Maldives hotels are truly one-of-a-kind. Set amongst, and above, crystal-clear, turquoise ocean waters, Maldives hotels offer some of the most luxurious accommodations on the planet. Staying in Maldives, you will have the luxury of your own private island, as each of the Maldives hotels listed below is set on just that, its own private island! Nicknamed “Money Islands”, Maldives is known for its natural environment, its white, deep-sand beaches, its pristine air quality, its exclusion and its water sports. Unlike with somewhere such as Ibiza, Maldives hotels offer a more laid-back setting. When visiting Maldives, it’s important to dress modestly when in public, to not touch or take any coral or shells, to steer clear of Malé at night and to not wear shoes in homes or mosques. Keep in mind that Maldives is a Muslim country, so items such as drugs, alcohol, pork and dogs are strictly prohibited in public places. Also, in order to get to your hotel from Male International Airport, be advised that you will need to take a smaller plane or boat, transportation that is often provided by the Maldives hotels found below for an extra fee. Before we proceed to Maldives hotels, let’s take a look at some background information on the area to help you along the way.
Maldives, a small island nation in South Asia, is located about 620 miles southwest of India. The smallest Asian country by land area and population, Maldives has a population of about 520,000 people. The country’s capital is Malé, known as the “King’s Island” due to its central location, which has a population of around 135,000 people. Average ground-level elevation on the archipelago is 4 feet 11 inches above sea level, making it the world’s lowest-lying country, which accounts for consistent hot and humid weather throughout the year. Average high temperatures year-round remain in the high 80s degrees Fahrenheit. A concern for the Maldives is climate change. Rising sea levels, some researchers estimate, could make the islands’ uninhabitable by the year 2100.
It is estimated that Maldives is over 2500 years old. Copperplate documents written by early Maldives’ settlers and known as Loamaafaanu provide information on early settlement. Buddhist and Islamic periods lasted until 1558, when the Portuguese established a small garrison, subsequently and unsuccessfully attempting to instill Christianity on the islands; and thus were driven out by locals. By the mid-17th century, the Dutch had established a hegemony on the island, and too were driven out, this time with the British providing enforcement. From 1796 until 1952 the Maldives remained a British crown protectorate, though on March 15th, 1968 a referendum was held, resulting in Maldives’ parliament’s ruling in favor of a republic, which ended an 853-year monarchy. On November 11th, 1968 a republic was established officially under the presidency of Ibrahim Nasir. Beginning in the 1970s, tourism started to be developed on the archipelago, with the first resort becoming Kurumba Maldives. Points of interest around Maldives include Villa College QI Campus, National Museum, National Football Stadium, Republic Square, Sultan Park, Henveiru Park and Male Airport. Popular foods include rice, soups such as garudia, which is made from dried or smoked fish and eaten with rice, lime and chili, curries, vegetables, pickles and spicy sauces. Of course, seafood is a staple food, with favorite fish dishes coming from various tuna species, wahoo and mahi-mahi. Since the general population does not drink alcohol, sai or tea are the most common beverages, alhough alcohol is available in most resorts. Now that we have a little background information on the area, it’s time to get you to Maldives hotels that will offer other-worldly experiences.
Emerald Maldives
Fasmendhoo, 20081 Raa Atoll
Fasmendhoo
Emerald Maldives features 20 hectares of virgin island, 100 hectares of crystal blue lagoon, pristine white beaches, clear blue ocean, tropical nature, flat-screen TVs, sea views, kettles, seating areas, a continental buffet or full English/Irish breakfast and a children’s playground. Sunrise Cafè (bar), Aqua Restaurant, The Emerald Spa and Sunset Pool Cafè (bar) are in the area.
Approximate cost per night (water villa with pool): $1,627
JOALI, Maldives
Muravandhoo Raa Atoll
Raa Atoll Maldives
JOALI, Maldives boasts 73 private beach and water villas and residences, a spa, a fitness center, four restaurants, a bar with cabanas and infinity pods and a unique island scavenger hunt. Saoke (restaurant), Bellini (Italian restaurant) and VANDHOO (Asian restaurant) are in the area. Located on Raa Atoll Maldives.
