Luxury Redefined: A Look at the 9 Most Exclusive Maldives Resorts

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Get ready to fall in love at first sight, because Maldives resorts are a total dream come true! From the moment you step off the plane, you’ll be transported to a world of crystal-clear waters, sugar-white sand, and sunshine that you’ll never want to leave.

Gill Lananfushi Private Villa, Maldives.
Image source: Gili Lankanfushi

If you’ve never been to the Maldives before, you are in for a real treat. Whether you’re soaking up the rays on a private beach or swimming with sea creatures in the turquoise waters, the Maldives will have you feeling like a castaway in your little slice of heaven. So grab your sunscreen, and get ready for a vacay you’ll never forget.

Getting To the Maldives from America

It’s possible to fly direct from several major cities in the USA, including New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, to Malé International Airport, which is the main international gateway to the Maldives. 

It’ll typically take you in the region of 20 hours to fly direct, so if luxury is what you crave, we recommend first-class or business-class flights. 

Image source: Asad Photo, Pexels
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Luxury Maldives

The Maldives are known for their luxury resorts and their luxury price tags. If you want to maximize your stay, here’s some excellent advice. 

“When staying at a luxury resort in the Maldives, get elite status in the hotel loyalty program before your stay. For example, at the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, You’ll get additional perks such as free breakfast and a happy hour.“ 

— Debra Schroeder Travelling Well for Less 

What Are The Maldives?

Located in South Asia, The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean comprising 26 atolls with over 1,000 coral islands. 

It’s famous for its stunning beaches, crystal clear water, with first-class diving, making it an ideal luxury destination.

Paradise sign.
Image source: Depositphotos

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Arguably one of the most luxurious resorts in the world, Gili Lankanfushi has the ultimate private villa that even the most discerning guests will love.

The Private Reserve is the largest overwater villa — in the entire world. You’ll find five buildings, all interlinked by walkways, living spaces, open-air bathrooms, a private spa, private cinema, and an air-conditioned gym, complete with your own private host to see to your every need. 

As if the Indian Ocean isn’t enough, you’ll find a 2-meter infinity pool and a fun waterslide that’ll transport you directly into the lagoon.

The Private Reserve has a jaw-dropping lagoon view and fantastic sunsets. As with most Maldivian resorts, you’ll have access to world-class diving sites. 

This little slice of luxury is just a 20-minute speedboat trip from Malé, and if a speedboat isn’t your style, you can charter a private yacht to get you there. 

Four Seasons, Maldives.
Image source: Four Seasons Resort

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Get ready to be swept away by tropical paradise at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. This luxurious resort is a beach bum’s dream come true, with pristine white sands, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation.

Check in to the three-bedroom land and ocean suite, and you’ll know you’ve arrived in paradise.!

Combining the best of both worlds, your living areas will be on terra firma, while you’ll sleep in bedrooms that are perched on stilts over the lagoon. Why not let your private chef cook dinner for you while you relax in your own al fresco dining area? They can cater to your every need, from lavish gourmet dining experiences to a classic pizza.

World-class diving is a given, and you can’t go all that way without indulging in spa treatments from a multi-award-winning spa team.

Getting here is a real thrill; hop on board an eight-seater seaplane, and you’ll be transported to luxury in a short flight. 

Ste Regis, Maldives.
Image source: St Regis

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Boasting to be the epitome of sophistication.” the John Jacob Astor Estate at the St Regis Resort doesn’t disappoint. 

Perched on the ocean’s edge, this three-bedroom villa has everything you’ll need (and what you won’t need). You’ll find an incredible 92-square-meter private swimming pool, the ultimate plush furnishings, and even a 20-inch mirror with an embedded TV. 

To ensure you’re relaxed, your villa comes complete with your private butler to take care of your every need. 

A luxury spa and stunning restaurants are all on the resort, and if you want to go diving, there’s a first-class dive school onsite. 

