Top 10 places not to be missed in the Maldives

Whoever coined the term "paradise" must have visited Maldives. An area of unbeatable beauty boasting for a honeymoon, and what strand to choose for those travelling with kids. A few of the best Maldivian beaches are home to luxurious resorts. These lovely spots are all so spectacular we bet you can't choose just one! Narrow down your search for nirvana with our list of the best in the Maldives

1. The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi epitomises the very idea of luxury with tropical villas on the beach or over water, exuding grandeur. Villas are enormous 234sqm and all villas come with impressive infinity pools blending into the turquoise ocean. Experience the pinnacle of luxury in the Stella Maris Ocean Villa, a spacious retreat with multiple levels, excessive space, giant infinity pool with hammocks and a barbecue station for entertaining. Accessible only by boat, live like a queen at Stella Maris. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dining at the Waldorf Astoria with eleven restaurants to choose from. Try delicious cuisine from all over the world prepared by the most dedicated culinary experts. At Terra, you’re guaranteed a private and romantic dinner in your own personal pod in the treetops, with a menu featuring exceptional ingredients.

For reservations:

melon.hotel@waldorfastoria.com

T: +960-4-000300

2. Joali, Maldives

On the tiny island of Muravandhoo, surrounded by a ring of coral and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, sits Joali resort. Private in every way, guests are invited to escape from the outside world with a stunning collection of luxury beach and water villas, complete with personal infinity pools, the finest décor and architecture and butler service to tend to your every need.Discover a specially designed menu encompassing South East Asian, Mediterranean, Chinese and Levant inspired cuisine guaranteed to satiate your senses. Themed dinners, unrivalled breakfast spreads and immersive experiential dining are just a few things you can expect when it comes to gastronomy at Joali. All this is topped off with world-class wine imported from all corners of the Earth, perfectly selected to match your meals.

For reservations:

reservations.jomv@joali.com

3. The Nautilus, Maldives

Time stands still at The Nautilus, a luxury resort with a collection of 26 exclusive beach houses located within the UNESCO listed Baa Atoll. Forget the constraints of time, let go and do what you want when you want, because at The Nautilus you make your schedule. If that means having breakfast for dinner, counting stars until late recharging during the day, then so be it. The Nautilus revolves around your clock.The Nautilus takes their mission to be your home away from home seriously, so there’s no such thing as guest rooms or even villas for that matter! Welcome to your house at The Nautilus. Experience a hidden oasis with a separate living room, freshwater swimming pool and personal butler service so you’re free to completely unwind in your tropical paradise.

For reservations:

hello@thenautilusmaldives.com

T: +960 660 00 00, 4. Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

Whoever coined the term "paradise" must have visited the Maldives. An area of unbeatable beauty boasting for a honeymoon, and what strand to choose for those travelling with kids. A few of the best Maldivian beaches are home to luxurious resorts. These lovely spots are all so spectacular we bet you can't choose just one! Narrow down your search for nirvana with our list of the best in the Maldivesthe sea.Arrive in style to the Private Residence by luxury yacht, then step into one of four lavish bedrooms and settle into your new home for now. Bounce between multiple living rooms, the infinity pool, cinema room and rooftop deck, just to name a few of the seemingly endless facilities in the residence. For a little splash of fun, why not make a grand entrance into the lagoon via the slide on the top deck of the villa.

For reservations:

reservations@gili-lankanfushi.com

T: +960 6640304 5. Soneva Fushi, Maldives

Adventure awaits eager travellers at Soneva Fushi, a tropical island escape bustling with activities. Soneva Fushi is an ideal resort for holidaymakers who are interested in more than just soaking up the sun. Start off with complimentary water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to warm yourself up to the more extreme activities. Try your hand at surfing with an expert instructor, test yourself with free diving and explore the underwater world with just one breath or snorkel amongst the manta rays for a truly unforgettable experience.Slow down a little with a glass blowing class and create your own keepsake or spot pods of dolphins on the sunset dolphin cruise accompanied by canapés and champagne. Curl up on a lounger under the stars for an open-air screening of some great classic films or for an even more romantic escape enjoy a candlelit dinner under the sparkling Maldivian sky.

