7. GILI LANKANFUSHI
Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi (formerly Soneva Gili) is a charming coral island nestled in a sparkling lagoon. Three wooden jetties stretch across the water, leading to spacious, luxurious villas. Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport in Malé, this intimate resort offers 45 beautifully crafted overwater villas made from natural wood and glass, blending rustic charm with sustainable design. Gili Lankanfushi feels like a peaceful personal sanctuary—a place to create lasting memories. The island’s vibrant marine life surrounds you, and the resort boasts a fully equipped PADI diving school along with a wide range of water sports for every adventure seeker.
- Hotel website: Gili Lankanfushi
- Tip: get complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Gili Lankanfushi here.
6. FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT KUDA HURAA
Rising gracefully from turquoise waters, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is a beautiful garden island retreat just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the Maldives’ capital. This sophisticated resort offers a perfect blend of recreation, relaxation, and conservation. Guests can enjoy four outstanding restaurants, a sunset lounge, a stylish bar, and a large freshwater infinity pool. The resort also features the serene Island Spa sea sanctuary, expert Tropicsurf coaches and guides, and hosts the annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy on its world-class waves. Its sister property, Landaa Giraavaru, is located to the north in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer links the two resorts with 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises, as well as private charters for leisure, surfing, and manta ray encounters.
5. PATINA MALDIVES
Designed by the acclaimed Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives features 90 beautifully crafted beach and water pool villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Located in the heart of the Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll, the resort is a 50-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives’ main international airport. Guests at Patina Maldives can also explore its two neighboring hotels—the Ritz-Carlton and the soon-to-open Capella—enjoying a vibrant social scene centered around Fari Marina Village and the Beach Club. With nine restaurants and bars, plus three on-site food trucks, there’s no shortage of sustainable dining options from sunrise to sunset. Even the resort’s activities embrace eco-consciousness, offering guests the chance to participate in coral reef seeding, adopt injured sea turtles, and watch wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Hotel website: Patina Maldives
- Other accolades: Patina Maldives also features in my list of the best new hotels of 2021.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
- Review: read my review of Patina Maldives here.
4. THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, offers a truly luxurious Maldivian escape with pristine white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and the exceptional service the Ritz-Carlton is famous for. Located in the North Malé Atoll, the resort is just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. As the first Ritz-Carlton property in the region, it’s set on the stunning Fari Islands—an exclusive but completely man-made archipelago that also hosts three other luxury resorts and the lively Fari Marina. This communal hub features a vibrant Beach Club, charming boutiques, and a variety of dining options. The resort’s three islands and overwater quay make the perfect base to explore everything this beautiful archipelago has to offer.
3. JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island—formerly known as LUX* North Male—is nestled in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll and is easily accessible by speedboat from Malé Airport. Designed by the Singaporean studio Miaja, the resort blends elegant, contemporary architecture with the natural surroundings for a truly harmonious vibe. The property features 67 beach and overwater villas, each with a private infinity pool and a rooftop terrace complete with a dedicated dining area—perfect for enjoying stunning views while savoring delicious meals. Dining options include two of Jumeirah’s award-winning signature restaurants: Shimmers and Kayto. For ultimate relaxation, the Talise Spa offers six overwater treatment rooms and a range of therapeutic and revitalizing treatments, providing guests with seamless access to wellness and tranquility.
- Hotel website: Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
- Review: read my review of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island here.
2. WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI
At Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, alfresco pavilions, swaying hammocks, and breathtaking ocean views come as standard. This luxurious resort is set across three completely artificial islands in the South Malé Atoll, offering 119 beach and overwater villas carefully positioned to ensure privacy while showcasing stunning ocean panoramas. Each villa features a private pool, jacuzzi, and a spacious lounge deck. Though the thatched-roof villas may look simple from the outside, inside they are elegantly furnished with luxurious interiors and premium branded amenities. Guests can unwind at the palatial spa and enjoy a variety of dining options to suit every palate. A standout experience is Terra, where you can dine among the treetops in one of seven unique bamboo nests.
1. ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH
One&Only Reethi Rah is a vibrant Maldivian paradise where joy comes alive and unforgettable stories are made. This stunning resort sits on a large, private island—partly man-made—and features 130 spacious villas spread along the shore. You can choose from secluded beach villas surrounded by lush tropical greenery or overwater villas perched above the calm, crystal-clear lagoon. Dining here is a global journey, with five distinct restaurants to choose from: Reethi Restaurant serves international cuisine; Tapasake offers authentic Japanese dishes; Botanica focuses on natural, healthy fare; Rabarbaro delights with Italian specialties; and Fanditha brings Middle Eastern flavors to the table. The spa offers personalized treatments in a peaceful private pavilion, while guests can enjoy a wide range of activities including water sports, tennis, football, snorkeling, swimming pools, an art studio, plus dedicated KidsOnly and teen clubs.
- Hotel website: One&Only Reethi Rah
- Other accolades: One&Only Reethi Rah also features in my top 10 list of luxury hotels loved by celebrities.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of One&Only Reethi Rah here.
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