Accessed by speedboat or seaplane, this upper-range resort on a mile-long island in the remote Rasdhoo Atoll is one of the largest in the Maldives, with 290 units. Notable features include two separate dive centers, a spa, hidden beach areas, and standout snorkeling in the house reef (snorkel gear is free to use). The contemporary, if slightly plain, thatched-roof villas all have patios; some have hot tubs, outdoor rain showers, private pools, or an overwater setting. Renovations in 2015 added several new room types with modern-looking decor. Basic all-inclusive rates cover drinks and meals at one of the three main buffet restaurants, while Select rates also cover meals at the nine a la carte restaurants. It's worth comparing rates with Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, a large all-inclusive resort with lots of freebies.
Accessed by speedboat or seaplane, this upper-range resort on a mile-long island in the remote Rasdhoo Atoll is one of the largest in the Maldives, with 290 units. Notable features include two separate dive centers, a spa, hidden beach areas, and standout snorkeling in the house reef (snorkel gear is free to use). The contemporary, if slightly plain, thatched-roof villas all have patios; some have hot tubs, outdoor rain showers, private pools, or an overwater setting. Renovations in 2015 added several new room types with modern-looking decor. Basic all-inclusive rates cover drinks and meals at one of the three main buffet restaurants, while Select rates also cover meals at the nine a la carte restaurants. It's worth comparing rates with Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, a large all-inclusive resort with lots of freebies.
Sporting white and wood decor and a chill vibe, the all-inclusive Diamonds Athuruga is the nearly-identical sister property to Maldives’ Diamonds Thudufushi. However, if you're having trouble deciding between the two, this 73-room upscale boutique claims calmer waters, an uber-close house reef, a more personal vibe, and a bigger beach. Boho-modern rooms feel just shy of luxurious, but minibars, personal decks, bidets, and rainfall shower heads come standard -- upgrades get you iMacs and personal routers. The small island also manages to fit a ton of amenities, like free daily activities, a spa, free laundry service, a dive center -- and even tailoring services.
Sporting white and wood decor and a chill vibe, the all-inclusive Diamonds Athuruga is the nearly-identical sister property to Maldives’ Diamonds Thudufushi. However, if you're having trouble deciding between the two, this 73-room upscale boutique claims calmer waters, an uber-close house reef, a more personal vibe, and a bigger beach. Boho-modern rooms feel just shy of luxurious, but minibars, personal decks, bidets, and rainfall shower heads come standard -- upgrades get you iMacs and personal routers. The small island also manages to fit a ton of amenities, like free daily activities, a spa, free laundry service, a dive center -- and even tailoring services.
A top-notch five-pearl luxury boutique, Kandolhu Maldives is home to 30 villas, all featuring private sundecks and sea views. Surrounded by a fish-filled house reef and close to good dive spots, it’s a good option for underwater lovers -- and it offers various packages, including an all-inclusive plan. This small, screensaver-come-to-life island has four a la carte restaurants, a relaxing beachside bar, spa, dive center, library lounge, and state-of-the-art gym. Favoring couples, this idyllic island is set up for privacy, limited social interaction, and relaxation. Upscale and contemporary styled rooms are outfitted with all the trimmings -- from fluffy towels to wine fridges -- and can feature outdoor bathrooms, private beach areas, and personal dipping pools.
A top-notch five-pearl luxury boutique, Kandolhu Maldives is home to 30 villas, all featuring private sundecks and sea views. Surrounded by a fish-filled house reef and close to good dive spots, it’s a good option for underwater lovers -- and it offers various packages, including an all-inclusive plan. This small, screensaver-come-to-life island has four a la carte restaurants, a relaxing beachside bar, spa, dive center, library lounge, and state-of-the-art gym. Favoring couples, this idyllic island is set up for privacy, limited social interaction, and relaxation. Upscale and contemporary styled rooms are outfitted with all the trimmings -- from fluffy towels to wine fridges -- and can feature outdoor bathrooms, private beach areas, and personal dipping pools.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is an upscale all-inclusive resort that's a 45-minute seaplane ride from Male. It has 80 rooms with stocked minibars and simple but stylish decor and design, including Water Bungalows with glass floor cutouts revealing sea life below. On the island, guests have access to a private beach, non-motorized water sports, a sports and games area, two restaurants, two bars, and all-inclusive options -- but no pool. This spot is best suited to families or couples looking for a quiet and nature-filled spot to relax and have quality time for a decent price. Sister property Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is closer to Male and has a pool, so it may be worth comparing rates -- but note that Dhonveli's base-level rates include only breakfast, while meals and drinks are always included here.
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is an upscale all-inclusive resort that's a 45-minute seaplane ride from Male. It has 80 rooms with stocked minibars and simple but stylish decor and design, including Water Bungalows with glass floor cutouts revealing sea life below. On the island, guests have access to a private beach, non-motorized water sports, a sports and games area, two restaurants, two bars, and all-inclusive options -- but no pool. This spot is best suited to families or couples looking for a quiet and nature-filled spot to relax and have quality time for a decent price. Sister property Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is closer to Male and has a pool, so it may be worth comparing rates -- but note that Dhonveli's base-level rates include only breakfast, while meals and drinks are always included here.
Vakarufalhi Island Resort is an ideal spot for couples looking for an open space with a private island vibe. This 75-room, upscale resort has all the usual features-- from a spa and gym, to diving and table games -- though its only restaurant is a small buffet and there is no pool or public beach. All rooms are stylish, contemporary, and spacious with personal outdoor verandahs, designated beach spaces, views, and stocked minibars, and most have outdoor bathrooms and showers. The island's location is among the best for whale shark and Manta ray excursions or dives, and the house reef is worth a snorkel.
