10 Luxury Resorts worth the splurge in Maldives

It’s no surprise that the Indian Ocean archipelago – Asia’s smallest country – has long been a destination for those seeking exclusive luxury, seclusion and extraordinary travel experiences.  Maldives is one of very few open to all global visitors, as long as they hold a negative Covid PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours. Here are 10 luxury resorts that’s worth the splurge in Maldives. Check out the amenities that makes these resorts stand out.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Perched over a crystal-calm lagoon and offering commanding views of the Indian Ocean, both units of Anantara Kihavah’s Two-Bedroom Overwater Pool Residences were completed in early 2021.  Anantara Kihavah Maldives just recently revealed the $5 million private pool residence renovation collection. At a commanding 2,000 sq. m, the crown jewel in this collection is the Four-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence.  Like the overwater pool residences, each beachfront residence includes palm roofs and Balau decks. The newly extended swimming pools, measuring 20 meters x 6 meters for the four-bedroom retreat and 16 meters x 6 meters for the two- and three-bedroom residences, are now fitted with massage jets, while an outdoor Sala Thai provides shaded relief for lounging and dining.  In addition, there is a unique under-and overwater gastronomic concept highlighting the resort’s idyllic location in the Indian Ocean, Sea restaurant and its award-winning wine cellar offers an unreal underwater dining experience. The octagonal design and mirrored interior optimizes the aquatic view making diners feel as if they are part of the house reef. 

Located in the South Western Atoll of Dhaalu, Niyama Private Islands Maldives features a mix of modern and traditional Maldivian design.  Niyama Private Islands consist of two islands Chill and Play, one for family and Crescent for couples.  Niyama Private Islands Maldives is a 40-minute sea plane ride from Male International Airport while Maldives’ Dhaalu Airport is now open to private jets transfers that can be arranged at an extra charge.

Spacious and modern, the villas at Niyama Private Islands Maldives are located on the beach or over the crystal lagoon. Two to three bedroom villas complete with large infinity pools and commanding absolute privacy.  For dining, guests can choose from underwater restaurant at Subsix, or tree top setting at Nest.  There are a total of 11 restaurants and lounges to choose from.    In addition,  Niyama Private Islands Maldives is the only resort in the Maldives to have an Afro Latin restaurant – Tribal that offers an innovative campground dining experience showcasing exotic African, Central and South American dishes.

JW Marriott Maldives features 60 spacious villas, starting at approximately 2,520 sq. feet, which include private pools and wooden sunbathing decks.  While Beach Pool Villas come with direct access to the pristine white sandy beaches of the private island, the unique, split-level Duplex Beach Pool Villa is designed to cater to multigenerational families, featuring separate lounges, bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate larger groups. 

For dining options, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa offers five dining choices including classic Maldivian seafood, Thai cuisine, Japanese teppanyaki, and wood-fired brick oven pizzas.

Nestled between verdant rainforest and white-sand beaches on an exclusive private island, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort overlooks the alluring waves of the Indian Ocean.  Designed to be ecologically friendly, the resort offers 77 inspired accommodations, including 44 overwater villas and 33 located on the beach.   

Guests at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort can choose to dine at the following restaurants: Italian classics at Alba, Middle Eastern dishes at beachfront restaurant Cargo; Crust & Craft, a beachfront pizzeria; Whale Bar, an overwater lounge; sushi bar and pan-Asian dishes at Orientale, and five-course dining with wine pairing at Decanter.

Set in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site home to one of the largest concentrations of manta rays in the world, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers a mindful living package that is perfect for those seeking holistic wellness.  Nature, nutrition, spa, yoga, and functional movement all help jumpstart visitors’ health. A complimentary 60-minute couple spa treatment lets guests choose from therapies offered at The Heavenly Spa by Westin.  Four food and beverage venues then let visitors kick back in culinary style surrounded by picture-perfect beaches.

Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort offers three restaurants and an elevated bar program.  Colourful bar and restaurant Hawker offers authentic Asian street food in a vibrant market-place set-ting while for those who want to relax, tapas and ocean views at Sunset Bar provide a perfect end to the day.  Japanese cuisine can be found at the oceanfront The Pearl restaurant.

Located in North Malé Atoll, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is surrounded by a shimmering turquoise lagoon, pristine white sandy beaches, and swaying palms.  The family resort is 20 minutes away from Velana International Airport, offering activities such as diving, snorkeling and jet skiing.  Accommodations include 176 beautifully designed hotel rooms, overwater bungalows and ocean viewing villas, many equipped with private plunge pools. Guests have options to choose from international cuisine to signature cocktails at one of the seven restaurants and bars, some offer stunning views of the North Malé Atoll.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Cool, calm, and exceeding chic, the new water villas has twice as much exterior than interior space, featuring stylish interiors.  Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a 44-acre wonderland in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere reserve.  For arrival, guests have option to fly in the ‘Flying Triggerfish,’ the first Four Seasons customized DHC-6-300 twin Otter airplane.  

Designed by visionary Sri Lankan architect, Murad Ismail, the villas and bungalows showcase a simple, contemporary blend of ancient, Maldivian building techniques and Sri Lankan forms. The airy buildings each adheres to regional styles, from the 45-degree pitch of the high-thatched roofs to the use of traditional coral walls and lush tropical gardens.  Each of the Water Villas offers panoramic, Indian Ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious sundecks, outdoor showers and nets for overwater lounging.

For those seeking all-inclusive offers with idyllic tropical vibes, W Maldives has them covered.  The resort’s Extreme Island Takeover starting from US$199,000, offers guests their ultimate private playground with buyout of all 77 escapes in either beach bungalows surrounded by lush tropical foliage and the white sand beach, or in overwater villa with a direct access to the beautiful and bountiful house reef home to exotic fishes, reef sharks, turtles and eagle rays.

Opening in June 1, 2021 is Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, featuring 100 villas, all embodying the true spirit of the Maldives.  The resort takes a minimalist approach to luxury.  Modern design highlights sea views and pristine beaches; simple ingredients are transformed by skilled chefs and mixologists; healing is guided by directional energy and nature is explored with respect and wonder.  There are five onsite restaurants and bars showcasing international cuisines, and two Fari Marina restaurants including an Asian food trailer and Lebanese grill.  In addition, the resort also has access to shopping, dining and entertainment at Fari Marina.

Le Méridien Maldives Resort – Opening September 2021

Set to open this year is Le Méridien Maldives Resort on the island of Thilamaafushi  The resort will reflect mid-century design aesthetics inspired by the era of glamourous travel, all presented through a Maldivian lens. Thilamaafushi is a natural island that translates to “island with vast shallow lagoon areas” in Dhivehi, the language of The Maldives, so guests will enjoy reefs, coral gardens, marine life and underwater pinnacles known as “Thilas” that are full of vibrant marine life including pods of manta rays and turtles.  Guests will be able to dine at six restaurants and bars and enjoy the Explore Spa by Le Méridien, while families will love Le Méridien Family hub with its experiences that nurture discovery and conservation of the surrounding environment.