Before you book your stay, get the low-down on the country’s different island resorts
ANANTARA DHIGU MALDIVES RESORT
Indulge your inner adventure-seeker and book a dive or learn to surf. If you’re content enough to just be, watch the sunset from your private plunge pool. Getting there: 30 minutes from Velana International Airport.
anantara.com
CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI
A stay here is sure to see every whim taken care of by the resort’s Ambassadeurs. Guests can also book the private island and plan everything from cocktail evenings to poolside barbeques. Getting there: 40 minutes from Velana International Airport.
chevalblanc.com
CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND
Home to the Muraka, a three-bedroom residence, including one that’s submerged, this hotel features three pools, an underwater restaurant and relaxing spa. Getting there: 30 minutes from Velana International Airport.
conradmaldives.com
DUSIT THANI MALDIVES
This resort has a spectacular spa and a house reef that is frequented by manta rays, so those looking to snorkel or dive won’t be disappointed. Getting there: 35 minutes from Velana International Airport.
dusit.com
EMERALD MALDIVES RESORT & SPA
Their children’s club is perfect for those travelling with family, while adults can try their hand at activities ranging from tennis to windsurfing followed by a sundowner at the Sunset Pool Café. Getting there: 40 minutes from Velana International Airport.
emerald-maldives.com
FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT LANDAA GIRAAVARU
This sanctuary in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve promises a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. The hotel has a new overwater wedding pavilion for special celebrations, and for simpler thrills, a pristine strip of Blu Beach is mesmerising. Getting there: 35 minutes from Velana International Airport.
fourseasons.com
HERITANCE AARAH
For those seeking an escape from city life, looking out from Undaras Infinity Pool with a drink in hand is sure to make you forget your worries. At this resort, you’ll be able to indulge your adventurous side with everything from water-skiing to kite surfing. And if you’re working on selfimprovement, their medi-spa has a range of multi-day programmes. Getting there: 40 minutes from Velana International Airport.
heritancehotels.com
JOALI MALDIVES
This 73-villa property, located in Raa Atoll includes offbeat activities to keep guests busy, like an art studio that hosts workshops for all ages and a whole host of watersports. If you’re travelling with friends or family consider booking the Joali Beach Reserve which consists of five bedrooms across two villas for the ultimate private getaway. Getting there: 40 minutes from Velana International Airport.
joali.com
KANDIMA MALDIVES
This resort is sure to strike a chord with young, culturally inclined travellers. They throw a yearly KULA art festival at which local artists across disciplines come together at the resort. It is also one of the first resorts to introduce skydiving in the country. Getting there: 30 minutes from Velana International Airport.
kandima.com
KUDADOO MALDIVES PRIVATE ISLAND
Book this 15-residence resort if you’re looking for quiet. Those concerned about how to spend the days—worry not and take the yacht out for a sunset cruise. Getting there: 40 minutes from Velana International Airport.
kudadoo.com
LUX* SOUTH ARI ATOLL RESORT & VILLAS
Highly Instagrammmable, this resort’s spa is no slouch either. For those looking to leave a better person—consider their digital detox package, but remember that includes Instagram too. Getting there: 25 minutes from Velana International Airport.
luxresorts.com
NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS MALDIVES
With two islands named Play and Chill, this resort has more than enough to keep everyone engaged—whether it be spa treatments, sports simulators or even movie night. Getting there: 40 minutes from Velana International Airport.
niyama.com
ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH
Privacy is a given at this tropical paradise fringed with 12 pristine beaches. Choose from the ocean-front venues for your daily breakfast and then dive into one of the three pools. Getting there: 20 minutes from Velana International Airport.
oneandonlyresorts.com
PARK HYATT MALDIVES HADAHAA
With only 50 villas, including 14 on the water, this resort is a luxury oasis surrounded by a teeming house reef. Keep a night free to go snorkeling in the dark, and if you’re itching to book a special meal, be sure to arrange for a private island picnic. Getting there: 20 minutes from Velana International Airport.
