stops by most days). Gili Lankanfushi has been working on its coral program for seven years—it was championing sustainability long before it became a literal hot topic. And it’s for that reason, as much as the dreamy location and impeccable service, that it still stands head and shoulders above the crowd. — L.C.

Emerald Resort & Spa

A thrilling 45-minute seaplane ride from Malé, over uninhabited jungly islands and twinkling turquoise lagoons, Emerald Resort and Spa feels like you’re landing into your own Bounty advert. Set on Fasmendhoo Island in Raa Atoll, with miles of endless cotton-white beaches, perfect for snorkeling and diving, gin-clear waters with reef fish bursting all around like confetti—manta rays, black-tip tiger sharks and dolphins—it’s  Finding Nemo  on acid. There are 120 jaw-dropping villas here, split between overwater and beach, designed by American architect Edward David Poole and built using bamboo, natural stone and langhi langhi leaves so they blend seamlessly with the tropical setting. The look is minimalist and modern—contemporary furniture and lots of sea-breezy colors. Overwater pool villas have sprawling marble bathrooms with sunken bathtubs made for gazing out at the ocean and the beach stretching in both directions. The good life comes easily here with your own butler to take care of your every whim—from ferrying you around in a buggy like a personal chauffeur to booking tables and organizing a private movie under the stars with homemade popcorn and cocktails to boot, they’re on it. The retreat operates a deluxe all-inclusive package. There’s Asiatique, where you’ll feast on extraordinary Asian grub (sticky wings, seafood gyoza) and Amazonica for mouth-tingling South American food (red snapper ceviche in tiger’s milk and Peruvian quinoa salads). Sprogs can go feral without anyone lifting an eyebrow thanks to the largest kids’ club in the Maldives—perfect while you nest down at the Balinese-style spa. After dark, lie back on your deck and make a wish on a shooting star—there’s not a glimmer of light pollution. —A.S.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

So far south its skimming the equator—the delicious remoteness is well worth the longer transfer time—this tiny island resort takes all the charm of its older Singapore sibling and fuses it with clotted-cream sands, raspberry sunsets, and a coconut version of its famous Sling. Complimentary neck massages are doled out while you wait for breakfast (French boulangerie, Sri Lankan egg hoppers, detox juices) with your feet in the sand. Lunch could be catch of the day—smoked tuna, say, grilled with lemon oil. At the overwater spa, Balinese therapists perform signature massages that start with the hum of a Tibetan singing bowl and end with warm coconut oil being poured onto your third eye. And the marine life is so profuse you can spot an aqua-menagerie without even getting your feet wet (20 hawksbill turtles have been recorded as living around the island).

Jumeirah Maldives

A lively speedboat ride from the airport, on the edges of the tranquil North Malé Atoll, is where Jumeirah have chosen to make their return to the Maldives (having pulled out of the country in late 2020). The island of Olhuhali was formerly inhabited by Lux* North Malé and the Dubai-based hospitality group has stuck with the original's sleek South Beach Miami design while adding their own distinctly glitzy touch, from monogrammed bathrobes to new restaurants and live bands you really want to listen to. The 67 villas are some of the largest entry-level villas in the Maldives and come in overwater and beach flavor. The former have knee-trembling sunset views; the latter are more private; all have masses of outdoor space, big private pools, and splendid rooftop decks for stargazing and outdoor movie nights. Bathrooms are decidedly modern and concrete, and have tubs that sink down deep in that way only hotel bathtubs ever do.

The sapphire-blue pool has pops of red and an ice cream cart straight out of South Beach, while the Barium private dining room has aquariums for walls. And then, well, there is Inti restaurant where the fresh ceviche blows the typical menu of grilled fish out of these turquoise waters. The surrounding corals aren't in great shape due to climate change (something that's becoming more and more of a problem across the Maldives) but you can hire a Jet Ski in the morning and hang out with 100-strong pods of bottlenose dolphins catching breakfast just outside of the lagoon. This is a place where the children of families who used to come to the Maldives every year are now choosing to return to themselves as grown-ups.

