The Maldives is considered one of the most exclusive destinations to enjoy the ultimate tropical gateway. The Maldives are a collection of about a thousand small coral atolls situated on the equator towards the south of India. It is blessed with the most stunning beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and incredible underwater marine life. Islets of white sand and palm trees cover the archipelago, revealing dreamy atolls and a turquoise ocean in full view, making it a paradise.
However, the Maldives is also home to the most luxurious hotels and resorts that are perfect for everyone. From scuba divers to honeymooners and even celebrities, the idyllic retreats offer world-class accommodation, the finest dining experience, luxurious services, and exceptional facilities for the perfect vacation.
From secluded overwater villas to sustainable cottages, here are the top five affluent hotels in the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a boutique hotel that provides all the advantages of a paradise island one can imagine. Its splendid location within the northern Baa atoll offers no shortage of wildlife and marine adventures at the resort. The white, powdery sands and turquoise waters ring the island of Kihavah, providing the most scenic views. Its remote location also means guests can enjoy a starry night and endless horizons.
The luxurious overwater and beach villas provide private infinity pools, open-air bathrooms, and beautiful sea views. Upgraded villas have elegant living rooms, private beaches, dining areas, and butler’s kitchens. Some of the villas feature a glass-bottomed bath, which is one of the highlights of the hotel.
The hotel also has an overwater spa, an underwater restaurant, an overwater observatory, an outdoor cinema beneath a celestial sky, a kids club, an art studio, and more. The water sports centre offers an array of activities, including kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkelling.
Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is an award-winning Maldivian resort with its rustic-chic style, eco-friendly practices, serene atmosphere, and first-class services. Lankanfushi, the private resort island, lies in the North Male Atoll. A shallow lagoon of glistening blue waters, broad white beaches, and shape-shifting sandbanks surround this paradise isle.
The homely palm-thatched wooden villas are stilted over the water, keeping the wild island and the beaches on full display. The villas are built with sustainable items such as teak, bamboo, and coconut and feature handmade wooden furniture as well as spacious interiors. The resort sets out the Robinson Crusoe villas at the edges of the lagoon, and guests reach them by a small pontoon, providing a ‘castaway experience’.
The facilities of the resort include the Meera Spa, an ocean-side swimming pool, fitness rooms, tennis courts, and more. The beachside Kashiveli restaurant serves a range of delicacies, while Passage to India focuses solely on delicious Indian dishes.
Soneva Jani
Situated on an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll that boasts brilliant turquoise waters and unobstructed views, Soneva Jani offers an unparalleled experience in idyllic surroundings. The prominent Soneva team was the first to introduce over-water villas to the Maldives, and Soneva Jani is no exception.
White-washed wood with splashes of purple and green covers the resort. The developers built the villas using sustainable plantations. The massive overwater villas are accompanied by an equally spacious swimming pool. Other features include access to the private lagoon, high-end interiors, retractable ceilings, and portholes in the floors that reveal the marine life below.
There are four restaurant options and a bar offering a range of cuisines and refreshing drinks. Around the corner of the resort is the homemade ice cream and chocolate room, where one can choose from a dozen different types of truffles and ice cream flavours.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is a remote island resort in the secluded Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The resort combines innovation, wellness, and conservation to provide a glorious experience in the Maldives. The isolated location means uninterpreted vistas of the sea, a clearly lit sky, and a tranquil atmosphere.
A coconut boulevard surrounds this sophisticated retreat, which showcases traditional Maldivian architecture. The resort comprises thatched bungalows and villas boasting chic contemporary interiors, coral walls, and cosy living areas. Each unit sits effortlessly above the pristine water on stilts. The huge outdoor spaces have a private infinity pool, offer direct ocean or beach access, and have mezzanine-level lofts.
The resort offers a unique Ayurveda consultation service where resident physicians analyse problem areas and offer diet and lifestyle recommendations to guests accordingly. Moreover, guests can head over to the resort’s overwater spa rooms and try out yoga sessions. You can enjoy lunch at the beachfront Fuego Grill or the rooftop Al Barakat. Guests can sip on refreshing cocktails and drinks at either the Sea Bar or the Shisha Bar. You cannot miss the interactive and educational talks at the Marine Discovery Centre, which a team of biologists runs.
Baros
Located in the North Male Atoll, Baros is one of the Indian Ocean’s first luxury dive resorts. Due to a staggering house reef, marine adventures are abundant. As the resort is set on a private coral island, it features warm waters, snow-white sands, groves of coconut palms, and dynamic landscapes that appear straight out of a postcard.
Boras is an elegant and comfortable accommodation that pays the utmost attention to details. The quality furnishing of villas, sandy foliage-lined pathways, stylish settings, and more guarantee a lavish yet relaxing stay. The beautiful beachside villas open onto a private, leafy garden and the beach. The Baros Resident sets itself in a secluded location with its own private pool while situating the water villas in a prime position to observe scenic sunsets.
Among the restaurants at the resort, guests can enjoy fine dining experiences at Cayenne Grill. And this provides delicious seafood, Mediterranean cuisine at Lighthouse, and informal meals at Lime. The resort also has a fantastic spa, a large swimming pool, water entertainment from a luxury yacht, and other marine activities.
The Maldives is a dreamy destination, and staying at any of the above-listed hotels can make your trip even more unforgettable.
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