11 Glorious Resorts in the Maldives

All I have to do is mention the Maldives and every one of us gets that dreamy look in their eyes; I know I sure do. I don’t know what it is that makes each and every one of us put this on our dream list. Is it the beautiful crystal clear waters, those amazing cabanas over the ocean that allows us to just slip in and out of the ocean, is it the luxury of it all, or maybe it’s all those things combined. I don’t have the answer, but it’s definitely on my must go list!

Just a little geography lesson, because most of us don’t think about where it is; The Maldive Islands are located off the South West Coast of India and Sri Lanka, Grouped into 26 atolls (ring-shaped coral reefs with coral rims which partially or completely encircle lagoons.)  The islands or cays of the Maldives are found on top of the coral rims of each atoll.  Every atoll is unique and contains different and exciting possibilities.

Oh and each Private luxury resort (most are 5*) can be found on their own island and are accessible only by seaplane, speedboat or local ‘dhori’.

If you’re looking for group bookings, contact to me and I’ll work with my contacts to put together an amazing package for you.

Oh, and remember if you’re getting married, you will need to make it legal before you even go, it’s not legally possible for non-residents to get married in the Maldives. Most couples choose to have a beautiful, symbolic wedding ceremony in the Maldives and do the legal part of their wedding ceremony at home.

*Disclaimer – venue rentals are just a guideline.

W Maldives
Fesdu Island North Ari Atoll, 09110, Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

Firstly, what isn’t by Marriott these days, that being said, they know how to treat their guests. And in the Maldives, well you can’t go wrong.
From the moment of your arrival you will be immersed in this luxury 5-star private island resort in the North Ari Atoll, Maldives. With six eateries and bars you’ll find flavours to delight after basking in the sun on their white sand beaches.

Accommodations:  Choose from Overwater Suites | Beach View Villas | Overwater Suites | All units have their own private pools – starting from $745 USD per night

Event Guest capacity: They have a wide range of options
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Kanuhura Maldives
Lhaviyani Atoll, Republic of Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

Kanuhura, set in the middle of the Maldivian atolls, the resort is designed for those looking for a laid back vibe. The whale-shaped island lies in the Lhaviyani Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport. This particular atoll is known for its large species of marine life – from 12′ wide manta rays, spinner dolphins to green turtles and for the more fortunate a whale shark. With 42 different dive sites to choose from within a one hour sail, it doesn’t offer as much snorkeling as some of the other island, but their white, gently-sloping beaches are perfection.

Accommodations:  Starting from $1,988 USD per night – Beach Bungalow | Beach Pool Villas | Beach Villa | Grand Beach Pool Villa | Retreat Beach Pool Villa | Retreat Family Beach Pool Villa | Sanctuary Pool Villa | Retreat Grand Beach Pool Villa | Water Pool Villas | Water Pool Villas

Event Guest capacity:  Banquet Capacity 25 | Cocktail 40
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

The kinds of white sands you dream of, found in the middle of the gorgeous Gaafu Alifu Atoll, known for its close proximity to the equator and abundance of sea turtles, in the farthest reaches of the Maldives. Meradhoo’s distance from the capital makes it too far for a comfortable sea plane transfer. Instead, guests take a 50-minute domestic flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo airport, followed by a 10-minute speedboat transfer to the island. You can walk the entirety of Meradhoo island in about 10 minutes or you could stay on Meradhoo’s overwater retreat, a loop of villas and leisure facilities sitting completely separate from the island, reached via a two-minute boat ride. 

