The Maldives is one of the most luxurious and sought-after locations for the ultimate relaxing beach vacation. While the Maldives can be very expensive, there are a few ways to save money and visit the Maldives on a budget. The following are some of the best resorts in the Maldives for all price points.
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Maldives hotels here! Other options include the following hotels.
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The Best Resorts in the Maldives
Hilton Amigrini Resort Maldives
The Hilton Amingiri Resort is one of the best resorts in the Maldives. This newer resort just opened in July 2022. The amenities are super nice and all of the rooms are luxurious. Each room is assigned a GEM (Guest Experience Manager) who will assist you throughout your stay.
The best part of staying at the Hilton Amingiri is that it is super easy to book it using points. While the average cost per night is around $1200, you can book it for about 110,000/night.
There are 5 different restaurants at the resort where you can find something for everyone. Habitat offers all meals including a delicious buffet breakfast. A popular dinner option is the Beach Shack which is right on the beach or Origin which is seafood only. Other options include room service or Aura, the poolside bar that serves tapas.
At the resort, there is no shortage of things to keep you busy. Each room comes with bikes to transport you around the island. You can also check out some water sports equipment such as snorkels, kayaks, or paddle boards. Visitors can also pay extra for other watersports. Other things to do include the spa, sunset cruises, and relaxing on the beaches or by the pool.
One of the unique things about the Hilton Amingiri is that each room is either an overwater bungalow or a beach villa. Each room has a private pool which means more privacy. If you want to stay here using points, make sure to book early! Also, do not forget to factor in the cost of the speedboat transfer into your stay.
Baros
By Angela of Where Angie Wanders
Nestled in the Maldives, North Atoll is the dreamy five-star island of Baros, continually voted as one of the most romantic and best resorts in the Maldives. It’s a quick 25-minute speedboat ride to reach the island from Male, so you can be on the white sandy beach in no time.
The accommodation combines hidden beach villas and decadent overwater pool bungalows offering first-class living. Beautiful bedrooms are styled in muted colors looking out to the ocean with a bathroom and separate toilet. Full-length windows run the length of the bungalow, with views of the turquoise waters.
The decking has a plunge pool, daybed, and luxury recliners, and at night, underwater pool lights create a magical environment. You can’t book Baros using points as it is pretty exclusive and not your usual all-inclusive resort, making it extremely expensive but worth every penny.
Baros overwater villas cost around £1500 per night, and beach bungalows at around £800 (including breakfast). Dining and activities are an additional cost, and there are several places to eat, including the overwater Lighthouse Restaurant.
Baros is an island to relax and unwind completely; however, there are a few activities, including an infinity pool, snorkeling and scuba diving on the reef, yoga, and a spa. If you want to catch your own dinner, you can also head out on a fishing trip and have your catch cooked by the chef. And if you want to splash the cash for a special occasion, you can have a romantic dinner on the island’s private sandbank.
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa in the Maldives
By Cristina of Honest Travel Stories
If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in one of the most luxurious places in the world, then look no further than Veligandu Island Resort & Spa in the Maldives. This secluded island will offer you everything you need for a quiet and relaxing vacation and is one of the best resorts in the Maldives. This is one of the oldest resorts in the Maldives, so they know how to treat guests with so much care and joy that most of them come here time after time.
While you cannot book your stay using points, you can use credit card points for your airfare and use some other ways to save money in the Maldives so the experience becomes a bit easier to achieve. With prices starting at $470 in the shoulder season, including full board meals and one of the cheapest seaplane transfers in the Maldives, I’m sure you can find a way to enjoy this gorgeous Maldivian resort. If you’d like to have the seaplane experience and a jacuzzi water villa, then this resort is perfect for you, as both amenities are quite affordable, compared to everything else you will find in the archipelago.
The island offers great water sports opportunities, as its rich coral is a house to amazing sea creatures. You can, of course, go on snorkeling and diving trips, enjoy the spa or just lay on the beach every day of your stay here. The Maldives is the perfect destination for all of these activities and you get to relax, no matter what you choose.
When it comes to dining options, this resort is no short of experiences to choose from. The Dhonveli Buffet Restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat experience and features special nights as well (Maldivian evening, complimentary beverages, and traditional dishes). If you want a more luxurious meal, you can go to the Madivaru a la carte restaurant and even dine on the beach, in a more private environment.
If you’re looking for a nice affordable luxury place to stay in the Maldives, then Veligandu Island Resort & Spa is the perfect place for you.
