The 5 most expensive resorts in the Maldives

This private island resort is the crème de la crème of Maldives resort getaways. With just 26 separate villas, The Nautilus thrives on quietness, exclusivity, and privacy. You’ll enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and one-of-a-kind hospitality that makes every guest feel individually welcomed and special.

The resort also has a unique take on dining, encouraging guests to eat whenever they’re hungry and not feel pressured to stick to the traditional eating times of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In fact, they actively encourage sipping on champagne in bed. Don’t mind if you do?

Biggest villa: ‘The Nautilus Retreat’, a Two-Bedroom Beachfront Villa complete with an infinity pool, butler service, and the best spot on the entire island.

Prices start from £8,088 per person for seven nights, including flights.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is relatively new, having opened back in 2019, but it’s quickly earned a golden reputation as an exceptional resort packed full of everything Maldives travellers love – and so much more.

There are 11 unique restaurants on offer, perhaps the most renowned being Terra: an extraordinary dining experience serving up some of the finest ingredients including Miyazaki wagyu beef. If you really want to treat yourself, order a bottle of the resort’s signature Krug champagne which was handpicked by the very first Maldives’ Krug Ambassador. 

Elsewhere, the resort is a garden of relaxation too, especially at the Waldorf Astoria Spa which offers a variety of must-try holistic treatments and tailor-made exercise programmes sure to put a spring back in your step.

Biggest villa: ‘The Ithaafushi Private Island’, perfect for larger parties with its choice of five swimming pools, private entertainment clubhouse, and a personal chef dedicated to cooking all sorts of delicious delights for you morning, noon, and dinner.

Prices start from £7,600 per person for seven nights, including flights. 

Boasting an assortment of tasteful and spacious villas and a selection of unique beachfront restaurants, there’s something for everybody at Velaa Private Island. 

 Aragu is a favourite restaurant among guests, with its offering of mouthwatering European dishes cooked up by talented local chefs who enhance the culinary experience with out-of-this-world creative presentation. 

If that wasn’t enough, the resort comes well-equipped with some of the Maldives’ best leisure facilities too, including a state-of-the-art golf course, water sports activities, and tennis courts. Then after breaking a sweat in the recreation arena, you can unwind in one of the bubbling Jacuzzis at Velaa’s hypnotic spa.

Biggest villa: ‘The Romantic Residence’ is so exclusive that it’s only accessible by boat. It’s a One-Bedroom Villa suspended on stilts above the lagoon and comes with its very own private butler and chef. Maldives holiday prices simply don’t matter too much when you’re living in this much luxury.

Prices star from £7,205 per person for seven nights, including flights. 

In addition to its chic water villas and a plethora of water sports and excursions, Cheval Blanc Randheli has five incredible restaurants for you to indulge in as dusk settles and it's time to raise a glass to the day gone by. 

Perhaps the most celebrated restaurant is Diptyque: a live-cooking theatre that the entire family will love, especially foodies after a menu of Asian fusion full of exciting tastes, colours, and textures – some of which you may never have experienced before. 

Best of all, the resort’s coral reefs surrounding the island of Randhel are waiting to be explored. Grab a snorkel and dive under the tranquil sea to spot a whole host of colourful marine life, including awe-inspiring turtles and manta rays.

Biggest villa: ‘The Garden Water Villa’, a One-Bedroom Beachfront Villa is perfect for honeymooners looking for romance and privacy. There are also some Two-Bedroom options available for larger families.

Prices start from £6,680 per person for seven nights, including flights. 

Life has never felt so bliss as it does at JOALI BEING, Bodufushi. Crowned as the Maldives’ first resort designed exclusively for health and wellbeing, this resort provides an idyllic escape for travellers looking to reconnect with their mind, body, and soul.

This self-rejuvenation can be achieved with personalised spa therapies, interactive fitness workshops, tailored (but still delicious) nutritious meals, and the resort’s scattering of serene spots specially designed for relaxation and reflection – what better place to unwind than a never-ending view over the Maldivian waters? JOALI BEING is self-discovery at its very best.

Biggest villa: ‘The Three-Bedroom Wellbeing Beach Residence’, sleeping up to seven guests and boasting a private infinity pool and dedicated fitness and wellbeing cabanas.

Prices start from £6,330 per person for seven nights, including flights.