My Top 7 Hotels in the Maldives (Luxury Class)

I lived and worked in the Maldives for almost a year, and during that time I had the enormous good fortune and privilege of getting to know and even staying in dozens of hotels. What distinguishes a good hotel from a bad one? My experience: it’s not the number of stars, nor the good food, nor the friendliness of the staff. For me it is the atmosphere and how you feel as a guest there. Here I have listed my personal 7 favorite hotels in the Maldives, where I felt comfortable from the beginning.

7th Place: Baros Maldives 5★

Why: for me the best cuisine in the Maldives, top service and lots of privacy!

What remained especially in my memory:

• the evening in the fine-dining “Lighthouse” restaurant under the stars with the most delicious what the sea has to offer.
• I still dream of the “Lobster Bisque”. The staff is exceptionally friendly.
• The receptionist saw me from a distance and went right up to me. Great, attentive service!

What’s so special about it: each villa has a personal villa host available 24/7.

Where: in the North Malé Atoll, reachable in about 25 minutes by speedboat.

Free of charge: Wi-Fi, bath towels, snorkeling equipment, cooking classes, table tennis, billiards, library and fitness center.

Facts: only 300 x 350 meters, 75 villas in total, 45 on the beach and 30 water villas, king size bed, espresso machine, wine and mini bar, TV, safe, air conditioning and fan, IPod docking station, sundeck, semi-open bathroom with bathtub and outdoor shower.

What else is there: PADI diving school, 30 diving sports in the area, 3 different restaurants with national and international cuisine, two bars, round-the-clock room service, water sports station on the beach, fitness center, choice of dozens of treatments at “Tha Spa”, infinity pool, DVD rental.

 

6th Place: Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives 5★

Why:

• one of the few adults-only hotels in the Maldives.
• for those looking for peace and relaxation but also adventure and fun.
• the view of the resort’s blue lagoon takes your breath away.

What remained especially in my memory:

• at the lunch and dinner buffet, you have to keep reminding yourself that you should not only marvel, but also eat.
• A masterful buffet; varied, delicious and lovingly arranged.
• two “Game of Thrones” pinball machines in the game room.
• the gorgeous sandbar to which we swam (forbidden).
• The sandbar can be rented for weddings and time for two. (for a fee).

What’s so special about it: of course, the largest underwater restaurant in the world, where you feel like a fish in a huge aquarium. You could spend hours just sitting there watching the numerous colorful fish!

Where: in Lhaviyani Atoll, reachable by seaplane in 40 minutes.

Free of charge: Wlan, bathrobe, bath slippers, coffee and tea in the rooms, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling equipment and fitness center.

Facts: only 400 x 165 meters, 90 modern and spacious water and beach villas equipped with double bed, rain shower, air conditioning, seating area, fan, safe, minibar, kettle, TV and hairdryer.

What else is there: a soccer field, infinity pool, tennis court, badmington court, beach volleyball court, gym. In the buffet restaurant, underwater restaurant and à-la-carte restaurant you will be spoiled with national and international dishes. In the evenings there are dance shows, movie nights and other events. In the Duniye Spa you can experience relaxation at the highest level. On the beach there are many water sports like jet ski, water ski, sofa, windsurfing etc. as well as a diving school. At the airport one waits in the exclusive Hurawalhi lounge for the departure to paradise.

5th Place: Milaidhoo Island Maldives 5★

Why: Privacy, privacy, privacy, coupled with luxury and culinary. Powder sugar white beaches and huge suites with private infinity pool! A fairy tale on the coral reef in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

What particularly stayed in my memory:

• the most beautiful beach i have ever seen!
• the beach villas are luxurious but very cozy and offer a lot of privacy.
• all villas have ocean view.
• personal 24/7 butler!

What is so special about it: each villa has a private sun terrace with pool!

The huge beach pool villas are modern and at the same time traditionally furnished. With the high ceilings and round arches, the many cushions and natural materials, they look like a mixture of sultan’s palace and East African luxury home.

Where: in Baa Atoll, accessible within 30 minutes by seaplane.

Free of charge: Wi-Fi, a welcome bottle of champagne, yoga and meditation classes, fitness center, 1 private half-day excursion per person/stay.

Facts: only 300 x 180 meters in size, barefoot island, 50 water and beach villas, customized furniture, air conditioning and fan, Nespresso machine, wine fridge, minibar, TV, terrace with seating and private pool.

What else is there: three restaurants on the water; built in the style of a dhoni – the Maldivian fishing boats with national and international cuisine, 2 bars, a wellness area located above the water, a wide range of water sports including diving school, outdoor cinema. At the airport you wait in the exclusive Milaidhoo lounge for the departure to paradise.

 

4th Place: Kandolhu Maldives 5★

Why:

• one of the most colorful and beautiful house reefs i have seen in the maldives!
• the villas are naturally furnished and at the same time ultra luxurious – the perfect combination of maldivian flair and modern luxury.
• the island is lush and enchants with its white, flat-sloping sandy beach and absolute tranquility!

What particularly stayed in my memory:

• in each villa, guests have a GoPro for underwater photography and an I-pad for the duration of their stay.
• in the morning, dozens of turtles swam in the water – unforgettable!

What’s so special about it: one of the smallest islands in the Maldives in the shape of a heart!

Where: in the North Malé Atoll, to reach in about 25 minutes by seaplane and then a 10-minute speedboat transfer.

Free of charge: Bath towels, bathrobe, slippers, wifi, safe, GoPro and I-Pad, snorkeling equipment, kayak, windsurfing and SUP.

