From watching mesmerising sunsets in your private infinity pool to swimming with mantas, drinking cocktails on deserted sandbanks, or fine dining with your feet in the sand, the Maldives – with its natural beauty, tropical climate, and unique geography – is imbued with iconic experiences that are rarely found elsewhere in the world.
If anywhere deserves to be called “a postcard destination”, it’s the Maldives. This is the home of white sand islets topped by tropical palms, strung like pearl necklaces above dreamy atolls amidst a seemingly endless turquoise ocean.
The following resorts capture that quintessentially Maldivian experience in luxurious settings, complemented by stellar service and state-of-the-art amenities. If you’re looking for a Maldives stay that looks like it’s straight from the pages of a travel magazine, they will ensure your island escape is everything you ever imagined.
Conrad Rangali
One of the experiences visitors to the Maldives always look forward to is encountering some of the beautiful marine life the region is famous for, especially mantas and whale sharks. Both majestic creatures are frequently sighted in the South Ari Atoll, and no-one allows guests to get up close and personal quite as well as Conrad Rengali. Year-round, guests can either embark on a private whale shark talk and excursion via speedboat or join a group adventure via luxury yacht.
The resort’s lagoon is home to two, much-loved resident manta rays, who enjoy putting on a show for guests – something that cannot be missed under a clear starry sky. Guests can also watch the big, beautiful creatures frolicking at Manta Point – which is just ten minutes away from the resort by boat. From December to March, it’s the perfect spot to snorkel, dive and enjoy the mantas company.
Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi promises guests harmony with the natural world, a sense of peace and tranquillity as constant as the ocean tides, and some iconic Maldivian views.
It is also a fantastic place to delve into the Maldives’ renowned underwater world at the resort’s onsite Paradise Dive Centre, a PADI-certified outlet that’s been recognised as one of the most environmentally responsible dive centres in Asia.
Many of the region’s most loved dive sites are at Gili Lankanfushi’s doorstep: Banana, HP, Rainbow Reef, Okobe Thila, Maagiri, and Manta Point. Multilingual instructors offer day and night dives and courses for all levels, giving guests the confidence and the know-how to take their passion to new levels (or depths). You can even join a science dive to collect data for the likes of SharkWatch and the Manta Trust!
Soneva Fushi
Both Soneva resorts in the Maldives – Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani – are curators of exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that truly embody the destination. From astronomical dinner cruise to sunset dolphin cruises, they showcase the islands in their best light.
One of their most iconic offerings is a memorable dinner on a private sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean. After meeting with you, Soneva Fushi’s executive chef will design a bespoke menu to suit your palate and your hosts will set up a beautiful table at the water’s edge. Think lanterns, champagne, the most magical sunset you’ve ever witnessed, and indulging in local delicacies with your feet in the sand!
Heritance Aarah
There’s possibly no accommodation offering more iconic to the Maldives than overwater villas. Throw in a private plunge pool and you’ve got yourself one of the most sought after, bucket-list villas in the world.
Set amidst the hypnotic sights and sounds of the sea, Heritance Aarah’s magnificent Ocean Suites offer true island bliss. Stargaze in your own plunge pool, unwind in the cosy living room or head upstairs and doze off to the rhythmic sounds of waves. Dive into luxury, dip your toes in the sea or soak in your very own pool. This is the Maldives you’ve always dreamed about.
