The 8 best hotels and resorts in the Maldives

If you’re looking for an unforgettable Maldives experience, look no further than the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Complete with a signature interior design of calming South Ari Atoll-inspired colours and styles, the resort is a real sight of beauty. Relax in your very own beach villa by day and tuck into delicious local cuisine at one of its 12 unique dining spaces by night. This resort is also particularly great for keen snorkelers – it’s super close in proximity to over 42 different snorkelling and diving sites. 

Hotel highlight: The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: The world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant features 180º panoramic views of wondrous marine life. No need for snorkels here.
 

There’s not much the Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa doesn’t have. Its all-inclusive experience offers everything you need from an ultra-relaxing, luxurious Maldives escape. Unwind like never before at The Emerald Spa, offering an array of cultural treatments and rituals – from taking a dip in a Turkish bath or savouring the serenity of a Thai massage. 

There are also four unique restaurants to enjoy here, including the open-kitchen style setting of the Amazònico Restaurant, serving exciting exotic flavours from the likes of Chile, Peru, and Mexico.

Hotel highlight: It’s perfect for families. Parents can rest easy whilst the kids enjoy the hotel’s designated Dolphins’ kids club.

Spread across two boutique islands, the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo offers up magnificent ocean views from all of its 38 beachfront villas and suites. Wake up to serene natural surroundings and enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at four restaurants serving a choice of numerous international cuisines. 

The diving experiences are also next to none. Customise your adventures at the diving centre and try out the freediving excursion if you’re up for the challenge (no equipment) – freediving coach Bastien Soleil will teach you breathing techniques which help you find a freeing connection with water that you’ve never felt before.

Hotel highlight: The attentive service and hospitality. You’ll receive the royal treatment from start to finish. 

You’ll be residing in one of the 122 spacious villas at One&Only Reethi Rah – all of which are in close proximity to the island’s 6km private beach. When you’re feeling peckish, take a seat at a table in one of the resort’s six first-rate restaurants, including Fanditha: a Middle Eastern-style eatery complete with cushioned floor seating and regular mezze theme nights (think succulent grilled meats and freshly caught seafood). 

It’s a family-friendly resort too, so feel free to bring the little ones along too – there’s endless fun to be had at the KidsOnly club.

Hotel highlight: The plethora of dining options reigns supreme. Choice from a variety of cuisines from Japanese to Italian to lunch light bites. 

There’s a wide array of accommodation types at Siyam World, including Lagoon Villas, Premium Beach Rooms, and Overwater Villas with slides, perfect for eager kids wanting to take a dip in the Indian Ocean first thing in the morning. That’s one of the best things about Siyam World – it's a hotel fit for all types of holiday-goers, including families, honeymooners, couples, and first timers. 

The resort impresses visitors with its stunning island surroundings and world-class resort facilities, including a spa, sports excursions and activities, plus 14 different bars and restaurants to choose from - talk about spoilt for choice. 

The Sambrosa restaurant is a favourite amongst guests, serving up delicious Spanish cuisine – a big hit if you love Tapas.

Hotel highlight: It’s home to the largest floating water park in the Maldives, so don’t forget your goggles! 

Conveniently located just a short speedboat journey away from Malé International Airport, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort undoubtedly provides the 5-star experience you desire. 

Foodies will love the resort’s selection of dining options (all serving only the freshest ingredients) and active thrill-seekers can catch a few waves during an expert lesson with a friendly Tropicsurf coach. There are also small and large accommodation types to choose from, including sunrise over-water suites offering unbeatable morning views and Two-Bedroom Anantara Pool Villas that sleep up to four adults and two children – butler service included.

Hotel highlight: Dine on all sorts of Italian delights at 73 Degrees, the resort’s incredible Italian restaurant. A glass of vino is a must.

The Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is an all-villa resort, so take your pick from its selection of One, Two, or Three-Bedroom Villas dotted around the resort. You can be just a stone’s throw away from the resort’s picturesque beach or be nestled away amid tropical vegetation for more seclusion. 

Whether you’re looking to relax or take part in something livelier, the hotel also offers a variety of leisure activities and facilities – including a tennis court, water sports, and snorkelling, to name just a few. There are a few things out of the ordinary too, like the opportunity to cook alongside one of the hotel’s talented chefs – you’ll learn from the very best.

Hotel highlight: The resort boasts one of the Maldives’ longest infinity pools. It’s an absolute showstopper.

Your five-star experience at the Lily Beach Resort & Spa starts as soon as you arrive by a seaplane or luxury boat transfer. Unpack your bags in one of its stunning Lagoon Villas and head off to wander around the resort’s gorgeous paradise surroundings. Then book a table at one of the many dining options, including a buffet restaurant for hungry mouths or an intimate teppanyaki table for a special one-of-a-kind experience. There are also many day excursions to try out – from diving deep under the Indian ocean in a semi-submarine or exploring the Maldivian culture around a local neighbourhood. 

Hotel highlight: Dress to the nines at Les Turquoise D’Aqua: the hotel’s fine dining restaurant best enjoyed at sunset.