Built in 2009, the 112-room, luxury Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is an exceptional value for the Maldives. Room rates are competitive compared to other high-end properties, and few offer the all-inclusive perks of Centara. Alcoholic drinks, a la carte meals, daily 30-minute massages, water sports rentals, supervised kids' activities, Wi-Fi, and excursions are covered in the all-inclusive rates, making this resort stand out from the crowd. The resort’s biggest drawback is its out-of-the-way location, at least 30 minutes from Male Airport by plane. The slightly less luxurious sister property Centara Ras Fushi is adult-only and offers a range of meal plans, for couples hoping to spend a bit less.
Built in 2009, the 112-room, luxury Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is an exceptional value for the Maldives. Room rates are competitive compared to other high-end properties, and few offer the all-inclusive perks of Centara. Alcoholic drinks, a la carte meals, daily 30-minute massages, water sports rentals, supervised kids' activities, Wi-Fi, and excursions are covered in the all-inclusive rates, making this resort stand out from the crowd. The resort’s biggest drawback is its out-of-the-way location, at least 30 minutes from Male Airport by plane. The slightly less luxurious sister property Centara Ras Fushi is adult-only and offers a range of meal plans, for couples hoping to spend a bit less.
The most luxurious of the Maldives’ five Adaaran resorts,
Prestige Vadoo has 50 top-notch water villas, a beautiful reef, great a la
carte food, and a convenient location just 15 minutes from Male Airport by
speedboat. The tiny island is frequented by honeymooners and feels especially
cozy, however it falls behind on sports facilities compared to other resorts. Rooms
are a good value, but food and extras can add up fast.
The most luxurious of the Maldives’ five Adaaran resorts,
Prestige Vadoo has 50 top-notch water villas, a beautiful reef, great a la
carte food, and a convenient location just 15 minutes from Male Airport by
speedboat. The tiny island is frequented by honeymooners and feels especially
cozy, however it falls behind on sports facilities compared to other resorts. Rooms
are a good value, but food and extras can add up fast.
The upscale Meeru is not only the third oldest resort in the Maldives, it is also the third largest, with 286 rooms and a loyal following of repeat guests (many Germans). It's attractive for all ages: Families have their own area of the island, and couples have theirs, hence two separate pools, two buffet restaurants, and two spas. Most guests are on an all-inclusive packages, so bars are lively -- especially the 24-hour one. During the day, there are plenty of activities on hand, including a diving center with courses in French, German or English, a number of water sports, excursions, a driving range, and even a golf course. Snorkeling in the house reef requires a boat ride, though many are happy to stay put on the pretty beaches. Rustic-luxe rooms have vaulted wood roofs, wood paneling, and king-size beds (many are romantic four-posters with mosquito netting); some are overwater, some on the beach, and some offer jetted tubs in open-air bathrooms. Service can feel inconsistent but rates are competitive.
The upscale Meeru is not only the third oldest resort in the Maldives, it is also the third largest, with 286 rooms and a loyal following of repeat guests (many Germans). It's attractive for all ages: Families have their own area of the island, and couples have theirs, hence two separate pools, two buffet restaurants, and two spas. Most guests are on an all-inclusive packages, so bars are lively -- especially the 24-hour one. During the day, there are plenty of activities on hand, including a diving center with courses in French, German or English, a number of water sports, excursions, a driving range, and even a golf course. Snorkeling in the house reef requires a boat ride, though many are happy to stay put on the pretty beaches. Rustic-luxe rooms have vaulted wood roofs, wood paneling, and king-size beds (many are romantic four-posters with mosquito netting); some are overwater, some on the beach, and some offer jetted tubs in open-air bathrooms. Service can feel inconsistent but rates are competitive.
This small rustic resort attracts mostly European couples who take up residence — sometimes for three weeks at a time — in the 36 bungalows spread out over six acres of sand. Locals opened the property in 1982, and it is one of the oldest resorts in the Maldives; many guests have been coming for years (40 percent are repeat visitors). Other special distinctions: There is no Wi-Fi anywhere (!) and there are no TVs -- both intentional choices to keep guests relaxed and unplugged. Most will spend their days exploring the turquoise sea (scuba and snorkel are big here!). Half-board and full-board packages are available -- just make sure to fill up on lunch, since dinner isn’t served until 8 p.m.
This small rustic resort attracts mostly European couples who take up residence — sometimes for three weeks at a time — in the 36 bungalows spread out over six acres of sand. Locals opened the property in 1982, and it is one of the oldest resorts in the Maldives; many guests have been coming for years (40 percent are repeat visitors). Other special distinctions: There is no Wi-Fi anywhere (!) and there are no TVs -- both intentional choices to keep guests relaxed and unplugged. Most will spend their days exploring the turquoise sea (scuba and snorkel are big here!). Half-board and full-board packages are available -- just make sure to fill up on lunch, since dinner isn’t served until 8 p.m.
Medhufushi is an upscale, all-inclusive-optional property on the Meemu Atoll, known for its dolphin sightings. All 114 rooms sport direct sea or beach access with varying decor datedness and some details that seem overlooked. For those who don't want to think, however, there are daily planned excursions and activities from cruises and free off-site snorkeling (no house reef here) to cocktail hours and crab racing. You'll also find a spa, gym, dive center, water sports, and beachside pool -- oh, and pesky (rather expensive) fees for internet. This small resort is ideal for those who want a laid-back holiday with the option of sociability.
Medhufushi is an upscale, all-inclusive-optional property on the Meemu Atoll, known for its dolphin sightings. All 114 rooms sport direct sea or beach access with varying decor datedness and some details that seem overlooked. For those who don't want to think, however, there are daily planned excursions and activities from cruises and free off-site snorkeling (no house reef here) to cocktail hours and crab racing. You'll also find a spa, gym, dive center, water sports, and beachside pool -- oh, and pesky (rather expensive) fees for internet. This small resort is ideal for those who want a laid-back holiday with the option of sociability.
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 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.
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.
The 184-room Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a luxury resort on its own private island with gorgeously landscaped, intimate grounds. Rooms are spacious and handsome, with decor that ranges from bright and playful to sober and chic. There are also Water Villas that are suspended over the sea. The resort has multiple pools, restaurants, sports fields, a spa (and much more) scattered throughout, and there are dedicated adults-only areas. With a reef on site and all-inclusive options, it's a romantic, tranquil choice for families and couples. Guests also considering the resort's Veligandu sister property should note that Vilamendhoo is usually less expensive and packs in more family features.
The 184-room Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a luxury resort on its own private island with gorgeously landscaped, intimate grounds. Rooms are spacious and handsome, with decor that ranges from bright and playful to sober and chic. There are also Water Villas that are suspended over the sea. The resort has multiple pools, restaurants, sports fields, a spa (and much more) scattered throughout, and there are dedicated adults-only areas. With a reef on site and all-inclusive options, it's a romantic, tranquil choice for families and couples. Guests also considering the resort's Veligandu sister property should note that Vilamendhoo is usually less expensive and packs in more family features.
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.