Some destinations look amazing in photos and videos but can be a letdown in real life. Not the Maldives. This nation of 1,192 tiny islands scattered across the Indian Ocean is every bit as dreamy as imagined. Dazzling white sands, swaying palm trees, crystal-clear lagoons in myriad shades of blue and green, and spectacular sunsets must be seen to be believed.
A destination for all
Honeymoons and a sense of luxury may spring to mind when you think of the Maldives, but there’s so much more to this stunning destination. It really does have something for everyone.
Few places can beat it for family-friendly stays: there’s sun, sand, sea for the little ones; action-packed days for teenagers; and pampering and fine dining for the grownups. Most resorts have kids’ clubs with extensive facilities, leaving parents time to relax while children let off steam – on land and at sea – with activities ranging from sports and workshops, to snorkelling and fishing.
Nature lovers of all ages will find countless reasons to fall for the wildlife paradise that is the Maldives. Whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, turtles and a kaleidoscope of smaller reef fish can be seen without having to dive. The islands are also home to more than 2,000 species of fish and 250 species of corals – a place of breathtaking diversity.
All that nature, fresh air, clear skies and pristine waters make the Maldives a top destination for wellness too. Outdoor activities such as yoga, paddleboarding and swimming are available to travellers of all ages. Some of the best spas in the world are found here, with stunning beach settings to match.
Of course, the Maldives is famed for its romantic credentials – and it’s easy to see why: water lapping below the spa, sundowners on a sandbank, candlelit dinner under the stars … there’s surely nowhere more idyllic than the Maldives. It’s no wonder couples flock here for proposals, honeymoons or just to get away from it all.
And, when it comes to where to stay, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice. Here are four jaw-droppingly beautiful hotels where you can enjoy everything the Maldives has to offer.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Location is everything and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has one of the best. Set across two islands in the South Ari Atoll, the Conrad is the island paradise of your dreams, with thatched private villas sitting above azure waters, personal spa rooms and panoramic views. A 30-minute seaplane flight from Velana International airport at Malé, it’s a haven of sophistication, seclusion and unpretentious luxury.
Choose from spacious beach or water villas, with two- and three-bedroom options, or The Muraka, the world’s first undersea residence, with a domed main bedroom nearly five metres (16ft) beneath the water. Keep an eye out for wildlife – this is one of the areas in the world where majestic manta rays and whale sharks can be found year-round.
At Ithaa, the world’s first undersea restaurant, sharks and tuna swim overhead as diners indulge in fusion menus with fine wines. It’s one of 11 restaurants and bars that make the Conrad a dining destination. Other standouts include Ufaa by Jereme Leung, for Chinese cuisine, and Sunset Grill for surf and turf served overwater. For poolside drinks, Rangali Bar, the resort’s social hub, is the place to be, while Vilu Restaurant and Bar is an irresistible location for dining on the beach.
The ultimate in relaxation and pampering comes in the form of two spas, one with a focus on locally inspired treatments, the other set overwater with glass-floored treatment rooms. For guests looking to boost their wellbeing, there are daily fitness and yoga classes, tennis courts and a watersports centre, and more than 40 dive sites.
With a beachside kids’ club with dedicated facilities for children aged three to 16, the young ones will be well entertained with activities that include snorkelling, sunset cruises and water sports.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
When the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi opened in 2019, it quickly became a regular on the many “best resort in the Maldives” lists. Located a 45-minute luxury yacht cruise from the international airport at Malé, the property exudes confidence, charm and elegance. It’s already a favourite of celebrities such as Beyoncé, Serena Williams and Emily Ratajkowski.
The appeal is obvious, starting with the icing-sugar soft sand and the turquoise lagoon. The 119 impeccably appointed villas – beach, reef or overwater – are among the largest in the Maldives. All come with a large private pool, spectacular views and the services of a personal concierge. For extra privacy, the duplex Stella Maris ocean villa is only accessible by boat.
Children are especially welcome at the Waldorf Astoria, with kids having access to a fabulous kids’ club (as to be expected) as well as a dedicated concierge to provide personalised programmes for younger children and for teenagers.
Dining is exquisite, with 11 venues to choose from. The Ledge, by Australian chef Dave Pynt, is the offshoot of his Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant Burnt Ends in Singapore, Zuma is famed for its modern Japanese food, Li Long dishes up refined Chinese favourites, and Yasmeen is a beacon of Middle Eastern cuisine.
For pure wow factor, Terra offers tasting menus of lobster, caviar and truffle in private bamboo nests among the treetops, with champagne chosen by the Maldives’ first Krug ambassador. Bespoke experiences are also available, whether it’s a private beach picnic, dinner and a movie under the stars, or a feast on a sandbank bathed by moonlight.
Work off those calories with a game of tennis at the resort’s outdoor tennis court or padel court, or enjoy one (or more) of many watersports, including windsurfing, sailing, diving and snorkelling. When it’s time to relax, head to the sublime spa, set in landscaped gardens where guests can be guided through their spa journey by a wellness concierge.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa
A 20-minute boat ride from the international airport at Malé, the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa is one of the Maldives’ most accessible resorts yet still feels a world away from the hustle and bustle.
Guests can relax in their overwater or beach villas with private pools before throwing themselves into a multitude of activities – from tennis and badminton, to pickleball, volleyball, basketball and football. If water sports are more your thing, you can paddle a glass kayak, take a dolphin cruise, or do some jet skiing, snorkelling or diving – with 30 dive sites on your doorstep.
This is a resort geared towards families. The Krakengiri Kids’ Club is one of the largest in the Maldives, with a toddler play area, nap room, doodle wall, mini splash park and a rooftop lounge for movie nights under the stars. A Young Zen spa programme offers age-appropriate body wraps and scrubs, massages, facials, and more.
But it’s not just the youngsters who get to enjoy an impressive spa experience. Grownups are well taken care of too, with soothing hammam rituals, treatments for mothers-to-be and couples, and a grooming salon. The products used in the spa are vegan and reef safe.
After a long day of activities – or relaxation – head to the adults-only overwater champagne and gin bar to while away an hour or two watching the sun set amid breathtaking sea views.
For those who want to refuel, restaurants include the Beach Shack for pizzas, salads and burgers, Habitat for à la carte and themed buffet nights, Origin for Italian, or select a romantic private dining experience.
Whatever your choice, you’ll soon be soaking up the vibe of this special place – warm, friendly luxury in the most relaxed of surroundings.
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
This is the resort for people who want to experience the blissful beauty of the Maldives but at a place with something of a buzz. Fifteen minutes by boat from Malé, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton puts the emphasis on fun.
Kickstart your holiday at the Beach Club, complete with an oceanside pool, swim-up bar, beach beds, hammocks, and weekly parties. Once you’ve built up an appetite after all that relaxing and swimming, why not try Terra & Mar or Miss Olive Oyl for Mediterranean-inspired and international fare? Or head to Mr. Tomyam, a Thai eatery that also offers a mix of Italian and locally inspired delights, while Badhige at SAii uses ingredients sourced from the resort’s on-site farm and the surrounding seas.
Children are very much at the heart of the action too. The Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp has facilities spread over three indoor and three outdoor areas. These include an education centre where kids learn about marine conservation, and a camp where they can sleep under the stars.
When it’s time to rest and relax, the Lèn Be Well Spa is great for quick foot and neck massages, or more intensive body treatments and facials. After a fun packed day, guests can retreat to their spacious and welcoming rooms or villas, safe in the knowledge that tomorrow will be another joyful day.
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