Ready for Pampering? Here’s Where to Find Decadence in the Maldives

Male Atoll

Maldives' beating heart Malé Atoll consists of two separate atolls: North Malé Atoll and South Malé Atoll. Together with smaller geographic atolls the group forms the Kaafu atoll. Malé, the capital of the Maldives and Velana International Airport (MLE) is at the southern corner of North Male Atoll.

Malé atoll is synonymous with iconic beaches, fantastic diving and most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. The newest, most luxury and innovative is all about the Male atoll.

Few places in Maldives exude luxury quite like Fari Islands that is a home to most exclusive upscale private resorts: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Patina Maldives, Capella Maldives and a marina. The Marina is built around with a vibrant Fari Beach Club, high-end boutiques, art studio, Fari Lagoon Coral Adoption & Marine Biology Center and a selection of upscale restaurants. Bringing a refreshing scene of art, music, culture and shopping The Fari Archipelago redefines the Maldivian experience offering guests a balance of cosmopolitan and private island life.

Another of Maldives' top getaways for luxury travel, Baros island and Huvafen Fushi is also known for exceptional underwater spa and marine adventures — with the added benefit of ocean views from romantic private water pool villas. Visitors seeking extraordinary service and striking locations will immediately be drawn here.

The 5-star 'adults only' resort, Kagi Maldives Spa Island - the first exclusive wellness island retreat in Maldives. When staying in Kagi Maldives Spa Island, you are bound to discover the harmony between living healthy and joyfully. 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.

Returning back to the Maldives with the acquisition LUX * North Male Resort, Jumeirah Maldives opened its door October, 2021 01st. Your blissful island villa retreat on white sands or atop crystal waves, 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. Big Green Egg Barbecue, Rooftop Bar, Cinema and SONOS, Yoga Pavilion, Star-lit Jacuzzi and Outdoor Games help create an unforgettable paradise lounge for people who love to enjoy life.

The latest addition to the Maldives luxury hotel collection is Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives. With a chic Beach Club, one of the top surfing spots and the most impressive swimming pool in the island nation this mixed-use 5-star property features the Maldives redefined where time and space matter.

Nestled within the exquisite Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes by boat from Male’ CROSSROADS Maldives featuring two lifestyle resorts, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives – Curio Collection by Hilton®, both of which have direct access to extensive facilities at The Marina @ CROSSROADS, an 800-metre lifestyle area and beach walk featuring retail, entertainment and dining outlets.

Spanning across three islands in the South Male atoll 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 on July 2019 the resort raises the bar in modern luxury travel catering to the individual needs of its discerning guests complemented by the iconic True Waldorf Service experience. When it comes to dining options, Waldorf Astoria Maldives offers some of the most unique experiences you’ll encounter in Maldives. A garden-to-table concept most clearly visible in the greenhouse ambience of Glow. Well-being cuisine made with fresh ingredients from the island's edible garden is complemented by a range of organic, biodynamic, sustainable and natural wines, as well as healthy, detoxifying drinks.

Renowned for their impeccable service and world-class dining experiences OZEN Reserve Bolifushi and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO are your next luxury all-inclusive vacations in the Maldives. Water villas with slide, impressive spa, an ice skating rink and an underwater restaurant are some of the experiences awaiting you on these private islands.

Naladhu Private Island has reopened its doors with a new look after a complete redesign. Among the updates, the resort’s top suite, the Two Bedroom Beach Pool Residence, now has a 68-foot private beach. Additionally, the island’s restaurant, bar, wine cellar and gym have been transformed and the new Coconut Grove offers a secluded area for private experiences such as cinema under the stars or private yoga and fitness classes.

Ari Atoll

One of the biggest atolls of Maldives, sits a short seaplane or speedboat ride from Malé airport, Ari Atoll (Alif or Alifu Atoll) is famed for its superb diving and stellar beaches.

