Soneva Fushi is one of the top luxury resorts in the Maldives, and the lush jungle interior and charming Robinson Crusoe-style decor make the private island feel like a camp for wealthy castaways. Beautiful beachfront villas and overwater bungalows feature butler service, outdoor bathrooms, upscale amenities, and perks such as slides to the sea and/or private pools. The spa is a highlight here, as are the observatory, the outdoor movie theater with free screenings, and the top-notch diving and snorkeling. Rooms and food are among the priciest in the Maldives, but an all-inclusive package covering local alcohol is available. Guests should be prepared to bicycle barefoot through the wilderness and get a little dirty. It's comparable to Gili Lankanfushi in its vibe, level of luxury, and celebrity cachet, but lacks Gili's communal swimming pool.
Soneva Fushi is one of the top luxury resorts in the Maldives, and the lush jungle interior and charming Robinson Crusoe-style decor make the private island feel like a camp for wealthy castaways. Beautiful beachfront villas and overwater bungalows feature butler service, outdoor bathrooms, upscale amenities, and perks such as slides to the sea and/or private pools. The spa is a highlight here, as are the observatory, the outdoor movie theater with free screenings, and the top-notch diving and snorkeling. Rooms and food are among the priciest in the Maldives, but an all-inclusive package covering local alcohol is available. Guests should be prepared to bicycle barefoot through the wilderness and get a little dirty. It's comparable to Gili Lankanfushi in its vibe, level of luxury, and celebrity cachet, but lacks Gili's communal swimming pool.
This upscale, 180-room resort is the oldest in the Maldives; it opened circa 1972 on a former coconut plantation surrounded by white-sand beaches. An easy jaunt from the airport -- just 10 minutes by boat -- Kurumba is not the most peaceful locale, nor does it have the most attractive views due to a protective man-made barrier. Despite these two shortfalls, the resort has a lot to offer, including eight restaurants, three bars, two swimming pools, and a modern spa. It appeals to families, thanks to the kids' club with babysitting services, and to couples, thanks to offerings such as wine tastings and sunset jazz. Nine renovated room types have basic contemporary decor, outdoor patios, and spacious open-air bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers. The team works hard to keep things fresh -- case in point, the sleek Thila restaurant, which opened in 2014, ranks among the Maldives' best. Several meal packages are on offer to keep dining costs in check. It may also be worth comparing rates with Kuredu Island Resort and Kihaad Maldives, though note that both are farther from the airport and more expensive to reach.
This upscale, 180-room resort is the oldest in the Maldives; it opened circa 1972 on a former coconut plantation surrounded by white-sand beaches. An easy jaunt from the airport -- just 10 minutes by boat -- Kurumba is not the most peaceful locale, nor does it have the most attractive views due to a protective man-made barrier. Despite these two shortfalls, the resort has a lot to offer, including eight restaurants, three bars, two swimming pools, and a modern spa. It appeals to families, thanks to the kids' club with babysitting services, and to couples, thanks to offerings such as wine tastings and sunset jazz. Nine renovated room types have basic contemporary decor, outdoor patios, and spacious open-air bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers. The team works hard to keep things fresh -- case in point, the sleek Thila restaurant, which opened in 2014, ranks among the Maldives' best. Several meal packages are on offer to keep dining costs in check. It may also be worth comparing rates with Kuredu Island Resort and Kihaad Maldives, though note that both are farther from the airport and more expensive to reach.
If you're looking for a bang-for-your-buck spot with a fresh, contemporary look where it's perfectly acceptable to ditch your shoes and run barefoot, Summer Island Maldives is worth considering. After a total overhaul, this upper-mid-range, full-board-only resort (re)opened up in early 2015 with 156 spacious, comfortable rooms; a slick, oceanside infinity pool; expanded main bar; and overwater spa. There's also a small but modern gym, with a Pilates and yoga room, stylish library, shops, quality buffet and a la carte dining options, and many activities. Just a 15-minute seaplane ride from Male, this property certainly isn't the most luxe you'll find in the area, but many are drawn to its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beach.
If you're looking for a bang-for-your-buck spot with a fresh, contemporary look where it's perfectly acceptable to ditch your shoes and run barefoot, Summer Island Maldives is worth considering. After a total overhaul, this upper-mid-range, full-board-only resort (re)opened up in early 2015 with 156 spacious, comfortable rooms; a slick, oceanside infinity pool; expanded main bar; and overwater spa. There's also a small but modern gym, with a Pilates and yoga room, stylish library, shops, quality buffet and a la carte dining options, and many activities. Just a 15-minute seaplane ride from Male, this property certainly isn't the most luxe you'll find in the area, but many are drawn to its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beach.