Conrad Maldives

Having staked its claim on the beautiful all-natural twin islands of Rangali and Rangali Finolhu over a quarter of a century ago, the Conrad's location remains one of the best of any resort in the Maldives—with long, broad stretches of sand wrapped around both jungly islands and manta rays pirouetting in the channel between. But there have been changes afoot: the installation of The Muraka (the world's first underwater hotel suite ) in 2018 was followed by a revamp of the cathedral-like beach villas in 2019, while the water villas got their turn this year. New chef Christian Pedersen has breathed new life into all 12 restaurants. From the sand-between-your-toes breakfast to the healthy seared scallop and asparagus salads to the tasting menus at underwater restaurant Ithaa, his food never fails to impress. Resistance is futile, but you can work off any excesses by paddleboarding around the lagoon staring at shimmering parrotfish and sashaying reef sharks through a mesmeric turquoise lens.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa

There isn’t a hibiscus out of place or a palm that hasn’t been preened at this Indian Ocean version of the white-picket perfection of the Hamptons. It’s set in the far-northern Shaviyani atoll—where the neighboring islands are mostly undeveloped—so the seaplane transfer, at around an hour, takes a little longer than most, but the payoff comes in the form of never-ending horizons, uninterrupted expanses of sea, and crystal-clear night skies. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from one end of the island to the other, which makes it medium-sized by Maldivian standards.

Offshore there’s a large house reef—although the corals aren’t in the best shape (a jarring reminder of global warming)—but you can still see large white-tip reef sharks, moray eels and clouds of shoaling fish. For bigger marine thrills, the dolphin cruise yields sightings of thousands rather than the usual handful in less remote waters, or join a fishing expedition in search of sailfish the size of schoolchildren. The Shaviyani atoll is mega-fauna central. Back on dry land, there are two main swimming pools, a glass-encased spa, a gigantic kids’ club, and 60 pool villas, shaped like upturned galleons. Skip the tightly packed overwater variety and plump for one on the sand instead, where each sits on its own spacious bougainvillea-veiled plot, just feet from the ocean, and the duplexes, with their upstairs dens, are excellent for families.

Inside, the decor strays from the traditional Maldivian teak-chic, favoring muted shades of blue textiles and amethyst-topped tables. Among the five superb restaurants, lunchtime-only treetop Kaashi is a standout for authentic Thai, and there are three bars: one by the Missoni-striped swimming pool and another serving 98 types of rum inside a treehouse overlooking the beach. While there aren’t many surprises, this is an ultra-slick take on the tropical paradise blueprint. — L.C.

Hurawalhi Island Resort

It has the biggest underwater restaurant in the Maldives—and there are wonders on both sides of the glass. Hurawalhi is surrounded by no fewer than 50 outstanding dive sites, including one of the most reliable manta ray hotspots in the archipelago, where you can marvel at the spectacle of these creatures lining up to be fussed over by lesser marine life. The 90 villas are compact and uncomplicated, differentiated only by their position and the presence or absence of a private pool. The two main restaurants and bar are airy spaces with soaring ceilings. Discreet touches—tabletops in a mosaic of petrified wood, transparent panels in the floor to allow fish-spotting—perk up the unpretentious design. Both the views and the menu (tuna carpaccio with pickled daikon, yuzu gel, and shiso) at underwater restaurant 5.8 are deeply impressive. Another temptation is the small but splendidly stocked wine cellar, curated by managing partner Lars Petre, a pioneering hotelier and entrepreneur in the Maldives whose love of the islands is written all over his craggy Swedish face. But at Hurawalhi, it's what's below the surface that really counts. There's an inspiring young dive team—all of whom appear to speak half a dozen languages and hold higher degrees in easy-going charm—to help you into your mask and fins. — S.K.

Patina Maldives

This is an island for aesthetes. One of the coolest, cleverest resorts to open in 2021—even more of an achievement during a pandemic—and the first of a progressive new brand of hotels from Capella, which counts the Sir Norman Foster –designed Capella Singapore and Bill Bensley’s Capella Ubud among its show-stopping properties. (Patina Ubud is in the works.) Here, Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan has been handed the reins, designing his first hotel, and has come up with something that feels truly special, transplanting his take on tropical modernism to the Indian Ocean. In keeping with the movement, the architecture encourages interaction with nature. Long, linear wooden structures are open to the elements, and cooled by swirling fans and perforated screens, all chiaroscuro light and shadow. Custom-made furniture from Dedon and Paola Lenti sits beneath triangular sun shades strung between towering palms. Then there’s the art collection, like a treasure hunt for grown-ups, with James Turrell’s Skyspace light gallery the star attraction.

