No other country in the world does island opulence quite like the Maldives. While there’s a spectrum of accommodation offerings to choose from, the country is renowned for its selection of indulgent resorts and experiences, out-of-this-world villas, flashy yachts, and world-class dining.
Whether you’re looking for a private island, an extravagant overwater villa, or a sweet sample of Michelin restaurants to hop between, the Maldives entwines high-end luxury with modern escapism in a way that sets it apart from other tropical destinations.
The following resorts are the premier picks for ritzy-glitzy beach goers and lovers of the finer things in life.
Ritz Carlton Fari islands
Set within an integrated development – which means there are other resorts in the same vicinity that share a central precinct – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives takes a minimalist approach to luxury.
Honouring the global Ritz Carlton brand’s renowned penchant for indulgence and attention to detail, the resort’s waterfront villas are modern and spacious; simple ingredients are transformed by skilled chefs and mixologists; healing is guided by directional energy and nature is explored with respect and wonder.
Set above azure waters or nestled along beach coves, the villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands blend island living with modern design. Blurring the line between indoors and out, each villa offers water views, an infinity pool, a sundeck and the attention of an Aris Meeha personal butler.
The resort’s three islands and overwater quay serve as a base for discovering all the archipelago has to offer including five onsite restaurants and bars showcasing global cuisines, and two Fari Marina Village restaurants including an Asian food trailer and Lebanese grill.
Guests of the Ritz Carlton enjoy access to nine treatment rooms including a Spa suite, relaxation areas and a salon, Ritz Kids Club, Dive center, with a selection of watersports and underwater activities, 24-hour fitness center with yoga studio, sauna and steam room, as well as access to shopping, dining and entertainment at Fari Marina Village.
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi
Nestled among white sands and crystal blue waters, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort is a 45-minute yacht journey from Velana International Airport. From 11 celebrated dining venues, including Michelin starred chef Dave Pynt, Zuma Maldives and Terra, the only private hand-crafted bamboo dining pods in the Maldives, a world-class spa sanctuary, the first aqua wellness centre of its kind in the Maldives, and an exclusive private island, the resort offers luxury in the traditional sense and in the form of choice and freedom for guests.
An extension of the iconic Waldorf Astoria Maldives, Ithaafushi The Private Island is as exclusive and luxurious as it gets, anywhere in the world. It enjoys the title as the largest private island in the Maldives, and every aspect of the guest experience here has been meticulously designed.
Ithaafushi accommodates 24 guests across two elegant beach and overwater villas and one four-bedroom residence. Each boasts a refined, yet modern style accented with fine art, Maldivian charm, and world-class facilities.
Guests are free to explore the island by bicycle, enjoy a wealth of marine activities, take to the island’s state-of-the-art gym under the watchful eye of their own trainer, or relax with a bespoke spa treatment. In true Maldivian style, a 24-hour personal concierge is standing by to ensure every guest’s wish is seen to with expediency, discretion, and pizazz.
Gastronomical choices are limited only by imagination and appetite, with a private chef onsite to cater to every whim and offer exclusive, special occasion culinary programmes. Not to be left out of the Waldorf Astoria world entirely, guests can also take a three-minute boat ride to indulge in the island’s dazzling array of specialty restaurants and bars which include a Michelin-acclaimed dining innovator, delicacies from the Middle East, China and Japan, champagne to accompany the best ocean view in the world.
St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The epitome of sophistication, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort overlooks the alluring waves of the Indian Ocean. Its private lagoon, Iridium Spa, outdoor infinity pool, and six restaurants and bars promise nonpareil relaxation and contentment. Boasting refined furnishings and island-inspired design, each of the resort’s 33 on-land and 44 over-water villas promises picturesque ocean or garden views from private terraces and pools, with two private estates offering incomparable levels of luxury.
The resort’s venerable, overwater John Jacob Astor Estate boasts impeccable design, lavish amenities and panoramic views of the tropical ocean waves in the Maldives. This three-bedroom villa features a furnished terrace with a 92-square-meter private swimming pool framed by a plush daybed, sofas and sun loungers. Perched on the second floor, the lavish master bedroom is an exquisite haven that offers dramatic seascapes 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. Bay window seats and a wooden writing desk form an inviting workspace in the adjacent study. The ocean views continue in the marble bathroom, where double vanities showcase burnished fixtures and a 20-inch mirror with an embedded TV. The rainforest shower is enclosed by glass doors, and signature bath amenities ensure exceptional pampering.
Looking onto the pristine white-sand beaches and azure waves of the sea, the beautifully appointed ground-floor terrace boasts a 67-square-meter private swimming pool framed by sun loungers and a plush daybed. Delightful sea vistas are the highlight of the thoughtfully designed ground-floor bedrooms, welcoming retreats with lofty ceilings and ample natural lighting. Each room features a twin-size signature St. Regis Bed, with a 55-inch LCD television promising the latest entertainment. Meanwhile, each marble bathroom, complete with walk-in closet, exhibits meticulous design. A private wooden deck houses the outdoor shower with dual shower head, complemented by an indoor glass-enclosed rainforest shower. A separate deep soaking bathtub elevated by Remède bath amenities ensures unsurpassed pampering. Marble double vanities are enhanced by a 20-inch mirror-embedded LCD television and burnished fixtures.
