30 best Maldives hotels for the ultimate bucket list holiday in 2024
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There’s a reason the Maldives, a group of picturesque atolls scattered around the South Indian Ocean, is still one of the most coveted destinations in 2024. Thanks to the sun-drenched beach landscapes, breath-taking marine life and an incredible roster of luxury hotels and beach resorts, you can be assured you’ll have the holiday of a lifetime in the Maldives.
While overwater villas and palm-tree lined white-sand beaches may come as a standard in the Maldives – as do turquoise waters, ocean views and all-inclusive dining – you want to make sure that you’re booking the crème de la crème. After all, if you’re going to splash out on a once-on-a-lifetime Maldivian holiday, then you certainly want to get a bang for your buck. The very best Maldives resorts know that they need to take it to the next level by offering experiences that are unique and truly unforgettable.
When we say next level, we mean that the spa has to be one of the best spas in the world. An overwater spa dangling above a lagoon in the Indian Ocean with glass-bottomed floors, preferably. Ideally, it would have an underwater restaurant, a tree-top private dining spot and a flurry of incredible experiences like sushi-making classes and sunset dolphin cruises. Most Maldives beach hotels have also made admirable strides towards sustainability (perhaps even owning their own biosphere reserve or coral programme), which is a must-have for today’s conscious travellers.
For those who aren’t huge fans of the fly-and-flop holiday, the best Maldives hotels should also have an inspiring wellness programme that has everything from snorkelling and sound baths to sunset yoga classes.
As a travel writer, lucky enough to have been to the Maldives more times than should be allowed, I'm well-placed to give you the lowdown on the best resorts from across the country. As such, I've curated a definitive guide to the best hotels in the Maldives, from the Haa Alif Atoll to the Haa Dhaalu Atoll and everywhere in between. With British Airways running direct flights from London to Malé three times a week, 2024 might just be the year you finally throw caution to the wind and book the dream Maldives holiday you’ve been waiting for.
SKIP TO: Which part of the Maldives is the best to stay? | Which Maldives hotel is best for couples? | How we chose the best hotels in the Maldives? | Which Maldives hotel is best for families? | Extra tips for booking your holiday in the Maldives. | The best Maldives hotels: full reviews.
The best hotels in the Maldives 2024, at a glance:
- The Nautilus Maldives
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- Amilla Maldives Resort
- Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
- One&Only Reethi Rah
- LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas
- Velassaru Maldives
- Six Senses Laamu
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is heaven.
How we chose the best hotels in the Maldives
With demand ever-increasing, the quality of luxury resorts and hotels in the Maldives continues to be unrivalled anywhere else in the world. So, selecting the very best Maldives hotel on this list isn’t just a matter of research, but a matter of first-hand experience.
Having had the rare opportunity to stay in some of the Maldives' most luxurious resorts over the years, I know that the best Maldives hotels and affordable hotels in the Maldives elevate themselves by going a step further and offering truly bespoke experiences and faultless service. I was looking for hotels suited to a variety of experiences – be that a honeymoon, your next girl’s getaway, a trip with the fam or solo time – as well as warm services, sustainability credentials, impeccable design, location, food and facilities.
Which part of Maldives is the best to stay?
Hulhumale? Baros? Dhaalu Atoll? Fonimagoodhoo? Raa Atoll? The South or North Ari Atoll? Olhuveli Male? Landaagiraavaru? Re-frame your question to which hotel in the Maldives is best, because most islands are home to just one mega luxury resort.
Want a wellness focused retreat? Then Joali Being and Six Senses Laamu have great wellness programmes. Looking for a resort for your next girls’ trip? We think the Millennial-targeted Cora Cora Maldives and Avani+ Fares Maldives are perfect. If you’re on a budget, consider a hotel that’s a speedboat ride, rather than a sea plane ride, away from Malé, where the international airport is. That’ll save a few pennies.
Which Maldives hotel is best for couples?
Romance is big business in the Maldives – in fact, it’s generally considered to be honeymoon central. And for good reason. If you’ve got your heart set on a romantic post-wedding fortnight in tropical heaven — then there’s nowhere better. We’ve spotlighted some of the most romantic Maldives hotels for honeymoons below, but particular highlights include the One&Only Reethi Rah, Amilla Maldives Resort and the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.
Which Maldives hotel is best for families?
As well as the Maldives being epic for a romantic holiday or honeymoon, it’s a wonderful holiday destination for families, too. There are lots of family-friendly hotels in the Maldives with kids clubs, space and privacy. JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa is our top pick for families. We also love: Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.