For Adventure lovers South Ari Atoll, a Protected Marine Area, remains one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, which are spotted year-round on the outer reef, while North Ari Atoll is famous for its hammerhead sharks, although these are far more elusive and require deep diving to see.

For a world-class dining experience, head into Conrad Maldives. Renowned for delivering authentic barefoot luxury and leading the way as the ‘Island of Firsts’, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa, first underwater bedroom set within the two-level residence The MURAKA, and first twin island resort experience in the Maldives, amongst others. The ultra-luxury property to debut its Grand Relaunch in February 2022 after an expansive multi-million dollar refurbishment.

World’s fourth top hotel Kandolhu Maldives lives up to its name as a crown gem of the Maldives. A tranquil hideaway of only 30 villas promising raw luxury and serenity for couples seeking some time away in paradise. The tiny resort exudes natural charm renowned for its lively house reef, stellar food and beverage offering, and genuine, friendly service.

W Maldives is the private island playground for those seeking exclusivity and appreciation of a lifestyle brand that flirts with one’s senses. The playful personality of the island sparks infinite days above and beneath the ocean in a wonderland of white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking reefs. Go gourmet at six eateries and bars, where every story starts with endless possibilities to go with the flow from dawn till dusk.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa is one of the most sought-after island all-inclusive destinations in the Maldives. A luxury 5-star resort has everything one would need to have a worry-free vacay, the natural beauty of the island, the sheer number of dive sites and the availability of adventurous excursions such as Whale Shark spotting in the atoll, and the warmth of the staff who knows how to provide the generous all-inclusive experience to perfection.

Lhaviyani Atoll

Offering the perfect mix of tranquility with excitement, comfort and adventure Lhaviyani atoll has one of the highest concentrations of tourism activity in the Maldives, with with a dozen luxury resorts. The accommodation options at Laviyani Atoll are mostly luxurious 5* star resorts providing the modern side of life on pristine private islands. Expect exceptional facilities and service, including fine cuisine with underwater dining experience, a luxury spa, a variety of water sports, and an amazing house reef snorkeling.

With 'Anything. Anytime. Anywhere' concept, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi is the first top-end five-star, truly all-inclusive resort in the Maldives. Kudadoo ensures a secluded getaway purposefully crafted for the more discerning guest — all accessible by a 40-minute scenic journey aboard a private seaplane. This intimate private island features fifteen residences with personal butlers are available 24 hours a day to assist in making this possible by facilitating authentic experiences that capture the senses.

Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives this is unparalleled, extraordinary and absolutely original. Ecologically innovative, a new 5*-star resort, the world's largest 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, tropical champagne pavilion, stylish villas and and adults-only policy, and with no other resorts in the neighborhood as far as the eye can see - Hurawalhi Island Resort offers its own look at Paradise. The luxury resort is the perfect destination to celebrate life’s special moments, leaving you seasoned with awe.

Best choice for family vacation Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives is a Premium All-Inclusive resort with beach and overwater villas idyllically stretching along a hypnotic two-kilometer turquoise lagoon and showcasing luxurious living spaces with an emphasis on Maldivian interiors that offer a hassle-free 5*-star experience with Platinum Plus plan, including an amazing gastronomic adventures at Kanifushi.

Baa Atoll

The prestigious location in UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa atoll is a haven for your Maldives vacation among its many reefs. The main attraction of Baa Atoll is Hanifaru Bay - a unique marine reserve in Maldives for people who like snorkeling with manta rays and whale sharks. Baa atoll is a home to upscale five-star resorts, including the most famous world's brands.

Discover Anantara Kihavah, a boutique hotel with all the advantages of a paradise island of dreams you can imagine - white beaches with fringed palm trees, turquoise waters, dedicated butlers, fine dining and luxurious accommodation and you will not be disappointed. In fact, the reality will surpass all your fantasies with an underwater wine cellar, six over water spa suites, and a 49-meter long, one of the longest in the Maldives, infinity swimming pool. Setting a new precedent in naturally inspired design and luxurious living in the greatest aquatic paradise on earth, Anantara Kihavah has a collection of the largest private pool residences in the world.

