From A-list Favorites to the Ultimate Robinson Crusoe Experience
With its stunning white sands, swaying palm trees, and crystalline waters, the Maldives is a paradise for luxury travellers. This archipelago, composed of over 1,200 coral islands and sandbars, is a beacon for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and opulent accommodations.
The Maldives offers a spectrum of luxurious experiences, each promising unparalleled service, exquisite dining, and unique features that cater to every whim and desire. Whether you seek solitude, sustainability, culinary excellence, relaxation, or an authentic island experience, these top five resorts deliver the epitome of luxury in this tropical paradise. Here, we explore the top five luxury hotels that promise an unforgettable escape.
1. One&Only Reethi Rah: A Sanctuary of Space and Seclusion.
One&Only Reethi Rah, a name that resonates with luxury and exclusivity, has set the standard for upscale resorts in the Maldives since it opened in 2005. This resort offers unparalleled service with a staff-to-guest ratio of around three to one. Guests are often repeat visitors, drawn back by the impeccable service, the manicured sandy paths, and the exquisite private villas.
Each villa features a private pool, hammock, day-bed, and even a personal beach. Dining options are diverse and exceptional, from treetop dinners to gourmet Japanese cuisine that attracts a nightly visit from a family of sharks. The spa, with its extensive menu and serene garden leading to the sea, ensures a state of bliss long after treatments conclude.
Rates: From £1,662 a night B&B plus tax.
2. Joali: Design and Sustainability in Harmony.
Located in the Raa Atoll, Joali is a relatively new addition to the Maldives’ luxury scene, opening in 2018. Its villas, with rose-gold accents and pastel interiors, exude elegance and spaciousness. The resort emphasizes sustainability, featuring a reef restoration project and organic produce grown in its garden.
Joali’s commitment to empowering local women and supporting community projects sets it apart. Guests can enjoy dining at various restaurants, including a Japanese venue suspended over water and Middle Eastern cuisine that reflects the owner’s Turkish heritage. Joali Being, its wellness-focused sister property, is just a speedboat ride away, offering comprehensive wellness treatments.
Rates: From £1,800 a night B&B.
3. Patina Maldives: A Culinary and Artistic Haven.
Patina Maldives, located in the newly formed Fari Islands, offers a cosmopolitan experience unlike any other. It shares its archipelago with a Ritz-Carlton and an upcoming Capella, collectively providing over 20 food and drink outlets. Guests can shuttle between these hotels to explore an extensive array of dining options.
Patina stands out with its eco-friendly initiatives, including a bottling plant for refillable glass bottles and bath products made from seaweed. The resort’s design harmonizes with nature, especially evident in the spa’s biophilic architecture. Art installations, including a massive James Turrell piece, are scattered throughout the island, enhancing the aesthetic experience.
Rates: From £1,785 a night B&B.
4. Soneva Jani: A Celebrity Getaway.
Soneva Jani is renowned for its over-water villas with slides that plunge into the turquoise lagoon. This resort, spanning a 150-acre private atoll, offers unparalleled privacy and luxury. Each villa is equipped with a retractable roof, allowing guests to stargaze from the comfort of their beds.
The resort’s culinary offerings are extensive, featuring fresh seafood, organic salads, and an ice cream bar. Soneva Soul, the resort’s spa, combines traditional Ayurvedic treatments with cutting-edge wellness technologies like cryotherapy and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, ensuring a holistic rejuvenation experience.
Rates: From £1,339 per villa per night.
5. Gili Lankanfushi: The Authentic Castaway Experience.
Gili Lankanfushi offers a luxurious twist on the Robinson Crusoe theme, with rustic over-water villas accessible only by boat. This resort embraces a “no news, no shoes” philosophy, promoting a relaxed and barefoot lifestyle.
Guests can enjoy plant-based dining in the Gili Garden or indulge in a “sip and soak” spa treatment. Activities include surfing, adopting and learning about coral restoration, and stargazing. The resort’s Private Reserve, the largest over-water villa in the world, features a spa, gym, open-air cinema, and a slide into the Indian Ocean.
Rates: From £1,070 a night B&B.
