New and Upcoming resorts in the Maldives to visit in 2023

Nova Maldives

When we talk about best Maldives resorts, Nova tops them all since it first opened its doors in 2022. With an amazing house reef, clear turquoise water, pearly white beaches and lush green palm trees, Nova Maldives is a postcard-perfect paradise. An idyllic retreat for breathtaking views and eco-friendly luxury, Vakarufalhi island is made up of 76 sleek beach and water villas (some have pools if they fit your budget), five dining options serving delicious dishes, over-water spa, an infinity pool and an impressive list of activities. One of the most romantic getaways in the Maldives, this ‘barefoot chic’ resort is your go-to for a total blow-out. Little wonder then that Nova Maldives is a honeymoon hot spot and anyone looking for picture-perfect, sun-drenched things to do. Whether you prefer relaxing on a pristine beach, DJs partying or explore the vibrant marine life, Nova Maldives offers a myriad of experiences at one tropical destination that will make your stay an unforgettable one.

Jawakara Islands Maldives: Lhaviyani Atoll, opening October 2023

Best Experience for: families, diving, activities

New Family-Friendly vacation destination Jawakara Islands Maldives brings first-rate facilities, luxury villas and fine dining options over two islands. A luxury 5-star resort boasts 290 exquisite beach and water villas equipped with all the best comforts, ideal for people who want to enjoy a holiday with luxury in every detail. Creative foods served across selection of six restaurants and bars, all prepared by world-class chefs. Designed to cater to guests every whim, Jawakara has two infinity pools to choose from, including a kids pool that never fails to fun – but be warned, the turquoise lagoon may entice you into adventure. Water sports, snorkeling and diving experiences, kids club, over-water spa, and sports grounds, there’s countless ways to stay active at Jawakara Islands. Set to open on October this year, the resort is just 40-minute seaplane journey from Male Airport, and caters to the needs of every traveler. READ MORE

Oblu Select Lobigili

Best Experience: Adults Only, All Inclusive, Underwater Restaurant, Diving, Activities

OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a brand new all-inclusive resort for couples in Maldives near Male airport. An adults-only haven the 'Island of Love' has 68 vibrant, chic beach and over-water villas. Exclusive to OBLU SELECT Lobigili, THE LOBI PLAN™ is fully encompassing holiday plan blends all the elements of an intimate, carefree holiday experience. Expect a gourmet dine-around experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the all-day dining restaurant including one à la carte fine dining experience at Only Blu Speciality underwater restaurant. Complimentary speedboat transfer, spa treatments and in-villa minibar replenished daily.

Avani+ Fares Maldives

With opening 1st April 2023 Avani’s new debut is brought relaxed contemporary charm to one of the world’s dreamiest island destinations. Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Avani’s first property in the Maldives has opened in a natural playground of soft white sandy beach and every colour of blue imaginable. Located on Fares Island in the Baa Atoll, the 5* star resort is comprised of 176 guest rooms, including standard accommodation and a selection of villas with pools. Every attention is placed to wellbeing, with décor blending genuine pleasures and modernity. Nearby dive site Ahivahfushi Beyru is an Eden for snorkellers and scuba enthusiasts thanks to a plethora of sea life from Hawksbill turtles to reef sharks and manta rays. Special rates from $340 this summer! READ FULL REVIEW

• 176 studios, beach villas and over water villas
• Wining, dining and partying on the beach
• House reef just steps from the beach
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve snorkelling and diving
• 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé

Amari Raaya Maldives

Set to open on 1st August 2023, the 5-star Amari Raaya is located in Raa Atoll a 45-minute seaplane trip from Male main airport. A new addition to the collection of Maldives luxury resorts Amari Raaya – an idyllic island retreat that celebrates life’s best moments. Perfect for couples, families or groups of friends, all 187 villas and suites feature the best in island amenities, with space for you to relax and take in the atmosphere of the Maldives. Feel a burst of flavour at any one of the resort's eight food and beverage outlets – each one finding the perfect balance between Thai, Asian, Maldivian and Western flavours, ingredients, techniques and experiences. Dive under the water, surf atop it or head inland and play a round of mini golf or paddle tennis. And our scuba diving courses promise the best in underwater safaris this side of the Atoll.Now, Amari Raaya Maldives resort is open for booking with pre-opening rates with breakfast from USD 495 READ MORE

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Best Experience for:   couples and families, house reef snorkeling, Value, Diving, wellness

If you are looking for a new, top 5 star Maldives resort - look no further! With a stunning house reef, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives resort is located in scenic Raa Atoll and offers a refreshing blend serenity and discovery in an awe-inspiring destination embraced by nature’s wonders. The beautiful island is home to 80 all-pool-villas, on the beach and overwater designed seamlessly to immerse guests in the natural surroundings. Alila is a special place, extremely well managed, with superior service and staff, and the best food in the Maldives. Activities and experiences for every type of escape: snorkelling, watersports, fine dining, spa - all beyond amazing. And access to some of the best diving you can find ...really close by. READ FULL REVIEW

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Best Experience for: Families, couples, wellness

Opened in summer 2022, a family-friendly Maldivian getaway Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa is Hilton’s award-winning flagship brand located near Male aiport. Intimate and exclusive, the all-villa 5* star resort offers an array of thoughtful amenities which are new to the archipelago, setting a new benchmark in hospitality that will captivate the next generation of travellers.