Approximate cost per night (luxury beach villa with pool): $4,649
COMO Cocoa Island
South Male Atoll
South Male Atoll Maldives
COMO Cocoa Island offers a spa, 2 private dining reefs, an infinity pool, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, large bathrooms and bath tubs, a gym, yoga classes, a library, free WiFi and all-day dining options. Located in South Male Atoll Maldives.
Approximate cost per night (one-bedroom overwater villa): $1,828
One&Only Reethi Rah
Reethi Rah, North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll Maldives
Featuring an infinity pool, free WiFi, a peaceful private beach, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, DVD players, tennis courts, a beach club and multiple dining options, One&Only Reethi Rah is near Tapasake Japanese Restaurant and REETHI (restaurant), in North Male Atoll Maldives.
Approximate cost per night (grand beach villa): $10,840
Cost per person (four people): $2,710
Milaidhoo Island
Baa Atoll
Hanifaru Bay Maldives
With its own coral reef, tropical greenery, soft white deep sandy beaches, air conditioning, a pool with sundeck and 180 degree island views, custom-made furnishings, an 24-hour island host, three restaurants, two bars, a personalized welcome gift, a champagne bottle, private airport lounge access on arrival and departure, an over-water spa, an open-air over-water pavilion and an infinity pool, Milaidhoo Island Maldives is close to Ba’theli Bar Lounge, Ocean Stories (dive shop), Ba’theli by the Reef (restaurant), Serenity Spa and Hanifaru Bay Maldives.
Approximate cost per night (water villa with private pool): $2,283
Six Senses Laamu
Olhuveli Island
Laamu Atoll Maldives
Providing 37-inch flat-screen TVs, Bose entertainment systems, free WiFi, air conditiong, outdoor bathrooms with rainshowers where guests can shower under the stars, private day beds, electric kettles, slippers, dental kits, newspapers upon request, a spa, a modern gym, a yoga pavilion, an on-site diving center, multiple dining options and a wine cellar, Six Senses Laamu is in Laamu Atoll Maldives.
Approximate cost per night (lagoon beach villa with private pool): $2,692
InterContinental Maamunagau Resort
Maamunagau Island
The Marine Discovery Center
With Maldivian inspired interiors, a spa, a yoga pavilion and five restaurants, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort sits near Lighthouse Restaurant, Cafe umi and The Marine Discovery Center.
Approximate cost per night (two-bedroom overwater pool villa): $5,361
Cost per person (six people): $893
Dusit Thani Maldives
Mudhdhoo Island
Mudhdhoo Island Maldives
Dusit Thani Maldives features one of Maldives’ largest infinity pools, coral reefs, a turquoise lagoon, a private beachfront, a tree-top spa, free WiFi, a 360 degree house reef surrounding the island, staff that is able to converse in English, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Thai and Mandarin Chinese, modern Thai-style villas, flat-screen satellite TVs, Bose surround sound systems, in-house movies, wine coolers, mini-bars, Nespresso machines and an outdoor rain shower. Nearby are Devarana Spa Maldives, The Market (restaurant), Benjarong (restaurant), Sand Bar (bar), Sea Grill (restaurant) and Mudhdhoo Island Maldives.
Approximate cost per night (two-bedroom ocean pavilion): $2,555
Cost per person (six people): $425
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
South Male Atoll
South Male Atoll Maldives
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa offers luxurious villas, a large infinity pool with clear lagoon views, 2 restaurants, a bar, a fitness center, free WiFi, private sundecks, balconies, fine wood furnishings, warm colors, Nespresso coffee machines, iPod docking stations, premium toiletries, rain showers, dental kits, slippers and electric kettles. In the area are Equator Bar, The Deep End Restaurant and 24 Degrees Restaurant. Located in South Male Atoll Maldives.
Approximate cost per night (two-bedroom beach villa): $3,644
Cost per person (four people): $910
Hurawalhi Island Resort
Lhaviyani Atoll
Maldives Underwater Restaurant
With an outdoor pool, a spa center, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, seating areas, kettles, bathrobes, slippers and a 24-hour front desk, Hurawalhi Island Resort is found near 5.8 Undersea Restaurant (Maldives underwater restaurant), Canneli Restaurant, Coco Bar (bar) and Duniye Spa.
