The Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives for 2026

1. Velaa Private Island

Velaa Private Island is my favourite type of resort: an ambitious passion project where no detail appears to have been compromised. The result is extravagant in the best possible way, offering an experience unlike almost anywhere else in the Maldives.

Its range of facilities is remarkable. Velaa features the Maldives’ only snow room, a climbing wall and a nine-hole, par-three golf course designed by José María Olazábal. The Golf Academy offers professional coaching, TrackMan technology and advanced swing analysis, making the island an exceptional destination for golf enthusiasts.

The villas may not make the strongest architectural statement in this ranking, but they are exceptionally private, generously proportioned and thoughtfully equipped. The overall experience extends well beyond the accommodation, with extensive dining, recreation and wellness facilities throughout the island.

Velaa Spa focuses on relaxation, advanced skincare and restorative treatments, while the separate Wellbeing Village offers personalised programmes combining Ayurveda, modern diagnostics, physiotherapy, fitness and nutrition.

Dining is another major strength. Athiri serves a broad selection of international dishes, Aragu delivers a refined East-meets-West experience, Tavaru specialises in teppanyaki and houses an exceptional wine cellar, while Faiy focuses on balanced, wellness-inspired cuisine.

During my visits, the service has remained remarkably consistent and intuitive. Combined with the island’s natural beauty, outstanding facilities and breadth of experiences, Velaa delivers escapism at its most refined.

2. Cheval Blanc Randheli

Cheval Blanc Randheli is one of the Maldives' most distinctive luxury resorts, known for its contemporary architecture, elegant design and exceptional service. Designed by renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the resort combines spacious modern interiors with traditional Maldivian craftsmanship and natural materials, including rattan, bamboo and mother-of-pearl.

More than a decade after opening in 2013, its villas remain among the most impressive I have experienced in the Maldives. With soaring ceilings, generous living spaces, private pools and seamless indoor-outdoor design, they continue to offer an exceptional level of comfort and privacy.

The resort features five distinctive restaurants, including French fine dining at Le 1947, Japanese and East Asian cuisine at Diptyque, Italian specialities at Deelani and relaxed dining at Le White. Its beautiful turquoise lagoon, private-island spa and personalised service further enhance the experience.

Having visited Cheval Blanc Randheli both as a couple and with children, I have found it equally appealing for romantic holidays and family stays. Despite its association with LVMH, the atmosphere feels relaxed, discreet and welcoming rather than overly formal.

With its exceptional villas, distinctive architecture, fine dining and consistently attentive service, Cheval Blanc Randheli remains one of my favourite luxury resorts in the Maldives.

3. Soneva Secret

With just 13 villas in the remote Makunudhoo Atoll, Soneva Secret offers an exceptionally private island experience, surrounded by vast ocean views and natural beauty. Designed for complete seclusion, the spacious villas feature personalised services, private dining options and facilities for preparing meals.

Dining is a highlight, with experiences ranging from customised in-villa meals to distinctive venues such as The Living Room, Primitive and Out of This World. Guests can enjoy flexible dining arrangements, with menus tailored to their individual preferences.

Despite its intimate setting, Soneva Secret offers a variety of activities, including snorkelling, diving, manta ray excursions, fishing, water sports and an ocean zipline. The resort focuses on privacy, personalised experiences and marine exploration rather than extensive communal facilities or entertainment.

Located approximately 75 minutes from Velana International Airport by seaplane, Soneva Secret is ideal for travellers seeking exceptional privacy and a peaceful island atmosphere. However, the longer transfer may be less convenient for those who prefer resorts closer to the airport.

4. The Nautilus Maldives

With just 26 beach and ocean houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate private island experience in Baa Atoll, approximately 30 minutes from Malé by seaplane. Each residence has a dedicated House Master, providing personalised service tailored to individual preferences.

Dining is one of the resort's highlights, with no fixed opening hours and the freedom to dine whenever and wherever guests choose. Restaurants include Zeytoun, Ocaso and Thyme, serving Mediterranean, Japanese, Latin American and international cuisine.

Located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Nearby Hanifaru Bay is famous for seasonal manta ray gatherings, making it a remarkable destination for marine life enthusiasts.

5. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an expansive luxury resort spread across three interconnected islands, featuring 117 beach, reef and overwater villas, each with a private swimming pool. With approximately 3.5 kilometres of beaches and wooden boardwalks, the resort offers spacious accommodation, contemporary design and extensive facilities.

One of the resort's greatest strengths is its exceptional dining variety, with 11 distinctive venues and experiences. Guests can enjoy treetop dining at Terra, contemporary Japanese cuisine at Zuma, modern Chinese dishes at Li Long and wood-fired specialities at The Ledge.