The resort features 109 well-spaced beach and water villas, each with a private pool, including an exclusive six-bedroom villa ideal for group vacation getaway. Guests can enjoy an array of international dining options from the resort’s six restaurants and bars to suit their mood and palate throughout the day, including rooftop lounge as a teens-only dining zone. A dive center, pool, an art studio, Kid’s Club, spa, fitness centre, and salon is also be available for guests to clock in time to work out or to refresh themselves.

Oaga Art Resort

Best Experience for: All Inclusive, couples, families, art lovers, diving, activities

Located in North Mala Atoll just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport; Oaga Art Resort is a magic island. With 60 cosy and intimate villas with beach and over water options, 4 dining venues and a spa inspired by Maldivian traditional healing, Oaga Art Resort’s artistic and creative spaces offer an immersive experience curated by local and visiting artists, and craftsmen from the Maldives.

Oaga Art Resort prides itself on collaborating with local and visiting artists to create whimsical spaces and imaginative micro-experiences and are open for artists of all talents. Opened on1st Dec 2022, Oaga Art Resort is currently in pursuit for creative local talents to join their team. READ MORE

NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi

Best Experience for: couples, families, house reef snorkeling, diving

Designed with balance in mind, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi offers travellers 72 Guest Bungalows and Villas spanning 3 hectares, 39 of which boast an overwater location. Located just 1 hour from Male city and international airport by speed boat or 25 minutes by seaplane, the property features six Food and Beverage Outlets, a Dive & Watersports Centre, kǔlh·un’ (Play) Kids Club, Boutique Shop and Th·āri by Mandara Spa, offering three private treatment rooms with a range of curated treatment options. READ MORE

Joy Island Maldives

Best Experience for: couples, families, house reef snorkeling, diving

The Cocoon Collection’ third resort in Maldives, Joy Island set to open on September 1, 2023. The butterfly shaped island is a 40-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport in North Malé Atoll. The five-star resort has a contemporary design influenced by Maldivian heritage. The resort is home to 151 beach and over-water villas with either sunset or sunrise views. The over-water Dream Spa is an oasis for guests to heal their mind, body and spirit. Adventurous guests will enjoy activities like diving, tennis, paddle, water sports and excursions to experience Maldives’ stunning reefs. The supervised Kids Club will keep Joy Island’s youngest guests entertained. READ MORE

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa

Best Experience for:  Deluxe All Inclusive, Couples, Families, house reef snorkeling, Wellness, Diving, activities

The Emerald Collection is thrilled to announce its exciting expansion with the acquisition of Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, a new 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive Resort. Designed for luxury family holidays, Emerald Faarufushi is located on the Raa Atoll, on a lush private 7-hectares island and encapsulates barefoot elegance at its finest. The resort boasts 80 villas, of which 38 beach villas and 42 overwater villas. A picturesque and lusciously green island boasts an exciting Deluxe All-Inclusive concept covering meals and drinks at the resort’s numerous bars, restaurants and venues. With a beautiful house reef and a state-of-the-art spa Emerald Faarufushi Resort offers a level of variety, quality, and creativity that is simply unmatched in the Maldives.

Kagi Maldives Spa Island

Best Experience for:   Adults Only, All Inclusive, Spa, Wellness, Diving, House reef snorkeling

The new 5*-star 'adults only' resort, Kagi Maldives Spa Island - the first exclusive wellness island retreat in Maldives. The boutique resort located in the North Malé Atoll only a 60-minute speedboat or 10-minutes seaplane journey from Male Airport. With an accent on wellness and combining it with airy, spacious villas both over-water and on the beach, Kagi Maldives is a fusion of tradition and contemporary design, warm service and total relaxation. The resort has 50 beach and overwater villas, the Baani Spa complex as well as house a state-of-the-art gym, two restaurants, three bars and a PADI dive centre. Whether traveling solo or together with your loved ones, in Kagi Maldives you take the plunge in simplified elegance and unveil the essence of Pure Life. READ MORE

Cocogiri Island Resort

Located just 12 minutes away by seaplane from Velana International Airport, Cocogiri is already being hailed having one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, making it a dream come true for snorkelers and scuba divers.

Cocogiri is an exclusive, boutique resort featuring 20 water villas and 20 beach villas on a private island ensuring the utmost tranquility for guests. A perfect setting for relaxation, exploration and rejuvenation. Whether you choose to relax in a swimming pool, swim in the crystal-clear blue ocean, sunbathe on the white sandy beaches or enjoy the serenity of Cocogiri’s spa and wellness centre, the resort promises to provide an unmatched luxurious experience. Read More