Accommodations:  Beach Villa | Overwater Villa | Sunset Overwater Villa Deluxe Beach Villa | Beach Residence | Overwater Residence | Sunset Overwater Residence | Raffles Royal Residence
Daily Flexible Bed and Breakfast Rate From $2374 USD per night
Rise and Shine -Includes Breakfast – From $1543 USD per night

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Ithaafushi Island, South Male Atoll, Male, 20009

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

Built in 2019 The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi resort is a 40-minute yacht journey from Velana International Airport. Discover indulgent choices from 11 celebrated dining venues, a world-class lifestyle spa sanctuary, and a plethora of activities for all generations. Set in a tropical paradise, the resort and the beach, reef and overwater villas span across three islands with a wealth of luxuries and experiences:

For those seeking the ultimate exclusivity, Stella Maris Private Ocean Villas are an intimate getaway, exquisite duplex villas with direct ocean access, accessible only by boat. Ithaafushi Private Island is a 32,000 sq. m. sanctuary encompassing private villas and amenities for the utmost luxury.

Accommodations:  Starting from $2,308 to $24,633 USD per night
King Overwater Villa with Pool | 2 Queen Bedded Overwater Villa with Pool
King Beach Villa with Pool | 2 Queen Bedded Grand Reef Villa with Pool |
King Grand Reef Villa with Pool | 2 Queen Bedded Grand Overwater Villa with Pool | King Grand Overwater Villa with Pool | 2 Queen Bedded Grand Beach Villa with Pool | Stella Maris Ocean Villa with Pool | 2 Bedroom Reef Villa with Pool | 2 Bedroom Overwater Villa with Pool | 2 Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool | 3 Bedroom Overwater Villa with Pool | 3 Bedroom Grand Beach Villa with Pool

Ithaafushi Private Island – Exclusive Private Island, 9 bedrooms, 5 pools, private entertainment clubhouse – From $61,750 USD p/nt

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Rangali Island Rangali, 20077, Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

Well no list would be complete without the iconic Conrad Maldives, I think we’ve all seen and dreamed about their amazing underwater suites and their unforgettable Ithaa Restaurant, which can be reserved for private dining, weddings and special occasions. Surrounded by the country’s best diving, whale shark areas and sprawling coral reefs, Conrad Maldives is the only destination to offer three resort experiences across two islands, and is reached by a 30-minute seaplane flight, the resort features 150 villas. They also have a expansive family (teens) program, designed to keep everyone engaged.

Accommodations: Starting from $750 – $4,835 USD per night
Beach Villa | Water Villa | Deluxe Beach | Grand Water Villa | Grand Water Villa with Pool | Deluxe Water Villa | 2-Bedroom Grand Water Villa | 2-Bedroom Grand Water Villa with Pool | Premier Water Villa | Sunset Water Villa Infinity pool, whirlpool & sundeck

THE MURAKA – a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean, as part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort.

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

One & Only Reethi Rah
North Malé Atoll, Malé 08440, Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

Set in Maldives paradise island, this unique hotel will guarantee you a time of your life! With diving, cycling, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing and snorkeling available, there’s something for everyone! With 6 restaurants to choose from, lovely bars, pristine beaches, and spa where you can relax. This place has won multiple awards from “Best 100 Hotels”, “Best Overseas Hotel Spa” to “Best Hotel in Africa and Indian Ocean”.

Accommodations: Starting from $2,020 to $25,340 USD per night
Beach Villa King | Beach Villa Queen | Beach Villa with Pool | Water Villa King | Water Villa Queen | Water Villa with King Pool | Two-Villa Residence with Pool | Grand Water Villa with Pool | Grand Residence

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
Fasmendhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is a collection of 120 private beach villas and overwater bungalows, many with their own pools and Jacuzzis. The resort combines contemporary creature comforts with warm tropical flourishes. The resort’s four restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean, to Asian and South American cuisine, as well as wellness offerings like the spa, diving center, and sports facility invite guests to relax and recharge amid crystalline blue waters and unspoiled nature in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Accommodations: Starting from $795 to $4,860 USD per night
Beach Villa Sea View | Water Villa Sea View | Beach Villa with Pool Sea View | Water Villa with Pool Sea View | Superior Beach Villa with Pool |
Royal Beach Villa

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Soneva Fushi
Kunfunadhoo Island Baa Atoll, Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

