Top 5 most Beautiful Islands & Resorts in the Maldives
The Maldives is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush palm-covered islands. But here’s a little secret: not all islands are created equal. Some resorts sit on truly breathtaking islands with powder-soft sand and crystal-clear water, while others have seawalls, groynes, or seaweed that affect the natural beauty.
In this guide, we share our 5 favorite and most beautiful resorts in the Maldives, where both the islands and the resorts combine to create postcard-perfect scenery.
What makes an island and a resort more beautiful than another one?
When it comes to beauty, not every Maldivian island is equal. The differences can be striking, and choosing the right resort can make a big difference to your holiday. After visiting more than 35 luxury resorts in the Maldives, we have been able to really judge and compare what truly make them beautiful.
First, beaches are key. The softest, cleanest, seaweed-free sand makes a beach look and feel pristine. The color of the water is another factor, some lagoons have deeper, richer shades of turquoise and blue, while others look murkier.
Islands that are free from seawalls or groynes also tend to look more natural and untouched. There’s nothing worse than resorts literally surrounded by seawalls (wave breakfers) all around the island.
When looking for the most beautiful island in the Maldives, the vegetation also plays a role. Tall coconut palms and lush greenery create the perfect tropical backdrop.
Finally, the surroundings matter. Resorts located in isolated areas with unobstructed views of the horizon usually feel more special than those with nearby islands or industrial atolls in sight.
If you want to dive deeper into the broader selection of luxury resorts, check our guide and ranking of the 10 best resorts in the Maldives.
Top 5 of the most beautiful island resorts in the Maldives
Some islands simply have that “wow” factor. Here are our five favorites and most recommended beautiful island resorts in the Maldives, combining natural beauty with stunning luxury.
1. Park Hyatt Hadahaa: stunning small island with perfect beaches
Located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Park Hyatt Hadahaa is one of the most remote luxury resorts in the Maldives. Guests arrive via a domestic flight followed by a speedboat transfer, which adds to the sense of seclusion. The resort has 52 villas, a mix of beach and overwater, with a strong focus on privacy and sustainability.
What makes Park Hyatt Hadahaa so beautiful is the island itself. This is one of the rare resorts where you get perfect beaches 360° around the island. The sand is powder-soft, there is no seaweed, no seawalls, no groynes, just pure natural beauty.
Every corner looks like a postcard, and the lagoon’s shades of blue are mesmerizing.
For travelers who want to experience the Maldives in its most natural and untouched form, Park Hyatt Hadahaa is a true gem.
It really deserves its spot as most beautiful island and resort in the Maldives. If you want something that will fill-up your camera roll, that’s the one!
2. Huvafen Fushi: picture-perfect lagoon and shades of blue
Just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé, Huvafen Fushi is a boutique resort with only 46 villas and one of the most beautiful resorts in the Maldives.
Renovated in 2024, it combines intimate luxury with one of the most spectacular lagoons in the Maldives. It is also the only resort in the world with an underwater spa, making it a one-of-a-kind destination.
The beauty of Huvafen Fushi lies in its shades of blue. The lagoon surrounding the island is absolutely stunning, with crystal-clear waters and immaculate white-sand beaches. There is no seaweed, and the island is meticulously maintained to preserve its natural charm.
There are so many areas around Huvafen Fushi that will make you want to take hundreds of photos and videos. Some of our favorite areas are between the spa and the gym, between the arrival jetty and the yoga pavilion or near the Lagoon Bungalows with pool. All these areas are really stunning and wil show you why Huvafen Fushi is one of the most beautiful island in the Maldives.
If you’d like to read more about this amazing resort, check out our in-depth review of Huvafen Fushi Maldives.
3. Anantara Kihavah: lush vegetation and pristine beaches
An other spectacular island and resort is Anantara Kihavah.
Situated in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Anantara Kihavah is one of the most renowned luxury resorts in the Maldives. It can be reached via a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Malé and offers 80 villas, both overwater and beachfront.
The island is particularly beautiful because it offers beaches all around, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear water. There are no seawalls or groynes disrupting the natural scenery. Walking around the island, you’re surrounded by towering palms and stretches of soft sand that open onto turquoise lagoons.
Anantara Kihavah combines a stunning natural setting with unique experiences, like dining in its famous underwater restaurant which we would really recommend you if you are planning a stay at this resort.
4. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru: sandbank and crystal-clear lagoons
Also in Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a large luxury resort with a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Malé. Known for its exceptional service and wide range of experiences, this resort is also blessed with incredible natural beauty.
The beaches here are soft and white, and the crystal-clear lagoon offers endless shades of blue. One of the most iconic features of the island is its sandbank, which stretches elegantly into the ocean and is perfect for romantic walks.
The only minor downside is that on the sunrise side of the island, some seawalls are visible in the distance. Still, the overall natural beauty of Landaa Giraavaru places it among the most stunning resorts and islands in the Maldives.
5. Niyama Private Island: the most incredible shades of blue
Last but not least in this ranking of the most beautiful resorts in the Maldives, Niyama Private Island should definitely be added to your bucket-list.
Located in Dhaalu Atoll, about a 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé, Niyama Private Island is actually made up of two islands: Play and Chill. Together, they create a unique resort concept, with family-friendly facilities on one side and serene escapes on the other.
Niyama is a stunning island both inside and out. The long stretches of beach are some of the most beautiful in the Maldives, with incredibly clear water and breathtaking shades of blue (particularly near the Crescent). There are no seawalls, though a few groynes are present on some beaches. Inside, the vegetation is lush and tropical, adding to the feeling of paradise.
Beyond the beauty, Niyama is also one of the best resorts in the Maldives for surfing, with excellent waves just offshore.
Conclusion: not all resorts and islands in the Maldives are as beautiful
Choosing the most beautiful islands and resorts in the Maldives can be challenging, but some islands stand out for their perfect beaches, turquoise lagoons, lush vegetation, and natural surroundings. From the untouched beauty of Park Hyatt Hadahaa to the spectacular shades of blue at Huvafen Fushi, these five resorts represent the very best of what the Maldives has to offer.
Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic hideaway or a family in search of long stretches of pristine beach, these resorts prove why the Maldives remains one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
Contact us for more information or to book your trip to the Maldives with the most competitive rates.
