TOP 10 Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives for 2025

The criteria used for our ranking of the best resorts in the Maldives

Before presenting you with our favorite luxury resorts in the Maldives, let’s explain how we evaluated each properties to do this ranking.

We used 10 criteria to establish this list of the top resorts in the Maldives for 2025:

1. The island and resort beauty

The Maldives is all about natural beauty. The most important criteria for us when looking for the best resort in the Maldives is the island beauty.

We looked at how stunning each island is, including the beaches, lagoon, overwater villa surroundings, and the clarity and color of the water. Some resorts sit on truly postcard-perfect islands, while others are less impressive.

We often hear from our clients that “all islands look the same” but this is extremely wrong and some are way more beautiful than others.

2. The quality of service

An other very important aspect to take into account when searching for the best resorts in the Maldives is the quality of the service.

Service makes or breaks a stay in the Maldives. We considered the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, whether butler service is provided, and how personal the experience feels, for example when staff remember your name.

3. The quality of the house reef for snorkeling

For many travelers, snorkeling is one of the highlights when traveling to the Maldives. We looked at whether the reef is healthy, the variety of marine life (sharks, turtles, rays, colorful fish), accessibility, strength of currents, and average visibility.

You may not give any value to this criterion is snorkeling is not something important for you, but as the Maldives is one of the best destinations in the world for snorkeling, it does matter a lot in our ranking.

4. The food and dining outlets

An other aspect which will make us recommend a resort instead of an other one in the Maldives is the food.

Food is key whether you’ll spend just a few days or several weeks on a single island. We evaluated the number of dining outlets, the overall quality, the variety of cuisines, and how good the drinks and cocktails are.

5. The villas

We assessed villa design, size, comfort, and whether they are recently built or refurbished. Villas are often where guests spend most of their time, so the atmosphere and quality matter a lot.

6. The spa experience

The spa is central to a Maldivian holiday. We considered how beautiful and relaxing the spa is, whether it is overwater or set in the jungle, the range of treatments offered, and if extra facilities like sauna or steam rooms are available.

All this is very important and you’ll see that our favorite Maldivian resorts all have excellent spa facilities.

7. The distance from the airport

Transfers can be either quick and easy or long and tiring. We factored in whether the resort is reached by speedboat, seaplane, or a combination of domestic flight and speedboat, and how much time it takes from Male airport.

This criterion is particularly important for people on a short trip (5 nights or less). Taking the most optimized transfer option will enable you to spend more time in paradise, and less moving around between the airport and the resort.

8. The surroundings

Some islands are set in remote areas with nothing but ocean views, while others are surrounded by neighboring resorts or local islands. The overall seclusion and scenery make a big difference to the experience and is an important thing we analyzed to do this ranking of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives.

9. Activities and unique points of difference

From gyms and tennis courts to underwater restaurants or private sandbank picnics, activities can set a resort apart. We looked at the range and uniqueness of what each resort offers beyond the basics.

10. The overall value for money

Last but not least, the value for money is of course extremely important when looking for the best resorts in the Maldives.

The Maldives can be very expensive, so we evaluated whether the price per night matches the quality of the experience, including food, drinks, spa, excursions, and other extras once on the island.

The 10 best luxury resorts in the Maldives by The Resorts Collection

Finding the best resorts in the Maldives is not always straightforward. Each property has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the experience can vary a lot depending on what you value most. Below we present our ranking of the top 10 luxury resorts in the Maldives for 2025, based on our selection criteria.

1. Kudadoo Maldives (88.5/100)

Kudadoo Maldives tops our ranking of the best resorts in the Maldives for 2025 and gets the highest rating with an overall 88.5/100.

With only 15 villas, it is one of the most exclusive properties in the country, designed for travelers seeking complete privacy and tailor-made luxury. The standout feature here is the unique Anything, Anytime, Anywhere concept. This luxury all-inclusive goes far beyond the usual packages: spa treatments, dining, cocktails, excursions, diving, motorized water sports, and private experiences are all unlimited. You will be able to book massages every day, enjoy fine dining under the stars, or spend an afternoon on a private sandbank at no extra cost.

The island itself is stunning, surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and powder-soft sand. Villas are spacious, contemporary, and designed to blend with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Service is personal and discreet, with butlers anticipating your every need. For travelers asking which is the best luxury resort in the Maldives for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, Kudadoo is hard to beat because it combines exclusivity, natural beauty, and exceptional value when considering everything included.

2. Anantara Kihavah (87.5/100)

Anantara Kihavah is one of the most beautiful resorts in the Maldives and one of our top recommendations.

