Top 10 Luxury Hotels In Maldives

With overwater villas that are surrounded by endless shades of blue, you will be sipping cocktails while lounging and swaying gently over the ocean. If anything can come closer to this, it would be the Maldives.

The Maldives is the place where even the simplest stay feels like a five-star experience. It has ultra-luxurious private islands and five-star hotels, at chic budget options. You can plan for a romantic honeymoon, a getaway, or a much-needed digital detox, this location is perfect for everyone.

And if you are on the hunt for the best Hotels In Maldives? Or what's so special in them? Then this guide will tell you all about it. We’ve got all the info you need so that you don’t have to worry about the bookings as
Fliptrip Holidays offers you exclusive deals, luxury tour packages, travel planning and Top hotels in Maldives, so you can just sit back and relax and we'll manage everything else.

10 Luxury Hotels in Maldives

1. Soneva Secret

 

A new gem in the Soneva portfolio is the Soneva Secret, which offers you unmatched exclusivity with only 14 villas on a totally remote island. The concept is deeply personalized and with a motive that every guest has a "Barefoot Guardian" and private chef, ensuring them a stay that’s fully customized according to their needs.

Standout villas: The Castaway Villa—only accessible by boat, offering total seclusion.

Dining: Bespoke menus, destination dining, and overwater Teppanyaki.

Activities: Private snorkeling, celestial dining, freediving, stargazing.

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, ultra-private getaways.

Hotel website: soneva.com

We love it for: Once-in-a-lifetime privacy and personalization

Tip: Book the "Castaway Villa" early as it’s in high demand.

Other accolades: Part of Soneva’s carbon-neutral and eco-luxury legacy

Review: “This stay just felt like a dream! The private villa was beautiful, amazing chefs and food, and total peace, it was the perfect place for quiet family time.”★★★★★

2. Soneva Fushi

 

Soneva Fushi is located within a lush jungle setting and offers you a barefoot luxury experience with an eco-conscious twist. The Villas are hidden among this places’ dense greenery over the sea, blending luxury with sustainability. Think chocolate rooms, open-air cinemas, and a world-class observatory.

Standout villas: Jungle Reserve and Water Retreats with slides

Dining: Plant-based fine dining at Shades of Green, fresh seafood at Out of the Blue

Activities: Glassblowing, turtle snorkeling, astronomy sessions, jungle spa

Best for: Eco-travelers, families, wellness seekers

Hotel website: soneva.com

We love it for: Jungle-luxe villas and family-friendly experiences

Tip: Visit the chocolate and cheese rooms—open all day.

Other accolades: Global award-winner for sustainability and family travel

Review: “This place has a perfect jungle vibe, and the beach fun was great. It also has the best food ever! Our kids loved the ice cream room and open-air cinema.” ★★★★★

3. Soneva Jani

 

Soneva Jani is the Maldives’ most Instagrammed resort that is famous for its dreamy water villas with private slides right from your room. The villas also have retractable roofs for stargazing in bed, overwater hammocks, and lagoon access. This place is designed to perfection, and no two stays would have the same experience here.

Standout villas: Chapter Two Water Reserves with private infinity pools

Dining: So Engaging chef’s table, organic plant-based dining, lagoon-side sushi

Activities: Eco excursions, marine biology tours, overwater spa treatments

Best for: Honeymooners, luxury lovers, digital nomads

Hotel website: soneva.com

We love it for: The dreamy slides and star-roof villas

Tip: Opt for Chapter Two villas—they include all-inclusive benefits.

Other accolades: Voted “Most Romantic Resort in the World” multiple times

Review: “That water slide from our room was so incredible and legit unforgettable! We all loved the huge villa and how peaceful the whole place felt.” ★★★★★

4. Cheval Blanc Randheli

 

Cheval Blanc Randheli is operated by the LVMH group, and you can simply experience the ultra-refined French elegance here along with warm Maldivian hospitality. The villas are modern, and artfully designed. They also offer wellness experiences and fine dining. The resort is somewhat like a haven for luxury travelers.

Standout villas: Island Villas and the four-bedroom Owner’s Villa on a private island

Dining: Fine dining at Le 1947, Japanese at Diptyque, beachfront dining

Activities: Guerlain Spa, diving with a marine biologist, private yacht tours

Best for: High-end travelers, celebrities, wellness couples

Hotel website: chevalblanc.com

We love it for: Sophistication and ultra-luxury service

Tip: Book the Spa Island for a day of total zen.

Other accolades: Forbes 5-star, Condé Nast Gold List

Review: “This place is pure luxury and the staff treated us like royalty. Everything from the food to the views was just top-class.” ★★★★★

5. Velaa Private Island

 

Velaa private island is like a sanctuary that is designed for the elite and it has only 47 villas, and no request is too grand. You can choose a private submarine or any activity with your booking or you can go golfing with a PGA pro and have a great time. Each and every detail is handcrafted, and privacy is highly prioritized.

