If you are looking for an exotic paradise, many will point to the Maldives. Unpopulated atolls in the Indian Ocean have transitioned into a Mecca of five-star resorts.
From your own private island to overwater bungalows that reach mansion-like proportions, these resorts are reached by seaplanes and speedboats.
1. Cheval Blanc Randheli
2. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
3. Kanuhura Maldives
4. One&Only Reethi Rah
5. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
6. Velaa Private Island
7. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
8. Kudadoo
9. Hurawalhi Maldives
10. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
1. Cheval Blanc Randheli
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors rate Cheval Blanc Randheli 5 stars. They call it, “Elegant, chic and with a touch of the avant-garde, Randheli’s architecture is breathtaking, yet paradoxically, appears to melt into the island. Maldivian coconut thatches and screens of natural materials soften the sharp lines, while whitewashed villa walls bounce the brilliant sunlight around the lagoon.
“This opulent oasis oozes sophistication and style. It also has a distinctly French feel, right from the moment the majordomo (butler)bids you bonjour on arrival at the maison, following a 40-minute flight on the Randheli private seaplane (which is customized in Cheval Blanc’s taupe and Randheli’s “pop yellow”). And you’ll find French influence in the spa (with pampering from Guerlain) and the hotel’s signature restaurant.”
Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island
The highlight of the resort is the Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island. It’s your own private island accessible from the main resort from a private jetty. There is a four-bedroom villa with over 10,000 sq. ft. There you will find island living with exceptional indoor and outdoor spaces, and a dedicated staff.
In the main house, three light-filled living areas border a 75-feet-long swimming pool. There’s a grand piano and a full private bar, so bring friends!
Two guest bedrooms feature grand bathrooms, dressing rooms, and terraces, ideal for children. A separate guest villa with spacious indoor and outdoor spaces is perfect for traveling companies or staff. There’s a private cinema, spa, and fitness center.
See more villas at Cheval Blanc Randheli.
2. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
The Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say of the 5-star Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, “Fringed with coral reefs, traditional thatched-roof bungalows and local craftsmanship, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa combines Maldivian heritage with tropical luxury. The smaller of the country’s two Four Seasons properties, the 96-room resort is a family-friendly paradise with plenty for couples to love, too.”
The guide notes,, “Extending across three majestic islands, this opulent resort is home to the Maldives’ first private spa island, a world-class surfing tournament and an impressive sea turtle conservation sanctuary.”
Sunset Three-Bedroom Water Suite
One choice you will need to make is whether you want sunrise or sunset views. The Sunset Three-Bedroom Water Suite spans 2,590 sq. ft. of interior space with another 2,995 sq. ft. of exterior area.
Two bedrooms feature king beds and the third offers twins. All three feature full bathrooms. There’s a guest powder room with a shower and an outdoor shower.
See more suites and bungalows at Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Haraa.
3. Kanuhura Maldives
Another 5-star rated resort by Forbes Travel Guide, its inspectors describe Kanuhura Maldives as, “Barefoot island bliss emanates over the three paradisiacal islands of Kanuhura. A beach-chic bohemian vibe flows seamlessly throughout the Maldives resort’s eight restaurants, nine spa treatment rooms, and 80 villas in the form of natural timbers, white-washed walls, and thatched roofs that are nicely paired with bright furnishings and colorful pops of artwork.”
It continues, “Flawless white sands, breezy beachside cabanas and a stunning alfresco restaurant make up the neighboring uninhabited islands of Jenuhunura and Masleggihura, just a stone’s throw across the sparkling topaz lagoon. A quick boat ride promises an afternoon of romance or Robinson Crusoe-style adventuring. All this luxury isn’t just for grown-ups. Arguably one of Maldives’ most family-centered resorts, Kanuhura offers children endless fun at the K-Kids Club, floating splash park, games room and infinity pool.”
