Planning a trip to the Maldives is a dream for many travelers, and as a travel family, we’ve spent countless hours researching the best resorts for a luxurious and memorable experience. Choosing the perfect hotel in the Maldives can be overwhelming—there are so many incredible options! That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you decide. We’ll share the top hotels we would personally choose and why, along with the unique experiences each property offers.
1. Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi is often called the ultimate barefoot luxury resort, and we can see why. Hidden amidst lush tropical forests and surrounded by crystal-clear waters, it offers private villas with direct beach access. What makes it truly special is its commitment to sustainability—imagine dining under the stars in an open-air cinema or joining a guided marine conservation experience. If we visited, we’d choose Soneva Fushi for its blend of luxury, privacy, and eco-friendly adventures.
2. Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is perfect for families who want both luxury and an intimate, laid-back atmosphere. The overwater villas here are breathtaking, and the “Mr. Friday” butler service makes you feel completely pampered. We’d love to experience their sunset dolphin cruises and snorkeling trips right from our villa. For us, the personalized service and overwater comfort make Gili Lankanfushi a top pick.
3. One&Only Reethi Rah
If we were looking for a resort that combines expansive luxury with activities for every family member, One&Only Reethi Rah would be our choice. It boasts some of the largest villas in the Maldives and plenty of options for sports and water adventures. From kite surfing to private beach dinners, every experience feels curated for a dream vacation. Its scale and versatility for families is what draws us in.
4. Baros Maldives
Baros Maldives is a boutique resort that oozes charm and elegance. We imagine ourselves enjoying their romantic overwater dining experiences while watching the sunset. What’s unique here is the intimate, exclusive feel—perfect for couples or families who enjoy quiet luxury. For us, Baros stands out because of its charming, personalized experience and stunning design.
5. Anantara Kihavah
Anantara Kihavah is a place where adventure meets luxury. We’d love staying in their overwater villas, dining underwater at the world-famous restaurant, and snorkeling straight from our deck. Its underwater dining and marine immersion experiences make it incredibly unique. We’d pick this hotel for the thrill of combining relaxation with extraordinary experiences.
6. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives is a blend of contemporary design and tropical elegance. Its signature Iridium Spa and private infinity pools are just the beginning. We’d choose this hotel for the high-end luxury, wellness experiences, and impeccable service, perfect for unwinding as a family while enjoying the crystal-clear lagoons.
7. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Waldorf Astoria Maldives is the epitome of grandeur. With palatial villas and private pools, it feels like stepping into a world of luxury beyond imagination. We’d enjoy the culinary experiences, from fine dining to private beach barbecues, and the resort’s commitment to luxury and privacy makes it a standout choice for a family that loves indulgence.
8. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Conrad Maldives is iconic for its underwater restaurant, Ithaa, and overwater villas. We would be drawn to the unique underwater experiences, plus snorkeling directly from our villa. Its iconic underwater experiences and family-friendly luxury make it irresistible for our dream Maldives itinerary.
9. Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses Laamu is the ultimate escape for families seeking sustainable luxury. Surrounded by pristine reefs, it offers kite surfing, diving, and eco-friendly programs for kids. We’d pick it for its sustainability focus, adventure options, and family-oriented atmosphere.
10. Joali Maldives
Joali Maldives is an art-filled paradise. The design, the private overwater villas, and immersive wellness experiences create a unique vibe. We’d love to explore the art installations, dine in secluded spots, and soak in the serene surroundings. For us, Joali stands out for its creative design and serene luxury.
🏝️ Our Personal Picks
If we were planning a Maldives getaway, we’d personally choose:
- Soneva Fushi – for privacy, luxury, and eco-conscious experiences
- Gili Lankanfushi – for overwater comfort and personalized service
- Anantara Kihavah – for underwater dining and marine adventures
We’ve created this guide for anyone still deciding which hotel to choose, and we hope our insights help you make the perfect decision. Traveling to the Maldives is a dream, and picking the right hotel can make your experience truly unforgettable.
Bonus tips and Recommendations:
1. Plan Transfers in Advance
- Most luxury resorts require seaplane or speedboat transfers from Malé International Airport.
- Book these transfers through your hotel to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Consider flight arrival times—seaplane transfers usually operate only in daylight hours.
2. Choose the Right Villa Type
- Overwater villas vs. beach villas: decide based on your priorities. Overwater villas offer direct lagoon access and privacy; beach villas are ideal for families with kids.
- Check villa size, amenities, private pools, and sunset views.
3. Check Inclusions
- Luxury hotels often include: breakfast, some water sports, snorkeling equipment, and sometimes even spa credits.
- Verify what’s included vs. optional extras to avoid surprises in the bill.
4. Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (November to April) is ideal: calm seas, sunny skies, and perfect snorkeling/diving conditions.
- Low season (May to October) is cheaper but may bring rain and rougher seas.
5. Plan Activities & Experiences
- Many resorts offer unique experiences like underwater dining, sunset dolphin cruises, diving trips, spa treatments, and cooking classes.
- Book popular experiences in advance, especially underwater restaurants and excursions.
6. Consider Travel Insurance
- Luxury trips involve high costs, so travel insurance is essential, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and water activity accidents.
7. Check Local Policies & Customs
- Maldives is a Muslim country; alcohol is only served at resorts, not local islands.
- Dress modestly if visiting inhabited islands.
8. Look for Family-Friendly Amenities (if traveling with kids)
- Kid’s clubs, nanny services, and family-friendly excursions make a big difference.
- Check if villas have extra beds or connecting rooms for family stays.
9. Book Directly with the Hotel or Trusted Platforms
- Below you can use an alternative provider for checking the best rates. Just type in the hotel name:
10. Read Recent Reviews
- Even luxury resorts evolve; check recent guest reviews for service, villa condition, and experiences.