A tiny tropical slice of paradise, Milaidhoo Island Maldives is the perfect getaway that bringing back-to-basics, barefoot luxury to the Baa Atoll. A collection of 50 stylish private and secluded pool villas and residences overlook the pristine beach and the fantastic views of the Indian Ocean and blend perfectly into the spectacular surroundings. Think upscale delights with a ‘Reinvented Luxury’ twist, where guests will experience an indulgent escape in the Maldives’s most unique getaway.

Take Your vacation to the next level with Amilla. Featuring more flexible approach to tropical island luxury, Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences offers a luxurious 'island home' for groups, couples and families in the Maldives. Younger, hipper, with a fresh and contemporary stylish accomodation, the resort has so much to offer, from high design and inventive dining options, to stylish beach residences and amazing snorkelling and diving.

The stuff for the Robinson Crusoe's romantic fantasies Soneva Fushi inspires the imagination with 63 spacious beachfront villas, ranging in srize from one- to nine-bedrooms, hidden among dense foliage. Drop your shoes and worries: with an luxury spa, hypnotic house reef and high quality butler services, you will not need anything on this laid-back playground of a beautiful uninhabited island.

New bohemian luxury, The Nautilus Maldives is a highly exclusive, fully private resort of 26 beach and ocean houses. An escape 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.

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 Landaa Giraavaru. A rare collection of all the best to see and do is featured and delivered by a team that has no equal in the hospitality industry. The pinnacle of personal submarine innovation: the world’s first 3-person DeepFlight submarine is now available for dive excursions at Landaa Giraavaru.

One of the Maldives’ most luxurious resorts, Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives is new barefoot chic experience with the self-styled island playground. With its 2km-long white sand beaches, 125 newly transformed beach and over-water villas, award- winning dining experiences, vibrant performances at the Beach Club and a line-up of daily activities amid a turquoise blue lagoon surrounded by some of the most stunning sandbanks in the Maldives, Finolhu is worth to be!

Raa Atoll

Dazzling powdery white beaches, Indian ocean' views and beautiful sunsets are some of the main reasons to visit Raa Atoll. A wonderful collection of uninhabited and unexplored islands of Raa atoll gives travelers fantastic ideas for an memorable beach experience in the Maldives. Raa atoll is home to a some luxury hotels include: InterContinental Maldives, You & Me Maldives and an ultra luxurious Joali Maldives.

Art lovers should visit Joali Maldives. A new landmark for glamor and sophistication in the Maldives, JOALI is an ultra luxury, immersive art resort located on the island of Muravandhu. 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. Water adventures abound, from jumping into a clear-bottomed kayak to discover the life lurking beneath the water to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lessons, windsurfing and going on a private, island-hopping tours.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau is the first InterContinental Resort in the Maldives and one of the most exclusive InterContinental hotels in the world, welcomed its first guests in september 2019. The five-star resort boasts a strong team of distinguished professionals to deliver an exceptional luxury service.

If you're looking for five star standards and service in a lush world of unsurpassed tropical beauty, look no further. You & Me by Cocoon Maldives is the brand newest luxury, adults only resort targeting couples, honeymooners and friends, opened on March 2019. A first of its kind, You & Me by Cocoon’s stand out feature is a fully submerged, H20 by chef Andrea Berton underwater restaurant that gives diners a 360 degree view of the Maldives’ breathtaking marine environment, as they enjoy a Michelin star meal.

Offering the perfect combination of exclusivity and comfort, Heritance Aarah is all about exclusive luxury with a touch of Maldives' traditions. For guests seeking a haven for pure relaxation or an active holiday retreat with the whole family, Heritance Aarah offers endless choices with a unique Premium All-Inclusive holiday plan and some of the largest beach villas in the Maldives.

Noonu Atoll

Noonu Atoll has some of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives. These ultra luxury properties are chosen by high net worth individuals who often travel in their own jets. The new Maafaru international airport is part of a joint project to develop Noonu atoll as an ultra-luxury tourism zone.

