Home - Award-Winning Travel Gems - 26 Award-Winning Maldives Luxury Resorts You’ll Want to Bookmark
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The Maldives isn’t just a destination—it’s a mood, a rhythm, a slow exhale. And when it comes to choosing where to stay, the stakes are high and the options dazzling. That’s where the World Travel Awards come in, crowning the crème de la crème of Maldives luxury resorts each year. In this guide, we’re diving into the 2024 winners—not just the resorts themselves, but the islands they call home. Because in the Maldives, the setting is half the story. Whether you’re chasing romance, reef adventures, or barefoot serenity, this list will help you find your perfect slice of paradise.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Baa Atoll is one of the Maldives’ most treasured regions, and not just for its postcard-perfect beauty. It’s officially recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means its marine ecosystems are protected and thriving. At the heart of it all is Hanifaru Bay, a legendary spot where manta rays and whale sharks gather in mesmerizing numbers during the season—it’s like nature’s own underwater ballet. The resorts here, including Vakkaru, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu (see below), and Soneva Fushi, tend to lean into sustainability and slow luxury. You’ll find barefoot elegance, reef restoration programs, and experiences that invite you to connect deeply with the ocean, not just admire it from afar.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Hotel Suite 2024, Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Suite 2024 & Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Baa Atoll is a protected marine area known for its manta ray gatherings and vibrant coral gardens. Vakkaru sits on a lush coconut plantation island, surrounded by turquoise waters and soft sandbanks that shift with the tides.
Best Time to Visit: December to March for peak visibility and manta ray sightings.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is perfect for multi-gen families or groups who want privacy without compromise. The Baa Atoll location means world-class diving, and the residence itself is a rare blend of space, style, and serenity.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Green Resort 2024
Location: Dhuni Kolhu Island
Location Vibe: Dhuni Kolhu is a lush, jungle-draped island in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The air smells of frangipani and sea salt, and the beaches are dotted with nesting turtles. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is the kind of place where nature leads and luxury follows.
Best Time to Visit: May to October for vibrant greenery and turtle nesting season.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is a haven for eco-conscious travelers. Solar panels, coral restoration, and partnerships with marine biologists make every stay feel meaningful. It’s rustic in the best way—think open-air showers, barefoot dinners, and the kind of silence that soothes your soul.
If you’re after Maldives luxury resorts with a twist of adventure and authenticity, Raa Atoll delivers in spades. It’s wild, wondrous, and just remote enough to feel like your own private discovery.
Raa Atoll—also known as Northern Maalhosmadulu—is tucked away in the northern Maldives, about 150 km northwest of Malé. It’s separated from Baa Atoll by a narrow channel called Hani Kandu, but it has a vibe all its own.
This region is a magnet for marine lovers and slow travelers alike. Think drift dives through deep blue channels, coral gardens teeming with life, and luxury resorts like Emerald Maldives, Kudafushi, and Joali that blend indulgence with nature.
Why you’ll fall for Raa Atoll:
Island abundance—With 88 islands and only about 15 inhabited, there’s plenty of untouched shoreline to explore.
Diving drama—The outer ridge drops deep, attracting pelagic fish and offering thrilling dive conditions.
Snorkeling serenity—The inner islands sit on shallow plateaus, perfect for coral growth and lazy lagoon swims.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2024
Location: Maamigili Island
Location Vibe: Maamigili Island is surrounded by a wide lagoon and coral reefs that sparkle in the sun. The island is dotted with coconut palms and hibiscus blooms, and the vibe is playful, colorful, and full of life.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for beach days and reef adventures.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is all about freedom and fun. With a “Freedom™” all-inclusive concept, guests enjoy unlimited dining, wellness, and watersports. Cora Cora Maldives is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers who want vibrant energy and zero stress.
Bonus: The island has its own museum showcasing Maldivian history.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Luxury Villa Resort 2024
Location: Fasmendhoo Island, Raa Atoll
Location Vibe: Fasmendhoo Island is a tropical gem in the Raa Atoll, surrounded by a wide lagoon and coral reefs that shimmer in every shade of blue. The island itself is spacious and green, with winding paths through palm groves and hibiscus blooms.
Best Time to Visit: December to April for sun-drenched days and vibrant reef life.