Sanctuary Pool Villa
The 7,815 sq. ft. Sanctuary Pool Villa is perfect for families with three bedrooms, a spacious living and dining room, and plenty of outdoor space with a picturesque private pool in the middle of the wooden veranda with a bar and outdoor kitchen. Two of the three bathrooms are connected to the outdoor with the open-air shower.
There is one king bedroom and two with twins. Enjoy your own fleet of bicycles to explore and your special night at the resort’s private cinema.
View more suites at Kanuhara Maldives.
4. One&Only Reethi Rah
One & Only Reethi Rah is one of the first resorts to put the Maldives on the map as a luxury hot spot. Another 5-star pick from Forbes Travel Guide, the 109-acre island has 12 different beaches.
The 109-acre island has 3.7 miles of coastline, separated into 12 beaches, rather than one main beach, which is the norm for the Maldives. This means there’s more than enough space for each villa to have sections of private sand, extensive ocean views, and spacious private verandas.
Madonna, Tom Cruise and the Beckhams have all been spotted at One&Only Reethi Rah, however, the resort is also perfect for those who don’t want to be seen.
Grand Residence
The 4,919 sq. ft. Grand Residence offers three bedrooms across two separate villas, multiple living and dining spaces and oversized bathrooms. One villa features two bedrooms with a king-size bed, and two queen-size beds, respectively. The second villa has a single king-size master bedroom.
The Grand Residence is styled in honey-hued wood and natural stone, with exposed vaulted ceilings. Your personal butler is at your service and personal chef available upon request.
Your exclusive-use outdoor area includes a 550-sq. ft. infinity pool, cabana and entertaining area with outdoor cinema, with your own stretch of white sands and the ocean at your door.
View more villas at One&Only Reethi Rah.
5. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Five stars as well from Forbes, the guide’s inspectors say, “Outfitted for both romance and family vacations, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is an island oasis. The resort stands upon on an exquisite 22-acre paradise in the southern Dhaalu Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane journey from Male International Airport.”
There are 10 room categories covering 33 land villas and 44 overwater residences. There are plenty of dining options with six restaurants and bars. Visit the Iridium Spa and try anti-gravity yoga.
John Jacob Astor Estate
The overwater John Jacob Astor Estate boasts is a three-bedroom overwater villa that features a furnished terrace with a 92-square-meter private swimming pool framed by daybed, sofas, and sun loungers.
The second-floor master bedroom offers sea views from a private balcony. The living room features a plush sofa and armchairs, crowned by an elegant chandelier, and provides the perfect spot to enjoy the 55-inch LCD television or to take in views of the Maldives.
Two main-floor guest bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with two queen beds make the residence ideal for families or friends traveling together. There’s even a d dedicated exercise room equipped with cardio and weight machines.
View more bungalows and suites at the St. Regis Maldives.
6. Velaa Private Island
Forbes says, “A visit to Velaa Private Island is like escaping to another world. Surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, the private island hideaway sits tucked away in Noonu Atoll, 116 miles north of the capital city of Male.”
Not part of a chain, the resort is a “passion project” of Czech couple Jirí and Radka Smejc. Architect Petr Kolar uses wood from Borneo, stone from Jordan, and artisan patio furniture from Italy.
Forbes continues, “The stunning natural beauty of the Maldives flows seamlessly throughout the isle that’s less than a mile long. Forty-seven self-sufficient villas and residences all come complete with their own pools, ocean access, day beds and elaborate outdoor living areas. There really is no need to leave your heavenly hideaway.”
The Romantic Residence
The 6,200 sq. ft. Romantic Residence has its own personal gym, fully equipped kitchen, personal butler, and optional private chef. Meals are served over the water in a secluded dining gazebo, and sunsets are enjoyed from daybeds on a sprawling terrace.
Other features include an outdoor jacuzzi, infinity pool, secluded sundeck and sunken bath.
See more villas at Velaa Private Island.
7. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Ranked by Travel+Leisure as 5th best in the world, the magazine says, “Guests to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi feel pampered before they even get there, arriving by yacht from the international airport. Once on property, the 121 villas offer everything you want in a remote island vacation, including your own private pool from which to take in that crystal-clear sea.”