Standout villas: Romantic Pool Residence, reachable only by boat

Dining: Michelin-style fine dining, beachfront grills, and a lavish wine cellar

Activities: Private yacht charters, tennis, overwater spa, snow room

Best for: Billionaires, celebrities, couples seeking absolute seclusion

Hotel website: velaaprivateisland.com

We love it for: Its sheer exclusivity and tailored services

Tip: Use the resort’s seaplane for a dramatic arrival.

Other accolades: One of the world’s most expensive private island resorts

Review: “This place was so insanely beautiful! I loved the private pool and spa. It is great for couples or families that just wanna fully relax but also have some fun time.” ★★★★★

6. Joali Maldives / Joali Being

 

Joali Maldives and Joali Being have a very immersive luxury that they took to a new level. Joali Maldives has focused solely on art and design, like hand-carved bathtubs and curated island art walks, while Joali Being is Maldives’ first well-being island and is focused on transformation and wellness for your body and mind.

Standout villas: Ocean Residence at Joali Maldives; Ocean Sala at Joali Being

Dining: Gourmet artistry at Vandhoo, and nutritional, earth-to-table cuisine at Joali Being

Activities: Sound healing, hydrotherapy hall, art studio, bespoke wellness programs

Best for: Wellness seekers, solo travelers, design lovers

Hotel website: joali.com

We love it for: The design-meets-wellness vibe

Tip: Try the "Mind Therapy" sessions at Joali Being’s Discovery Sound Path.

Other accolades: Named “Best Wellness Retreat” by Luxury Travel Guide

Review: “Such a unique resort! So peaceful, and the wellness treatments really helped us all unwind the stress. The interiors of this place were just wow!” ★★★★★

7. One&Only Reethi Rah

 

One&Only Reethi Rah is an icon of Maldivian luxury, that is bold, glamorous, and massively spread with 12 beaches, world-class dining, and vibrant island life. This place is ideal for travelers who want both privacy and adventurous activities, or just wanna try something new. The villas are very spacious and specifically designed for luxe living.

Standout villas: Grand Sunset Residence with a private beach and personal chef

Dining: Tapasake for modern Japanese, Botanica for organic garden-to-table cuisine

Activities: Jetpacking, sunset dhoni cruises, open-air yoga, kids’ club

Best for: Families, celebrities, stylish couples

Hotel website: oneandonlyresorts.com

We love it for: Sheer scale and VIP services

Tip: Book a private beach cabana for sunset dinner

Other accolades: Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award

Review: “This was a huge island with lots to do! We biked, swam, and ate like we were starving(we kinda were). Great place to have fun and just chill.” ★★★★★

8. Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

 

Gili Lankanfushi is a pioneer in eco-luxury, and it feels like a castaway heaven but with five-star perks that you would only get here. The barefoot philosophy is actually very seriously followed here but that is what everyone enjoys, and all villas are overwater, many with rooftop decks and direct sea access. Also, privacy is the ultimate luxury here and you can truly feel that here.

Standout villas: The Private Reserve—largest overwater villa in the world

Dining: Organic garden-to-plate menus, seafood BBQs on the beach

Activities: Coral planting, surfing, open-air cinema, holistic Meera Spa

Best for: Couples, eco-travelers, barefoot romantics

Hotel website: gili-lankanfushi.com

We love it for: Barefoot luxury with heart

Tip: Book a sunrise villa for the best ocean views

Other accolades: “No.1 Hotel in Maldives” – TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice

Review: “With the direct sea in front of the villa, we felt super close to nature! The villa was magical, and the staff was really kind and friendly. Perfect stay.” ★★★★★

9. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

 

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has its own unique architecture that is inspired by marine life and it feels like an ultra-modern aesthetics blended with island charm. Each of these villas are designed from manta ray-inspired rooftops to glass-bottom plunge pools and in-room spa beds to give you a purely relaxing holiday.

Standout villas: The John Jacob Astor Estate—3-bedroom overwater residence

Dining: Whale Bar (sunset tapas & cocktails), Decanter for underground wine tasting

Activities: Anti-gravity yoga, deep-sea diving, Iridium Spa with Ayurvedic treatments

Best for: Luxury design fans, honeymooners, families with refined taste

Hotel website: marriott.com

We love it for: Bold design + impeccable St. Regis service

Tip: Don’t miss sunset at Whale Bar—it’s legendary

Other accolades: Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards Top 10 Indian Ocean Resorts

Review: “The personalized service option was perfect and our butler was so helpful! Stunning villa, excellent food, and lots of space for the kids to enjoy.” ★★★★★

10. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

 

JW Marriott Maldives is the perfect resort for anyone who wants something chic, elegant yet family-friendly with a very relaxing environment. The villas are modern, with curved roofs and oceanfront decks and they also have five restaurants, a kids’ club, and personalized services which is ideal for all kinds of travelers.

