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).
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.
Fun Island is one of the most affordable resorts in the Maldives -- but you get what you pay for. The property is dated and the food is mediocre. Still, a nice coral reef and reasonable rates make this resort is a solid choice for water sports, excursions, and beach-going. Visitors should also consider Embudu Village, which has similar prices and more impressive (and cleaner) beaches.
Fun Island is one of the most affordable resorts in the Maldives -- but you get what you pay for. The property is dated and the food is mediocre. Still, a nice coral reef and reasonable rates make this resort is a solid choice for water sports, excursions, and beach-going. Visitors should also consider Embudu Village, which has similar prices and more impressive (and cleaner) beaches.
Situated on its own private island in the southern part of the North Male Atoll, Baros Maldives is a romantic, luxury property offering 75 swish villas, many with their own private pools and/or direct access to the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Extensive property features include multiple restaurants with an emphasis on seafood, a beautiful infinity pool, and a white sand beach that stretches all around the island. There's also a lovely spa with wellness and beauty treatments, in addition to a well-equipped fitness center and a host of activities, from yoga to diving to marine biologist tours. Overall, it's a wonderful place to stay, especially due to how close it is to Male and its airport. Although all-inclusive packages are available, travelers wanting a value-packed all-inclusive resort should consider Kuredu Island Resort & Spa.
Situated on its own private island in the southern part of the North Male Atoll, Baros Maldives is a romantic, luxury property offering 75 swish villas, many with their own private pools and/or direct access to the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Extensive property features include multiple restaurants with an emphasis on seafood, a beautiful infinity pool, and a white sand beach that stretches all around the island. There's also a lovely spa with wellness and beauty treatments, in addition to a well-equipped fitness center and a host of activities, from yoga to diving to marine biologist tours. Overall, it's a wonderful place to stay, especially due to how close it is to Male and its airport. Although all-inclusive packages are available, travelers wanting a value-packed all-inclusive resort should consider Kuredu Island Resort & Spa.
This 50-villa luxury resort has some of the largest standard rooms (which include massive standalone soaking tubs and outdoor decks) we've seen in Maldives -- but the Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort & Spa still may not be the best bang for your buck, as many units show some wear and tear, and the property has a slightly abandoned feel. However, you can still expect to find contemporary chic decor, brand-name minibar items, a luxe spa, shops, a gym with a tennis court, and tons of activities -- and the airport lounge is a huge plus. Its garden grounds are ideal for couples seeking privacy, though some guests may be disappointed with the unequipped (but nonetheless large) beach.
This 50-villa luxury resort has some of the largest standard rooms (which include massive standalone soaking tubs and outdoor decks) we've seen in Maldives -- but the Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort & Spa still may not be the best bang for your buck, as many units show some wear and tear, and the property has a slightly abandoned feel. However, you can still expect to find contemporary chic decor, brand-name minibar items, a luxe spa, shops, a gym with a tennis court, and tons of activities -- and the airport lounge is a huge plus. Its garden grounds are ideal for couples seeking privacy, though some guests may be disappointed with the unequipped (but nonetheless large) beach.
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).
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.
It’s hard to top Taj Exotica when it comes to food, romantic atmosphere, and convenience. Located on a private island just 15 minutes from the airport, this 65-room resort is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Maldives. Highlights include personal butlers, spacious guest rooms with private pools, gorgeous beaches, and two gourmet restaurants. Rooms and food are among the priciest in the Maldives (for good reason). Those looking for a cheaper but still upscale alternative should try Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, also 15 minutes from the airport; those comfortable with this price range may also want to consider the decadent Gili Lankanfushi.
It’s hard to top Taj Exotica when it comes to food, romantic atmosphere, and convenience. Located on a private island just 15 minutes from the airport, this 65-room resort is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Maldives. Highlights include personal butlers, spacious guest rooms with private pools, gorgeous beaches, and two gourmet restaurants. Rooms and food are among the priciest in the Maldives (for good reason). Those looking for a cheaper but still upscale alternative should try Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, also 15 minutes from the airport; those comfortable with this price range may also want to consider the decadent Gili Lankanfushi.
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.