Angaga Island Resort is a low-key, somewhat dated 90-room upper-middle-range option, located on a gorgeous island surrounded by a white-sand beach and accessible house reef. While there's not much selection in the buffet, guests can enjoy beach games, water sports, diving, excursions, two bars, a gym, and Balinese spa treatments -- but there's no pool. Spacious rooms are comfy and have personal outdoor areas, but feature dated-looking bamboo furniture (even in newer water villas). This is a decent value for its category, but it's also worth considering Kuredu Island Resort & Spa and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, both of which are larger and have pools.
Angaga Island Resort is a low-key, somewhat dated 90-room upper-middle-range option, located on a gorgeous island surrounded by a white-sand beach and accessible house reef. While there's not much selection in the buffet, guests can enjoy beach games, water sports, diving, excursions, two bars, a gym, and Balinese spa treatments -- but there's no pool. Spacious rooms are comfy and have personal outdoor areas, but feature dated-looking bamboo furniture (even in newer water villas). This is a decent value for its category, but it's also worth considering Kuredu Island Resort & Spa and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, both of which are larger and have pools.
This slim, elongated island in the northern Lhaviyani Atoll offers 100 villas in a relaxed setting where service will impress the moment one steps off the seaplane. Though the location is remote and the arrival more expensive, guests will find an abundance of lesser-discovered marine life here and more quiet than at resorts closer to the capital. Most of the bungalows are situated along the shore and there are two rows of overwater villas, though some areas -- especially the open-air bathrooms -- show their age. The resort sees a number of repeat guests from Europe, Russia, and China, making for a diverse mix, and appeals to families as well as couples, thanks to the kids' club, kid-friendly restaurant menus, and kid-friendly pool. There are also a spa, fitness center, and plenty of water sports and diving opportunities. It may also be worth considering the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, which lots of all-inclusive perks as well as units with private plunge pools.
This slim, elongated island in the northern Lhaviyani Atoll offers 100 villas in a relaxed setting where service will impress the moment one steps off the seaplane. Though the location is remote and the arrival more expensive, guests will find an abundance of lesser-discovered marine life here and more quiet than at resorts closer to the capital. Most of the bungalows are situated along the shore and there are two rows of overwater villas, though some areas -- especially the open-air bathrooms -- show their age. The resort sees a number of repeat guests from Europe, Russia, and China, making for a diverse mix, and appeals to families as well as couples, thanks to the kids' club, kid-friendly restaurant menus, and kid-friendly pool. There are also a spa, fitness center, and plenty of water sports and diving opportunities. It may also be worth considering the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, which lots of all-inclusive perks as well as units with private plunge pools.
It may not be luxurious, but Embudu Village is one of the most affordable and convenient resorts in the Maldives. Visitors don’t come here for the rooms or the food (though neither are bad) -- they come for the picture-perfect beaches and water sports, which are on par with the top resorts in the area. Travelers who want to experience flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has better facilities and similar off-peak rates.
It may not be luxurious, but Embudu Village is one of the most affordable and convenient resorts in the Maldives. Visitors don’t come here for the rooms or the food (though neither are bad) -- they come for the picture-perfect beaches and water sports, which are on par with the top resorts in the area. Travelers who want to experience flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has better facilities and similar off-peak rates.
Open since 2013, this well-managed resort close to the airport has 140 rooms, either along the shore or overwater on stilts (reached via a lengthy jetty). Thailand-based Centara has two properties in the Maldives, both known for offering luxury accommodations at competitive prices, and this particular one is aimed at young couples (no guests under the age of 12 are allowed). It’s not the prettiest island or best house reef for snorkeling, but its service is exceptional, a rarity at this price point. The buffet serves a wide mix of European and Asian cuisines, while three a la carte restaurants (Thai, Italian, and Middle Eastern) and three bars keep the mainland fun and lively; both half-board and all-inclusive rates are on offer. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, bathrobes, and 24-hour room service, but no umbrellas on the private villa decks -- and it will get hot in the afternoon sun. Luckily there are tons of water-based activities including an outstanding dive center for newbies. Wi-Fi is free.