The W Maldives
By Paula of Truly Expat Travel
The W Maldives is the perfect location for a relaxed and romantic vacation and is one of the best resorts in the Maldives. This resort is located amongst crystal clear waters and has excellent over-water bungalows and beach villas, friendly accommodating staff, fun activities, and delicious mouth-watering food.
As the W Maldives is part of the Marriott Bonvoy group, you can book your stay using accrued points or pay for package deals that include half or full board. The average cost per night is $2200 for an overwater bungalow and $2500 for a beach villa.
A few restaurant options exist, including Kitchen (where you eat breakfast but are also open for lunch and dinner). Fire for an outdoor experience you won’t forget (this is not included in any packages but is well worth the reservation).
Fish for all your seafood indulgence, set right by the oceanfront, is also an extra charge. KADA is a casual dining experience with the local Maldivian experiences. You can also eat at the SIP and the WET bars for a more relaxed atmosphere.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from diving, SUP, and kayaking to day trips to a deserted island, jet skiing, or sailing around on a luxury yacht. There is also sunset yoga on the beach, and you can snorkel straight off the deck of your overwater bungalow at any time of the day.
If you are heading to the Maldives for the first time, you can’t go past staying at a villa that requires a seaplane. The views from above make it a truly memorable experience.
Milaidhoo Luxury Boutique Resort
By Jennifer of Seeking Stamps
A vacation to the Maldives is sure to be filled with stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Although one of the difficulties of planning a trip is choosing where to stay in the Maldives. If you are looking for one of the best resorts in the Maldives, look no further than Milaidhoo Luxury Boutique Resort.
Start your journey to Milaidhoo aboard a seaplane with jaw-dropping views of the atolls below. Once you arrive, your personal butler ensures your every need is handled.
Milaidhoo’s aesthetic can be best classified as “barefoot luxury”. Choose from the beach or over-water villas with private pools and panoramic sea views. The spacious rooms are a blend of Maldivian decor with contemporary styling. This quaint resort only has 50 rooms, making it a tranquil getaway.
Prices at Milaidhoo begin at $1043 per night if you take advantage of early booking discounts. Despite points not being available to offset room expenses, the experience is worth every penny.
One of the primary reasons to choose Milaidhoo is its proximity to the UNESCO Baa Atoll Reserve. Rich with biodiversity, it boasts some of the best scuba diving in the world. Mildiadhoo’s onsite PADI dive center and private charters make it a divers’ paradise.
During your stay, take advantage of the gorgeous aquatic environment. Activities include snorkeling in the vibrant reef, stand-up paddle boards, sea kayaking, and deep-sea fishing. Spoil yourself with luxurious excursions to private island picnics and dolphin-watching catamarans.
For dining, Milaidhoo offers three world-class restaurants. Don’t miss Ba’theli restaurant set upon a traditional Maldivian boat. Milaidhoo is sure to be one of the most memorable hotel stays of your lifetime. From unparalleled natural beauty and impeccable service, Midlaihoo is one of the best resorts in the Maldives.
Ellaidhoo Maldives
By Raksha of Solo Passport
Located on Alifu Alifu Atoll, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon Resort is an island resort with white beaches and pristine blue waters and of the best resorts in the Maldives. Accessible through a 90 minutes speedboat ride, this island resort is a perfect bounty bar island that offers comfortable and cozy rooms to its guests. The resort has been awarded as booking.com Traveller Review Award in 2022.
The resort has a variety of stay options such as a room with a beach view and a water bungalow. Each room has a semi open air bathroom, minibar, and king beds. The average price of a room starts from $170 per night. It is one of the affordable island resorts that provide water bungalow stay options for a reasonable price which starts from $325 per night.
With stunning views of the ocean and sunset, the resort has many other amenities to entertain its guests. Some of them to name are an indoor activities room, a scuba dive center with more than 50 dive sites, snorkeling, an outdoor swimming pool, fishing tours, dolphin safaris, and island tours. The resort also has a spa and access to private beaches.
On the island, there are many restaurants and bars (part of the resort) that offer intercontinental and local cuisines. These meals can be purchased while booking the rooms. Each meal is prepared by some of the best chefs and is delicious.
