15 of the Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

1. Anantara Kihavah Villas

Welcome to Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, an ultra-luxury resort in the heart of the Maldives’ Baa Atoll, a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Consistently ranked among the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, this exclusive hideaway offers expansive beach and overwater pool villas with bespoke service, uninterrupted ocean views, and timeless island elegance.

Savor gourmet dining at SEA, the world’s only underwater wine cellar and restaurant, gaze into the cosmos at the Maldives’ only overwater observatory, and immerse yourself in curated wellness rituals at the serene Anantara Spa. Whether for an indulgent escape, a honeymoon, or a private family retreat, Anantara Kihavah delivers a rare blend of natural beauty, refined luxury, and unforgettable experiences—making it a true icon among Maldives resorts.

2. Waldorf Astoria Maldives

Relax in pure serenity at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, one of the most iconic luxury Maldives resorts. Nestled in the stunning South Malé Atoll, this ultra-premium retreat spans across three private islands, offering unmatched exclusivity and elegance. The resort features 119 spacious beach, reef, and overwater villas, each with private pools and personalized service.

Guests can indulge in world-class experiences including 11 gourmet dining venues, a holistic overwater spa sanctuary, and curated activities for all ages. For the ultimate escape, explore Ithaafushi – The Private Island, Waldorf Astoria’s exclusive ultra-luxury haven designed for the most discerning travelers.

3. Joali Maldives

If you’re passionate about art and eco-conscious living, Joali Maldives offers a truly unique escape. Located in the Raa Atoll near the Loama Museum and Art Gallery, this 5-star luxury resort in the Maldives redefines indulgence through its immersive art concept and sustainable design.

Joali features 73 individually curated private villas, each a work of art blending sophistication with Maldivian charm. From the moment you arrive, relax in the resort’s exclusive private airport lounge at Malé before your scenic transfer to paradise. Guests can indulge in a world-class spa, savor a diverse selection of international cuisine, and unwind in one of the resort’s two stylish bars—making Joali one of the best Maldives resorts for art lovers and luxury seekers.

4. Hurawalhi Maldives

For those seeking tranquility and romance, Hurawalhi Maldives stands out as one of the best adults-only resorts in the Maldives. Located in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, this luxurious, slow-paced sanctuary is ideal for couples and honeymooners. The resort offers an unforgettable dining experience at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world’s largest all-glass aquarium restaurant beneath the ocean.

With 90 elegant ocean and beach villas, Hurawalhi blends barefoot luxury with all-inclusive convenience. Spend your days snorkeling with dolphins and turtles, enjoying spa treatments, or simply soaking in the serenity of the island. As a top-rated choice for romantic getaways, Hurawalhi delivers the perfect blend of indulgence, privacy, and adventure.

5. Milaidhoo Maldives

Nestled in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo Maldives is a boutique island resort that redefines luxury through personalized service, barefoot elegance, and natural beauty. With a strict no-drone policy, this serene retreat is perfect for couples and families seeking privacy, tranquility, and authentic island experiences.

Home to its own vibrant house reef, Milaidhoo is a haven for snorkelers and divers. The resort welcomes guests aged eight and above, maintaining an atmosphere of refined relaxation. Inspired by the Maldives’ rich culture, Milaidhoo embraces a “barefoot informality” ethos, offering immersive experiences and world-class cuisine across its intimate, open-air restaurants. Whether you're celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or family getaway, Milaidhoo crafts dream holidays with understated luxury and meaningful moments.

6. Raffles Maldives

Spanning two pristine islands in the remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is an exclusive luxury Maldives resort that redefines privacy, elegance, and personalized service. Opened in 2019, this ultra-luxurious retreat invites guests to arrive in style via scenic seaplane transfers and unwind with private yoga sessions, holistic spa therapies, and curated in-villa dining experiences.

Ideal for nature lovers and wellness seekers alike, the resort features a resident Marine Biologist who leads the immersive Marine Discovery Program and guided snorkeling tours across the resort’s vibrant twin reefs. With spacious beachfront and overwater villas, Raffles offers a rare blend of sophisticated island living and ecological connection—making it one of the finest hidden gems in the Maldives.