Why It’s Special: Emerald is one of the most versatile Maldives luxury resorts—perfect for families, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike. Choose from beach villas or overwater sanctuaries, each with private pools and sweeping views. With four restaurants, a diving center, and a spa that feels like a jungle hideaway, it’s a full sensory experience.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Kothaifaru Island is a hidden gem in the Raa Atoll, surrounded by untouched reefs and dense tropical forest. The island is quiet, wild, and deeply connected to nature—perfect if you want to unplug and breathe.
Best Time to Visit: May to October for lush greenery and quiet beaches.
Why It’s Special: Alila Kothaifaru is one of the most sustainable Maldives luxury resorts. Solar energy, zero-waste initiatives, and reef conservation are woven into the guest experience. The architecture blends seamlessly with the landscape, and the spa is tucked into the jungle canopy for a truly immersive escape.
The waters are less trafficked, making it ideal for diving, snorkeling, and privacy.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2024
Location: Velaa Private Island is one of the most elite Maldives luxury resorts. No wonder then that the island was awarded by the prestigious World Travel Awards as the Indian Ocean’s Leading Private Island Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Velaa Private Island is a secluded sanctuary in the Noonu Atoll, surrounded by sapphire waters and coral reefs that feel untouched. The island is meticulously landscaped, with hidden gardens, quiet beaches, and architecture that blends into nature.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for ultra-luxe privacy and perfect diving conditions.
Why It’s Special: The Velaa Private Residence is one of the most exclusive Maldives luxury resorts. With four bedrooms, a private beach, a spa room, and a dedicated team of staff, it’s designed for royalty—or anyone who wants to live like one. It’s a place where every detail is curated, and every moment feels cinematic.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Noonu Atoll is one of the Maldives’ northern gems—remote, pristine, and rich in biodiversity. Cheval Blanc Randheli is spread across five islands, each with its own character. Expect jungle paths, hidden beaches, and waters so still they reflect the sky like glass.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for calm seas and golden light.
Why It’s Special: This is not just a resort—it’s a sanctuary. From bespoke spa rituals to private dhoni excursions, every detail is tailored to your rhythm. Cheval Blanc Randheli is ideal for honeymooners, aesthetes, and anyone who believes luxury should feel like art.
This is the most accessible atoll, home to Malé (capital), vibrant marine life, top dive sites like Banana Reef, and a mix of luxury and budget resorts.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Most Romantic Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Bodu Hithi is a lush, heart-shaped island surrounded by a vibrant reef and a calm lagoon. The air is thick with the scent of tropical flowers, and the beaches curve gently into the sea like a soft embrace. It’s close enough to Malé for easy access, yet far enough to feel secluded.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for candlelit dinners and coral-colored sunsets.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is all about intimacy. Coco Bodu Hithi
Coco Bodu Hithi‘s villas are spacious and sensual, with private pools and ocean views. Couples can enjoy floating breakfasts, sunset cruises, and spa rituals designed for two. It’s a place where romance isn’t just encouraged—it’s inevitable. Ideal for honeymooners!
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Bandos is one of the closest islands to Malé, yet it boasts a house reef that rivals the outer atolls. The island is ringed by coral gardens and drop-offs, making it a diver’s paradise. The vibe is laid-back, with palm-shaded paths and breezy beach bars.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for peak dive conditions.
Why It’s Special: Bandos is one of the most accessible Maldives luxury resorts for diving. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the dive center offers everything from reef dives to night dives. It’s also family-friendly, with spacious villas and a strong sense of community.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Resort 2024 & Maldives’ Leading Luxury Resort 2024
Location: Madivaru Island
Location Vibe: Madivaru is a lush, oval-shaped island surrounded by a wide turquoise lagoon and a vibrant coral reef. The island’s name means “marine life,” and it delivers—expect dolphins at dawn, reef sharks in the shallows, and sunsets that melt into the sea.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for spa days and snorkeling bliss.
Why It’s Special: VARU by Atmosphere is one of the most versatile Maldives luxury resorts, blending contemporary design with island charm. It’s all-inclusive, spa-awarded, and perfect for couples or families who want indulgence without fuss. The overwater villas are sleek and spacious, and the spa—recognized by TripAdvisor—is a sanctuary of calm.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Boutique Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Huvafen Fushi feels worlds away. The island is fringed by a vibrant house reef and backed by coconut palms swaying in the breeze. The water here glows neon blue at dusk, and the sand is so fine it squeaks underfoot.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for calm seas and stargazing.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is for the design lover, the wellness seeker, and if you’re looking for something truly unique. Huvafen Fushi Maldives’ intimate, artistic, and effortlessly chic—with a reef that’s alive with color and a vibe that whispers “you’ve arrived.”