Sub Siyam Irufushi Celebrity Retreat, Maldives.
Image source: Sun Siyam

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

A dedicated 24/7 butler will be delighted to make you feel at ease when you stay in the Celebrity Retreat, which is just a 20-minute speedboat from Malé. 

This 600-square-meter villa is set over two stories and has three bedrooms, a private pool, a private beach, a spa room, and a billiards room — what’s not to love? 

And if that’s not enough for you, then you’ll find 14 bars and restaurants in this five-star resort. If you want to try a floating breakfast, dive with manta rays, or even get married, it’s all possible here.

Banyan Tree.
Image source: Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Perfect for couples and synonymous with luxury, the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru doesn’t disappoint. 

You’ll want to opt for the Grand Beachfront Pool Villa on this exclusive island comprising all villas. 

You can expect exceptional beach views, a private pool, and al fresco dining.  Upgrade to an all-inclusive plan to make the most of the fabulous drinks on the island. 

Splash the cash and hire a catamaran, sway in the onboard hammocks, take part in a spot of snorkeling, and then let your private butler prepare breakfast, continental, cooked, or just egg bites snacks, lunch, dinner, or all three.

You’ll probably want to unwind with an open-air spa treatment, the ultimate pampering. 

Anatara Veli, Maldives.
Image source: Anantara Veli

Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

Hop onto the speed boat and take a short 30-minute journey to a Maldivian oasis.

Luxurious and private, the lagoon villas are the perfect way to unwind.  Float in your private infinity pool or dive into the ocean; these are the hard choices you’ll have to make when staying here. 

Enjoy a magical private dining experience by following torchlights to the beach, or opt for an in-villa chef.

While chilling out is definitely on the menu, if you’re a diver, you must check out the nurse sharks. The diving in the Maldives is among the worlds finest.

Dhigali, Maldives.
Image source: Dhigali Maldives Resort

Dhigali Maldives Resort

Take your seat on the seaplane and marvel at the spectacular 40-minute journey.

You’ll know you’ve landed in the lap of luxury when you check into the Dhigali Suite, a 400-square-meter suite with its courtyard perched on the edge of the beach. 

Your private butler will ensure you feel at home in your accommodation which boasts a private bar where you can sip on a vodka martini, an outdoor rain shower, open decks, and your private pool.

Make sure you opt for the premium all-inclusive to take advantage of all the food and drink offerings. 

Shangri La,Villingili Resort, Maldives.
Image source: Shangri La

Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa

Wake up gazing out at the Indian Ocean, shower in the open air, and lounge on your private terrace in this stunning 166-square-meter Water Villa. 

This stunning resort is a 70-minute seaplane flight from Malé, and it’s worth it. A larger resort, the Shagri La’s Villingili resort has the only nine-hole golf course in the Maldives, you can cycle to neighboring islands, and if the mood takes you, you can cruise on a luxury yacht. 

Nuyama Private Islands, Maldives.
Image source: Niyama Private Islands

Niyama Private Islands Maldives

Last but by no means least, we bring you The Crescent on Niyama Private Islands, which is a 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé. 

The ultimate accommodation is the Two-Bedroom Ocean Pool Pavillion, complete with a private butler and housekeeper to ensure your needs are met. 

Perfect for couples or young families, you can dive, go dolphin spotting, or even try your hand at flyboarding.

Get Packing for Your Luxury Adventure

Luxury resorts are dotted throughout the Maldives and offer over-the-top amenities and accommodations, making your Maldives vacation truly unforgettable. Budget wisely and pay before you go on the trip of a lifetime, check out these Uplift travel sites.

From overwater villas to beachfront bungalows, the lodgings in the Maldives are designed to provide maximum comfort and relaxation. From gourmet dining to top-notch entertainment, the Maldives is the perfect destination if you want to indulge and be pampered.

Mandy is the enthusiastic creator of the vegetarian website Splash of Taste; she makes meat-free cooking fun and easy. When Mandy’s not cooking and writing, you’ll find her traveling, exploring countries and cuisines, and spending time with her chihuahua. Download her free 5 x Easy Vegetarian Meals eBook.

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