7 Of The Best Hotels In The Maldives

Soneva Fushi encourages guests to switch off with its slow living ethos and laid-back atmosphere. Set in the Baa Atoll Unesco Biosphere Reserve, a 30-minute seaplane hop from Malé, it’s the original barefoot island in the Maldives, and one of the country’s largest, where guests can explore the waters and book numerous activities. It’s also one of the best options on this list for watersports as it’s just 20 minutes from Hanifaru Bay, a nursery for grey sharks and home to one of the largest migrations of manta rays in the world. Guests can also enjoy snorkelling trips, dolphin cruises, paddleboarding, kayaking and catamaran sailing, as well as trips on the Maldives’ first ever zip line.

Accommodation wise, there are 53 private villas and eight spacious water reserves, all surrounded by lush greenery and with beautiful views. Guests can choose from one-bedroom villas, family suites and three-bedroom bungalows with kitchens and wine cellars. A great option for families, it has one of the best kids’ clubs in the country, with one-of-a-kind activities and experiences for little ones to teens, plus in-house tutors during the holidays. There’s even a tech-free zone to encourage kids to immerse themselves in island life. Meanwhile, guests can relax at the impressive spa and take part in sports and wellness activities.

7 nights at Soneva Fushi, staying in a One Bedroom Villa Suite, on a half board basis, from £6,898 per person, including international flights and seaplane transfers. Based on travel June 2024. Including free half board – saving £6,500 per couple. Request your bespoke quote here.

Six Senses can always be relied upon for world-class facilities and excellent service, so a trip to its resort in the Maldives is a no-brainer. Built with total privacy in mind, the resort is the only luxury island in the Laamu Atoll, meaning there are no neighbouring properties, and the marine life is some of most abundant in the country. Reached via an hour-seaplane from Malé (or a 35-minute domestic flight and 15-minute speedboat), the resort has impressive sustainability credentials: it’s working towards being plastic-free and zero-waste, there’s an Earth Lab with a dedicating recycling team, and it’s home to one of the largest marine biology teams in the country. Earlier this year, it opened SHELL (Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu) where guests can learn about its marine conservation efforts.

After an aquatic safari or surfing session (each guest is assigned an experience manager), you can relax in one of 96 beachfront villas, overwater bungalows or private pool villas, each with rustic chic décor. The relaxed vibe continues throughout the resort, especially at the spa with its visiting practitioners and in-house specialists, most of which use ayurvedic practices. There’s also a small kids’ club, as well as numerous dining options – from adults-only meals to open-air breakfasts. 

7 nights at Six Senses Laamu, staying in a Lagoon Water Villa, on a half board basis, from £3,799 per person, including international flights and seaplane transfers. Based on travel June 2024. Including free half board, discounted transfers and 35% discount on accommodation – saving £4,570 per couple. Request your bespoke quote here.

Set in the Raa Atoll and surrounded by crystalline waters, Heritance Aarah is a 40-minute seaplane trip from Malé. If you like the idea of an all-inclusive holiday where every detail is taken care of, this eco-friendly resort is set on a large island, with a focus on family trips. It was also the Maldives’ first LEED Gold-certified resort, awarded to properties for energy efficiency and environmental design. This is the most affordable option on this list, offering guests one of 124 villas and 24 suites, all with traditional Maldivian décor and private butlers. Families should book the two-bed Pool Beach Villas which are spacious and come with private plunge pools, while couples should stay in an ultra-luxury Overwater Ocean Suites with a private pool and deck. Guests will be given spa credits to indulge in a relaxing afternoon and can also book extra activities like wine tastings and water skiing.

Whatever type of holiday you’re after, you’ll be spoilt for choice in terms of food and drink. Book private dining experiences (perfect for honeymoons and special occasions) or choose from restaurants serving fine dining dishes, French cuisine, Japanese dishes and more. Kids will love the pizza shack, while adults will appreciate the many overwater bars. We love the sounds of ‘Heritance Aarah’s 3Cs’ – ice-cream, candy and cocktails all served from the ‘naughty carts’ which roam the island.

7 nights at Heritance Aarah, staying in a Beach Villa, on an all-inclusive basis, from £3,590 per person, including international flights and seaplane transfers. Based on travel June 2024. Including a 35% discount – saving £2,249 per couple. Request your bespoke quote here.

