10 Most Expensive Resorts & Hotels in the Maldives 2025
The Maldives is home to some of the most expensive hotels and resorts in the world. Here are the 10 most expensive resorts in the Maldives in 2025.
Florian
10/4/20259 min read
The Maldives is known worldwide as one of the most exclusive and luxurious destinations. With white sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and private villas suspended above turquoise waters, it’s no surprise that some of the most expensive hotels in the Maldives rank among the most extravagant in the world (see the most incredible and most exclusive beach resorts in the world here).
These resorts cater to travelers seeking the ultimate in privacy, service, and unique experiences, whether that’s an underwater restaurant, villas with slides, or entirely private islands.
In this article, we rank the 10 most expensive hotels and resorts in the Maldives for 2025, focusing on what you can expect when booking a one-bedroom overwater villa with pool during high season. It’s important to note that “most expensive” does not always mean “best.” If you’re looking for overall quality and experience, make sure to also check our guide to the Top 10 best resorts in the Maldives.
The 10 most expensive resorts in the Maldives
To make a fair comparison and ranking of the most expensive resorts and villas in the Maldives, we used the price of a 1-bedroom overwater villa with pool at each resort during high season.
This excludes ultra-exclusive private islands (like the private island at Four Seasons or Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi) which are in a different category altogether and can cost more than hundred thousand USD per night.
The prices listed here are base rates with breakfast unless otherwise noted. Resorts that include all meals, activities, and extras may appear more expensive at first glance but often represent better value once everything is considered.
If you plan a trip to the Maldives and want to book any of the top luxury resorts with the most competitive rates, feel free to contact us.
If you’re in a rush, here’s a summary of our ranking of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives:
Kudadoo Private Island: around 33,500 USD
Cheval Blanc Randheli: around 31,000 USD
Velaa Private Island: around 30,500 USD
One&Only Reethi Rah: around 29,000 USD
Soneva Jani: around 28,500 USD
Joali Maldives: around 26,500 USD
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi: around 26,000 USD
The Nautilus Maldives: around 25,500 USD
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru: around 25,00 USD
Milaidhoo Maldives: around 18,500 USD
Kudadoo Private Island:
Ocean Residence (≈ 33,500 USD)
Kudadoo Private Island tops our list as the most expensive resort in the Maldives, with a stay in the Ocean Residence costing around 33,500 USD for one week during high season.
However, Kudadoo is unique in that it operates on a truly all-inclusive basis (more information on this in our in-depth review of Kudadoo Maldives Private Island). Unlike most resorts where meals, drinks, activities, and spa treatments quickly add up, Kudadoo includes everything: unlimited spa treatments, diving, excursions, water sports, fine dining, and even private in-villa experiences.
This makes it one of the only places where the price you see is the price you pay. For honeymooners and couples looking for absolute indulgence without worrying about extra charges, Kudadoo offers a level of freedom unmatched by any other property. While the nightly rate is extremely high, the fact that it covers the most expensive villa in the Maldives with all-inclusive perks means Kudadoo often ends up being better value than resorts with lower base rates but countless hidden costs.
Cheval Blanc Randheli:
One Bedroom Water Villa (≈ 31,000 USD)
Owned by LVMH, Cheval Blanc Randheli is the definition of French luxury in the Maldives.
A week in the One Bedroom Water Villa comes to around 31,000 USD, but this only includes breakfast. Once you add daily lunches, dinners, cocktails, spa treatments, and excursions, it can very easily surpass Kudadoo in total cost.
The villas are sleek and modern, designed with Cheval Blanc’s signature Parisian style, combining clean lines with elegant touches. Dining is a highlight, with refined gastronomy that reflects LVMH’s luxury DNA. Guests can also enjoy the iconic Cheval Blanc spa, set on its own island, offering some of the most indulgent treatments in the Maldives.
For those who value exclusivity, design, and a luxury brand experience, Cheval Blanc is hard to beat. However, it is also one of the most expensive hotels in the Maldives once you factor in the extras.
Velaa Private Island:
Sunrise Water Pool Villa (≈ 30,500 USD)
Velaa Private Island is one of the most exclusive names in the Maldives and also one of the most expensive one with a stay in the Sunrise Water Pool Villa coming at around 30,500 USD per week with breakfast only. Like Cheval Blanc, the add-ons make the final bill significantly higher than Kudadoo.
Velaa is designed as a playground for billionaires, with ultra-private villas, an extensive wine cellar, a golf academy designed by José María Olazábal, and a fleet of yachts for exploring the surrounding waters. Privacy is taken to another level, making it a favorite among celebrities.
The villas are vast, with oversized pools and stunning views, and service is highly personalized. Velaa offers some of the most luxurious experiences in the Maldives, but it comes at a cost, making it one of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives for 2025.
One&Only Reethi Rah:
Water Villa with Pool (≈ 29,000 USD)
One of the most famous names in the Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah charges around 29,000 USD for a week in a Water Villa with Pool, with breakfast included. Reethi Rah is known for its vast island, ultra-spacious villas, and a strong reputation for attracting celebrities and VIPs. It is also a very popular resort for famillies in the Maldives.
The villas are beautifully designed and offer plenty of privacy, with the overwater villas spread out across the lagoon in clusters of just a few, unlike the long jetties you find at many resorts. The service, however, is sometimes perceived as less personal compared to smaller resorts, and the island itself is heavily man-made, lacking some of the natural beauty of wilder Maldivian islands.