Open since 2013, this well-managed resort close to the airport has 140 rooms, either along the shore or overwater on stilts (reached via a lengthy jetty). Thailand-based Centara has two properties in the Maldives, both known for offering luxury accommodations at competitive prices, and this particular one is aimed at young couples (no guests under the age of 12 are allowed). It’s not the prettiest island or best house reef for snorkeling, but its service is exceptional, a rarity at this price point. The buffet serves a wide mix of European and Asian cuisines, while three a la carte restaurants (Thai, Italian, and Middle Eastern) and three bars keep the mainland fun and lively; both half-board and all-inclusive rates are on offer. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, bathrobes, and 24-hour room service, but no umbrellas on the private villa decks -- and it will get hot in the afternoon sun. Luckily there are tons of water-based activities including an outstanding dive center for newbies. Wi-Fi is free.
The 462-room Sun Island Resort and Spa is an upper-middle-range resort located on a large private island in the South Ari Atoll. It's the largest resort in the Maldives and draws a budget-conscious, social, and active crowd. Bungalow-style rooms are on the simple side, with dated decor and basic bathrooms, but they have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, patios, and air-conditioning. Overwater bungalows are available. The resort has five bars, a 24-hour coffee shop, and five restaurants, including three specialty spots. Meal and drink plans are available, though they have many restrictions. There are also tons of land and water activities, a PADI dive shop, kid-friendly features, a massive pool, and lovely spa. Beach areas are good for shallow snorkeling and sunbathing. Those willing to pay more should consider the luxe Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.
The 462-room Sun Island Resort and Spa is an upper-middle-range resort located on a large private island in the South Ari Atoll. It's the largest resort in the Maldives and draws a budget-conscious, social, and active crowd. Bungalow-style rooms are on the simple side, with dated decor and basic bathrooms, but they have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, patios, and air-conditioning. Overwater bungalows are available. The resort has five bars, a 24-hour coffee shop, and five restaurants, including three specialty spots. Meal and drink plans are available, though they have many restrictions. There are also tons of land and water activities, a PADI dive shop, kid-friendly features, a massive pool, and lovely spa. Beach areas are good for shallow snorkeling and sunbathing. Those willing to pay more should consider the luxe Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.
Located on one of the smallest islands in the Maldives, the 37-villa Mirihi Island Resort has a personal feel, yet is stocked full of the luxe and convenient features you'd expect from any large luxury resort. From a beach cinema to a spa, free non-motorized water sports to a teeming house reef with its own shipwreck, and tons of events, excursions, and on-island activities, there are plenty of alternatives to just lying on the soft sand beach. This small but casually luxe spot is ideal for couples and small groups looking for top-notch dishes and impressive selection of wines and over 40 dive sites in a relaxing environment. All-inclusive options are available.
Located on one of the smallest islands in the Maldives, the 37-villa Mirihi Island Resort has a personal feel, yet is stocked full of the luxe and convenient features you'd expect from any large luxury resort. From a beach cinema to a spa, free non-motorized water sports to a teeming house reef with its own shipwreck, and tons of events, excursions, and on-island activities, there are plenty of alternatives to just lying on the soft sand beach. This small but casually luxe spot is ideal for couples and small groups looking for top-notch dishes and impressive selection of wines and over 40 dive sites in a relaxing environment. All-inclusive options are available.
A sister property to Medhufushi Island Resort and Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort & Spa, Filitheyo Island Resort is the only resort in the Faafu Atoll, and has an entire island all to itself. A three-and-a-half-pearl, 125-room resort with an understated appearance and approach, it has wild jungle grounds with towering palms, sandy paths, and open-air pavilions with thatched roofs. The modern, bright rooms range from slightly basic units with tube TVs to over-water villas with large, slate-wall bathrooms. Features include a thrice-daily buffet, beautiful beaches, a teeming house reef, tons of water and land sports, a dive center, and a spa. For something with similar features, but just a touch more rustic style, check out Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu on Baa Atoll -- rates are often lower.
A sister property to Medhufushi Island Resort and Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort & Spa, Filitheyo Island Resort is the only resort in the Faafu Atoll, and has an entire island all to itself. A three-and-a-half-pearl, 125-room resort with an understated appearance and approach, it has wild jungle grounds with towering palms, sandy paths, and open-air pavilions with thatched roofs. The modern, bright rooms range from slightly basic units with tube TVs to over-water villas with large, slate-wall bathrooms. Features include a thrice-daily buffet, beautiful beaches, a teeming house reef, tons of water and land sports, a dive center, and a spa. For something with similar features, but just a touch more rustic style, check out Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu on Baa Atoll -- rates are often lower.