Located in UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, the island offers the perfect balance of lush tropical scenery, soft beaches, and a vibrant house reef. Guests can snorkel directly from the beach and see turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish in crystal-clear waters. Villas have recently been renovated, giving them a stylish yet homely feel.

As one of the best resorts in the Maldives, it offers great food with many options. Dining is a highlight here, with several excellent restaurants. The underwater restaurant, SEA, is one of the most famous in the Maldives, allowing you to enjoy fine dining while watching marine life swim past the glass walls. Service is warm and refined, with dedicated villa hosts taking care of details throughout your stay.

This resort stands out among the best luxury resorts in the Maldives because it offers something for everyone: great snorkeling, beautiful accommodation, unique dining, and a strong sense of Maldivian charm. For travelers looking for a well-rounded luxury experience that won’t break the bank, Anantara Kihavah is a go-to choice for many people.

3. Huvafen Fushi (79/100)

Third in our ranking of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives is Huvafen Fushi.

Huvafen Fushi is a boutique property with just 46 villas, offering an intimate and exclusive atmosphere that appeals especially to couples and honeymooners. The island itself is breathtaking, with white-sand beaches and water in stunning shades of blue. Its biggest claim to fame is the world’s first underwater spa, where treatments are given while you gaze at reef fish and corals through the windows.

Despite being small, Huvafen Fushi delivers in many areas. The food is excellent, with several restaurants and bars that focus on fresh and creative cuisine.

Villas are luxurious and private, whether you choose beachfront or overwater. Service is highly personalized, with staff remembering your name and preferences. Another advantage is its location just 45 minutes from Male by speedboat, making it easily accessible among the best resorts in the Maldives.

The atmosphere here is quiet and romantic, which makes Huvafen Fushi less ideal for families but perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape in paradise. Combined with excellent value for money compared to many competitors, it fully deserves its place in this ranking of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives for 2025.

4. Park Hyatt Hadahaa (77/100)

Park Hyatt Hadahaa is a remote and pristine island resort located in the southern Maldives. With just 53 villas, it offers an intimate setting surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear water. One of its strongest assets is the house reef, which is the best in the Maldives. Snorkeling is possible directly from the beach, with healthy coral, good visibility, and a wealth of marine life including reef sharks, turtles, and rays.

The resort is designed in a contemporary style with minimalist architecture that integrates into the natural landscape. Villas are spacious and private, some with, some without pools.

Food is of good quality, with a mix of international and Maldivian flavors, and service is attentive and professional. The spa, while pleasant, is not the most impressive compared to some other top resorts in the Maldives, but treatments are still relaxing and varied.

Reaching Park Hyatt Hadahaa requires a domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer, which makes it less convenient. However, the remoteness also ensures total seclusion. Combined with competitive pricing, it offers very good value for travelers who want one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives with exceptional snorkeling opportunities.

5. Niyama Private Island (75.5/100)

Niyama Private Island is one of the most versatile resorts in the Maldives, spread across two islands called Play and Chill. With spacious beach villas, pavilions for families, and luxurious overwater villas, it caters to both couples and families. The island is large and naturally beautiful, with lush vegetation and wide beaches.

Dining is a highlight, with several unique outlets including Subsix, an underwater restaurant, and Nest, a treetop dining experience. Food quality is consistently high across all venues. There is also a surf break right off the Play island, something rare in the Maldives. Service is friendly and welcoming, with a focus on making guests feel at ease.

Even though it is one of our absolutel favorite resorts in the Maldives, it is not perfect.

The downside is that there is no house reef at Niyama, so snorkeling enthusiasts may find it lacking compared to other best resorts in the Maldives. That said, for families or travelers looking for a resort with excellent activities, outstanding dining, and a lively yet refined atmosphere, Niyama is a top choice.

6. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru (74.5/100)

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is set in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by a beautiful turquoise lagoon. The island itself is stunning, with wide beaches and lush greenery. Villas are elegant, spacious and very private, combining natural materials with modern luxury. Service is exceptional, reflecting the Four Seasons brand reputation, and the dining options are varied and high quality.

Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, from various wellness programs to diving or snorkeling with manta rays during the season. The spa is outstanding, offering traditional treatments as well as modern therapies in a tranquil overwater setting.

However, snorkeling opportunities are limited compared to some other luxury resorts in the Maldives, and the overall pricing is very high, making value for money less attractive. For travelers who want the prestige and refinement of the Four Seasons name combined with a beautiful island, this resort remains one of the most recommended and highly rated resorts in the Maldives.

