Where to stay when the sky, sea, and sand call your name.
Maldives is that dream-destination for so many of us: turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, incredible marine life, and resorts that feel like floating paradises (plus it’s only a four-hour flight from the UAE.)
Whether you want sprawling overwater villas with private pools, iconic spas, or barefoot chillaxing with the little ones, these resorts are the ones to know. From grand luxury to boutique hideaways, here are standout stays as part of our ESSENTIAL guide.
The Insider’s Top Pick
Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection (Kuda Funafaru Island)
Why this boutique paradise is a must-visit in the Noonu Atoll.
Some destinations don’t just offer a holiday, they promise a total escape, and a chance to fully immerse yourself in the rhythm of topical bliss. Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, is one of those rare retreats. Nestled on Kuda Funafaru Island in the Noonu Atoll, it’s just a 45-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, yet it feels a world away. With its intimate scale, barefoot luxurious vibes, and unparalleled privacy, Noku is the kind of resort where even your toughest choice might be whether to snorkel among vibrant reefs or lounge in your hammock as the sun sinks over the lagoon.
What makes Noku a standout for us is its combination of boutique exclusivity, marine immersion, and thoughtful design. With just 50 villas, 20 beach and 30 overwater, this is a resort that feels personal. Every villa is designed to blend with the natural surroundings, boasting airy interiors, generous sundecks, and indoor/outdoor bathrooms. Overwater villas often include private plunge pools or infinity decks, making sunrise coffees or twilight cocktails feel like your own private paradise, watched over by the ocean.
The resort’s house reef is a wonderland for snorkelers and divers alike. Guests can glide among clownfish, rays, turtles, and reef sharks, or explore renowned Noonu Atoll dive sites. For those curious about marine conservation, coral adoption programs and workshops provide an interactive way to engage with the underwater ecosystem. But if all you want to do is relax, you can simply enjoy palm-lined beaches, soft white sands, and star-studded skies.
Noku’s dining elevates island life. Palms Restaurant and Thari serve menus inspired by the Maldives and beyond, offering fresh seafood, fragrant curries, sushi, and seasonal produce. Sunset dinners, under-the-stars grilling, and cocktails that taste of the tropics make every meal an occasion. Meanwhile, the Noku Spa combines natural Asian-rooted treatments with local botanicals, coconut oils, and sea salts. From yoga and meditation to sunset rituals, wellness here is designed to leave you renewed and you might be more inclined to ignore that overflowing inbox.
Noku isn’t just indulgence as it’s concerned with meaningful travel. As part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, the resort focuses on sustainability and cultural connection. You’ll leave not only refreshed but attuned to the reef, the community, and the unique craft of island life.
The Insider’s Verdict
For those seeking a boutique escape that balances privacy, adventure, and authentic Maldivian charm, Noku Maldives is the full package. It’s a place where every detail, from your cosy villa design to coral-rich waters, invites you to slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy the paradise all around you.
Noku Maldives Vignette Collection is only 45-minute scenic seaplane ride from Velana International Airport. Contact: +960-656-1010 or visit their website for reservations. Intsta stalk @nokumaldives.
Soneva Jani (Noonu Atoll)
Set across Medhufaru Island in Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani is the fantasy you picture when you hear “Maldives resort.” With sumptuous villas over water and on land, private pools, some with waterslides directly into the lagoon, and retractable roofs for stargazing, it delivers both privacy and romance. The setting includes a 5.6-kilometre lagoon, pristine reef, an observatory, multiple dining venues (from treetop to over-water), and a strong sustainability ethos, from use of natural materials to waste management. Ideal for families or couples seeking space and experience in equal measure.
Soneva Jani (Noonu Atoll), visit their website or Insta stalk @soneva.
One&Only Reethi Rah (North Malé Atoll)
If you want opulence and space, One&Only Reethi Rah stands out. Located on one of the largest private islands in North Malé Atoll, it boasts expansive beach villas, overwater villas, numerous dining options, large spa and wellness facilities, tennis courts and multiple pools – no wonder it’s a hit with celebrities wanting to escape the paparazzi. The scale is grand, yet service is intensely personal, with butlers, elegant design, and meticulously maintained gardens and beaches. It’s especially ideal for romantic escapes, honeymooners, or anyone who wants both glamour and seclusion.
One&Only Reethi Rah (North Malé Atoll), for reservations email reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com or their website or Insta stalk @ooreethirah.
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort (Dhaalu Atoll)
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli is a lush luxury sanctuary where rainforest-meets-beach-meets-lagoon – in perfect harmony. The resort spans a private island featuring a blend of over-water and beach villas (77 in total) each with private plunge pools, wide terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and that unmistakable St. Regis Butler service. Meanwhile the Iridium Spa includes hydrotherapy pools, tailored treatments, and serene overwater spaces – super high tech and swish. Marine life is abundant: house reef snorkeling, dives for manta rays, and calm lagoons ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Dining includes six restaurants and bars, each exploring seafood, Asian, Italian, so you’re totally spoilt for choice.