Vakarufalhi Island Resort is an ideal spot for couples looking for an open space with a private island vibe. This 75-room, upscale resort has all the usual features-- from a spa and gym, to diving and table games -- though its only restaurant is a small buffet and there is no pool or public beach. All rooms are stylish, contemporary, and spacious with personal outdoor verandahs, designated beach spaces, views, and stocked minibars, and most have outdoor bathrooms and showers. The island's location is among the best for whale shark and Manta ray excursions or dives, and the house reef is worth a snorkel.
For an ultra-hip, exclusive, and millennial-at-heart Maldivian experience, the five-pearl W Maldives is the place. Its 75 large and trendy rooms -- many of which sit over the ocean -- come along with a picture-worthy lagoon and beach, small-but-lively pool, casual gourmet restaurants, chic bars, and the Maldives' only underground club (with a resident DJ, no less). But being this cool comes at a price, so be prepared to shell out for the resort's many, high-quality features from dining and drinks to private yacht hires and solo trips to the W's own exclusive island.
For an ultra-hip, exclusive, and millennial-at-heart Maldivian experience, the five-pearl W Maldives is the place. Its 75 large and trendy rooms -- many of which sit over the ocean -- come along with a picture-worthy lagoon and beach, small-but-lively pool, casual gourmet restaurants, chic bars, and the Maldives' only underground club (with a resident DJ, no less). But being this cool comes at a price, so be prepared to shell out for the resort's many, high-quality features from dining and drinks to private yacht hires and solo trips to the W's own exclusive island.
Nika Island Resort is an Italian-owned, Maldivian-managed resort with 43 huge garden-set villas -- most with private beaches. An island-imposed two-hour time difference with the rest of the Maldives gives guests more time in the sun to snorkel the house reef, enjoy a cocktail at one of the two waterfront bars, or laze on beach loungers. A playground and two-bedroom family villas make it ideal for those with kids, while private beach villas with whirlpools, hammocks, and loungers make it a romantic pick as well. Meal plan options are flexible but restaurant service times are not. The resort features a spa, PADI dive center, free Wi-Fi, and slightly wild (and thus beautiful) garden grounds.
Nika Island Resort is an Italian-owned, Maldivian-managed resort with 43 huge garden-set villas -- most with private beaches. An island-imposed two-hour time difference with the rest of the Maldives gives guests more time in the sun to snorkel the house reef, enjoy a cocktail at one of the two waterfront bars, or laze on beach loungers. A playground and two-bedroom family villas make it ideal for those with kids, while private beach villas with whirlpools, hammocks, and loungers make it a romantic pick as well. Meal plan options are flexible but restaurant service times are not. The resort features a spa, PADI dive center, free Wi-Fi, and slightly wild (and thus beautiful) garden grounds.
Just a 20-minute boat ride from the airport, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is a five-pearl luxury property with a village-like vibe. The small island is home to 176 rooms, an oceanside spa, contemporary fitness center with tennis court, dive center, free non-motorized water sports, a kids' club and pool, lagoon-style pool, and several bars and restaurants. With its close proximity to Male, this is an ideal upscale resort (with all-inclusive options) for anyone who wants to mix in a visit or two to the capital city or just stretch the hours of their vacation as far as possible.
Just a 20-minute boat ride from the airport, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is a five-pearl luxury property with a village-like vibe. The small island is home to 176 rooms, an oceanside spa, contemporary fitness center with tennis court, dive center, free non-motorized water sports, a kids' club and pool, lagoon-style pool, and several bars and restaurants. With its close proximity to Male, this is an ideal upscale resort (with all-inclusive options) for anyone who wants to mix in a visit or two to the capital city or just stretch the hours of their vacation as far as possible.
Located on a private island in Baa Atoll, Kihaad stands out for its rich marine life, good food, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly amenities. Built in 2012, the resort grounds feel upscale and new, but some rooms are beginning to lose their luster. Kihaad’s biggest drawback is its location (a 30-minute flight from Male Airport, plus a boat transfer), but it’s often half the price of similar, more accessible resorts. For something closer to Male, Olhuveli Beach Resort is a good option.
Located on a private island in Baa Atoll, Kihaad stands out for its rich marine life, good food, beautiful beaches, and family-friendly amenities. Built in 2012, the resort grounds feel upscale and new, but some rooms are beginning to lose their luster. Kihaad’s biggest drawback is its location (a 30-minute flight from Male Airport, plus a boat transfer), but it’s often half the price of similar, more accessible resorts. For something closer to Male, Olhuveli Beach Resort is a good option.
Built in the mid-90s, this tropical resort island has all the necessities for a Maldives vacation -- stunning white-sand beaches, warm turquoise water, water sports, all-you-can-eat buffets, and comfortable rooms on the beach or over the water. There are far more luxurious (and expensive) resorts around, but relatively easy access to the airport and reasonable prices make Adaaran Club Rannalhi a solid value for the Maldives. However, it's worth comparing rates with the Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, which has nicer rooms and two chic infinity pools.
Built in the mid-90s, this tropical resort island has all the necessities for a Maldives vacation -- stunning white-sand beaches, warm turquoise water, water sports, all-you-can-eat buffets, and comfortable rooms on the beach or over the water. There are far more luxurious (and expensive) resorts around, but relatively easy access to the airport and reasonable prices make Adaaran Club Rannalhi a solid value for the Maldives. However, it's worth comparing rates with the Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, which has nicer rooms and two chic infinity pools.