news

The Best Hotels in the Maldives

Posted by author-avatar

When the conversation turns to “that perfect dream vacation,” for many people the Maldives top the list of the most desirable destinations. This Indian Ocean archipelago, made up of small coral islands surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, has recently been attracting thousands of travelers. However, such a flawless holiday also calls for a flawless hotel with first-class service. That’s why in this article we highlight the best hotels in the Maldives, so you can find “the one” that’s right for you. Overwater villas or beachfront retreats, beach bungalows or an entire private island — the choice is entirely yours.

One & Only Reethi Rah 5*

One&Only Reethi Rah 5* is a resort with 12 private beaches occupying an entire island, set in the turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll. The resort features 118 rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to provide maximum comfort and privacy. For adults, there are three swimming pools, including an infinity pool surrounded by atolls with comfortable hammocks and bubbling jacuzzis. Guests can enjoy a wide range of water activities, such as kayaking, banana boat rides, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and jet skiing.

The One & Only spa specializes in restorative face and body treatments inspired by ancient Asian traditions. Each treatment takes into account individual skin and body needs, with a therapist–cosmetologist creating a personalized wellness program for you. One of the most popular options is the ESPA facial, which combines ecotherapy with the healing power of vibrations. You can also recharge in the hydrotherapy pool and sauna, then unwind in a private spa suite.

For younger guests, the KidsOnly club welcomes children aged 4 to 12, offering cooking masterclasses, games with traditional Maldivian drums, snorkeling, marine life observation, and more.

Every evening brings something new to discover. The resort features eight world-class restaurants: Hoshi, serving Japanese delicacies; Botanica, an open-air restaurant focused on cooking natural ingredients outdoors; Reethi, known for refined French cuisine; and Fanditha, offering flavors of the Middle East.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort 5*

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort 5* is a five-star resort located along the tranquil shores of the Raa Atoll, which is made up of 15 islands. The resort offers impressive two- and three-bedroom residences featuring fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms stocked with BYREDO amenities, spacious living areas with dining spaces, private terraces, infinity pools, and direct access to the Indian Ocean.

Thanks to InterContinental’s partnership with the Manta Trust foundation, resort guests can take part in educational excursions to the stingray feeding lagoon, swim with manta rays, and attend environmental awareness presentations. For USD 165, guests can “adopt” a manta ray, choose a name for it, and become a member of the Cyclone manta conservation community. All proceeds are donated to the Manta Trust charity.

Upon check-in, every guest receives InterContinental privileges, such as a 30-minute photo session. Special attention should be given to the AVI Spa, which received the Luxury Island Resort Spa award in 2020. The spa is located in six overwater villas.

By the pool, there is the Sunset Bar, offering an extensive bar menu with snacks and chill-out music. The hotel features four restaurants: Fish Market, based on the “ocean-to-table” concept, where the chef prepares fish right in front of you; The Lighthouse, styled as a lighthouse with a 360-degree panoramic view and Mediterranean cuisine; CAFE UMI, a spot for a healthy breakfast with fresh pastries; and The Collective, an Italian restaurant by the main pool with ocean views. Guests may also arrange private sunset dinners upon request.

Kurumba Maldives

Kurumba Maldives was established in 1972, at a time when the island was still undeveloped. The resort’s name comes from Dhivehi, the official language of the Maldives, and means “coconut.” In 2024, Kurumba Maldives received the World Travel Awards title of Leading Family Resort in the Indian Ocean. The resort is conveniently located near the airport and can be reached by speedboat in just 10 minutes.

The largest accommodation at Kurumba Maldives is a spacious two-bedroom beachfront residence covering 768 sq m. It comfortably accommodates up to six adults or four adults with two children. The residence features two private swimming pools, gazebos with daybeds, an outdoor shower, and a private wine cellar.

Kurumba is ideal for family holidays with children, offering all the essential facilities: bottle warmers, baby cots, changing stations, and children’s snorkeling equipment. The Majaa Kids Club is open for children aged 4 to 13 and hosts marine biology lessons, dance classes, drumming workshops, educational games, and more. The resort also features children’s pools and Wii video games.

