The Most Exclusive Island Hideaways in the Maldives

1 Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – Luxury All inclusive

Best Experience for:   Ultra Luxury, Couples (only), Luxury All Inclusive, snorkeling, diving, spa, activities

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi is the first top-end five-star, truly all-inclusive resort in the Maldives.The newest addition to the portfolio of leading hospitality group Crown & Champa Resorts, Kudadoo ensures a secluded getaway purposefully crafted for the more discerning guest — all accessible by a 40-minute scenic journey aboard a private seaplane. An island defined by the philosophy ‘Freedom Reimagined', the private island, located in the northern Lhaviyani atoll, comes alive with effortless adventures as the resort endeavours to offer anything, anytime, anywhere. Kudadoo promises the best escapism on the island, which will not leave even the most discerning travelers indifferent. Personal butlers are available 24 hours a day to assist in making this possible by facilitating authentic experiences that capture the senses.

If total relaxation & luxury pampering are what you want combined with a bit of snorkeling on your own reef off your deck & boat trips galore to swim with manta rays & sharks & turtles then come to Kudadoo. I wish WOW was a bigger word as this place deserves huge praise. For people looking for the best-of the best in an all inclusive, ultra-premium, adults-only property, with a feeling of being invited to a billionaire's private island created for his friends, Kudadoo cannot be beat. The island's hospitality is both exceptionally professional and friendly which contribute to making this island the most incredible sanctuary in the Maldives. READ FULL REVIEW

2 Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Best Experience:   Ultimate Luxury, Over Water Villas, Privacy and Tranquillity, spa, Wildlife, swimming with mantas

Nestled within the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offers an idyllic retreat with 80 spacious private pool sanctuaries and ultra-luxe residences poised over water or nestled along a pristine stretch of private beach. The resort homes many magnificent attractions including the world’s first oceanic underwater restaurant and wine cellar, first over water dome stargazing observatory in the Maldives, and the most stunning house reef.

The resort introduced its newly transformed collection of two-, three-, and four-bedroom pool residences in 2021 – the Kihavah Collection, and recently launched the Best of Maldives experience package encapsulating the greatest Maldivian adventures including snorkelling with Manta rays, experiencing the best underwater dining, and staying in the most sough-after luxury pool villas. READ FULL REVIEW

3 Milaidhoo Island Maldives

Best Experience for:   Ultra Luxury, honeymoon, beach, diving, swimming with mantas

Intimate and stylish, at Milaidhoo it’s about enjoying the natural environment in understated luxury. Tucked in the heart of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, surrounded by powdery white sands and nestled beside a colourful coral reef, Milaidhoo Maldives is a luxurious natural wonder. Envisage upscale delights with a ‘Reinvented Luxury’ twist, where guests will experience an indulgent escape in the Maldives’s most unique getaway. Committed to offering a unique and authentic Maldivian experience, this new child in the best Baa Atoll hotels collection that making waves with its refreshing contemporary twist on classic Maldivian style. Created for couples and romance only, Milaidhoo welcomes children above the age of 9 years only. What's more, it is only 30 minutes by seaplane from Male or a 15 minute domestic flight followed by a short speedboat ride. READ FULL REVIEW

4 COMO Maalifushi

Best Experience:  Ultra-luxury, Families, Groups, Couples, Wellness, Surfing, Diving

A beautiful pearl in the pristine corner of the Maldives, the magnificent COMO Maalifushi is a state-of-the-art resort built for lovers of sun, wellness and scuba diving. With multi-bedroom overwater villas and suites with private pools, the 5-star resort is the ultimate away-from-it-all destination for families, couples, surfers and divers. There are some excellent breaks nearby as well as a string of uninhabited private islands, where whale shark sightings are common. Slip into the blue from your water villa, explore the best coral reefs in the world or enjoy quality, first-class food at this luxury resort. READ FULL REVIEW

5 Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Best Experience for: Ultra-luxury, Coples, Families, Groups, Foodies, activities, spa

Expensive and super stylish, Patina Maldives is a luxury resort in Male within the Fari Islands with a collection of stunning overwater villas in Maldives with best sunset views. Just a 50-minute journey by speedboat from the Velana airport, the luxurious resort of unique and radiant character offers 90 contemporary one- to three-bedroom Beach and Water Pool Villas, alongside 20 Fari Studios, all of which embody a harmony of sanctuary and stimulation. Set in the Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll, guests can immerse themselves in a new expression of island life through thoughtful tailormade wellness journeys, interactive music programmes, captivating culinary experiences, and bask in the light-filled James Turrell Skyspace pavilion — all while embracing the vibrant social scene that emanates from the destination’s communal heart: the Fari Marina Village and Fari Beach Club. READ FULL REVIEW

6 Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Best Experience:   Over-water Villas, for couples and families, Service, Spa, Beaches, Gourmet Dining, Activities

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an exclusive 5-star resort that's bringing a “next level” to the luxury holiday experience in the Maldives. Opened July 1st 2019, the resort lifts the bar in modern luxury travel catering to the individual needs of its discerning guests.