Yoga gurus from Rishikesh hold classes inside the installation in the soft morning glow. In the evening, when it’s illuminated violet, the skylight frames the moon. The 90 pool villas aren’t the largest in the Maldives but they impress in other ways, with glass walls that fully retract on three sides. In the bathrooms, there are exfoliating seaweed soaps from Haeckels and 3D-printed vitamins appear on pillows instead of chocolates at bedtime. The Flow Spa is original too, with treatment rooms that look like sugar cubes tossed into the long grass. High-tech therapies—flotation pods, LED-light therapy, Iris sound immersions—are offered alongside deep-reaching rituals that might include an out-of-body experience in the watsu pool with Balinese healer Purnomo Diretno.

But the best part might be the eight bars and restaurants, each one exceptional. Patina, as well as the new Ritz-Carlton, are the first hotels built in the manmade Fari Islands in the North Malé atoll. With space at a premium, artificial isles aren’t new in the Maldives—the Waldorf Astoria, Hard Rock Hotel, and local Hulhumalé island are all also fresh arrivals. But at both resorts currently open in the Faris, serious sustainability efforts and conservation projects try to go a long way to mitigate any environmental impact of the construction. This is next generation Maldives, smart and thoughtful. —L.C.

COMO Cocoa Island

Over its 20-year history, bigger, flashier resorts have tried to upstage little Cocoa. All-singing hotels with submerged spas, snow rooms, and ice-skating rinks. But this living coral island, still in a plum, not-too-hectic spot in the often-busy South Malé atoll, 40 minutes from the airport by speedboat, has remained in the limelight precisely because of its gimmick-free simplicity. The newly refreshed overwater villas (34 in total, some shaped like Maldivian dhoni boats) are the epitome of less is more, with dark teak, crisp white walls and deep bathtubs. Compared to its Bali sibling, the sandy-floored COMO Shambhala spa here is less comprehensive, which feels like a bit of a missed opportunity, but the therapists are still top of their game and soothe, stroke, and crush out every molecule of tension in the signature massage.

There’s a new Pilates studio, where head-to-toe alignment programs straighten out even the most WFH-weary postures and new COMO wellness retreats are promised by the end of the year. For now, extra reinvigoration comes during an hour being pummeled by a dozen jets in the free hydrotherapy pool. But, of course, it’s the Indian Ocean that’s the main watery attraction and unlike a lot of the reefs that surround Malé, Cocoa Island’s are colorful, varied, and recovering well from the 2016 worldwide bleaching event. You’ll also spot octopus, lobster, lionfish, reef sharks, and amber-eyed hawksbill turtles—take a trip with Aminath Angeela (a rarely spotted Maldivian female marine conservationist) to learn more about rising sea temperatures and coral regeneration. In keeping with the low-key vibe, there’s only one restaurant, but the food is always enticing. There are coconut smoothie bowls for breakfast; proper pizzas and lobster rolls for lunch; and an Indonesian feast or a surf ’n’ turf barbecue come evening. Plus, the same thoughtful, delicious wellness menus you find at every COMO hotel. Peaceful, pampering, smart but unpretentious: this is the essence of what a Maldives hotel should be. — L.C.

Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Not all Maldivian islands are made equal; some only have natural beaches along one shore, the other eroded away by the sea. Not here. From above, Finolhu looks like a comet shooting across the heavens, its tail formed by a 1.2-mile platinum sandbank. If resorts here were ranked solely on their beaches, Finolhu would be on the medal table (along with Kanuhura and The Residence at Dhigurah) purely because there’s so much sand. And the marine life is just as magnificent. There are dozens of exceptional dive sites within the hotel’s orbit, including caves haunted by barracuda, kaleidoscopic gardens of hard-tree coral, and Hanifaru cleaning station, where hundreds of manta rays come to be preened by little blue wrasse (visit between May and November for the best chance to swim with them).