The villas are equally impressive, featuring spacious interiors, private pools and generous outdoor terraces. During my stay, everything operated smoothly, although the resort's larger scale created a less intimate atmosphere than that of some of the smaller luxury resorts in the Maldives.

For travellers seeking spacious villas, diverse dining options and a wide range of recreational facilities, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an excellent choice. While it may not offer the same boutique atmosphere as smaller private island resorts, its impressive variety of experiences makes it stand out.

6. JOALI Maldives

When JOALI Maldives first opened, it quickly established itself as one of the country's most distinctive luxury resorts. Known as the Maldives' first art-immersive island resort, JOALI combines striking architecture, elegant interiors and an impressive collection of art installations throughout the property.

Set on a lush tropical island, the resort features 73 beach and overwater villas and residences, along with a variety of dining, wellness and family experiences. Although its larger scale can occasionally create a livelier atmosphere than that of smaller private island resorts, JOALI remains an exceptionally beautiful and thoughtfully designed destination.

Service is one of the resort's greatest strengths. During my visits, the team demonstrated genuine warmth and attentiveness, supported by dedicated Jadugar butlers who provide personalised service for each villa.

For travellers who appreciate creative design, immersive art, diverse dining and attentive service, JOALI Maldives remains an excellent choice. While it may not offer the same level of intimacy as some smaller luxury resorts, its distinctive character and welcoming atmosphere make it one of the Maldives' most memorable island experiences.

7. JOALI BEING

JOALI BEING is a luxury wellbeing resort in the Maldives, offering personalised experiences focused on the mind, skin, microbiome and energy. Rather than following a rigid retreat schedule, the resort combines specialist wellness programmes, restorative treatments and healthy dining with a relaxing island holiday.

Its extensive wellbeing facilities include KAASHI for hydrotherapy, SEDA for sound healing and CORE for fitness and movement training. Guests can also explore personalised therapies and the outdoor Discovery Sound Path. During my visit, I found JOALI BEING's wellbeing facilities among the most comprehensive in the Maldives.

Dining is equally impressive, with Earth-to-Table international cuisine at FLOW, relaxed dining at MOJO and contemporary Japanese dishes at Yutori. The resort also features 68 beautifully designed beach and overwater villas and residences, each with a private swimming pool.

Although JOALI BEING welcomes guests of all ages and offers B'Kidult, a multigenerational playground, its peaceful atmosphere and emphasis on wellbeing make it particularly appealing to couples. Families seeking extensive children's entertainment may prefer a more family-focused resort.

For travellers seeking personalised wellness experiences, exceptional facilities and a peaceful island setting, JOALI BEING is one of the Maldives' most distinctive wellbeing resorts.

8. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

With just 15 overwater residences, including 13 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom villas, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island offers an intimate and exclusive island experience. Designed by Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki, the resort combines contemporary architecture with minimalist interiors, creating a peaceful setting focused on privacy and personalised service.

The resort's central hub, The Retreat, houses its dining facilities, infinity pool, spa, gym, sauna, steam room and wine cellar. Although children are welcome, Kudadoo's intimate atmosphere and emphasis on wellness make it particularly appealing to couples seeking privacy and relaxation.

Kudadoo is best known for its exceptional “Anything, Anytime, Anywhere” all-inclusive concept, which includes personalised dining, premium beverages, spa treatments, diving, private excursions and selected motorised water sports. Some premium experiences and services may incur additional charges.

Combining privacy, personalised service and an extensive all-inclusive experience, Kudadoo is an ideal choice for travellers seeking a relaxing Maldives holiday.

9. Soneva Jani

My experiences at Soneva Jani have been mixed. While my first visit was disappointing, my second showed noticeable improvements in both dining and service. Although it is not my personal favourite, Soneva Jani deserves its place among the Maldives' best luxury resorts for its distinctive approach to barefoot luxury and exceptional family experiences.

The resort is known for its enormous beach and overwater villas, many of which feature private pools and waterslides. Selected overwater villas also have retractable roofs above the master bedrooms, allowing guests to enjoy stargazing from the comfort of their beds.

Families are particularly well catered for at The Den, one of the Maldives' largest kids' clubs, featuring swimming pools, slides, a zipline, creative spaces and activities for children and teenagers. The resort also embraces sustainability through solar energy initiatives and the use of bicycles to explore the island.

Although its expansive layout may be less convenient for guests who prefer a compact resort, Soneva Jani stands out for its spacious accommodation, imaginative facilities and relaxed island atmosphere. It is particularly well suited to families and travellers seeking a playful, unconventional luxury experience.