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Baros is one of the closest islands to Malé, yet it feels worlds away. The island is small, intimate, and surrounded by a legendary house reef that’s perfect for snorkeling right from your villa. The water here is a surreal shade of aquamarine, and the sunsets are cinematic.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for clear skies and reef visibility.
Why It’s Special: Baros is a pioneer among Maldives luxury resorts, known for its timeless elegance and impeccable service. The water villas are iconic—each with direct lagoon access and panoramic views. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants to feel like the only person on Earth.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Just a 10-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Kurumba is the original Maldives resort—and still one of the most vibrant. The island is fringed with coconut palms and lively beaches, and the lagoon is calm enough for kids to splash safely while parents sip cocktails nearby.
Best Time to Visit: December to March for family-friendly weather and smooth seas.
Why It’s Special: Kurumba is one of the most welcoming Maldives luxury resorts for families. With kids’ clubs, cultural shows, and multi-bedroom villas, it’s designed for connection and comfort. It’s also a great choice for first-time visitors who want easy access without sacrificing beauty.
Famous for whale sharks, manta rays, and top-tier diving spots, South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is a marine protected area with a mix of luxury resorts and vibrant coral reefs.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel 2024
Location Vibe: Conrad spans two islands connected by a 500-meter footbridge over a shallow lagoon. One island is quiet and romantic; the other is lively and family-friendly. The surrounding waters are home to whale sharks, manta rays, and coral gardens that shimmer like stained glass.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for diving and dreamy skies.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is home to the world’s first underwater residence—The Muraka—where you can sleep surrounded by reef life. With 12 dining options, including an underwater restaurant and a spa that floats above the sea, it’s a place where innovation meets indulgence.
Bonus: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is also the home to the Indian Ocean’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2024, namely Ufaa by Jereme Leung. Book well in advance! Remember the underwater restaurant mentioned above? Well, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island walked away with the coveted title as Maldives’ Best Culinary Experience 2024. Again, book well in advance!
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Beach Resort 2024
Location: Thudufushi Island
Location Vibe: Thudufushi is a postcard-perfect island with powdery white sand and lush greenery that feels almost untouched. The lagoon is so clear you can spot stingrays from the jetty, and the surrounding reef is a snorkeler’s dream—vibrant, shallow, and teeming with life.
Best Time to Visit: December to March for peak beach bliss.
Why It’s Special: Diamonds Thudufushi is one of those Maldives luxury resorts that feels like a secret. It’s quiet, intimate, and perfect for couples who want to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
Bonus: The marine biologist on-site offers guided snorkeling tours that turn every swim into a discovery.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2024
Location: Huvahendhoo Island
Location Vibe: Huvahendhoo is a tiny coral island surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life. The resort sits on the edge of a protected reef, where baby sharks and parrotfish glide through crystal-clear shallows. The air is warm and salty, and the sunsets paint the sky in sherbet tones.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for dry skies and dreamy sunsets.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is perfect if you’re looking for zero stress and maximum indulgence. Think champagne breakfasts, spa treatments with ocean views, and a house reef that’s basically an underwater museum. Lily Beach Resort & Spa is family-friendly, honeymoon-perfect, and ideal for anyone craving a seamless escape.
Smaller and less developed than North Malé Atoll, but known for tranquility, easy access, and excellent diving
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Leisure Hotel 2024
Location Vibe: Anantara Veli lies on a peaceful island surrounded by a shallow lagoon and coral gardens. The nearby sister islands offer variety—one for dining, one for diving, and one for spa indulgence. The vibe is calm, restorative, and deeply romantic.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for wellness and water clarity.
Why It’s Special: This adults-only Maldives luxury resort is ideal for couples and solo travelers seeking serenity. With yoga pavilions, Ayurvedic treatments, and villas that open directly to the sea, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort is a place to slow down and reconnect—with yourself and the ocean.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Island Resort 2024 & Maldives’ Best Resort Spa 2024
Location Vibe: Ithaafushi spans three interconnected islands, offering a rare blend of grandeur and intimacy. The setting is cinematic—white sand beaches, lush tropical gardens, and a lagoon so expansive it feels like your own private ocean. The resort is accessible by yacht or speedboat, adding a dash of drama to your arrival.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for ultra-luxe privacy and perfect diving conditions.