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort (Dhaalu Atoll), visit their website for more information or Insta stalk @stregismaldives.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo (Gaafu Alifu Atoll)
Offering intimate over water and beach villas, each with its own pool and naturally generous space, Raffles Maldives is a slice of global luxury in a tropical bliss setting. Service is refined and discreet, including dedicated Butler Service, that elevates the guest experience without pomp but lots of ceremony. The focus here is marine immersion: house reefs, clear lagoons, sustainable fishing practices, and culinary creativity (for example, the Nikkei-fusion offering at Yuzu, which combines Peruvian Japanese flavours). Peace, privacy, and a strong sense of place define this resort. Pack your best designer threads as everyone at this resort is here to impress.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, visit their website for more info, email reservations.maldives@raffles.com or Insta stalk @raffleshotels.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll)
A legend in its own right, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island combines over water luxury, marine spectacle, and architectural standout (the undersea residence, The Muraka) with lush coral reefs and diverse aquatic life. You’ll find a range of villa types, from beach villas to iconic overwater retreats. There are also plenty of excellent culinary choices, including fine dining and more casual restaurants, all with beautiful ocean views. It’s also great for divers and snorkellers thanks to its positioning and reef access, so beginners and experts can dive on in. If you want a resort that balances connection to sea life, ambitious architecture, and multiple dining and relaxation offerings, this one delivers.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (Alifu Dhaalu Atoll), for reservations visit their website or Insta stalk @conrad_maldives.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa (Shaviyani Atoll)
Set in Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a modern retreat that balances family-friendly amenities with superb luxury. Villas range from beach pool villas to overwater pool villas, many duplex style, with elegant finishes and spacious decks perfect for hosting larger groups or maintaining absolute privacy. Dive into the azure lagoon, explore marine life, or unwind at the resort spa. Dining is varied: multiple restaurants offer global and local cuisine, and there’s a rare dining experience pairing a four-night stay across an Overwater and Beach Pool Villa with a two night immersive encounter with Chef Fumio Yonezawa. For families, there’s a kids’ club (“Little Griffins”), and activities for teens, as well as water sports, snorkeling, island excursions. For couples or families wanting luxury, space, and a broad mix of experiences, this is a strong pick.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa (Shaviyani Atoll), visit their website for more information or Insta stalk @marriottbonvoy.
Boutique Gems
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives (Raa Atoll)
Bold, colourful, and anything but predictable, The Standard Maldives brings playful energy to the Indian Ocean. Villas 115 in total mix mid century style with Maldivian chic, and all come with private plunge pools and spacious decks. But the showstopper is Beru Bar, the Maldives’ only glass bottomed, overwater nightclub. Dance under the stars while spotting reef sharks cruising beneath your feet. Days are equally lively, whether you’re trying out paddle yoga, indulging at six eclectic restaurants, or simply floating in the lagoon. The Standard also leans into wellness with a spa that offers not just massages but also sound baths and DIY mud sessions.
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives (Raa Atoll), visit their website for more information or Insta stalk @thestandardmaldives.
COMO Cocoa Island (South Malé Atoll)
COMO Cocoa is a wellness-focused boutique retreat in South Malé Atoll and boy don’t they know it (hint: this spot is ALL about relaxing.) Villas are overwater, and the style features thatched-roof dhoni-boat style influences, crisp interiors, open water, and a spa known for its serene treatments. If your idea of Maldives is calmness, reading by the water, gentle snorkeling, spa time, and fuss-free food refined with quality, this is a standout. Also excellent for couples wanting peace and elegance and a dash of romance.
COMO Cocoa Island, South Malé Atoll, visit their website or Insta stalk @comococoaisland.
LUX* South Ari Atoll
This is a perfect barefoot chic playground with one of the Maldives’ longest infinity pools, so if your version of paradise comes with a side of energy and variety, this is the trip for you. Spread across a vast island in the heart of the South Ari Marine Protected Area, this resort is famous for its eco-conscious luxury and playful spirit. Guests can choose from villas scattered along beach and lagoon fronts some with private pools, all designed with breezy, white on white interiors that channel effortless island living. The crown jewel is the resort’s 25 metre infinity pool, offering sweeping ocean views that make it almost impossible to leave your lounger. Active travellers can dive straight into South Ari’s whale shark territory, while others can enjoy a rotating line-up of pop-up cafés, secret bars, and even an island “message in a bottle” treasure hunt. Sustainability runs through everything, from solar power initiatives to coral restoration.
LUX* South Ari Atoll, visit their website for more information or Insta stalk @luxsouthari.
Whatever you choose, the Maldives rarely disappoint. Once you touch those clear lagoons, sink your feet into white sand, and watch the sunrise over water from your villa deck, you’ll see why these are ESSENTIAL stays.