For reservations:

reservations@soneva.com

T: +960 60 0304 05 6. One & Only Reethi Rah

For most people on vacation, getting a good nights sleep is one of their main priorities, if not the number one! At One&Only Reethi Rah, they take this to the next level with their Sleep Journey. Experience an expert sleep assessment, 90-minute sleep ritual, hand and foot pampering, yoga and more, all in an effort to get your sleep back on track. After your perfect sleep, you’ll be ready to take on everything else One&Only Reethi Rah has to offer.For the ultimate dinnertime indulgence, it doesn’t get much more extravagant than a private dinner for two in the beautiful timber treehouse. Under a canopy of trees and twinkling lights, delight in a delicious seven-course menu prepared by a team of expert chefs. Maybe your idea of luxury is not having to leave your villa at all, or perhaps you envision your dream dinner date on a beachfront under the stars? Whatever you fancy, One&Only has you covered.

For reservations:

reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com

T: +960 664-8800 7. Amilla Fushi

At Amilla Fushi, every lavish villa is a tribute to the sea and sky, where minimalist white meets touches of blue. But Amilla Fushi means ‘My Island Home’ so it’s only fitting that the resort is best known for its impressive and enormous Amilla Beach Residences. With a dedicated space within the islands lush foliage, you’ll find a number of houses anywhere from one to eight bedrooms. In keeping with the resort’s minimalist and contemporary design, each residence boasts modern facilities, a private pool, more than enough living space for everyone and a personal butler to cater to every need.Stay active on both land at Amilla and below the surface as you discover the mesmerising aquatic life surrounding the island. Just metres from Amilla Fushi’s main beach you’ll have the chance to snorkel the world-renowned Blue Hole site, an underwater chimney formation bustling with marine life and colourful coral.

For reservations:

stay@amilla.mv

T: +960 6606444 8. Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

At Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, nature takes centre stage. The stunning environment has been preserved and complemented by the carefully designed villas made with natural materials like bamboo, stone and Langhi Langhi leaves. Surrounded by 1.5km of powdery sand and built on a private 20-hectare island, Emerald Maldives is comprised of 120 villas on land and sea, so you’re never far from beautiful surroundings.Located on the Raa Atoll in northern Maldives, experience an abundance of underwater life with over 1000 species of fish and a vibrant coral reef. Emerald Maldives offers guests the opportunity to gain their PADI diving certification which is a great way to experience life below the luxury on land. If you’re more interested in taking it easy and indulging in delicious cuisine, there are five restaurants to choose from and dig into.

For reservations:

reservations@emerald-maldives.com

T: +960 6582100 9. Vakkaru, Maldives

Vakkaru Resort Maldives is a private island paradise located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, a vibrant reef teeming with marine life and a rainbow of coral. Its stunning location provides the perfect backdrop for guests to make unforgettable memories with the help of the dedicated team at Vakkaru. Expect the unexpected at Vakkaru with activations from wellness mentors, scent experts, culinary geniuses, fashion collaborations, and everything in-between.If you make Vakkaru your home during your stay in the Maldives, expect the finest luxury villas and suites. Choose from a beach or water villa either with direct access to the brilliant white sand or the turquoise lagoon and relax in contemporary luxury. Step it up a notch with an opulent suite featuring separate indoor and outdoor living spaces as well as your very own private pool.

For reservations:

info@vakkarumaldives.com

T: +96 (0) 660 7000 10. Niyama Private Islands, Maldives

An idyllic backdrop (the resort is spread over two isles: family-focused Isle of Play, and romantic honeymooner’s hideaway Isle of Chill) and vast views of the Indian Ocean set the stage for Niyama Maldives, which offers a chilled-out take on tropical-island luxury. The resort serves up one of the best dining scenes in the Maldives with no less than seven restaurants, including four unique options. Niyama offers 134 villas, over water or on the beach, with each villa having a secluded deck that offers pure privacy to luxuriate in al fresco rain showers, moonlit dips, or an intimate afternoon basking in the sun. Set in the heart of the Isle of Play, the resort’s Explorers Kids Club caters to the imaginations of all ages and immerses children in the eye-opening nature and cultural beauty of the islands – from Dhivehi lullabies to dolphin scouting.

For reservations:

reservations@niyama.com

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