Facts: only 200 x 150 meters, barefoot island, 30 water,- and beach villas, flat screen, air condition and fan, safe, I-Pod docking station, DVD player, bathtub, outdoor shower, minibar, espresso machine and kettle.

What else is there: motorized and non-motorized water sports, diving school, 5 restaurants with national and international dishes, fitness center, Kandolhu spa with sauna and steam bath, small souvenir store, library. At the airport you wait in the exclusive Kandolhu lounge for the departure to paradise.

 

 

 

3rd Place: LUX* South Ari Atoll 5★

Why: because the resort is so beautiful and full of incredible luxury that you can’t stop marveling! The turquoise blue water, the breathtaking miles of white sandy beach, the tropical vegetation, the gorgeous villas in country style – a tropical dream come true!

What remained especially in my memory:

• at 06:00 in the morning, bottles with little surprises are hidden all over the island. Getting up early is worth it – also because of the beautiful sunrise.
• the exclusive airport lounge is full of culinary surprises and creative ideas.

What is so special about it:

• red, English telephone booths that allow you to make international calls for free.
• international DJs who regularly spin on the beach.
• an ice cream vendor who jets around the island on his bike offering delicious homemade ice cream.
• the hotel roasts its own coffee!

Where: in South Malé Atoll, about 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé.

Free of charge: Wifi, bath towels, Finnish sauna and steam bath, gym.

Facts: 1.8 km long, 500 meters wide, 190 private villas, 300 – 600 meters to the house reef. Amenities include flat-screen TV, coffee maker, minibar, air conditioning, private terrace and outdoor shower.

What else is there: two pools, a hairdresser, a nightclub, a 5-star PADI dive center, tennis courts, a gym, a luxurious spa. Seven restaurants and six bars serving national and international cuisine and beverages. Open air cinema, the largest range of motorized and non-motorized water sports in the Maldives, a games room with pool table and darts, childcare and babysitting services for a fee. At the airport, wait in the exclusive LUX* lounge for your departure to paradise.

 

 

 

2nd Place: Velassaru Maldives 5★

Why:

• the gigantic water villas are luxurious and gorgeous! With private sea access you feel like the ruler of the Indian Ocean.
• the breakfast buffet with a huge selection of fresh juices, cereals and homemade bread was unique.
• the infinity pool also looks in reality like from the glossy catalog!

 

What remained especially in my memory:

• the best massage of my life at the Velassaru Spa!
• the dinner on the beach with candlelight and many delicacies from the sea and two bottles of award-winning white wine will remain unforgettable for me forever.

What’s so special about it: The resort offers so much: romance, relaxation, tranquility, nature, exclusivity, ambience, privacy and culinary. Perfect for those who appreciate versatility and want to experience the best of the Maldives.

Where: in the South Malé Atoll, reachable in about 25 minutes by speedboat.

Free of charge: WLAN, 2x weekly snorkeling tour at the house reef, 4x weekly boat tour in the morning, 3x weekly yoga classes and snorkeling equipment.

Facts: only 400 x 200 meters, the house reef is 450 meters away, wooden ceilings and parquet flooring in the bungalows, minibar, TV and DVD player, safe, sound system, air conditioning, coffee and tea facilities, bathrobes and hairdryer, beach towels and flip-flops.

What else is there: choice of 5 different restaurants and 2 bars, fitness center, tennis court, water sports on the beach, PADI diving school, Velassaru Spa with 10 treatment rooms above the water. At the airport, the exclusive Velassaru lounge awaits your departure to paradise.

 

 

1st Place: Mirihi Island Resort 5★

Why:

• Mirihi has a fantastic house reef incl. shipwreck, a luxurious yet family atmosphere.
• ultra cozy rooms and a beautiful sandy beach – a tropical dream island!

What particularly stayed in my memory:

• the rooms do not have a TV – the sound of the sea and time together are the main focus.
• the bungalows are labeled with the names of the guests. So you feel like you are coming home.

What’s so special about it:

• the hotel has one of the best telescopes in the Maldives – a dream for amateur astronomers and stargazers.
• you leave your shoes at the reception – you will not need them again until the day of your departure.

Where: The 5* Hotel Mirihi is located in the South Ari Atoll, accessible from Malé by a 30-minute seaplane flight or by domestic flight/boat transfer in about 60 minutes.

Free of charge: Wifi, coffee and tea facilities, daily yoga classes, snorkeling equipment and bath towels.

Facts: only 350×50 meters, barefoot island, choice of 30 water or 6 beach villas, wooden floors, sound system, air conditioning and fan, safe, minibar, sitting area and safe. Large open bathroom; in the water villas overlooking the open sea.

What else is there: agony of choice between two restaurants with fantastic international cuisine or fish specialties. Delicious cocktails, rum specialties and relaxed atmosphere at Anba Bar. The Duniye Spa shines with a wide selection of massage treatments. There’s also a fitness center, water sports on the beach, and a PADI diving school. At the airport, you can wait for your flight to paradise in the exclusive Mirihi Lounge.

 

Claudia has spent 10 years traveling the world for a major tour operator, visiting the most beautiful beaches and some of the world’s most exclusive hotels in the Maldives. There were many firsts for her: swimming with sharks, manta rays and stingrays, and breathtaking views from seaplanes of atolls and turquoise waters. She has slept in resorts that cost as much per night as others earn in several months. “There is a big difference in spending 1-3 weeks on vacation in the Maldives or living and working there for many months.

The remoteness and loneliness can be hard to deal with. But I am grateful for the many opportunities I have been given to experience so many exclusive hotels and this country that is so beautiful, exotic and unlike anything I have seen before.”

The resorts are not sponsored and were selected and ranked based on personal preference.