Why It’s Special: This is one of the most opulent Maldives luxury resorts, with 11 dining venues, a world-class spa, and villas that redefine indulgence. Whether you’re sipping champagne in your infinity pool or dining in a treetop restaurant, every moment feels curated. It’s ideal for those who want the Maldives at its most extravagant.
Bonus: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is also the home to the Indian Ocean’s Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant 2024, namely The Ledge. Book well in advance!
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2024. Bonus: it’s TripAdvisor’s No. 1 All-Inclusive Hotel in the world for 2023. Plus, it was voted as one of the Top 10 Hotels in the World by the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. So you know it delivers.
Location: Bolifushi Island
Location Vibe: Bolifushi Island is just a short speedboat ride from Malé, yet it feels like a secluded sanctuary. The island is fringed with powdery beaches and a lagoon so calm it mirrors the sky. Coconut palms sway over shaded pathways, and the reef nearby is alive with turtles and reef sharks.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for sun-drenched days and calm seas.
Why It’s Special: The Royal RESERVE is a private world within a world—complete with its own beach, spa pavilion, and even a personal butler and chef. This Maldives luxury resort is ideal for milestone celebrations or anyone craving total privacy with five-star flair.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Boutique Resort 2024
Location: Makunufushi Island
Location Vibe: Makunufushi is a slender sandbank island with a dreamy, elongated shape that makes it feel like you’re walking on water. The resort’s dhoni-shaped villas stretch out over the lagoon, and the surrounding reef is gentle, shallow, and full of color.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for yoga at sunrise and snorkeling at noon.
Why It’s Special: COMO Cocoa Island is wellness-focused, minimalist, and deeply serene. This Maldives luxury resort is perfect for slow travelers who want to meditate, dive, and dine on nourishing cuisine. It’s boutique in size but grand in experience—ideal for honeymooners and seekers of quiet beauty.
About 140 to 150km southwest of Malé (Southwest-central Maldives), you’ll find secluded islands, vibrant coral reefs, and luxury resorts in the Dhallu Atoll region. Dhaalu Atoll is especially great for travelers seeking seclusion, marine biodiversity, and design-forward resorts. It’s less crowded than the central atolls, making it ideal for slow travel and eco-conscious escapes.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2024. Bonus: In 2023, it was crowned by TripAdvisor as one of the Best Hotels with Spas.
Location Vibe: Dhaalu Atoll is known for its untouched beauty and vibrant marine life. Vilu Reef sits on a teardrop-shaped island with a lagoon so clear you can see the coral from the air. The reef is just steps away, and the island’s interior is a mix of tropical blooms and swaying palms.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for snorkeling, spa days, and sun-kissed serenity.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is ideal for water lovers. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef’s overwater villas are spacious and serene, with direct access to the reef and private decks for sunset lounging. Add in a top-rated spa and warm, welcoming staff, and you’ve got a recipe for bliss.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Vommuli Island is a lush, teardrop-shaped island in the Dhaalu Atoll, surrounded by coral reefs and deep blue waters. The island’s design is inspired by nature—manta rays, whales, and shells—and the vibe is modern, artistic, and deeply luxurious.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for diving, dining, and design indulgence.
Why It’s Special: This Maldives luxury resort is a design lover’s dream. From the Iridium Spa shaped like a lobster shell to the Whale Bar overlooking the ocean, every space is a visual delight. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is perfect for travelers who want cutting-edge luxury with a soulful twist.
Haa Alifu Atoll is a dream if you’re craving:
A dose of culture—Think ancient mosques, old trade routes, and island life that still beats to a traditional rhythm. It’s the Maldives with soul.
True seclusion—Way fewer resorts, way more untouched nature. You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret the world forgot to claim.
Wild marine magic—Over 80% coral coverage, deep channels, and reefs that burst with life. It’s like diving into a living kaleidoscope.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Honeymoon Resort 2024
Location: Dhonakulhi Island
Location Vibe: Located in the far north of the Maldives, Dhonakulhi Island is a secluded haven with sugar-fine sand, lush tropical vegetation, and one of the most vibrant house reefs in the region. It’s near Utheemu, a culturally significant island with deep historical roots, adding a layer of depth to your stay.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for romantic sunsets and reef adventures.
Why It’s Special: Hideaway Beach is one of the most intimate Maldives luxury resorts, perfect for couples wanting privacy and indulgence. Villas are spaced far apart for maximum seclusion, and the resort offers everything from castaway picnics to starlit movie nights. The house reef is a snorkeler’s dream, and the spa rituals are designed to soothe body and soul. It’s romance with a touch of adventure—and a whole lot of magic.