The award-winning Maldives resort, Soneva Jani is synonymous with overwater luxury, superlative hospitality and rare guest experiences. This resort doesn't just have character, it has charisma. Soneva Jani is like someone with personal magnetism, someone who knows themself, knows the world and greets it with a big, welcoming smile. Foodies will be pleased to hear that Soneva Jani’s dining scene is fabulous. Voted as the ‘World’s Most Romantic Restaurant’ on CNN.com, The Crab Shack features a rotation of Sri Lankan Mud Crab curry and the Alaskan crabs and is a local favorite for anything from power lunches to special occasions..

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of Noonu Atoll in the Maldives and emiting pure style, Cheval Blanc Randheli is the new exclusive luxury property from Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), the world leader in the luxury and haute couture industry. One of the most exclusive addresses in the Maldives, Cheval Blanc Randheli offers the ultimate in luxury and style.

Velaa Private Island is a safe haven away from it all and the ideal choice for those looking for a leisure break in total privacy and seclusion once the travel restrictions are lifted.

Southern Atolls

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort offers the famous St Regis brand contemporary style and the legendary luxurious services in one of the most magnificent destination in the world. The new St Regis resort is 40 minutes by seaplane from Velana (Male) airport towards the equator. Sensational architecture and interiors of the resort are truly stunning and evoke a sense of being in an island tropical village. We recommend to stay in the stunning 182m² Sunset Overwater Villa with Pool with a large outdoor terrace and with its own small pool and direct access to the lagoon and to the house reef. 

Proclaiming itself "Nature's playground", Niyama Private Islands Maldives takes barefoot luxury to an exotic new level. Its two islands 'Chill' and 'Play', one with a family focus and the other dedicated to couples are a tropical paradise with lush vegetation. But the absolute highlight of the destination is perhaps its ample offering of water sports and activities. Whether you prefer to snorkel, go big-game fishing, hop on a paddleboard or surf — or simply lounge with a cocktail in hand — hopping on a speedboat to the uber-trendy Subsix underwater restaurant is one of the best ways to spend the day in style.

With some of the best water villas, Angsana Velavaru – All Inclusive SELECT is located in Dhaalu atoll, Maldives in 35 minutes by seaplane from Velana airport. With magnificent white beaches the resort is on the beautiful Velavaru island, which means "Turtle Island" and is surrounded by a picturesque lagoon with clear turquoise waters playing any shades of blue and green. Perfect for a honeymoon or other romantic getaway, as well as family vacation Angsana Velavaru Resort is not cheap, but a wonderful retreat for those with the finest of tastes.

Lose yourself in the vastness of the Indian Ocean…and find yourself again, luxuriating blissfully under a palm tree. This is just one of the unique experiences that await you at Baglioni Resort Maldives. Its comprehensive comforts offer an unforgettable stay with a blend of sport, relaxation and prestigious gourmet dining to suit its exclusive international clientele. With a focus on Italian design and gourmet cuisine, the property provides a chic retreat for the rich and famous.

With some of the best diving in the archipelago to be enjoyed on the island's house reef, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is the pioneer of eco-design in the country. Park Hyatt Hadahaa is truly a tropical island paradise set in the North Huvadhoo Atoll, 400 km south of Male international airport. Surrounded by only the vast expanse of sky and sea, the resort's 50 Park and Water Villas offer the ultimate hideaway and secluded luxury. You can drop the idea that something worthy should be boring, or if it is environmentally friendly, it is probably uncomfortable but this place generously exudes the reputation of luxury and expensive taste of Park Hyatt.

One of The Maldives more remote properties, Six Senses Laamu requires a bit of extra effort to reach. Yet as one of the island nation's very finest hotels, it's absolutely worth it – fabulously expensive, and also generally fabulous. Service is second to none, with Six Senses GEMs overseeing every need from arrival to departure.