Approximate cost per night (romantic ocean villa): $1,215
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa
20077 Rasdhoo
Veligandu Island Beach
Positioned beautifully near Veligandu Island Beach, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa offers a private beach area, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a garden, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, sea views, continental and buffet breakfast options, a terrace and a spa. It’s near Dhonveli Restaurant, Madivaru Restaurant, Thundi Bar (bar) and Athiri Bar (bar).
Approximate cost per night (sunset Jacuzzi water villa): $552
Jumeirah Vittaveli
South Male Atoll
South Male Atoll Maldives
Jumeirah Vittaveli is located in South Male Atoll Maldives and provides a 5 star PADI dove center, a spa, a fitness center, lush gardens, organic or natural products, an artificial ice-skating rink, open-concept layouts, private pools, direct beach or lagoon access, free WiFi, restaurants, a bar and daily yoga and fitness classes. You may find Talise Spa at Vittaveli, MU Beach Bar & Grill, Swarna Restaurant, Jumeirah Vittaveli Stadium (soccer field), Samsara Restaurant, B4R (bar), Fenesse Restaurant and Cuvée Wine Library all within range. This location is 8.7 miles from Villingili Ferry Terminal and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, 9 miles from Villa College QI Campus, 9.4 miles from National Museum and National Football Stadium, 9.4 miles from Sultan Park and Henveiru Park, 9.5 miles from Republic Square, 9.8 miles from Hulhumale Ferry Terminal, 10.8 miles from Velana Airport Ferry and 10.6 miles from Male Airport.
Approximate cost per night (sunrise beach villa): $1,495
Cost per person (three people): $498
Approximate cost per night (Royal Residence): $35,930
Cost per person (ten people): $3,594
Approximate cost per night (My Vittaveli Yacht): $30,812
Cost per person (six people): $5,135
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Lankanfushi Island
Lankanfushi Island Maldives
Featuring free WiFi, an ocean-view pool, a relaxing spa, private sun decks, a water garden, eco-friendly residences, cable/satellite TV, BOSE surround-sound systems, espresso machines and mini-bars, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is close to Meera Spa, By the Sea Restaurant and Overwater Bar. From here Lankanfushi Island Maldives is within feet, Ferry Terminal Park and Hulhumalé Hospital are 5.4 miles, Velana Airport Ferry is 7.4 miles, Hulhumale Ferry Terminal is 8.4 miles, Republic Square is 8.5 miles, Sultan Park and National Museum are 8.6 miles, National Football Stadium is 8.7 miles, Henveiru Park is 8.8 miles, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital is 9.1 miles and Male Airport is 7.7 miles.
Approximate cost per night (The Private Reserve): $16,736
Cost per person (six people): $2,789
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Baa Atoll, Landaa Giraavaru Island
Maldives Private Beach
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has a lush jungle interior, a sparkling 2 mile lagoon, 4 in-house restaurants, Maldives private beach access, pools, outdoor showers, lush private gardens, panoramic Indian Ocean views through floor to ceiling windows, spacious sundecks, nets for overwater lounging, a multi-award winning spa, seasonal swimming with manta rays and whale sharks, kite-surfing, x-jetblading and parasailing. Nearby you may encounter Five Degrees North (bar), After Hours (cafe), Cafe Landaa, Fuego Grill (barbecue restaurant), Al Barakat (restaurant) and Blu Restaurant.
Approximate cost per night (sunset or sunrise two-bedroom water suite): $6,788
Cost per person (six people): $1,131
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Rangali Island
Rangali Island Maldives
With 2 separate islands connected by a bridge, spacious private villas, an all-glass underwater restaurant, 2 award-winning spas, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, wooden floor-to-ceiling windows, an on-site Italian boutique and 12 world-class restaurants and bars, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is found close to Rangali Bar, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Sunset Grill (restaurant), Atoll Market Restaurant, Cheese & Wine Bar, Mandhoo Restaurant, The Spa Retreat, The Quiet Zone (bar), Koko Grill (restaurant), Vilu Restaurant & Bar, Vilu Boutique (clothing store), The Wine Cellar (restaurant), Seaplane Platform (seaplane base) and Rangali Island Maldives.