Dining at the hotel is completely worry-free — upon special request, any menu can be prepared, including vegan, gluten-free, halal, or dietary options. The only requirement is to inform the hotel in advance. Kurumba Maldives offers one beach bar, a shisha lounge, and eight restaurants, including Vihamanaa, an international buffet restaurant; Qasr, serving Middle Eastern cuisine; and Mahal, specializing in Indian dishes.

The Nautilus Maldives 5*

Upon arrival at The Nautilus Maldives 5*, located in the Baa Atoll, guests are welcomed by a personal butler. The resort is home to the largest green “wall” in the Indian Ocean, stretching 330 meters and planted with 20,000 dhungethi shrubs.
The 26 beachfront houses, inspired by the shape of nautilus shells, create an ideal setting for a honeymoon. The residences range from 453 to 610 sq m and feature spacious living rooms, one or two bedrooms, bathrooms with tropical rain showers, dining areas with an adjacent powder room and bar, private swimming pools, and terraces with steps leading directly into the ocean. For fitness enthusiasts, the resort offers a fully equipped gym, sports courts for mini football, badminton, and volleyball, as well as a tennis court.

The Mediterranean restaurant Zeytoun can surprise you with both lesser-known dishes and premium olive oils from the Aegean Sea, as well as freshly baked bread with a perfectly crispy crust. Zeytoun also boasts the largest selection of gin and whisky in the Maldives on its cocktail menu. The Ocaso restaurant invites guests on a culinary journey through Latin America, specializing in Japanese, Mexican, and Peruvian cuisine. Its wine collection features 200 labels of top-quality wines. Throughout the day, Thyme is open, offering a variety of seafood delicacies to enjoy at any time.

Waldorf Astoria
Maldives Ithaafushi 5*

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi 5* is set amid untouched lush greenery in the South Malé Atoll. The resort features a collection of beach, reef, and overwater residences and villas, each equipped with a private terrace, swimming pool, and direct access to the ocean. Guests can make use of the fitness center, practice yoga, go snorkeling, or join excursions to nearby islands. One of the resort’s most distinctive features is the option to rent a private island, allowing guests to enjoy complete seclusion. The island spans 32,000 square meters. For total peace of mind, each guest is assisted by a personal butler available 24/7, ready to take care of any request.

For those seeking relaxation, a world-class spa center is available, offering a wide range of treatments including massages, facial care, and body therapies. The spa collaborates with exclusive brands such as Carol Joy London, Elemental Herbology, and Thalion French.

The prestigious resort features 11 restaurants, one of which is led by Michelin-starred chef Dave Pynt. Terra is the only restaurant in the Maldives whose dining capsules are handcrafted from bamboo. Zuma Maldives serves refined Japanese delicacies, Li Long is known for its signature Peking duck, and Glow presents the much-loved “garden-to-table” concept using fresh ingredients grown right on the island.

Hilton Maldives
Amingiri Resort & Spa 5*

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa 5* is a resort located on Amingiri Island in the North Malé Atoll. Both overwater and beachfront villas feature private pools and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Standard villas start from 138 square meters and include dining areas, sun loungers, and swings.
The resort offers its own diving center, an art studio with creative workshops, and a photo studio. Hilton Maldives Amingiri is designed for families, providing a wide range of activities for all ages. The resort is home to Krakengiri Kids Club, the largest kids’ club in the Maldives, as well as Re:Fuel, a rooftop lounge created especially for teenagers.
For adults, the resort offers pilates and tabata classes, along with a variety of water sports such as water skiing, snorkeling, and beach activities. Yoga pavilions are open 24/7 for those seeking balance and relaxation.

At Amingiri Spa & Hammam, under the direction of artist Kurahaa Rappe, guests can enjoy acupressure point massages, signature treatments, and body wraps. A dedicated Young Zen spa program has been created for children aged 5 to 18, featuring spa rituals, beauty masterclasses, and fitness sessions.

The hotel is also known for its cocktail laboratory, the first of its kind in the Maldives. Cocktail Lab is a poolside bar where guests can learn how to create unique alcoholic drinks. In addition, there is Sip Tea Lounge, a tea house offering 50 varieties of tea from around the world, and Eden, a bar featuring 40 types of wine and 20 types of gin.

Newer
For those who have already been to Istanbul before
Back to list
Older Shopping Malls of Dubai