Kurumba
By Rai of A Rai of Light
Kurumba, found on the island of Vihamanaafushi, lies just 4 km from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport but feels like a world away. Set on a tropical island, this high-end seafront resort features turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and a whole lot of coconut trees. Amongst the natural beauty, you will find luxury bungalows and villas, lush gardens, an outdoor pool, gym, tennis court, spa, a dive center, and a kids’ club. It is one of the best resorts in the Maldives.
The island measures just 1.5 square miles but has a range of recreation and wellness facilities. Find everything from snorkeling and parasailing to wakeboarding and jet skiing. Other exciting activities include TRX training, a snorkeling house reef tour, and dolphin watching while kids will enjoy coconut painting, pizza making, arts and crafts lessons, and movie nights.
The resort boasts 11 eateries, including seven a-la-carte restaurants to choose from, serving Middle Eastern, Thai, Indian, local, and international cuisine. Vihamanaa, Hamakaze, and Al Qasr restaurants as some of the favorites.
The average cost per night is around $259. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to get to the resort with speedboat transfers available throughout the day.
Bandos
By Trisha of PS I’m on my Way
All resorts in the Maldives have the same features and amenities, but the advantage of Bandos Maldives is being close to the port of Male, the capital of Maldives. It is just a 15-min short boat ride compared to other resorts where you need to travel up to one hour. Thus making it one of the best resorts in the Maldives for those who get easily seasick and are not fans of long boat rides.
There are different villa options in the resort. The most luxurious is the sunset water villa with pool valued at $670 USD per night. You will also get a private butler and a golf cart to take you around. The beach and superior villas range from $208 – $250 USD while the deluxe beachfront room is at $185. The most affordable is the standard beachfront room at $145 USD per night. All these prices are for 2 people and include breakfast which makes Bandos one of the most affordable resorts in the Maldives.
There are many restaurants within the resort, and there is an option to pay for the all-inclusive rate. Just add $80-$100 USD (depending on the room type), and you don’t have to worry about food. You just need to clarify if alcohol is included, as this is usually separate. Maldives is a Muslim country, and some resorts don’t really include alcohol in the prices. Japanese, International and Italian restaurants are available on-site.
Bandos has all types of water activities like jet skiing, fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking. You can also get certified here as they offer an Open Water Dive Course for beginners. Even if you don’t go in the water, you can already see sea creatures such as baby sharks as the water is really clear. If you are traveling with kids, there is a kids club that holds separate activities for children. Lastly, adults can go to their many different pool bars while their children are doing activities. Gym, spa, and tennis courts are also available on-site.
Unlike any other resorts in the Maldives, there isn’t an ocean villa in Bandos but the island is quiet, has beautiful areas for beaches and you won’t even see many guests in one area at once. Some rooms may not have an ocean view so make sure to see the rooms first because you can always upgrade upon arrival.
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
By Rehana of Rehana Mahomed
The Westin Resorts and Hotels aim to provide a premium luxury experience for families and is one of the best resorts in the Maldives. The brand is focused on wellness and all the elements from the signature white tea scent to the heavenly beds are curated to provide the ultimate rest and rejuvenation.
At The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, you can find unparalleled luxury and natural beauty. The resort is situated in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll amidst pristine waters.
This stunning family-friendly resort offers an extraordinary experience in the Maldives. From breathtaking views to exquisite dining options and rejuvenating spa experiences, this resort is the epitome of an Island retreat. You can reach the resort by a 35-minute seaplane flight or a 20-minute speedboat ride.
At The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, there is an array of activities for you. The resort offers a range of water activities through its own watersports center. Guests can sail to hidden coves, engage in deep-sea fishing, and explore vibrant coral reefs. Instructors are available to guide guests in activities like snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, and scuba diving, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of the surrounding environment.
You can also enjoy a unique dining experience at the resort when choosing one of the 3 restaurants. Cuisines range from Japanese to Asian street food or you can opt for a private dining experience on the beach.
For families, The Westin Family Kids Club provides an interactive environment filled with fun games, allowing parents to enjoy a well-deserved break. The Heavenly Spa by Westin is built over water and has glass floors providing the perfect place for a spa treatment.
The average cost per night at around $500 for a beach villa. Prices are much higher in peak seasons. You can use Bonvoy Points to book and you have an elite status you will get the 5th night free when booked on points.
Final Thoughts on the Best Maldives Resorts
The Maldives has over 160 resorts to choose from, so there is no shortage of amazing resorts to stay at. While this post has highlighted some of the best resorts in the Maldives, there are still many other spectacular options out there. These include the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the Park Hyatt Maldives, and the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.
