Few countries in the world can mimic paradise in the same way as Maldives. Lying on top of sunken volcanic mountains, the archipelago’s innate geography allows for landscapes that would otherwise be almost impossible to replicate. Add on the warmth and hospitality of the locals and you’ve got yourself a scrumptious cocktail.
Year after year millions of tourists are awed by the country’s geographic uniqueness, springing up over 130 resorts – which is why planning a holiday to the Maldives can in fact be a bit tricky. Considering the country boasts a veritable who’s who of some of the best resorts in the world, it can be difficult to narrow down which one of these makeshift slices of heavens might be the best fit for you.
We’ve managed to help ease your decision with our picks of the best resorts in Maldives.
Waldorf Astoria
Resorts in Maldives can be quite vast, but nothing compares to the gargantuan size of Waldorf Astoria
From the moment you arrive in the Maldives, Waldorf Astoria makes sure to remind you that you’re all that matters; you’re the king, the world is yours for the taking – a reality that is eventually shattered a few days later when you leave and restart life as a mere peon. From the Princess yacht at Male International Airport to the warmth of the staff, everything is an absolute pleasure, Waldorf Astoria never skimps out.
Resorts in Maldives can be huge considering they are located on their own private island; none, however come close to the size of Waldorf Astoria. Spanning a whopping 3 islands, the resort offers 122 different spacious villas – with almost unimpeded privacy and 11 unique dining options. For those wanting to take isolation to the next level, a 9-bedroom compound on a private island is also available.
The resort offers a plethora of water sports activities and various excursion trips. However, its true magic lies in its spa as well as house reef which is teeming with sea life as vivid as it is majestic. Waldorf Astoria is ultimately the perfect getaway for those wanting to break from the shackles of everyday mundanity.
Lux North Male Atoll
If Waldorf Astoria was about peace and relaxation, Lux North Male Atoll is about energy and adventure. Located at a mere 60-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport, the resort lies on a medium sized island and is encompassed by a massive blue lagoon.
The first thing to strike one when arriving at Lux North Male Atoll is undoubtedly its Mediterranean architecture. For those hoping for traditional Maldivian villas, this island will disappoint. Here you are greeted with large spaces, straight lines and a strict pattern of geometry. It is safe to say that the resort is perhaps unlike any other in Maldives.
The architecture, however, is not the prizing factor of the resort (as crazy as that sounds). The Lux North Male Atoll is always buzzing with energy – that’s what makes it special. Despite vast villas with massive decks, infinity pools and an open lounge area with a panoramic view of the Indian ocean, guests are rarely seen in their rooms. Rather, people prefer to jet ski, water ski, snorkel or play tennis amongst many, many other things.
Not many resorts in Maldives buzz with the same energy as Lux North Male Atoll
CONRAD Maldives Rengali Island
If you like excess – nay, love it, then CONRAD Maldives is your temptress. Located on Rangali Island, the resort has 150 villas, seven world class dining establishments, all sprawled out on two different islands connected by a bridge. With 150 rooms to choose from, the options can seem mind boggling, but worry not! Whether you opt for the beach villa where the never-ending horizon will make you feel the true scale of nature, or the ever-so-private water villas where you will be nestled away from reality with just you, your thoughts, a jacuzzi and treatment room, you just can’t go wrong with the accommodation at CONRAD Maldives.
The glory of CONRAD Maldives, however, lies in its underwater restaurant, located 16 feet below the water’s surface, which is a marvel in its own. The restaurant offers some of the finest European cuisine and of course, the company of fish.
Kandima
Situated on an island stretching 3 kilometers, Kandima is an all-inclusive resort that combines luxury and affordability without ever compromising on quality. With such a vast area, the resort is always blooming with activities including tennis, volleyball, gym, futsal, art classes and of course, who can forget the kid’s club along with a mini water park.
The resort mimics an Ibiza hotel, owing to its color scheme and has 11 different restaurants, as well as a beach club and a 100km pool near the watersports HQ. There is no doubt Kandima resort has a lot to be proud of, but the true measure of its pride lies in over 40 private dive sites which are sure to titillate divers to the core. The diving is of course complimented with all sorts of water activities in a massive blue lagoon.
TAAJ Coral
Luxury, thy name is Taaj!
Situated in Hembadhu Island, Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa is as nonchalant as it gets. Resorts in Maldives are usually quite laid back but when it comes to Taj, the resort’s architecture has been perfectly constructed for guests to take in as much of nature as possible. The thatch roof villas, the moon deck, the sunsets, the sunrises, it can all feel a little too much like nirvana.
Whilst the resort offers a laid-back experience, similar to a weeklong massage, it would be almost criminal not to mention the wreck diving, submarine excursions around reefs, night fishing and sting ray fishing. And of course, how can a resort named Taj be complete without Indian inspired massages and state of the art spas. Taj offers an experience truly unique amongst resorts in the Maldives.
CONCLUSION
Resorts in the Maldives have long been associated with murmurings of heaven and how could they not be? The necessity to visit the archipelago nation was summed up by Sahara in her book ‘Maldives… The Paradise’. It read, “The colors and views of this real paradise on Earth were unbelievable… you know, how can they be real?! Even harder to believe is how the vast majority of our planet’s inhabitants are spending their lives without ever having the opportunity to see all of the absolute beauty of nature that can be discovered in this part of the world.”