Standout villas: Duplex Overwater Pool Villas with panoramic views

Dining: Hashi (Japanese-Peruvian fusion), Fiamma (Italian by the pool), Shio (steakhouse)

Activities: Snorkeling on house reef, spa rituals, Maldivian cooking classes

Best for: Families, foodie travelers, honeymooners on a mid-luxury budget

Hotel website: marriott.com

We love it for: Balanced luxury for all types of travelers

Tip: Go all-inclusive—it’s worth every penny

Other accolades: Named “Best Family Resort in Maldives” by Travel+Leisure

Review: “Loved every bit of this resort! Especially the floating breakfast and the spa! The kids had fun too. Very family-friendly and beautifully designed” ★★★★★

How to Reach + Best Time to Visit Maldives

Reaching the Maldives from India is easier than you think. The main international gateway is Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé.
From Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, you’ll find direct or one-stop flights via airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, SriLankan Airlines, and Air India.

• From Delhi: flights take about 5–6 hours with one stop.
• From Mumbai: the quickest connection is 2.5 to 4 hours, with some direct flights available.
• From Bangalore: expect around 2.5–3.5 hours of travel time.

After landing, your resort typically arranges a speedboat or scenic seaplane transfer to your island paradise.

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time is from November to April, during the dry season, when the skies are sunny and seas are calm.This time is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and beach lounging.

How to Choose the Right Resort for You

Finding the ideal place to stay among the countless hotels in the Maldives really comes down to the type of trip you're planning and your preferred accommodation. If you think of any luxurious 5-star hotels with stunning overwater villas, or you want something budget-friendly that offers you beachfront experiences, then this will help you decide:

• For Honeymooners & Couples

If you’re planning a honeymoon or want to spend time as a couple, then you should go for resorts that offer you secluded water villas, sunset dining, and ultra-private experiences. Hotels like Soneva Jani and Cheval Blanc Randheli are specifically crafted for such private stays, with butlers, open-air bathtubs, and starlit dinners so that you have a perfect time.

What you should look for: Overwater villas, private pools, in-villa dining, candlelit beaches.

• For Wellness & Health

If you are looking to spend some time just relaxing your soul and for a social detox then resorts like Joali Being and Soneva Fushi offer holistic wellness experiences, meditation pavilions, sound therapy, and Ayurveda-based spa rituals that will give you a great experience. These resorts are specially designed for those who want to disconnect from daily life and realign with nature and well being.

What you should look for: Wellness journeys, spa packages, yoga decks, nature immersion.

• For Families & Groups

If you’re traveling with kids or a large group of people then resorts like One&Only Reethi Rah and JW Marriott Maldives offer you spacious villas, fun kids’ clubs, and even cooking classes. Some of the resorts also provide multi-bedroom residences that are equipped with pools and personal butlers.

What you should look for: Family villas, kids’ activities, on-call babysitters, water sports.

• For All-Inclusive Convenience

If you want to skip the planning of your whole itinerary and enjoy a stress-free holiday, then you can choose resorts that are offering all-inclusive meal plans, which often cover multi-cuisine buffets and à la carte dining.

What you should look for: All-inclusive plans, premium dining access and other water or fun activities included.

• For Water Lovers & Adventure Seekers

If you specially planned this trip to go diving, snorkeling, and have fun doing some sea adventures, then you should pick resorts with house reefs, PADI-certified dive centers, and daily water excursions. Resorts like Gili Lankanfushi and Velaa Private Island are great for these immersive experiences and you will have a great time.

What you should look for: Scuba diving, night snorkeling, dolphin cruises, marine biologist tours.

• For Affordable Luxury

The Maldives have various affordable options, some budget hotels in Maldives will give you amazing value with full-board meals, clean beachfront rooms, and community-based island stays. These hotels are perfect for those who want the experience without the splurge.

What you should look for: 3 - 4 star properties, local island guesthouses, package deals with Fliptrip Holidays.

Not sure where to start? Fliptrip Holidays can curate a personalized Maldives package for you that match your budget, travel goals, and resort style. If you want to go scuba diving, multi-cuisine dining, or an all-inclusive honeymoon escape, they’ll help you book it all in one go.

Tips for a Dream Maldives Holiday

Planning a Maldives trip? Save this list, cause you’ll thank us later!
Here are some major tips that will help you make the most of your experience in Maldives.