Still, One&Only Reethi Rah remains one of the most iconic and most expensive hotels in the Maldives, especially appealing to those who want a big-name brand with guaranteed luxury.
Soneva Jani:
One Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide (≈ 28,500 USD)
In this ranking of the most expensive resorts and villas in the Maldives, Soneva Jani comes next.
Soneva Jani is one of the most Instagram-famous resorts in the world, thanks to its iconic overwater villas with slides. A week in the One Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide costs around 28,500 USD with breakfast.
The villas are enormous, with retractable roofs over the bedrooms, private pools, and of course, the slide that takes you directly into the lagoon. Soneva is also known for its barefoot luxury philosophy, eco-conscious approach, and focus on personalized experiences. Guests can enjoy outdoor cinemas, astronomy sessions, and some of the best dining in the Maldives.
While it’s slightly less expensive on paper than Kudadoo, once meals and activities are added, it can quickly become even pricier. That said, Soneva Jani remains one of the most recommended luxury resorts in the Maldives, especially for couples seeking unique and playful touches.
Do note that you could upgrade your plan to the Soneva Unlimited, which is a similar experience than Kudadoo, with absolutely everything included, in which case the prices would be significantly more expensive than Kudadoo’s.
Joali Maldives:
Water Villa with Pool (≈ 26,500 USD)
An other villa that’s very expensive in the Maldives will be found at Joali.
At around 26,500 USD per week in a Water Villa with Pool, Joali Maldives is another name among the most expensive resorts in the Maldives. Known for its artistic approach, Joali incorporates design and creativity into every element of the resort. The villas are stylish, combining Maldivian architecture with modern elegance.
What sets Joali apart is its emphasis on art and storytelling. From unique installations across the island to curated experiences, the resort blends luxury with creativity. Dining is also excellent, with a mix of international cuisine and high-quality ingredients.
While not all-inclusive as Kudadoo, Joali’s focus on design and atmosphere makes it a favorite among travelers looking for a luxury resort with character and beautiful design.
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi:
Overwater Villa with Pool (≈ 26,000 USD)
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a large-scale luxury resort located close to Malé. A week in an Overwater Villa with Pool costs about 26,000 USD with breakfast included. While not at the very top of the list, once food and activities are added, Waldorf Astoria ranks among the most expensive hotels in the Maldives.
The villas are huge and modern, with sleek design and oversized pools. Dining is another highlight, with more than 10 restaurants offering everything from teppanyaki to Middle Eastern cuisine. The resort also has one of the most extensive spa facilities in the Maldives.
Waldorf Astoria’s proximity to Malé makes it convenient, but it also means less seclusion compared to resorts further afield. Still, it remains one of the most extravagant places to stay in the Maldives.
The Nautilus Maldives:
Ocean House with Private Pool (≈ 25,500 USD)
The Nautilus Maldives is a boutique, ultra-luxury resort with only 26 villas, making it one of the most exclusive and private options in the country. A week in an Ocean House with Private Pool costs about 25,500 USD with breakfast only.
What makes the Nautilus unique is its philosophy of complete freedom: there are no schedules, no set dining times, and guests are encouraged to customize every part of their experience. Villas are extremely spacious, with large pools and beautiful interiors designed for comfort and seclusion.
Although the base price is slightly lower than Kudadoo, by the time meals, spa treatments, and excursions are added, the total bill is comparable. Still, for travelers seeking privacy, flexibility, and exclusivity, the Nautilus is one of the most recommended luxury resorts in the Maldives.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru:
Sunrise Water Villa with Pool (≈ 25,000 USD)
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a stunning resort in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A week in the Sunrise Water Villa with Pool comes to around 25,000 USD with breakfast included.
Landaa Giraavaru is known for its large villas, lush island setting, and exceptional service. Guests can enjoy unique experiences such as dining on a sandbank or visiting the Marine Discovery Centre to learn about turtles conservation. The food is excellent, with multiple restaurants offering both international and Maldivian cuisine.
While not as extravagant as Kudadoo or Cheval Blanc, Four Seasons offers consistency, brand reliability, and a truly beautiful setting. For many, it remains one of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives, but also one of the most dependable in terms of quality.
Milaidhoo Maldives:
Water Villa with Private Pool (≈ 18,500 USD)
Rounding out the list, Milaidhoo Maldives is the “cheapest” of the most expensive hotels and resorts in the Maldives, at around 18,500 USD per week for a Water Villa with Private Pool, including breakfast.
Milaidhoo is a boutique luxury resort focused on romance, privacy, and Maldivian authenticity. The villas are elegant, with curved roofs, spacious pools, and beautiful lagoon views. The dining experience is excellent, particularly Ba’theli restaurant, which is built on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat.
While less expensive than the other resorts on this list, Milaidhoo still delivers world-class luxury and is often considered one of the most romantic resorts in the Maldives. This is also why we rank it among the best resorts for honeymoon in the Maldives.
Conclusion: expensive does not always mean excellent
As this list shows, the Maldives is home to some of the most expensive resorts and hotels in the world. While properties like Kudadoo include everything in their rates, others like Cheval Blanc, Velaa, and One&Only Reethi Rah may appear less expensive at first but quickly add up once meals and activities are considered.
It’s also important to remember that the most expensive villa in the Maldives does not necessarily mean the best overall experience. If you’re looking for more balanced recommendations, make sure to check our overall ranking.
Contact us for more information or to book your trip to the Maldives with the most competitive rates.
