Top 15 Most Beautiful Places to Stay in the Maldives (Wonderful Gems for a Truly Magical Stay)

A Holiday of A Lifetime and/or the Perfect Honeymoon Destination

The Maldives has long been the symbol of barefoot luxury, but it’s also a place of simple pleasures — snorkeling with reef fish, watching the sunset turn the lagoon to gold, or walking along a sandbank that disappears with the tide.

Should you visit Maldives or Bora Bora?

Ah, the classic dilemma of choosing between Maldives and Bora Bora!

Both are stunning destinations, each with its own unique charm. However, Maldives does hold a certain special quality…and there is a multitude of stunning places to stay.  

Best Holidays in the Maldives Travel and Home

Dreaming of a holiday in the Maldives?

Searching for those hidden gems aren’t about chasing trophies—they exist to make you fall in love with the islands, one magical moment at a time.  Some of the other more known and popular places I can assure you, will also make you fall in love with the Maldives:

Soneva Fushi and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island are two of the Maldives’ most renowned luxury resorts. While they share a commitment to exceptional service and stunning natural surroundings, each offers unique experiences that cater to different preferences.

 

Shared Features:

  • Overwater Villas: Both resorts feature luxurious overwater accommodations, providing guests with direct access to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

  • Private Pools: Many villas at both resorts come equipped with private pools, ensuring guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in complete privacy.

  • Fine Dining: Guests can indulge in world-class dining experiences, with multiple restaurants offering a variety of cuisines to satisfy diverse palates.

  • Spa Services: Both resorts boast state-of-the-art spa facilities, offering a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate and relax guests.

  • Water Sports: Activities such as snorkeling, diving, and other water sports are readily available, allowing guests to explore the vibrant marine life of the Maldives.

1. Soneva Fushi

These eco friendly, spacious luxury villas at Soneva Fushi are hidden among dense foliage on a private island, located within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is a 30-minute seaplane transfer from Male International Airport.

2. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Set on 2 separate islands connected by a bridge, the luxurious Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers spacious private villas. It boasts the all-glass underwater Ithaa Restaurant and 2 award-winning spas.

Experience the culture

Here you will find a mix of Sri Lankan, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, and African influences. This makes for very interesting cuisine choices. 

TRAVEL TIP:  We definitely recommend that you attend at least one music and dance performance which is combined with local cuisine.   Often these events are arranged by the resort itself.

maldives hotel

Accommodation - Where to stay in the Maldives

Known for its clear emerald waters and beautiful beaches, the Maldives definitely has it all for both budgets.  For example beautiful hotels for those on strict budgets and for those looking for a more luxurious lifestyle there are loads of luxurious bungalow resorts right in the middle of the ocean.  Also, the overwater bungalows are all in different price ranges, so there is literally something for everyone.

Popular places to stay in the Maldives – according to our travelers:

Pick and Click

All price ranges:  These are popular with travelers and received good ratings from guests:

3. Meeru Island Resort & Spa

4. Equator Village Resort

5.Thundi Guest House

6. Embudu Village Resort

7. Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

8. Kuramathi Maldives

Luxury Resort Accommodation in the Maldives

9. Soneva Jani Resort – Maldives

If you are looking for a luxury resort, you cannot go wrong with the Soneva Jani Resort.  Beautifully designed interiors and spectacular views will make you want to stay forever.

“Trying to figure out how long to stay in the Maldives? I’d say 4 to 5 days is the sweet spot to soak in the beauty and still have time to relax. If your budget allows, a week or more is even better—you won’t regret it.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of the ocean, breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see, all from your own bungalow. Everything you need is right there. A walk-in mini-bar with an espresso machine, an open-air bathroom with direct lagoon access, and a retractable roof in the master bedroom.

For lazy days, take a dip in your private pool—or, if your bungalow has one, slide straight from the top floor into the lagoon. It’s perfect for families or friends looking for a holiday that’s fun, relaxing, and completely unforgettable.”  – Jo-Anne Naude

Soneva Jani Noonu Atoll Maldives

“The main building at the resort has a Spa, gift shop, and a water sports and dive center, and the resort has its very own overwater silent cinema.  Oh, and I forgot to say that the bungalow has glass floor windows into the lagoon.

They also have various dining options as well as a complimentary cheese room…. yes, you heard correctly.  A Cheese Room and a Chocolate Room and an Ice-cream Room.  Need I say more? ”  Jo-Anne Naude

Travel Tip:  Do all your shopping before going to the island or resort.  And when making your booking, do an all-inclusive booking.

Soneva Jani Maldives - You can book direct with booking.com using this link

If you're wondering where to stay, we recommend the beautiful Soneva Jani Resort as a consideration.

