Best hotels in the Maldives

Dreaming of overwater villas and white sand? Check out our Maldives picks.

Think luxury hotels, think the Maldives. This archipelago is made up of nearly 2,000 little islands, each more lavish than the last. From well-known hotels like Cheval Blanc Randheli, One&Only Reethi Rah and COMO Cocoa Island, to private islands bordered by water villas, the luxury resorts in the Maldives are as spectacular as the scenery. But which one should you pick? Take a look at our guide to the best the Maldives has to offer. And, once you’ve picked your favourite, browse our holidays to the Maldives.

BEST FOR SNORKELLING

This place is all about the ocean. There’s an infinity pool right next to the beach, along with a kids’ pool, cocktail bar, and snack bar. The seafood-serving restaurant’s next to the beach, as well – you can even book a table on the sand.

The hotel has a house reef, so it’s the perfect place to strap on a snorkel and explore the underwater sights that surround the hotel. Or, go one step further with a scuba diving trip to spot the likes of whale sharks and turtles. If relaxation’s more your thing, book yourself a spa treatment. A mixture of African and Asian therapies make up the menu at the resort’s spa.

Book Veligandu Island Resort

BEST FOR FOODIES

You’ll make your entrance to this hotel in style, on a speedboat. It’s set on Meerufenfushi Island, which is edged by long stretches of white sand.

When it comes to food, this place lines up loads of choice. There’s a pair of buffet restaurants topped with grass-thatched roofs, for starters. They serve up a range of international dishes, and on Fridays you can expect traditional Maldivian cuisine. What’s more, there are three à la cartes. The Asian wok house perches over the waves, the Goma Grill is set on the deck of a yacht, and the Hot Rock restaurant plates up on sizzling volcanic stones.

Book Meeru Island Resort Hotel.

BEST FOR ACTIVITIES

Stay here, and you can pick between bungalows on the beach and trademark Maldivian stilted villas, perched over the ocean. Some of them even come with a private plunge pool, complete with panoramic sea views.

In true ROBINSON style, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do. Try everything from GroupFitness classes and Hot Iron® weight training sessions, to chilled-out yoga on the beach. You’ve got long stretches of sand for relaxing, too, as well as a swimming pool featuring a swim-up bar.

Book ROBINSON Club Maldives.

BEST FOR WATERSPORTS

This hotel pulls out all the stops when it comes to variety, with a grand total of seven bars and seven restaurants. And, each one offers up something to impress – one of the bars features a selection of over 1,000 different wines. And, there’s a trio of outdoor pools.

The Maldives is chock full of perfect places to make the most of the ocean surroundings. But if you’re after the cream of the crop, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa is the place to go. It boasts the biggest watersports centre the archipelago has to offer, lining up everything from paddle boarding to windsurfing. Plus, you’ll spot angelfish, manta rays, and turtles under the waves around the hotel.

Book Kuredu Island Resort & Spa.

Chosen your island haven?

Browse our best deals for Maldives holidays. Plus, discover what to do in the Maldives, and what you’ll eat while you’re there.

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Author: Hannah Stratton

Last updated: 10.09.2018