20 Best Dreamy Resorts in the Maldives: Your Vacation Guide

The Maldives, a stunning chain of islands scattered like pearls in the Indian Ocean, is the epitome of luxury, romance, and natural beauty. With turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, this is where the world’s most exclusive resorts meet otherworldly scenery.

Whether you dream of beachfront villas, overwater bungalows, or inclusive resorts with private pools, our curated list of the best resorts in the Maldives is your ultimate escape.

Why the Maldives?

From the moment you land at Velana International Airport, you’re whisked away by a speedboat or seaplane to a private island. Expect inclusive indulgences, daily breakfast, outdoor showers, and often, free transfers.

The Maldives is synonymous with luxury holidays, offering both new hotels and lesser-known boltholes with serious sustainability credentials. And let’s not forget the best house reef, abundant marine life, and manta ray encounters.

1. Baros Maldives – Timeless Elegance in North Male Atoll

Baros Maldives is one of the premier hotels for couples seeking intimacy and elegance. Nestled in the North Male Atoll, this adults-focused retreat offers spacious villas, many with private pools and ocean views. Dining here includes a candle-lit dinner on a traditional fishing boat, and the house reef is one of the best in the Maldives.

Highlights:

• Proximity to Velana International Airport
• Spectacular white sands
• Outstanding marine life

2. Joali Maldives – Art Meets Luxury

This luxury property is a visual delight, boasting a beautiful design and a strong focus on art and aesthetics. Located on Muravandhoo Island, Joali Maldives blends natural beauty with insider experiences of the destination. Choose from beachfront villas or overwater villas, all offering outdoor showers and exceptional privacy.

Highlights:

• One of the best resorts for Instagram-worthy settings
• Family-friendly with kids’ clubs
• Personalized butler service

3. COMO Cocoa Island – Barefoot Luxury

Small, intimate, and endlessly romantic, COMO Cocoa Island features only 33 overwater suites. Each suite resembles a traditional fishing boat, and the entire resort focuses on wellness, detox, and mind-body healing. Their holistic wellness programs and serene spa make it one of the best resorts for rejuvenation.

Highlights:

• Wellness-focused programs
• Crystal-clear transparent waters
• Inclusive packages with gourmet meals

4. Landaa Giraavaru by Four Seasons – Island Perfection

Set in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Landaa Giraavaru is a blend of conservation and luxury. Offering spacious villas with private infinity pools, this resort is perfect for eco-conscious travelers. Its Marine Discovery Centre provides guests a chance to engage in coral regeneration and manta ray tracking.

Highlights:

• Unmatched marine life experiences
• Family-friendly with kids’ clubs
• Focus on serious sustainability credentials

5. Joali Being – Maldives’ First Wellness Island

Sister resorts to Joali Maldives, Joali Being is a wellness sanctuary for the mind, body, and spirit. It features innovative spa therapies, personalized nutrition, and nature-immersed architecture. If you’re looking for transformative travel, this is one of the best resorts to book.

Highlights:

• Personalized wellness programs
• Tranquil natural beauty
• Luxury properties with outdoor spa pavilions

6. Soneva Fushi – Eco-Luxury at Its Best

Hidden in the Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi is among the pioneers of sustainable luxury in the Maldives. Its beach villas are surrounded by lush forest and offer direct access to the pristine beaches. This is the place where barefoot meets ultra-luxe.

Highlights:

• Insider experience of a destination via stargazing and outdoor cinemas
• Inclusive resorts with gourmet organic dining
• Unique experiences like a private underwater restaurant

7. Gili Lankanfushi – Iconic Overwater Villas

Famed for its “No News, No Shoes” philosophy, Gili Lankanfushi is pure escape. Its overwater villas are some of the most spacious in the world, and many come with water slides and rooftop terraces.

Highlights:

• Phenomenal ocean views
• Free transfers by speedboat
• Sustainability programs and coral nurseries

8. One&Only Reethi Rah – A Celebrity Favorite

Known for its over-the-top service, Reethi Rah offers enormous beachfront villas and overwater retreats with private infinity pools. Ideal for families and couples, it has multiple kids’ clubs, world-class dining, and bespoke excursions.

Highlights:

• Best resorts for all-around luxury
• Proximity to Velana International Airport
• Michelin-star chefs on-site

9. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – Modern Opulence

A blend of futuristic architecture and tropical ambiance, this resort is famous for its underwater restaurant and butler service. Their inclusive packages offer snorkeling excursions and spa treatments.