If you’re going all out for luxury and award winning places, you’ll find more fabulous options on our website…

Going to the Maldives for a Honeymoon or a Family Holiday or even as a bunch of friends living out their dream – There are no limits.  

lankanfushi

10. Gili Lankanfushi Resort

Another beautiful 5 Star Resort is Gili Lankanfushi, offering luxury accommodation.

“Enjoy premium wine and gourmet chocolate at The Wine Cellar and Underground Chocolate Cave. By the Sea, Restaurant serves fusion and Japanese cuisine. The Main Restaurant and Bar offers international buffet spreads.” – booking.com

Meeru 1

11. Meeru Island Resort and Spa

A blend of family-friendly atmosphere, and authentic island charm:

Meeru Island Resort and Spa has a private beach area and bike hire is available, so you’ll have plenty to do. You can engage in various activities, such as golfing, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Male International Airport is only 37 km from the property.  

Meeru caters to families with its dedicated kids’ playroom, supervised children’s activities, and a children’s pool. The resort also offers babysitting services, allowing parents to enjoy some downtime.

You can’t go wrong:  The Duniye Spa at Meeru offers a tranquil setting for relaxation, featuring overwater treatment rooms, a zen garden, and a range of treatments including aromatherapy and Ayurvedic therapies. Guests can unwind with massages, facials, and other rejuvenating services.

12. The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

13. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

14. Bandos Maldives

The Maldives on a budget

If you’re watching your budget, staying at a charming guesthouse or a smaller, beautifully appointed hotel can be just as magical as the big resorts. You’ll still wake up to stunning ocean views, enjoy local charm, and experience the Maldives’ beauty—without the hefty price tag.

With this in mind also consider your options for an “all-inclusive” resort or hotel stay.  These reservations often include drinks and food, which will make life much easier.  Considering how expensive travel could be, it might be cheaper in some cases to stay at a place where everything is available and you then don’t have to add extra traveling costs.

Furthermore booking between April and the end of May might also save you some money as this is out of ‘peak season’, but remember you might get more rainy weather.

15. JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

The JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is an exceptional choice for solo travelers seeking a blend of luxury, tranquility, and personalized experiences.

The resort’s tranquil setting, luxurious accommodations, and personalized services create an ideal environment for solo travelers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and a touch of adventure.

BONUS:  Places like Fulhadhoo Beach Cottage are perfect for anyone who dreams of waking up right on the sand. Imagine making your own coffee, stepping out onto the balcony, and letting the gentle sound of the waves set the pace for the day. It’s a fabulous and simple kind of magic—no rush, just you, the beach, and the turquoise ocean stretching out before you.  (It is also a perfect couples retreat.)

Best time to visit the Maldives

Obviously, you will expect a warm tropical climate and that is exactly what you will get with average weather between 24°C to 31°C year-round.  However, the best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April.

The time from January to April is the dry season, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at the resorts, but also the best time to go should you be thinking of the perfect holiday weather. The high season falls between December and March.

Keeping in mind that the monsoon runs from May to October, peaking around June when you book your stay.  Yes, you might get some rainy days in the Maldives.  It is not always sunshiny days, so be prepared.

Top 20 best excursions and Tours in the Maldives

It is all ready for you to just enjoy. All inclusive tours and trips to the magical Maldives, arranged by trusted tour operators.

International Airport - How to get there:

Male International Airport Guide (Maldives) – Valana International Airport, Male, Maldives 

Male International Airport (IATA: MLE, ICAO: VRMM) is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, near the capital island Male.

From here you will be able to take a boat to the Capital city (Male) or directly to many of the resorts.  Should you be staying further away, they also have inter-island flights available.  But do ask your hotel or resort if they have airport transfer as most of them do.

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Things to do in the Maldives

Feeling all alone on an island and looking for things to do in the Maldives? Book some of these activities. From walking tours and snorkeling to culture trips and food experiences. Romantic beach dinners and professional photo shoots, private tours and night fishing, and many more...

Things to do

Book your flights:

  • The main activity in the Maldives is water sports. For example, there is Kayaking, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, wake-boarding, kite-surfing, scuba diving, and more.
  • Enjoy your resort/hotel.  The Maldives is all about the activities in and around the water and the resorts.  Enjoying fabulous days at your villa or hotel is often a dream holiday for many.  This might be the perfect time to read that book or catch up on your suntan.
  • Visit a spa and get some royal treatment.
  • A sunset dinner experiencing the local culture is a must-do while you’re there.
  • Visit Male fish and local market.
  • Go on a walking tour of the towns or join a local culture tour.

You can book the above and more with the link below:

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