Spanning across three islands in the South Male Atoll, the breathtaking new resort is surrounded by a crystal clear water lagoon, which will play home to spectacular underwater life. Meaning “Pearl” in Dhivehi the resort offers global travellers 138 luxuriously appointed villas in an inspirational setting, complemented by the iconic True Waldorf Service experience. Additionally, the resort features 10 truly unique dining experiences, including an unforgettable treetop restaurant boasting stunning views. An exclusive yet serene Spa and Wellness Centre, a wide array of water sports as well as extensive facilities for junior guests are also featured within the new Waldorf Maldives. READ FULL REVIEW

7 Jumeirah Maldives

Best Experience for:   An ultra Luxury, Couples, Families, Diving, Spa

Jumeirah Maldives is an all-villa luxury island resort surrounded by turquoise waters of the North Male Atoll, easily reachable by speedboat or seaplane from Male Airport. This intimate resort is ripe with eye-catching architecture and ocean-inspired interiors. Its idyllic location offers privacy for romantic getaways, a blissful island retreat for friends and family and experiences to suit the more active traveller.

A visual banquet of nautical shapes and colors, each of the 67 two-story residences is located either on the beach or above the water, whose guests will enjoy a minimum living area of 350 m2. Whether set on the beach or stilted over the crystal blue lagoon, every penthouse villa takes indoor-outdoor living to a new level of breezy sophistication. Whether you’re looking for personal enrichment, a romantic interlude, total privacy or the chance to pamper yourself in stunning surroundings to create unique moments READ FULL REVIEW

8 Joali, Maldives

Best Experience: Couples, Family, Design, Activity

A new landmark for glamor and sophistication in the Maldives, JOALI is an ultra luxury resort that's opened in 2018 on the island of Muravandhu, Raa atoll. Celebrating the "Joy of Life" with high skill, artistry and sustainability in its very essence, Joali promises a non-standard and exceptional island experience for its guests. The 73-villa property offers unconventional luxury in a private setting and a distinct focus on design by internationally-renowned design studio Autoban, architecture and design firm Atolye4n and Tokyo-based Studio Glitt.

Innovative dining concepts include Japanese restaurant Saoke, authentic Asian and Levant restaurant Vandhoo, Tuscan-inspired Bellinis, personalised dining and cooking school Her Kitchen, as well as numerous destination dining experiences. The Spa by ESPA invites guests on a holistic wellness journey along with a world-class fitness centre and expert trainers. JOALI Maldives celebrates its “Joie de Vivre” philosophy through unique programming such as Maldivian excursions and one-of-a-kind on-property offerings, including an Art Studio and Gallery, Flower Garden, Manta Ray Treehouse and more. READ FULL REVIEW

9 Vakkaru Maldives

Best Experience for:  Couples, Families, Water Villas, Service, Beaches, Swimming with Mantas

Set within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll sits Vakkaru, is a famous luxury resort with all the makings for a romantic getaway. As world’s leading luxury honeymoon resort for third consecutive year Vakkaru Maldives is synonymous with romance, easily joining the ranks of Maldives resorts worth a repeat visit. Expect to stay on a pivate island with powder soft, brilliant white sands, deep blue holes and a house reef with unique marine biodiversity. Here, guests spend their days on the water, beach, or private villa, while allowing the staff at the Vakkaru to cater to your every need. The exceptional beauty and awe-inspiring location, exceptional food and accommodations highlight this especially romantic property, making it the ideal choice for a honeymoon, anniversary, or proposal. You can even have a small private ceremony on the isolated beach, leaving the stress of planning the perfect beach destination wedding up to the professionals. READ FULL REVIEW

10 One & Only Reethi Rah

Best Experience:   Honeymoon, Water Villas, family, beaches, spa, activities

Set on one of the largest artificial islands in North Male Atoll, the all-villa ultra-luxury One&Only Reethi Rah resort offers an unparalleled array of luxurious options to create an unforgettable holiday. Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy, One&Only Reethi Rah inspires extraordinary journeys for the soul. From extensive outdoor adventure options, including snorkelling and diving in the exotic underwater world, to the mesmerising One&Only Spa, guests are spoilt for choice.

