Best Overall: Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is always, and for a good reason, the top hotel in Maldives. On a private island, just a 25-minute boat ride from Male airport on a convenient location, the eco-chic resort is intimate with 45 villas all sitting directly over the water and taking advantage of a high luxury theme from Robinson Crusoe.
Although the majority of the lodgings are accessible via jetties to the island, there are also seven independent Crusoe Residences, which can only be accessed by private waterway.
There are 2 facilities, an over-water bar, a spa, and tennis courts, but hotel staff can organize a range of activities, from snorkeling to the island’s special themed dining experiences.
Sandy Heaven Maldives
Yes, it is true that the Maldives’ surfacing villas can cost you a fortune, but they’re still are options for you if you are on the destination and do not want to make your life savings.
Sandy Haven, a boutique hotel with just seven rooms on Burevi Magu island and a 30-minute speedboat ride to the Male River, is one of the highest-ranking budget-friendly hotels on TripAdvisor in the Madonna Islands.
Amenities may be less than in resorts, but a 24-hour reception, restaurant, and beach are still within a 2-minute walk. The hotel offers a range of services and amenities. Special dining experiences including romantic dinner for two on the sand can also be organized by Hotel staff.
And since Burevi Magu is not a private island, this means that there is civilization around – you can visit a handful of local restaurants or take a fishing trip where you will be told about Maldivian fishermen’s secrets.
Kudadoo Maldives
The terms “boutique” and all-inclusive” usually do not coincide with the description of beach resorts, but this is exactly what you will find on Kudadoo, a 15-villa adult resort on the island of the atoll in Lahaviyani, a 45-minute seaplane flight from Male.
Opened in late 2018, the architect Yuji Yamazaki, who presents such elements of uncovered cedar wood, which is designed for weather and teak furniture, has a modern and still Maldivian design. “Anything is Kudadoo’s motto. Anytime. Anytime, anytime. Every villa is filled with a butler who is always there to help the guests stay, whether they book activities like jet blading or therapy, both of which are available which of course, are included in the rates.
The majority of the facilities are situated in one building, just like the villas, the roof of which is covered by solar panels powering the whole resort. If you are seeking a more active experience at Kudadoo, Hurawalhi, you can take advantage of amenities like the sports court. A reservation at the resort’s underwater restaurant is the only thing that will cost an extra fee.
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Though the Maldives may be more commonly referred to as a honeymoon destination, many resorts offer a family-friendly place to stay and to enjoy a relaxing stay.
Located in Dhaalu Atoll, a 45-minute windsurfer trip from Male, the property has 77 villas, each equipped with a private swimming pool and Netflix streaming (great for children!).
The highlight of the luxurious hotel is the great range of activities: there is a superb kid club in the jungle with a kitchen for children’s cooking, arts and crafts, and sports; the Socialite Club exclusively for adolescents; and activities for adults such as yoga and wine delicacies. The unique architecture of the resort is also worth mentioning — the bar is a whale shark and the spa is modeled on a lobster of both animals found in the Maldives.
COMO Cocoa Island
Let’s be honest – every Maldive resort is romantic because it’s one of the world’s top lunar destinations. However, if we pressed for just one as the romantic one, we’d have a 35-minute speedboat drive away from Male to pick COMO Cocoa Island on Makunufushi in South Male Atoll.
The property of 33 villas is intimate and relaxed, perfect for relaxing after a hectic wedding. COMO Shambhala Retirement, which offers a spa, yoga classes, and even nutrition consultations, is one of the highlights of COMO Cocoa Island.
Another is the restaurant Ufaa which serves local ingredients in Indian meets and Mediterranean cuisine. Private beach dinners, a popular option for couples, can be organized as well.
Besides wellness and dining, guests will enjoy a lot of activities, from private snorkeling boat charters, windsurfing lessons, and watching whale-harkers.