Almost as exuberant is the hotel itself, which emerged in November 2020 under new management and with a fresh look. Out went the ’70s design in favor of a mood board of color, with 125 villas kitted out in electric blue, sherbet yellow, or lime green. What remains, however, is the Ibiza-in-the-Indian-Ocean vibe; for the full effect book a Rock Star Villa with its giant disco ball and cocktail bar (and a golf buggy decked out like a mini Rolls-Royce). Food at the five restaurants is good, if less dazzling than the rest of the place; the premium all-inclusive option is especially good value, covering everything from wagyu steak in Japanese restaurant Kanusan to post-workout protein drinks at the Milk Lab cafe and Taittinger Champagne from the bar. And the weekly list of activities runs from the standard yoga and beach volleyball to acrobatic shows and mermaids in the swimming pool. Many hotels have tried to bring the party to the Maldives—Finolhu hits the sweet spot between indulgent fun and carefree affordability. — L.C.

Lux South Ari Atoll

Fresh from a total overhaul, this revamped island has 193 villas, both on the beach and on two jetties (one of which is adults-only), with vaulted white ceilings, gray wood–effect ceramic floors, and tree-trunk furniture. Many of the overwater villas are brand new, the spa is bigger, and the interiors have been smartened up. There's a mellow beach club vibe throughout, with bicycles to nip between the two bars at opposite ends of the two-mile-long island: one more chilled beside the pool, and the other, livelier, with colorful reclaimed wooden tables, a reggae soundtrack, surfboards propped against the wall, and inflatable swans standing by to drift about on the sea. There's coffee—roasted on-site—in reception, an ice-cream parlor with 32 homemade flavors such as bubblegum and pistachio, and live DJs at Beach Rouge, one of the six restaurants, including Allegria for Italian dishes and Senses for Indian.

The expanded spa offers yoga in a grove of palms, or on stand-up paddleboards, as well as a tennis coach for private lessons and a marine biologist to take guests swimming with whale sharks in a protected area. Frequent pop-ups include a mixologist making Aperol cocktails at East Point, an open-air movie theater on the beach, and the sudden appearance of a rack of Panama hats guests can borrow. It's impossible to miss home, but just in case, there's a red telephone box by reception for free old-school phone calls. This hideaway, above all, is incredibly fun. — Emma Love

Soneva Jani

The pioneering Soneva team, the first to introduce overwater villas to the Maldives as well as a strong environmental code and a determination to disconnect from the noisy outside world, brings us its third property. What sets Soneva Jani apart is that it is actually made up of five little islets in the Noonu Atoll. Snaking off the biggest is a 1.1-mile jetty with 24 overwater villas, each one bigger than some hotels (the largest can fit a family of 10). And later this year there will be an equal number of beach villas hidden in the forests of screw pine, banyan trees, and sea trumpet. A second island is home to the cute-as-pie tented restaurant hub, serving everything from grilled seafood to freshly baked pizzas. But the other three will remain undeveloped, so there will always be somewhere to play castaway.

The scale of the villas is extraordinary: built using wood from sustainable plantations and crafted in great sweeping curves, they are a charming jumble of pitched roofs and rondavels with fairytale turrets, ladders leading into the Indian Ocean, and portholes in floors to reveal marine life below. Retractable ceilings above beds unveil a starry night sky. There's a bar and wine-tasting space, spa, gym, yoga studio, and a phenomenal kids' club, which takes an inclusive approach, helping families holiday together. You'll also find an observatory with a telescope and live monitors that share the view through the eyepiece. Cycle across the island to the open-air, floating movie theater, where guests wear Bluetooth headphones to avoid disturbing the turtles. Of all the openings in the Maldives, this is the drop-dead gorgeous one, with the best villas, best service, best green credentials, and best vision. — Michelle Jana Chan

Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat

On one side of this island retreat—a circular two-and-a-half-acres bisected by a sandy path lined with banana trees and bougainvillea—is an open-air thatched bar, restaurant, and water sports; on the other are the villas and a tiny but brilliant spa. The 10 beach and 20 overwater villas are simple and rustic, with apple green wood-paneled exteriors, coconut-leaf-thatched roofs, and wicker sun loungers on the terraces (but no televisions, as the point here is to unplug). An early riser can practice hatha yoga with Rasmika Sahan before a snorkeling trip nearby (the house reef is a treat too, with angelfish and baby blacktip sharks). Serious foodies might find the nightly buffet a tad repetitive, but it is, nevertheless, delightfully laidback, carefree, and barefoot. There are also beach barbecues and Sri Lankan feasts under the eye of chef Chaminda Udabage, who cooks up his homeland favorites of fish curries and dhal. This is a small, unhurried, good-value island aimed at those who spend their days drifting between sun beds and the ocean. —E.L.

The Nautilus

If city living is all about the lean-in, the Maldives is for the recline. Named after Nemo’s submarine, the Nautilus private-island retreat of 26 overwater and beach houses has maxed out on relaxed luxe. Sitting above the indigo Baa Atoll and its eddying UNESCO biosphere reserve of pale sandbars and just visible coral gardens, it’s a place where schedules are decidedly lacking and guests duck in via seaplane or yacht to zone out. The USP here is that everything is fluid: unscripted dining means scallop carpaccio or oyster ice cream at 5 a.m. if you wish. Waterborne adventures are impromptu, too, with watches and iPhones swapped out for snorkels and paddleboards at any time. This is very much a barefoot-and-board-shorts hideaway, crisscrossed with polished hardwood walkways and lofty palms beside walls of fragrant clerodendrum. Only the arrival of whale sharks and manta rays on their May to December migration provides a discernible sign of time passing. Unusually for hotels in the region, the Nautilus is independently Maldivian owned, and is designed for the next generation of smart travelers who are seeking out the latest go-with-the-flow modern boho experience.

Milaidhoo Island Maldives

A wonderful reminder of the joys of getting back to basics. Milaidhoo gives classic Maldivian island style a refreshing contemporary twist. Understated, refined, and properly spoiling. The 50 villas are enlivened with deft decorative flourishes—the vivid blue-on-blue accents and curvaceous lines of the Beach Pool villas, in particular, display great charm and panache. The island is small enough to get around without a buggy, so you can put a little of the barefoot work back into the enjoyment of barefoot luxury. Milaidhoo's location in Baa Atoll—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with the world's highest concentration of manta rays—is a huge plus. Nearby Hanifaru Bay is to ray fanciers what La Scala is to opera buffs. A snorkeling, diving, or sailing expedition, especially in the company of the resident marine biologist, is likely to be as instructive as it is beautiful—the sort of experience that could alter a person's entire attitude towards the oceans. The signature restaurant, Ba'theli, serving Maldivian and trade-route-inspired dishes in three cleverly interlinked dhonis, is a show-stopper. No less intriguing is the Deep Sleep Mood Menu. Four courses contrived for maximum soporific effect (passion-fruit-and-green-tea soup—who knew?) are served on your candlelit terrace. Ideally, it will be preceded by a spa treatment and followed by a meditation session and herb-infused bath. A bedtime story and glass of warm milk, though surely unnecessary by this point, could no doubt also be arranged. — S.K.

At 12 acres, Ayada, on the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and just 19 miles north of the equator, is big enough to get lost on, and the more walking or cycling about you do, the more surprises keep popping up. Take a stroll after dinner (there are six restaurants) and... hello, what's this? A wine-and-cheese station for a glass of rouge and a sliver of brie while sitting on a bench fashioned from a fishing boat. As you head off to Zuzuu (the kids' club), you might stumble across The White Room, a part-colonial, part-tropical folly (pillars and a thatched roof) of such kitschness, you half expect the ghost of Elvis to emerge in a white tuxedo. Or you could stop in at the Ottoman Lounge (a nod to Ayada's Turkish ownership) and settle in for a coffee with a squidge of Turkish delight and a shisha pipe. The Middle Eastern mood shimmies through the villas: a filigree lampshade here, a joss-stick there, a flounce of Turkish fabric over the bed. And there's a full-on Turkish bath in the spa. This far from Malé, there's not a hint of light pollution in the inky night skies; by day there are dive sites, snorkeling with whale sharks and (unusually for the Maldives) surf breaks.