A 35-minute seaplane flight from Malé will get you to Constance Moofushi, a beautiful all-inclusive resort. Surrounded by colourful reefs teeming with life and a white-sand beach, this one is all about relaxation and embracing a slow way of life, as well as exploring the surrounding waters and making the most of the activities on offer. There are 110 one-bedroom villas on the beach, stilted over the sand or over the turquoise waters. All are light and bright, with calm, neutral and contemporary interiors. There's an excellent range of facilities on offer, like snorkelling and diving equipment, pedalos, kayaks and catamarans. You'll also find an overwater spa with outdoor fitness stations, a gym, pool and yoga pavilion.

If you’re keen on snorkelling and diving, Moofushi has something for all levels. At more than 30 dedicated dive sites, visitors can swim with whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and more. There are also several included excursions, like sunset Dhoni cruises and fishing cruises in one of the three lagoons encircling the island. Guests can dine at two restaurants: a premium buffet restaurant (think quality not quantity) and an à la carte restaurant with fine dining options. Another highlight is the Totem Bar at Moofushi – right on the beach, behind the pool, the bar has cool vibes with up-tempo music, light bites and cocktails.

7 nights at Constance Moofushi, staying in a Beach Villa, on an all-inclusive basis, from £3,549 per person, including international flights and seaplane transfers. Based on travel in June 2024. Including a 35% discount – saving £2,500 per couple. Request your bespoke quote here.

This premium resort is set across two private natural islands on the Dhaalu Atoll – a 45-minute seaplane from Malé. For a great family holiday or couple’s adventure go to the ‘Play’ island which has a surf school and numerous activities. Little ones can spend their time at the excellent kids’ club with individually tailored activity programmes, or take a siesta in the dedicated sleep room, while parents can take time off exploring the beautiful islands or heading on a water sports adventure – think boat trips, snorkelling, catamaran sailing, wakeboarding and kitesurfing. After a day of activities, families can relax in one of the beautiful villas – the Family Beach Pool Villa is a good choice for kids thanks to its close proximity to the beach and outdoor swing in the garden. The food is another highlight; from dining experiences for parents to casual dining beachside spots for families, there’s something for everyone.

Over on the ‘Chill’ island, life is quiet and serene, with plenty of activities to keep couples occupied.  You can relax at the Drift Spa for multi-day retreats or targeted treatments (we like the sound of the couple’s massage and meditation) and dine in the floating restaurants. Surfers will also love Niyama thanks to its world-class left-hand waves and on-site access to a professional surfer with programmes for all levels. After a day on the water, relax in the surf bar to watch the sun set with a cocktail or two.

7 nights at Niyama Private Islands, staying in a Beach Villa, on a half board basis, from £3,949 per person, including international flights and seaplane transfers. Based on travel June 2024. Including free half board and a 20% discount – saving £1,640 per couple. Request your bespoke quote here.

LUX* South Ari Atoll has everything you’d expect from a luxury island resort: varied accommodation options, great food and a relaxed vibe with plenty to keep you occupied. Located in the South Ari Atoll, this modern resort is just a 25-minute seaplane trip from Malé. Perfect for those who want to switch off – but keep home comforts to hand – it’s a polished resort with Maldivian island décor. There are 181 villas and pavilions, 62 of which have private pools, either set on the beach or over the water. Ideal for multi-generational groups, some of the beach rooms are interconnecting, so little ones to grandparents can enjoy their own space while remaining nearby.

It has impressive sustainability credentials, too. The resort is home to one of the world’s largest floating solar systems, which provides over 30% of the island’s energy. Guests can also explore the lush and diverse surroundings, which includes tropical terrain, 2.5km of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters – solar-powered bikes are available for all. One of the resort’s biggest draws is the opportunity for guests to swim with whale sharks. Elsewhere, guests can book floating yoga classes, sound baths, tennis lessons, fishing cruises and more. DJs set the vibe for adults in the evening, while little ones can enjoy numerous activities at the kids’ club.

7 nights at LUX* South Ari Atoll, staying in a Beach Pavilion, on a bed and breakfast basis, from £2,180 per person, including international flights and seaplane transfers. Based on travel June 2024 – saving £1,100 per couple. Request your bespoke quote here.