🏆 Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Tucked away in the northernmost reaches of the Maldives, Manafaru feels like a secret whispered across the sea. The island is lush and remote, surrounded by deep blue waters and coral gardens that stretch for miles. Dolphins often play in the distance, and the sunsets here are pure gold.
Best Time to Visit: November to April for dry skies and romantic stargazing.
Why It’s Special: JA Manafaru is one of those Maldives luxury resorts that seems tailor-made for love. With private beach villas, overwater suites, and candlelit dinners on the sand, it’s a honeymooner’s dream. Add in a wine cellar hidden underground and a spa that opens to the ocean, and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable romance.
North Ari Atoll is a diver’s paradise. Its marine biodiversity boasts reef sharks, eagle rays, and vibrant coral gardens. Local culture can be found on islands like Rasdhoo and Thoddoo offering authentic village life alongside resort luxury. The North Ari Atoll region is ideal if you want both high-end comfort and a meaningful connection.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Villa Resort 2024
Location Vibe: Halaveli Island is shaped like a curved sandbar, with a long jetty stretching into the lagoon like a ribbon. The surrounding waters are rich with coral and marine life, and the island itself is quiet, green, and deeply serene.
Best Time to Visit: December to March for diving and dreamy skies.
Why It’s Special: Constance Halaveli is a classic among Maldives luxury resorts, known for its spacious villas—each with a private plunge pool and ocean views. It’s ideal for travelers who want privacy, elegance, and access to some of the best dive sites in the region. The wine cellar and fine dining add a touch of European flair to island living.
Lhaviyani Atoll lies between Baa and Noonu Atolls, boasting fifty-four islands of which only four are inhabited by locals (Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo, Olhuvelifushi). These four islands are home to Maldivian communities, with schools, mosques, and local governance. On the other hand, you have resort-inhabited islands, such as Kanifushi Island, which is developed exclusively for tourism, with staff accommodations and guest facilities, but no permanent local population or civic infrastructure. Resorts offer a mix of ultra-luxury and mid-range accommodations, many with strong sustainability credentials, like Atmosphere Kanifushi, which we feature below.
Lhaviyani Atoll is known for exceptional house reefs (Kuredu, Hurawalhi, Le Meridien) and for the Maldives’ only tuna canning factory (Felivaru). It’s home to an abundance of marine life, including stingrays, green sea turtles, and healthy hard coral systems.
🏆 Maldives’ Leading Family Resort 2024
Location: Kanifushi Island
Location Vibe: Kanifushi Island is a long, narrow stretch of paradise in the Lhaviyani Atoll, surrounded by a wide lagoon and coral reefs that shimmer in every shade of blue. The island is sparsely populated, giving it a peaceful, untouched feel. Palm trees sway over powdery beaches, and the air is filled with the scent of salt and hibiscus.
Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry skies, calm seas, and family-friendly fun.
Why It’s Special: Atmosphere Kanifushi is one of the most welcoming Maldives luxury resorts for families. With spacious villas, a kids’ club, and a wide range of activities—from snorkeling to cooking classes. This premium all-inclusive resort is designed for connection and comfort.
While prices fluctuate based on season, route, and booking timing, a few airlines consistently show up with budget-friendly fares to Malé (MLE), especially when booked in advance or during off-peak months:
China Eastern Airlines – Often offers some of the lowest round-trip fares from major cities like Los Angeles, with one-stop routes through Asia.
IndiGo Airlines – A low-cost carrier based in India, frequently used for regional connections to the Maldives, especially from South Asia.
SriLankan Airlines – Offers competitive pricing from Europe and Asia, especially when paired with regional carriers like IndiGo.
Gulf Air – Occasionally features affordable fares from the Middle East with connections through Bahrain.
Qatar Airways & Emirates – While not “budget” airlines, they sometimes offer surprisingly low fares during sales or off-season, especially if you’re flying from Europe or using miles to upgrade.
From remote atolls to reef-fringed hideaways, these award-winning Maldives luxury resorts offer more than just a place to sleep—they’re gateways to unforgettable experiences. And if you’re still dreaming, don’t worry: There’s plenty more Maldives content waiting for you in the Travel and Home Library gallery below.
Have you stayed at any of these resorts—or are there others you think deserve the spotlight? Drop a comment and let’s swap travel stories. I’d love to hear which island stole your heart.
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