Six Senses Laamu

The Maldives is more famous for romantic sunsets than right-handers, but Six Senses—the only resort in the southern Laamu Atoll—sets itself apart from the fly-and-flop brigade with its Yin Yang surf break. There's also paddleboarding and catamaran sailing, alongside the usual dive boats and house-reef snorkeling. Its eco-agenda means that Six Senses does the at-times-clichéd Robinson Crusoe rustic look with feeling: to discourage the use of air conditioning, the beds are draped in gauzy white canopies and there are wooden slats in the walls to open at night and catch the breeze; the thatched roofs are also low-slung to keep things shady and cool. Even the twig pencils on the desk are responsibly sourced. Of course, there's no shortage of comforts—a 100-plus cocktail menu at the bar, a cheese-and-wine tower, a sensational sushi restaurant—but the vibe is very laidback compared to some of the Maldives' more flashy resorts. And nowhere more so than in the spa, where it's all too easy to hole up in one of the thatched, nest-like pods for hours on end.

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Beautiful Randheli in the Maldives was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, who also created One&Only Reethi Rah. Here he's used the same large-scale, cathedral-roofed template for the beach villas, and the detailing is superb. Those insouciant little armless sofas; that Vincent Beaurin lemon-yellow sand-disc artwork, which slowly turns as the weight of perpetually falling grains of sand rotate it; the square, slate-lined pool; the de Havilland seaplane bobbing in the water; the white bicycles for getting around; the taupe espadrilles in the villas' dressing rooms. It's all so chic. In the Guerlain spa, reached by dhoni, even a glance upwards from the massage bed prompts a smile in appreciation of the exquisitely woven rattan ceiling. Some bits grate: having to press a switch to open the villa front door from the inside, for instance. But from breakfast on the terrace—molten-centered brownies, celestial with a cappuccino—to the doll-sized mouthfuls on the tasting menu at Le 1947 restaurant, named after Cheval Blanc's most famous vintage, every element confirms this as the most sensational new resort in the Maldives.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Something to keep in mind when planning a holiday in the Maldives is that the remoteness once guaranteed by these faraway atolls can no longer be taken for granted. Resorts too close to the capital, Malé, may have views across to its high-rise skyline; others may have a neighboring hotel within earshot or clear sight. But the gloriously isolated Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, a former coconut plantation, has no such problems. The villas are also big and well spaced for privacy, the food couldn't be healthier (catch of the day at Fuego Grill; Lebanese mezze at Al Barakat and the spa is truly outstanding. Our 2020 Spa Guide winner for most meaningful experience, as well as overwater treatment rooms, it has a shady Ayurvedic area in a clearing, where prayerful therapists from a Tantric Ayurvedic centre in Indonesia administer rituals lasting hours. The island's Marine Discovery Center, run by a team of biologists whose main focus is manta ray research, could get anyone hooked on the wondrous world revealed as one sinks below the ocean surface with a snorkel or tank. — Anna Pasternak

One&Only Reethi Rah

When you spot a woman in Prada getting off one of the seaplanes arriving at Malé airport, there's a good chance she'll have been staying at Reethi Rah. The hotel is deeply glamorous: guests dress up for dinner in its dimly lit, gently gleaming environs, and sometimes for breakfast, lunch, and dive school, too. Super-smart, with its stone baths designed for two, often with a royal in residence (never seen but identifiable by uniformed bodyguards sitting outside the villa), this is an immense and hugely successful hotel, with 12 private beaches. There's a very zen spa where you can fully detox, and an amazing teen zone with ping-pong tables and all kinds of water sports. Since it opened, a cooking school has been added and its overwater villas now have pools, but the beach pool villas are still the best: thrillingly big and impressive, they have wardrobes and shoe space to match.

