Even at the very top end of the market, the best luxury Maldives holidays are to be had in resorts that perfectly blend what the Maldives itself has to offer with the finest creature comforts the rest of the world has to offer. A few of the luxury Maldives resorts provide a rich and beautiful built environment that somehow removes the guest from the wonderful natural environment. It is as if the amazing view through the room's floor to ceiling glass wall or the stunning sightline through the Michelin-starred restaurant and out over the swimming pool is all you'll actually need.
Some great resorts are just unlucky in not having an accessible or half-decent house reef. Or they might have a beach erosion problem. Or they might be trying to turn around an island that wasn't built as a five star resort. But other resorts are lucky with their geography and beautifully built and superbly well-run. This is my list of those Top7 Luxury Maldives Resorts.
Every one of them is in the top price bracket but each is very different in their own way and that is the beauty of the Maldives. You take what your island gives you and show it off to the best of your ability in harmony with your own vision and philosophy.
Take Cocoa Island, for example. Essentially it is little more than a large sandbank in a beautiful lagoon and surrounding house reef. Christina Ong and her team have taken it and created the most peaceful, zen-like, resort in the country. All the rooms are over water (and the one room villas are among my favourite) so you glide over to land only to eat and drink, walk the long beach and visit the destination spa.
In contrast, Soneva Fushi is on one of the largest of all resort islands and so has been able to offer extraordinary variety, from a restaurant in the tree-tops beside the observatory to al fresco lunches created by a chef in the vegetable and herb garden; from cinema nights on the beach to a large new kids' club and a destination spa with visiting gurus. And all delivered in the rustic chic style that brings you close to nature and keeps you there.
Park Hyatt Hadahaa delivers something different again. A small island like Cocoa but this time a perfect circle with an unmatched softness of deep sand running all the way around. Beyond that, an encircling reef that is almost unmatched for its corals. The high design hospitality company, Alila, built the resort before it was taken over by Park Hyatt. The rooms are exquisite and the public area is expansive and breath-taking. Yet this resort was built from concept forward as a green resort, and it is certified as such. Who says you can't have it all?
Maldives resorts vary hugely in size, geography, style and management. When you're looking for luxury Maldives holidays you want all of these to come together at the highest level. it's a big ask but a few resorts absolutely deliver this, at a price.
The allure of tiny Gangehi is something to do with the experienced owner, her loyal staff, the unrivalled cuisine, and pretty beaches. All-inclusive, even the fine diving.
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There are a couple of key Maldives experiences that Soneva Gili doesn't really do well, yet I would rather holiday here than almost anywhere else in the country. It’s no surprise to me it was named Most Romantic Resort in the Maldives 2013.
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Reborn as a place for affordable luxury. It is perfect for families, with a kid's club, innovative activities, a great pool and good food. Your in good hands here.
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The dream of opulent splendour, surrounded by breath-taking design. Experience indulgent cuisine and the underwater spa at one of the finest resorts in The Maldives.
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Striving towards the very best, with personalised butler service, glamorous old-style rooms, and plenty of natural space for a completely private holiday with the family.
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New resort with a wide choice of rooms, ideally situated on this handsome island. Promises seclusion and varied and unspoilt dive sites due to remote location.
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A Presidential Suite for actual presidents, Jumeirah's reputation brings 6 star luxury to the latest, greatest atoll for new resorts. This is getting away from everything and everywhere yet still remaining perfectly pampered.
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Six star luxury and service is evident everywhere on this once small island just a few minutes speedboat ride from the airport. A great kids' club makes this a family friendly resort too.
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Unspoilt beach, a vast lagoon to play in, wrecks and dolphins nearby, and superior kids’ club, service, dining and spa – there’s pleasure for all on this luxurious island.
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Italian resort with a friendly atmosphere. Unusual buildings in layout and style, but inclusive buzz and idyllic setting for tasty, candlelit supper more than compensate.
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The perfect place to do as little as possible. Small, affable and quiet, it is first choice for those desiring laid back relaxation, as well as satisfying the underwater obsessions.
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An all new, premium all-inclusive resort. The same qualities of snorkeling, diving and fun, with the added beauty of setting, cuisine and service.
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A mecca for divers, great for honeymooners as well as for children, rewarding for foodies and spa aficionados, All delivered with a quality of service notable even for the Maldives.
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Coral, thatch, sand, coconut wood – this 5-star reflects masterfully the essence of Maldives. Find heavenly rooms and a consumate spa on this classy, all-Italian resort.
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A small, pretty place for the quiet pleasures of life. Diving and snorkeling, fine service and good food in a beautiful, classic Maldives setting.
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Italian style resort with luxuriant gardens and large, delightful rooms. Nika provides undisturbed intimacy, each hidden room with its own private beach or large deck.
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Thoughtful design, right down to the mood music, on a beautiful island. So much to keep you active. Great for families as well as young couples and honeymooners.
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Constructed island exquisitely designed down to gorgeous detail in rooms, menus, gym and spa. They love children. Man-made luxury, with natural features yet to catch up.
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Palm Beach has come to an old island without disturbing the wonderful wide beaches and pretty interior. It is well-run, with a laid back approach to its ample activities.
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Opened in August 2009, luxurious Alila sets new standards for ecological design. Located in the biggest, most beautiful atoll, it promises great new dive sites, enriching local encounters and service to match the best.
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New resort on a new atoll bringing an easy-going club feel to a near-perfect island. Great snorkeling, great food, great facilities and great fun.
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Adrian Neville lived in the Maldives and writes the definitive guide book: "Resorts of Maldives", now in its fifth edition. Having tirelessly reviewed every single resort, he is now continually asked ‘which is the best Maldives Hotel for my holiday
or vacation
?’ Enter SevenHolidays.com – his comprehensive independent guide to Maldives holidays
and how to book your perfect holiday. We cover everything from the cheap island resorts through to the luxury five star Maldives resorts