hyatt.com
SEASIDE FINOLHU
Home to the signature Beach Bubble tent there’s more to this resort than a night under the stars. For example, looking to get up close to sea life at the house reef while staying dry? Take a jaunt in the hotel’s Penguin semi-submersible, followed by a meal at Kanusan for Asian fare. Getting there: 30 minutes from Velana International Airport.
finolhu.com
SIX SENSES LAAMU
A year-round destination with 97 villas, this resort will truly awaken all of your senses. Nature lovers can look forward to encountering manta rays, sharks and turtles underwater, while those seeking serenity should check out the spa where a personalised wellness journey awaits. Getting there: 50 minutes from Velana International Airport. sixsenses.com
SONEVA FUSHI
This 71-villa hideaway within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is for those that want a green getaway with a dash of fun. Villas have waterslides and there’s a chocolate room for when hunger pangs strike, ensuring that every day is spent well. Getting there: 30 minutes from Velana International Airport.
soneva.com
TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA, MALDIVES
The island of Emboodhu Finolhu provides a blissful backdrop for those seeking to kick back and enjoy the Taj’s signature hospitality, whether at the Ocean Pavilion or JIVA Spa. If you’re seeking to plan an intimate wedding, or even reconnect with family and friends, this resort has ample space for a host of events. Getting there: 20 minutes from Velana International Airport.
tajhotels.com
RAFFLES MALDIVES MERADHOO
This hotel, which is split between its main island and the overwater villas is understated but luxurious. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a champagne flute. During your stay, remember to go diving or snorkelling in order to spot a whale shark or even sea turtles. Getting there: 55 minutes from Velana International Airport.
raffles.com
THE NAUTILUS MALDIVES
With only 26 stand-alone residences and villas, its exclusivity sets the tone for the trip. Expect swanky interiors and glass-bottomed treatment rooms in the spa. Meals can be had at one of four eateries or customise your dining for an intimate experience that is sure to live on even after returning home. Getting there: 30 minutes from Velana International Airport.
thenautilusmaldives.com
THE RESIDENCE MALDIVES DHIGURAH
Whether you’re looking for a getaway, wedding or reunion with friends, you can do it all. The hotel offers something for all ages, from the Turtle Kids Club to a Maldivian cooking class for adults. Thier Spa by Clarins is also worth a visit.Getting there: 55 minutes from Velana International Airport.
cenizaro.com
THE ST. REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT
This 77-villa resort is ideal for those seeking to live the beach life—whether it be grabbing a sunset drink at the Whale Bar or booking a hydrotherapy session at Iridium Spa . Lastly, if you’re offered a mimosa at the breakfast buffet—remember it’s a holiday, so you might as well indulge. Getting there: 45 minutes from the Velana International Airport. marriott.com
VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND
This island with 47 villas and residences includes its own 9-hole golf course. Before checking out, remember to book a trip to the spa for their three-hour Velaa Elixir of Life massage. Getting there: 45 minutes from Velana International Airport.
velaaprivateisland.com
WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI
This luxurious getaway features treetop dining, cabanas, two pools, and even a tennis court across its two islands. You’ll be spoiled for choice. Getting there: 30 minutes from Velana International Airport.
hilton.com
W MALDIVES
Embrace this 77-key scenic spot on Fesdu Island for a trip that’s equal parts posh and hip. The resident W Insider will guide you towards the newest things to do on the island. If you’re seeking Instagram cred, also consider the castaway island experience, where you can bed down on the private island of Gaathafushi for a night. Getting there: 25 minutes from Velana International Airport.
marriott.com
THE STANDARD MALDIVES
Bringing some of downtown New York to the Maldives, this hotel features a glass-bottomed dance floor at Beru Bar and the villas include disco balls in the bathrooms. That’s not all, the underwater life is teeming, as well. Getting there: 35 minutes from Velana International Airport.
standardhotels.com