Velaa Private Island

One of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives is owned by 42-year-old Czech billionaire Jiri Smejc, who asked his villa butler at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives, to find him an island. He then hired a hot-shot general manager, Hans Cauchi from the Corinthia in London, installed his former butler front-of-house, and brought in 500 Czech builders for six months. The result? State-of-the-art toys (not even glossy rivals Cheval Blanc or One&Only Reethi Rah have a Seabob or semi-submarine); a spa with expert therapists, an ocean-view sauna, snow room and snooze pod; a nine-hole golf course; tennis and squash courts; an extraordinary three-story wine tower with a 6,000-bottle, $1.2 million inventory (including a 1978 Romanée-Conti for $46,000); and Aragu, an overwater, open-kitchen restaurant and Champagne lounge with a Sri Lankan chef. Some design elements are a little retro: suede-effect giant-weave cushions; patchwork carpets; the hanging chair and three massive vases you have to dodge to get to the bath. But the outdoor bathrooms are quite wonderful, and four-bedroom villas plus top-notch security are great for those who need it.

This understated, elegant resort has a loyal following. Among its most notable attractions are the cuisine (seafood at Cayenne Grill, Mediterranean at white-tented Lighthouse, informal meals at Lime) and the diving. Baros is home to one of the archipelago's original dive centers, as well as the first EcoDive Centre in the Maldives to be certified by International Reef Check.

Coco Prive Kuda Hithi

The ludicrously pretty and impossibly slick Coco Prive Kuda Hithi is only available for private hire. Previously a boutique hotel, the island's main building has an enormous primary suite, and there are five other villas to fill. The architecture is stunning, with massive expanses of glass to draw the outside in, and natural materials and organic shapes to echo the surroundings. Every light, heat source, and sound setting can be zapped from your personal iPad, and the attention to detail is phenomenal (the place is repainted between every stay). The kitchen is yours to use, but the chef is brilliant and will prepare anything you want (stories include a specific variety of apple being flown in at a guest's request), such as baked red snapper in aromatic herbs, and banana fritters with sweet crêpes in caramel. Sun-bleached decking around the island leads to mini jungle paths where pretty wicker baubles dangle, red flowers burst, and the resident fruit bat swings from palm to palm. As a bonus, the reef is monitored by a team of experts who know each turn and turtle intimately.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

When this hotel landed in the Baa atoll in 2011, it was a sleeker, clubbier Anantara outpost than family-friendly Dhigu, honeymooners ’ Veli, and quiet Naladhu that the brand already had in these waters. And there were plenty of head-turning attractions: the glass-bottomed baths in the overwater villas, the underwater restaurant, reportedly the country’s longest swimming pool. Plenty more splashier arrivals have since played their cards, but Anantara’s latest update puts it back on the board, with knockout new multi-bedroom beach and pool residences, each with their own kitchen, gym, spa treatment room, and pool deck.

The rest of the island is lush (no trees were felled during construction) and its central sandy path provides peekaboo pops of turquoise water while leading to diversions including an art studio, kids’ club, and outdoor movie theater beneath a celestial sky. At the overwater spa, there are new vitamin-drip therapies, part of the region’s only Cocoon Medical Spa, and an updated relaxation platform with saunas and plunge pools. That underwater restaurant is part of Sea Fire Spice Sky, a quartet of dining spaces varying from teppanyaki to grills from an authentic tandoori oven. The overwater observatory, the only one in the Maldives, has the country’s most powerful telescope (a research-grade 16" Meade LX200). Here, astronomer Ali Shameem, who grew up fascinated by the stars on the island of Maalhos, guides guests through the cosmos—the bonus of being almost on the equator means you can see constellations in both hemispheres. For all the slick hotel tricks, it’s always the hypnotic sea and sky that are the real knockouts. — Ramsey Qubein

Arrival by seaplane from Malé sets the tone; and from white-tented spa to swim-up pool bar, this resort encapsulates jet-set glamour. The 77 villas offer all the mod cons you could possibly want plus plunge pool, sun deck, wine fridge, and barbecue station. The overwater accommodation features glass floors and beach villas are equipped with muslin-draped daybeds that—cleverly—can be cantilevered over the pool. The resort is also big on action, with diving, kitesurfing, and SeaBobs (which zoom underwater like dolphins), and scheduled DJs spinning tracks in the evening.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK . It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.