Yet to be inspected, Forbes still includes the resort, reporting, “Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi made a big debut in 2019. Sprawled across three islands, the resort is one of the most sizable in the Maldives. It boasts the country’s largest spa, and it’s the Maldives hotel with the most culinary choices (an impressive 11 restaurants). It’s also home to an exclusive offering: a separate private island — the biggest in the country — that could be rented out in its entirety.”
Ithaafushi Private Island
Ithaafushi Private Island is a private island featuring multiple villas, including nine bedrooms, five pools, a private entertainment clubhouse, and a paddle tennis court.
There’s a 3-bedroom beach villa, a 2-bedroom overwater villa, and a 4-bedroom residence. You also have access to all the facilities at the main resort – if you want to leave your own private island. You may not!
See more suites and villas at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
8. Kudadoo
Conde Nast Traveler writes of reader pick Kudadoo, “If anyone understands what discerning visitors to the Maldives want, it’s Lars Petre, the Swedish entrepreneur who not only developed the country’s first sea-plane company but co-manages nine other island resorts. On Kudadoo, he has created the country’s first solar-powered hotel and its first all-inclusive luxury hotel – all of a tiny coconut-forested sandbank.”
The magazine notes, “Arranged around a circular wooden walkway out at sea, its 15 rooms conjure spacious Japanese ryokans – designed by New York-based architect Yuji Yamazaki from soothing wood, stone, and reed-thatch, and fronted by a wide deck, plunge pool and ladder into the swirling blue sea.”
It continues, “When Petre says ‘all-inclusive’, he means it: whether that’s two-hour Healing Earth treatments in the airy spa, a butler 24/7, jet-skiing and deep-sea fishing, or feasts involving fine wines (80 from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list) and impeccably presented dishes, from light Japanese teppanyaki to Maldivian seafood curry, concocted by French chef Antoine Lievaux, who has worked for Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse.”
Two-Bedroom Residences
The two-bedroom residences span over 4,300 sq. ft., each feature a 500 sq. ft. private infinity plunge pool. When you need something, no problem. Call your own private butler.
View more residences at Kudadoo.
9. Hurawalhi Maldives
Another pick from Conde Nast Traveler readers, Hurawalhi is famous for its underwater glass-enclosed restaurants. After lunch, there are over 50 dive sites nearby, including what the magazine calls one of the “most reliable manta-ray hotspots in the archipelago, where you can marvel at the spectacle of these creatures lining up to be fussed over by lesser marine life.”
Conde Nast noted, “The 90 villas are compact and uncomplicated, differentiated only by their position and the presence or absence of a private pool.”
Beach Sunset Pool Villa
The 1,420 sq. ft. Beach Sunset Villa is perfect for a couple traveling alone. There is a 285 sq. ft. private pool. The bedroom features a private sitting area and an oversize bathroom with a rain shower.
See more villas at Hurawalhi.
10. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Also from Conde Nast’s list of its top Maldives resorts is Raffles Maldives Meradhoo with just 37 villas. It notes, “What could be more lovely than a stay at Raffles? How about a stay at Raffles by the beach? So far south its skimming the equator – the delicious remoteness is well worth the longer transfer time – this tiny island resort takes all the charm of its older Singapore sibling and fuses it with clotted-cream sands, raspberry sunsets, and a coconut version of its famous Sling.”
Make a visit to “the smart overwater spa, Balinese therapists perform signature massages that start with the hum of a Tibetan singing bowl and end with warm coconut oil being poured onto your third eye.”
Raffles Royal Residence
The 18,299 sq. ft. Raffles Royal Residence offers a three-bedroom villa expandable up to six bedrooms and is perfect for groups of friends gathering for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, as well as families who want to kick back and take things easy.
Accommodating up to 15 guests, the Royal Residence’s heart is the three consecutive reception rooms that border its private pool. Enjoy spa treatments in residence. The resort will also set up your own private kids’ club.
See more villas and residences at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.