7. Hurawalhi (73/100)

Hurawalhi is an adults-only resort, making it one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives for couples and honeymooners. It has 90 villas, both overwater and beachside, offering modern comfort and privacy. The island is surrounded by a healthy reef, making snorkeling an excellent activity here.

The signature feature of Hurawalhi is 5.8, its underwater restaurant located 5.8 meters below the surface. It is not only visually spectacular but also offers gourmet dining of a very high standard. Service is attentive and friendly, and activities include diving, water sports, spa and much more.

The main drawback lies in the villas, which, while comfortable, feel less luxurious compared to the top-tier properties in the Maldives. Nevertheless, Hurawalhi scores well for value, combining a great location, strong dining, and unique experiences at a relatively accessible price point.

If you are looking for the best resort in the Maldives in terms of value for money, Hurawalhi is really an amazing choice.

8. Raffles Meradhoo Maldives (71.5/100)

Raffles Meradhoo is one of the most intimate and tranquil resorts in the Maldives, with only 38 villas. Villas are exceptionally spacious and luxurious, among the best in the country, whether located on the beach or overwater. Privacy is guaranteed, and the design reflects the timeless Raffles elegance.

The resort is split between two islands, one for overwater villas and one for beach villas, with boat transfers linking the two. The house reef is excellent, offering healthy coral and abundant marine life. The spa is overwater and beautifully designed, though pricing is on the higher side.

Where Raffles Meradhoo falls behind other best luxury resorts in the Maldives is in its dining, which is good but not outstanding, and the beauty of the land island, which lacks the postcard-perfect beaches of some competitors listed in this ranking.

The resort is also far from Male, requiring both a domestic flight and a boat transfer (unless upgrading to the private seaplane option). Despite this, for travelers who prioritize villa comfort, seclusion, and privacy, Raffles Meradhoo is an excellent option and a very popular resort in the Maldives.

9. Ozen Life Maadhoo (68.5/100)

Ozen Life Maadhoo is one of the most accessible resorts in this ranking, located just a speedboat ride from Male. This makes it ideal for travelers who prefer to avoid seaplane or domestic flights. The resort offers an attractive all-inclusive plan, covering meals, drinks, and many activities.

Villas are comfortable and well-equipped, and service is consistently friendly and efficient. Dining options are varied, and the quality is generally high, particularly considering the value-for-money positioning. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, appealing to couples and families alike.

The main drawback is the island’s natural setting. The beaches are less pristine than other of our favorite resorts in the Maldives, with seaweed sometimes affecting the shoreline, and there is no house reef. Snorkeling excursions are included but the sites are not as impressive as others in the Maldives. Still, for travelers looking for one of the best resorts in the Maldives in terms of affordability and inclusions, Ozen Life Maadhoo is a solid choice.

10. Soneva Jani (66.5/100)

Last but not least in this ranking of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives comes a very big name.

Soneva Jani is perhaps the most famous resort in the Maldives, thanks to its iconic overwater villas with slides. These villas are some of the largest and most spectacular in the country, offering private pools, retractable roofs for stargazing, and direct access to the lagoon. Service is outstanding, with dedicated butlers known as Mr. or Ms. Friday taking care of every detail.

Dining is excellent, with multiple venues offering gourmet cuisine, and the spa is both beautiful and varied. The range of activities is wide, including outdoor cinema screenings, watersports, and excursions.

However, despite its fame, Soneva Jani is not the most balanced option among the best luxury resorts in the Maldives. The beaches on the island are not as impressive as elsewhere, and the surrounding lagoon often has seaweed (particularly for the overwater villas in chapter 2, which we never recommend to our clients).

There is no house reef, and the daily snorkeling excursions are average at best. Finally, prices are extremely high, making value for money questionable. For travelers who want a highly recognizable and photogenic resort with extraordinary villas, Soneva Jani remains unique, but it comes with trade-offs.

Conclusion: which resort in the Maldives is the best…for YOU?

After visiting more than 35 top luxury resorts in the Maldives, we’ve become quite good at analysing and comparing options within many very good properties.

While this ranking of the best resorts in the Maldives aims at giving you an overall vision of some top luxury options, the most important is for you to analyse what is really important based on your own criteria.

If you want the very best luxury resort in the Maldives, going with Kudadoo will be the safe option, but the budget will be pretty high. If you want something perfectly balanced, looking at Hurawalhi or Huvafen Fushi could be excellent and give you a true Maldives experience without breaking the bank.

In any case, we can assist you to find the best resort in the Maldives based on what is really important for YOU. Feel free to contact us for any assistance or to book your trip to the Maldives with the most competitive rates.