Before stay there, Reethi Rah for the island resort seems a bit conservative. Smooth, majestic, but perhaps lacking some details of the bounty in Maldives rural style (call it what you like) that are in fashion today. Going ashore, you will realize that refusal to follow a fashion trend is the same point: you simply do not need it when you are the best. Reethi Rah adheres to his own One & Only style. Purposefully not 'trendy', in the development stage to the top level of luxury, specializing in high quality service to its guests, such an experience you would have hard to find somewhere else in the Maldives.  READ FULL REVIEW

11 The Signature Collection by Hideaway

Best Experience for:  Ultra-luxury, Families, Groups, Activities, All Inclusive, House reef snorkeling, wellness

If you’re longing for your next Maldives trip to be something very special, look no further than The Signature Collection by Hideaway. With the unique concept- ‘resort in a resort’ the luxurious collection of 9 extravagant villas exude opulence and will make you feel like a king or queen every moment of your stay - the perfect boltholes in paradise. The ultra-luxurious villas are nestled on the northern point of the Hideaway Beach Resort, near the finest beach of the island but secluded from the rest to offer elevated privacy. Perfectly designed for groups of friends and extended families The Signature Collection by Hideaway offers some of the most spacious and luxurious villas in the Maldives which lend themselves. From fine dining and premium beverages to unforgettable excursions, the White Platinum Plan allows you to experience the blissful indulgence of having the best of the Maldives.

12 Soneva Jani

Best Experience:   Overwater Villas, for family, for couples, the most exclusive Resort of Maldives

Soneva Jani is like someone with personal magnetism, someone who knows themself, knows the world and greets it with a big, welcoming smile. This resort doesn't just have character, it has charisma. The perfect combination of luxury and nature, Soneva Jani offers guests an unparalleled experience in idyllic surroundings. Inspired by the word, which means wisdom in sanskrit, Soneva Jani is Medufaru island, which is part of an uninhabited cluster of five islands in the Nunu atoll. The most exclusive luxury hotel in Maldives and the most prestigious for many hotel brand in the world is surrounded by pristine beaches covered with lush tropical greenery and a turquoise lagoon with crystal clear water and unbeatable views of the 360 ​​° Indian Ocean. Today, Soneva Jani has 24 water villas and one beach villa, although at a later stage it is planned to build additional beach villas.READ FULL REVIEW

13 Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Best Experience:  Water Villas, Family, Beach, Spa, Diving, snorkeling with manta rays

Featuring lush jungle interior and a sparkling 2-kilometre lagoon, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a sophisticated Maldives resort with fantastic facilities situated on 44 acres of unspoilt tropical island in the remote Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, just a 35-minute sea plane ride north of Male. If the cost don't bother you, you will not be disappointed in Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru. The combination of innovation, healthy lifestyles and environmental programs is all about the resort. A rare collection of all the best to see and do was featured and delivered by a team that has no equal in the hospitality industry. The clear waters surrounding Landaa Giraavaru are known worldwide as one of the best places for diving with whale sharks and Manta rays. The resourt leads the way in sustainable luxury living. READ FULL REVIEW

14 The Nautilus Maldives

Best Experience for :   New Ultra Luxury Resort in Baa Atoll, gourmet dining, activities, swimming with mantas

New bohemian luxury, The Nautilus Maldives is a highly exclusive, fully private resort of 26 beach and ocean houses. A privately-owned island in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus Maldives opened in January 2019 with the serious ambition of being noted as one of the leading luxury resorts in the world. A refuge beyond the bounds of time and expectations, where every moment is tailored to you. A celebration of the individual spirit, The Nautilus gives you space – to share, to meet, to be yourself and to shape your own personal journey. And, most of all, to celebrate the people you’re with, in any way you choose.

The Nautilus Maldives has been designed for the new generation of luxury travellers who are looking for transformative experiences and activities that they can share with those who matter the most to them. Whole-island bookings offer the ultimate in exclusivity. The Nautilus philosophy, therefore, is one of absolute freedom for its guests, offering a laid-back ‘modern bohemian’ lifestyle where guests can escape from their everyday lives, truly be themselves, and reconnect with their inner being, with nature and with their families – all in a beautiful Maldivian setting. A stay here isn’t like a stay anywhere else. READ FULL REVIEW