Sporting white and wood decor and a chill vibe, the truly all-inclusive Diamonds Thudufushi is the nearly-identical sister property to Diamonds Athuruga. The resort's 71 Boho-modern rooms feel just shy of luxurious, but amenities like minibars, personal decks, bidets, and rainfall shower heads come standard -- upgrades get you iMacs and personal routers. The island also offers a ton of amenities, like free daily activities, a spa, a clinic, free laundry service, a dive center -- and even a tailor. But there's no pool and rooms lack TVs. If you want a more personal vibe, Athuruga may be a better bet.
Sporting white and wood decor and a chill vibe, the truly all-inclusive Diamonds Thudufushi is the nearly-identical sister property to Diamonds Athuruga. The resort's 71 Boho-modern rooms feel just shy of luxurious, but amenities like minibars, personal decks, bidets, and rainfall shower heads come standard -- upgrades get you iMacs and personal routers. The island also offers a ton of amenities, like free daily activities, a spa, a clinic, free laundry service, a dive center -- and even a tailor. But there's no pool and rooms lack TVs. If you want a more personal vibe, Athuruga may be a better bet.
This 221-room resort in the secluded Noonu Atoll first opened in 2008 as a Hilton; nowadays, a Maldivian family runs what is probably the best local-owned resort in the country. It also has nightly rates that are some of the most competitive in the Maldives for this level of luxury, but it's important to note that food and beverage costs add up fast here. Most of the clean and contemporary villas (some with private pools) lie along the white-sand beaches and are separated by tropical vegetation; meanwhile overwater villas (for guests 12 and up) have private decks with ladders to the turquoise sea. The 52-acre island offers water sports and excursions for all ages, including a prime-positioned PADI dive center, and couples can relax in an adult-only pool, at candlelit restaurants, or in the biggest spa in the Maldives. Families should note that this is one of the few luxury resorts in the Maldives with a kids' club and babysitting. Those who prefer an all-inclusive experience will likely find Kuredu Island Resort to be a good value.
This 221-room resort in the secluded Noonu Atoll first opened in 2008 as a Hilton; nowadays, a Maldivian family runs what is probably the best local-owned resort in the country. It also has nightly rates that are some of the most competitive in the Maldives for this level of luxury, but it's important to note that food and beverage costs add up fast here. Most of the clean and contemporary villas (some with private pools) lie along the white-sand beaches and are separated by tropical vegetation; meanwhile overwater villas (for guests 12 and up) have private decks with ladders to the turquoise sea. The 52-acre island offers water sports and excursions for all ages, including a prime-positioned PADI dive center, and couples can relax in an adult-only pool, at candlelit restaurants, or in the biggest spa in the Maldives. Families should note that this is one of the few luxury resorts in the Maldives with a kids' club and babysitting. Those who prefer an all-inclusive experience will likely find Kuredu Island Resort to be a good value.
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.
With plenty of on-site activities, beautiful beaches, and above-average food, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is a solid value for the Maldives. Its 164 rooms range from basic beachside units to upscale water villas, and connecting rooms are available for families. Those interested in flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has even more amenities and free in-room Wi-Fi.
With plenty of on-site activities, beautiful beaches, and above-average food, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is a solid value for the Maldives. Its 164 rooms range from basic beachside units to upscale water villas, and connecting rooms are available for families. Those interested in flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has even more amenities and free in-room Wi-Fi.
This mid-range, 55-room resort is a quick boat ride from the airport. On one side of the island is a huge beach, though to get there, guests (mostly younger couples) might have to walk through unflattering pathways. Despite areas of shabbiness, this resort offers competitive prices (much of the time), consistent buffet food, a spa, fitness center, water sports, and an impressive dive center that's great for newbies. Beach Bungalows are rustic but cheaper; some are closer to the beach than others. Meanwhile, more expensive Water Bungalows on the jetty have canopy beds and direct access to the lagoon. No one will find free drinking water in rooms -- practically a standard everywhere else -- and it will cost a pretty penny to purchase. Grounds include a small swimming pool, though it is rarely used, and the bar, open until midnight, will hardly see a crowd. Service is inconsistent overall, though it can get better by showing appreciation (tipping helps).
This mid-range, 55-room resort is a quick boat ride from the airport. On one side of the island is a huge beach, though to get there, guests (mostly younger couples) might have to walk through unflattering pathways. Despite areas of shabbiness, this resort offers competitive prices (much of the time), consistent buffet food, a spa, fitness center, water sports, and an impressive dive center that's great for newbies. Beach Bungalows are rustic but cheaper; some are closer to the beach than others. Meanwhile, more expensive Water Bungalows on the jetty have canopy beds and direct access to the lagoon. No one will find free drinking water in rooms -- practically a standard everywhere else -- and it will cost a pretty penny to purchase. Grounds include a small swimming pool, though it is rarely used, and the bar, open until midnight, will hardly see a crowd. Service is inconsistent overall, though it can get better by showing appreciation (tipping helps).
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.
The five-pearl Constance Halaveli is almost too good to be true. With villas dotting a deck extending out to the Indian Ocean, and pristine water and beach framing the property, the private island resort lives up to its photographs. Little touches, like single roses that accompany 24-hour room service, speak to the hotel’s attention to detail and service. The 86 airy villas have lovely amenities like wine coolers and terraces with plunge pools -- but some are in a garden on the beach and not over-the-water. Reachable only by seaplane or speedboat, the location is secluded, but a diving center, water sports activities, spa, gym, scenic dining options, and a kids' center provide plenty to do. This is the only hotel option on Halavei, so there isn’t any competition here (prices will reflect this and all-inclusive rates are availble).
The five-pearl Constance Halaveli is almost too good to be true. With villas dotting a deck extending out to the Indian Ocean, and pristine water and beach framing the property, the private island resort lives up to its photographs. Little touches, like single roses that accompany 24-hour room service, speak to the hotel’s attention to detail and service. The 86 airy villas have lovely amenities like wine coolers and terraces with plunge pools -- but some are in a garden on the beach and not over-the-water. Reachable only by seaplane or speedboat, the location is secluded, but a diving center, water sports activities, spa, gym, scenic dining options, and a kids' center provide plenty to do. This is the only hotel option on Halavei, so there isn’t any competition here (prices will reflect this and all-inclusive rates are availble).
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 a private island, the five-pearl Jumeirah Vittaveli marries traditional Maldivian architecture, stunning ocean views, and elegant interiors. There are 89 unforgettable over-the-ocean suites or on-land villas with private pools. The resort is jam-packed with activities, a necessity since the closest island is a 20-minute boat ride away. Guests can make use of the diving center, spa, fitness center, yoga classes, four restaurants, a bar, and a gorgeous outdoor pool. Hot breakfasts and Wi-Fi are free, but boat transfers cost extra. The hotel looks like a romantic escape, but it does allow for families with children. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a similar property also on a private island, but it lacks kid-friendly amenities and attracts mostly couples.
Located on a private island, the five-pearl Jumeirah Vittaveli marries traditional Maldivian architecture, stunning ocean views, and elegant interiors. There are 89 unforgettable over-the-ocean suites or on-land villas with private pools. The resort is jam-packed with activities, a necessity since the closest island is a 20-minute boat ride away. Guests can make use of the diving center, spa, fitness center, yoga classes, four restaurants, a bar, and a gorgeous outdoor pool. Hot breakfasts and Wi-Fi are free, but boat transfers cost extra. The hotel looks like a romantic escape, but it does allow for families with children. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a similar property also on a private island, but it lacks kid-friendly amenities and attracts mostly couples.