Highlights:

• One of the best hotels for design lovers
• Iconic overwater villas
• Private pools with every room category

10. Vakkaru Maldives – Idyllic Island Escape

Set in the heart of the Baa Atoll, Vakkaru features luxurious hotels with a tropical touch. Think palm trees, wooden walkways, and azure waters. It offers inclusive indulgences like sunset cruises and fine dining.

Highlights:

• Family-friendly with kids’ clubs
• Amazing dive sites nearby
• Unique wine cellar and cheese room

11. Constance Moofushi – The Perfect All-Inclusive

One of the most inclusive resorts in the Maldives, Constance Moofushi offers gourmet meals, unlimited drinks, and excursions as part of its package. Its beach villas and overwater villas blend luxury with simplicity.

Highlights:

• All-inclusive done right
• Proximity to dive sites
• Daily breakfast and à la carte dining

12. Kandolhu Maldives – A Hidden Gem

A lesser-known bolthole, Kandolhu is an intimate resort with just 30 villas. Each villa is a modern sanctuary with designer interiors, outdoor baths, and some of the best house reefs in the region.

Highlights:

• Excellent natural beauty
• Personalized service
• Boutique atmosphere

13. Anantara Kihavah – Where Every Detail Shines

Set on one of the most beautiful islands in the Maldives, this luxury holiday spot boasts an underwater restaurant, sky observatory, and wine vault. The villas are generous in size, with private pools and ocean views.

Highlights:

• Perfect for romantic getaways
• Insider experience of a destination like stargazing nights
• Large infinity pools

14. Six Senses Laamu – Remote Luxury

Accessible only by domestic flight and speedboat, Six Senses Laamu is a great location for those looking to disconnect. It blends luxury with sustainability, and their inclusive packages cover wellness experiences, gourmet meals, and more.

Highlights:

• Authentic Maldivian natural beauty
• Overwater hammocks and sunken tubs
• Strong eco-initiatives

15. Dhigali Maldives – Modern Chic

With stylish minimalist villas and excellent inclusive resort packages, Dhigali is one of the new hotels making waves. Great for both families and couples.

Highlights:

• Excellent diving and snorkeling
• Kids’ clubs and family pools
• White sands and palm-lined beaches

16. Naladhu Private Island – Ultra-Exclusive

For privacy and discretion, Naladhu is unbeatable. It’s limited to just 20 houses, each with personal butlers, private pools, and gourmet kitchens. Celebrities and high-profile guests often choose Naladhu.

Highlights:

• Full seclusion
• Luxury properties with colonial elegance
• Tailored wellness and culinary experiences

17. Baglioni Resort Maldives – Italian Sophistication

Blending Italian luxury with Maldivian charm, Baglioni offers a unique luxury holiday experience. Spacious villas, delicious cuisine, and coral reefs at your doorstep make it a standout.

Highlights:

• Italian gastronomy in the Indian Ocean
• Sustainable energy and design
• Private pools and direct beach access

18. The Nautilus Maldives – No Itineraries Needed

This Bohemian-style resort encourages guests to do as they please, with no rigid schedules. Think inclusive indulgences, floating breakfasts, and impromptu excursions.

Highlights:

• Highly personalized service
• Every villa has a private pool
• Warm service in a casual-chic environment

19. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo – Dual Island Experience

Split between a beachfront and an overwater island, this resort offers the best of both worlds. Its butler service, house reef, and gourmet dining make it a must for those seeking the best hotels.

Highlights:

• Excellent for snorkeling and diving
• Butler on call 24/7
• Overwater villas with glass floors

20. You & Me Maldives – Adults-Only Bliss

Perfect for honeymoons and couples, this adults-only resort offers an underwater restaurant, candlelit dinners, and endless romance. Its overwater villas provide direct access to transparent waters.

Highlights:

• Adults-only atmosphere
• Ocean-facing infinity tubs
• Peaceful and serene setting

Final Thoughts

With its azure waters, natural beauty, and incredible marine life, the Maldives remains the gold standard in tropical luxury. Whether you’re after romance, family bonding, or wellness, these best resorts offer something for every kind of traveler.

The best time to visit? Between November and April, when the weather is dry, the skies are blue, and the sea is calm.

Ready for your insider experience of a destination like no other? Choose one of these luxurious hotels and dive into the ultimate paradise!