Universal Resorts

1 Velassaru Maldives

Best Experience:   Water Villas, Dining, Honeymoon, Spa

Owned and operated by leading local hotel group Universal Resorts, Velassaru is located in South Male Atoll and accessible by a short 25-minute speedboat ride from the main Male International Airport. Today the resort is a part of the prestigious chain of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). It is also awarded one of the most impressive infinity pools that you have ever seen in the Maldives. 129 rooms are equipped with exceptional amenities and of course there is a large public beach with a house reef, overwater spa, diving school, water sports center, and five restaurants and two bars, including fresh contemporary seafood, Japanese, international and grill pan Indian options. The two beach bars serve cocktails and wines. READ FULL REVIEW

2 Huvafen Fushi

Best Experience:   Overwater Bungalows, Undewater Spa, Beaches, House Reef Snorkelling. Gourmet Dining

Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from the Velana airport, Huvafen Fushi ideally mixes Maldivian style with hip and chic features; thatched villas on the outside and on the inside, unique amenities, sophisticated design, contemporary furniture, high-tech equipment, and last but not least cool events which all contribute to make Huvafen Fushi a truly dreamy island. Encircled by one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, this private island paradise is home to the world’s first and only underwater spa, and with only 44 rooms it is the ultimate in luxurious privacy and intimacy. With 21 years and above guests only policy, Huvafen Fushi has been crowned the Most Romantic Resort at the annual Maldives Travel Awards 2017. READ FULL REVIEW

3 Kandolhu Maldives

Best Experience:   Honeymoon, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving

Kandolhu Maldives guarantees even more than just your dreams of an unforgettable honeymoon in the Maldives. Soaked in romance, with an incredible house reef snorkeling, couples are bound to fall in love with this cozy island. Those who have heard of Kandholhu Island know that this is one of the best house reef in the Maldives. Only resorts in the country's southern atolls can compare or surpass. An additional draw is clean and soft sandy beaches, all around a small round island whose shape in Maldivian standards is a rarity. So snorkeling is the best you can find between your water villa, the beach and the many restaurants of this 5 * boutique hotel. READ FULL REVIEW

4 Baros Maldives

Best Experience:    Honeymoon, Beach, Spa, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving

Baros is a perfect getaway located in the North Malé Atoll only a 25-minute by speedboat from Malé Airport. With a variety of villas to choose from, these very stylish settings make this the ideal island retreat for couples young and old. Located on a beautiful private island with a crystal clear coral lagoon, Baros is a 5 * star boutique hotel in the Maldives that will surpass all of your highest fantasies of the "dream island". Surrounded by clean, warm waters and snow-white sands, with groves of coconut palms and fragrant flowers, this cozy resort landscape is really worthy of fainting. The team is serene modern rooms (including water villas), fine dining, a fantastic spa, a large swimming pool and water entertainment from a luxury yacht to diving and yoga. READ FULL REVIEW

5 Kurumba Maldives

Best Experience:  Couples, Families, Value, Beach, All-Inclusive

The multiple award-winning resort, the pioneer of the Maldives tourism industry, Kurumba Maldives is proud to announce they have been recognised as 2017’s Best Luxury Family Beach Resort in the world by the World Luxury Hotel Awards. Kurumba was the very first private island resort in the Maldives when it opened its doors in 1972 in the Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives, celebrates its 45th Anniversary this year. Kurumba began with 30 huts built of coral and thatched with coconut leaves; the resort is set on a tropical island in the North Malé Atoll, conveniently situated a brief 10-minute speedboat transfer from the airport. Today, the resort offers an array of eight styles of accommodation, ranging from comfortable Superior rooms to the spacious Royal Residence, spread among the island’s lush tropical gardens with easy access to the beach. With eight different restaurants and four bars to choose from. Kurumba Maldives will charm you with its unparallel choice of a dining experience and a wide range of recreation activities and entertainment. All while maintaining idyllic spaces of relaxation to create the perfect balance for a holiday in paradise, perfect for honeymooners and family alike. READ FULL REVIEW

6 Kuramathi Maldives

Best Experience:  Couples, Family, Beach, Diving, House Reef Snorkeling

Strips of pristine beaches, world-class diving, fine dining and knockout spa, Kuramathi Maldives is rated one of the best hotels in the Maldives and with good reason. Kuramathi is one of the Maldives' most popular resorts and it's perfect if you're looking for variety alongside relaxation. Here, pathways weave through lush foliage, leading to the excellent facilities that are dotted around this large island. There are two oceanfront infinity pools plus a lagoon-style pool shaded by palm trees, and snorkelling on the stunning house reef is possible straight from the beach READ FULL REVIEW

7 Milaidhoo Island Maldives

Best Experience:   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

8 Dhigali Maldives - A Premium All-Inclusive Resort

Best Experience:   Couples, Families, All Inclusive, Value, Diving, Activities

Innovation in design and breathtaking landscapes, Dhigali offers a rare island experience in the amazingly distant part of the Maldives. Dhigali is a beautiful island with a romantic atmosphere, green interior and a wide choice of accommodation options. A slender coral cay in the Raa Atoll, the resort is pure Maldivian bliss. Ringed by coral and kissed by the sun, this is a luxury hideaway with a difference. It is suitable for both honeymooners and families, and can also offer their guests a lot of adventures, including water sports, night snorkeling and island hopping. Regardless of whether you choose a beach bungalow or villa scattered under the canopy of palm trees or a water villa, the incredibly turquoise Indian Ocean's views of are really impressive. READ FULL REVIEW

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