The luxury villas of Soneva Fushi  are located on the sunset or sunrise side of the island. While both sides have the Maldives’ signature white-sand beaches and crystal clear azure waters, there are a few differences.
Sunset side: For snorkellers – This side has three house reef access points. On this side of the island it is possible to see our neighbouring island, Eydhafushi, approximately 650 metres away. Guests who want more privacy may consider staying on the sunrise side of the island.
Sunrise side: For privacy – Enjoy virtually unimpeded views out to sea, as Maalhos, the closest neighbouring island on this side, is just a speck on the horizon. This side is perfect for early risers who want to enjoy the morning tranquillity.

Accommodations: Starting from $1,645 to $32,105 from | With 1 to 9 bedroom units to choose from

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Amilla Fushi Resort
Amilla Fushi, Maldives | Phone: (011) 960 660-6444

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5*

Since opening in 2015, Amilla Fushi has been a true disruptor of the traditional Maldives experience and an indulgent island home from home for discerning jet-setters with an eye for the avant-garde. Located in the UNESCO Biosphere of Baa Atoll, just 30 minutes by seaplane from Malé International – has put the Maldives on the map as a destination not just for couples, but for families and groups of friends. Literally translating as ‘My Island Home’, Amilla Fushi effortlessly conjures a luxurious ‘homecoming’ feeling for first timers and old friends alike, offering a choice of 67 Miami-meets-Maldives Island Homes and Residences.

Accommodations: Starting from $1,764 to $27,930 USD per night
Reef Water Pool Villa | Beach Pool Villa | Sunset Water Pool Villa | Lagoon Water Pool Villa | 2 Bedroom Water Lagoon Villa | Private Beach Villa Resident | The Great Beach Villa Residence

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

Hurawalhi Island Resort
Lhaviyani Atoll, Hurawalhi Island, Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5* | Adult Only

This adult only resort is the perfect resort for those that love diving. The area of sea around the island is called ‘The Aquarium’ as it has an unusually high diversity of sea life, even for the Maldives, with a manta ray feeding and breeding ground 150m from the beach. There’s plenty to do and enjoy, from scuba diving and snorkelling, to sunset cruises, spa treatments and yoga. Experience dinner at 5.8, the world’s largest, all-glass, undersea restaurant, or lunch on a deserted island. The Manta Trust also operates on the island helping to preserve the Maldives’ underwater wildlife.

Accommodations: Starting from $1,583 to $2,599 USD per night
Beach Pool | Ocean | Ocean Pool

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo
Miriandhoo Island, Baa Atoll  6060 Maldives

Style:  Hotel/Resort | Beachfront | Luxury | 5* | Solo Friendly

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo is a classy, contemporary alternative to the castaway-chic resorts typically found in the archipelago. Japanese developers and Italian architects have infused the resort with a clean aesthetic, piazza-inspired entrance and modern suites. Solo travellers needn’t worry, a photographic studio with on- hand professionals will help you capture Insta-worthy holiday snaps. Overwater villas include decks which span the full length of the open-plan suites, with a private pool, outdoor shower and steps leading straight to the sea. Overlooking a pristine turquoise lagoon in the Baa Atoll, Maldives’ only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Accommodations: Starting from $595 to $4,295 USD per night with 9 unique options.

Event Guest capacity: They have a variety of options available.
Group Events:  Suitable for weddings, meetings and corporate events.
To book this venue: Please contact me if you’re interested in booking this venue.

And that wraps up the Maldive Islands, as you can see I could go on and on, choosing a different island with a different vibe each time! However, the whole point is that I narrow it down and just give you some inspiration without overwhelming you with choices. You can find a lot more inspiration on Instagram & Pinterest.

Looking to book? Remember, I’m here for all your luxury travel needs.

Because each share truly helps me out, please consider sharing and pinning!
Thanks – Maria

If you have a suggestion for a city/country that you’d like me to focus on, please send me a message at maria @ theeventfultraveller.com and I’ll get to it asap.