7. The Ritz Carlton Maldives Exclusive

Renowned as one of the most famous resorts in the Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offers a modern interpretation of island luxury. Blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, its sleek villas are elegantly perched above turquoise lagoons and secluded beach coves, showcasing exceptional architectural design and breathtaking views.

Every villa comes with a dedicated Aris Meeha—a personal butler inspired by ancient royal court tradition—ensuring personalized, seamless service throughout your stay. Sustainability is at the heart of the resort’s ethos, with extensive eco-conscious practices including solar-powered operations and marine conservation initiatives. Perfect for discerning travelers seeking design, wellness, and environmental mindfulness in one extraordinary setting.

 8.  JA Manafaru Maldives

JTucked away in the untouched beauty of the Haa Alifu Atoll, JA Manafaru Maldivesis an award-winning 5-star resort offering an exclusive escape at the northernmost edge of the Maldives. Perfect for both honeymooners and families, this secluded island paradise features a collection of luxurious beach and overwater villas, as well as spacious private residences.

Guests can unwind at two serene island pools, indulge in culinary journeys across seven restaurants and bars, and enjoy complimentary non-motorized water sports or peaceful sessions at the yoga pavilion. With personalized service, immersive experiences, and breathtaking surroundings, JA Manafaru is the ideal choice for a tranquil and unforgettable Maldives holiday.

9.  Vakkaru Maldives

Nestled in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Vakkaru Maldives is a refined island sanctuary offering elegant luxury villas and residences surrounded by lush nature and turquoise waters. Home to over 2,300 mature coconut trees, the resort seamlessly blends natural beauty with world-class hospitality.

With 113 spacious villas and suites, guests can indulge in holistic treatments at the overwater spa, discover rare vintages in the wine cellar, and enjoy gourmet experiences across five restaurants and two bars. Perfect for couples, families, and group escapes, Vakkaru also features four-bedroom beachfront residences and dedicated facilities for children of all ages—making it one of the best family-friendly luxury resorts in the Maldives.

10. COMO Maalifushi

COMO is one of the largest private island resorts in the Maldives. This 5-star resort offers multi-room villas with extensive facilities, including padel training, game fishing, and night snorkeling. It’s the first luxury resort to open in Thaa Atoll, a relatively unexplored part of the Maldives, offering low-key elegance for guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

11. Gili Lankanfushi

Just 20 minutes from Male Airport, the Gili Lankanfushiresort describes itself as “a Robinson Crusoe fantasy come to life”.Its private reserve is the world’s largest stand-alone overwater villa with multi-level tiers. The resort’s residencies and villas offer a range of room options to accommodate all parties.

12. Anantara Dhigu Maldives

One of the most popular family-friendly resorts in the Maldives is Anantara. Dine at the water’s edge, experience an array of water sports, or check in at the luxurious overwater spa. Choose from beach villas or over-water suites to curate your experience in the Maldives. As a larger resort, it offers 110 villas, specializing in longer stays.

13. Finolhu Maldives

Finolhu is a luxury resort in the Maldives specializing in creating individual, curated packages to bring your travel dreams to life. This vibrant resort sits in the largest of Baa Atoll’s four natural atolls with one of the longest sandbanks in the Maldives. The private pool villas have their own tropical gardens, while the beach villas offer private sections of the beach.

14. Hilton Maldives Amingiri

The Hilton is a Maldives resort that ticks all the boxes with live entertainment and a wellness spa, along with eight restaurants and lounges. This luxury resort offers a ‘home away from home’experience with ultimate comfort, including a rooftop lounge for teens, private pools, and watersports.

15. Baros Maldives

Baros is a luxury resort that’s been operating for almost 50 years, long before the Maldives became the tourist destination it is today. It offers ‘authentic luxury’with a resort rooted in nature with handcrafted beachfront and overwater villas made of timber and sandstone. This iconic Maldivian resort has been named the ‘Most Romantic Resort in the World’for ten consecutive years.