Before You Go

• Book at least 3–4 months in advance, especially for Luxury Resorts because the peak travel season (Nov–April) sells out quickly, especially at top hotels in Maldives.
• Choose the Right Meal Plan for yourself, as Maldives is remote, so meal costs can add up. You should opt for all-inclusive or half-board plans to save.
• Use a Trusted Tour Partner that helps you out with everything—flights, transfers, meals, activities, and exclusive deals to make your trip stress free.
• Pick Your Resort Based on Your Travel Style. If you love scuba diving, go for Gili Lankanfushi. You’re on your honeymoon, then try Soneva Jani. If you’re here to just relax, then Joali Being is your match.
• Pay attention to your check in times as some of the resorts are only accessible during daylight. Time your international flight accordingly.

During Your Stay

• Ditch the shoes and just relax in the barefoot luxury as many resorts follow a “No News, No Shoes” relaxed island lifestyle.
• Plan a sunset dolphin cruise or private boat ride to see the breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian horizon.
• Try scuba diving or snorkeling in the Maldives’ clear waters, even if you’re a beginner with no experience.
• Enjoy multi-cuisine dining with any type of flavors like Japanese-Peruvian fusion, Mediterranean grills, and gourmet seafood platters.
• Make some time to rejuvenate and relax at spa sessions with overwater or jungle settings that offer you Ayurvedic, Thai, or sound therapy.
• You can explore the house reef steps from your villa and spot the colorful coral gardens and tropical fishes that you would only see here.
• Book a floating breakfast in your private pool for that perfect Insta-worthy Maldives brunch moment.
• Don’t miss out on the local cultural nights that have Maldivian drumming, traditional island food, and storytelling.
• Get drone shots of the islands, but check the resort’s drone rules to respect other guest’s privacy.
• Take a cooking class or wine tasting session, which are perfect for food lovers who want that kind of experience.

Practical Essentials

• Pack light but smartly and bring reef-safe sunscreen, some breezy outfits, sunglasses, sandals, and a waterproof bag with you.
• You should carry some local currency and credit card with you, as most resorts here are cashless, but tips and small purchases may need cash.
• Stay hydrated and drink water as much as you can, especially after lounging at the beach in the sun or doing any water activities.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly, and try to avoid any kind of PDA when you’re visiting local islands or traditional villages.
• Some resorts here seriously follow digital detox and skip TVs so you can truly relax throughout your stay.

Conclusion

At the best hotels in Maldives, you get to have stunning overwater bungalows, thrilling scuba dives, delightful floating breakfasts, and romantic beach dinners. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is completed with infinity pools and all-inclusive meals. If you're also thinking about booking a 5-star hotel in the Maldives, then this guide will be your go-to, no matter your budget.

Want it all planned for you?
Fliptrip Holidays makes it super easy to book your stay at top hotels in Maldives, complete with flights, transfers, meals, spa treatments, and water sports, all of it in one unforgettable package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit luxury hotels in Maldives?

The ideal time to visit Maldives is between November and April, when the weather is sunny and perfect time for water activities.

Are Maldives luxury resorts all-inclusive?

There are many hotels in Maldives that offer an all-inclusive package which include meals, drinks, airport transfers, and activities like snorkeling or kayaking.

What makes Maldives resorts different from other tropical destinations?

Maldives is a one-of-a-kind experience, with overwater villas, crystal-clear lagoons, underwater restaurants, and private islands this place is very different from the other tropical destinations.

Are there family-friendly luxury hotels in Maldives?

Yes, resorts like Soneva Fushi and JW Marriott Maldives have many family villas, some kids' clubs so that your child is always having fun, and activities that people from all age groups can enjoy.

How do I reach my hotel in Maldives from the airport?

Most of the 5-star resorts in Maldives will provide speedboat transfer facilities that will pick you up from Malé International Airport and get you to the hotel directly, as per your booking dates and time.

Can you get budget friendly hotels in Maldives?

Yes, you can get budget friendly hotels here at islands like Maafushi that come with beach access, excursions, and authentic local food.

What are the dining options that are available at these luxury resorts?

There are multiple options that you can get here, multi-cuisine gourmet dining, beach BBQs, floating breakfasts. You can even have underwater dining experiences in some resorts.

Can I go scuba diving from my resort?

Yes, the top hotels in Maldives have dive centers with certified instructors where you can go scuba diving or snorkeling.

How do I book the best hotels in Maldives?

For a seamless experience on your Maldives trip, you can get full travel packages from trusted travel services like Fliptrip Holidays that has custom made Maldives tour packages.

Are these resorts a great choice for honeymooners?

Maldives is one of the best honeymoon destinations out there that has romantic overwater villas, private dinners, and couples’ spa treatments to give you an unforgettable experience.