Approximate cost per night (two-bedroom beach suite): $3,580
Cost per person (six people): $597
Vakkaru Maldives
Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll in Maldives
Vakkaru Maldives sits on Baa Atoll in Maldives and has 4 restaurants, 2 bars, an over-water spa, an over-water gymnasium, a water sports area, a lounge, a reading area and extensive kid’s club activities. In the area you may find Onu (restaurant), The Organic Farm (garden), Isoletta (restaurant), Amaany (restaurant), Vakku (restaurant), Lagoon Bar and Merana Spa.
Approximate cost per night (beach spa pool villa): $1,056
Approximate cost per night (four-bedroom over-water pool residence): $20,810
Cost per person (eight people): $2,601
Any of the Maldives hotels found above are certain to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Maldives is a place unlike many on the planet as far as beauty is concerned. Such beauty indeed does come at a premium, though if you can get there, you most definitely should. Thank you very much for stopping by, and enjoy your time in the Maldives!
I’d love to visit 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. This underwater restaurant has caught my attention for over a year and I haven’t been able to go yet. I have been reading the opinions online about it and they all agree it’s awesome.
Another restaurant I’d like to visit is Canneli Restaurant.
Impressed by the beauty of Hurawalhi Island and the above visits I’d like to pay have made me decide Hurawalhi Island Resort is my best option. Thanks for this post!
Henry 5.8 Undersea Restaurant is a one-of-kind experience. Dining IN the ocean, you never know what kind of animals you might meet. Great choice in Hurawalhi Island Resort as well.
I have always been curious about the Maldives and found the information about its history and people to be fascinating! The resorts you listed look fantastic but very, very far from what we can afford. Do you happen to have any less expensive options?
This is a lot to ask, but is there an option that is less expensive but still on the water? Also, I see that the average temperature is in the 80’s, but in your opinion, when is the best time to visit the islands?
Colleen thank you for the comments 🙂 It will be tough to find 5 star accommodations in Maldives such as these at a lower price. Less expensive options may be found in Malé, the capital, but likely not on waters such as these unfortunately 🙁 Great questions and please stay tuned for information on Malé hotels.
The Dusit Thani Maldives looks absolutely breathtaking and I would love to visit, however I would have to get a group together to make that happen. Still it’s nice to dream. I can’t imagine being lucky enough to dine in a place like the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant on Hurawalhi Island, but I can work towards that one! Thanks for the beautiful post. It gives me something to wish for.
Tracy great choice in The Dusit Maldives. Please keep it in mind should luck change its course 😉
Well, it is hard to argue with the luxury of using the resorts in Maldives. But the climate condition over there seems like a genuine concern. Despite that however, they do have an interesting history.
Now, I have to admit, the resorts above are quite catchy and enchanting. The Hurawalhi Island Resort is absolutely breathtaking, almost as adorable as the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. But I prefer the Jumeirah Vittaveli. Its features are more appealing.
Thanks
Rhain you’re welcome and thank you for the input. Jumeirah Vittaveli’s features certainly are appealing and glad to hear that you found them to your liking.
Thanks a lot for such an amazing review about Maldives Hotels – A Guide and explanations are given.
Soon to be going to the Maldives on honeymoon. So I and my wife started looking for hotels to stay. I have read many articles but this is the best I have found. The best thing is I think South Male Atoll and we will definitely spend a night here.
Thanks again and keep in touch!
Razvanllie congratulations! Maldives will make for a perfect honeymoon, especially at South Male Atoll
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This is the first time I’m reading about these wonderful place. It’s always so stressful trying to find a good vacation spot when the time comes, but it’s great to know that there are dedicated people like you who take time to provide us with this information. I love how bright the rooms are; it gives the perfect beach vibes to anyone who is visiting.