Spa*, watersports centre*, PADI dive school*, boutique*, tailor*
Restaurants & bars
*Denotes local charge
Spa*, watersports centre*, PADI dive school*, boutique*, tailor*
*Denotes local charge
Baros
5
With its dazzling sands and coral lagoon, Baros is possibly the most picture perfect of all of the Maldives islands. An intimate resort providing a complete luxury escape, its timeless, elegant facilities include the architecturally spectacular The Lighthouse restaurant with its tented white roof, and the exclusive Piano Deck offering yoga, massages or dinner on a deck isolated in the middle of a sparkling lagoon. There’s a real focus here on the bespoke – as well as restaurant dining, there are private dining options available at any location of your choice; spa packages can be tailored to suit you; the diving is ‘by design’; and experiences range from personalised adventure to pure romance. A main swimming pool was added a few years ago – and in true Baros style, it's not your average pool. The overwater deck surrounding the Lime restaurant was extended to create a large overwater infinity pool; the perfect way to introduce a shared pool to this small island without compromising its natural, tranquil environment. 75 exquisite villas include extra touches such as wine chillers, yoga mats and dedicated villa hosts. The Deluxe Villas are individual thatched bungalows a few feet from the water’s edge, whilst Baros Villas have a four-poster bed and private sun deck overlooking the ocean. If you enjoy taking a dip in your own secluded pool, then it’s worth opting for one of the private pool villas. The Baros Suites are incredibly private.
With its white sands and crystal-clear waters, Coco Bodu Hithi is stunning. Its facilities are glorious too – sand paths around the island lead to a cool infinity pool, extensive thatched overwater spa and a variety of chic restaurants. Air is the elegant all-day dining restaurant with views of the infinity pool, while the romantic overwater Aqua serves up seafood specialities with Asian flavours, and Tsuki is an authentic sushi bar. Watersports include free snorkelling equipment. There’s also a PADI dive centre and some great local dive sites. From December to April, manta rays are abundant at nearby Manta Point, and throughout the year diverse marine life includes black-tip reef sharks and turtles. The surrounding waters also offer some of the best opportunities to spot huge pods of dolphins. Villas are superbly spacious and all come with their own private pool. There’s just one room type on the island itself – the excellent Island Villas with Pool, which have a private courtyard with pool and a huge circular bathtub in the middle of the room. These villas are deservedly popular, so we recommend booking early. The rest of the villas here are overwater. Water Villas and Escape Water Villas – with a separate living room – are off one long jetty, while Coco Residences have their own separate oval jetty at the other end of the island. The Coco Residences enjoy extra benefits including in-villa check-in, Champagne on arrival, daily sundowner cocktail with canapés 6-7pm and à la carte breakfast at Stars Restaurant.
Conrad Maldives has the Maldives’ most iconic restaurant. Venture 16 feet below the ocean to dine at one of the world’s most extraordinary venues, with 180-degree views of marine life through its glass walls and arched glass roof. Topped off with gourmet Maldivian-Western fusion set menus and Champagne cocktails, beautiful Ithaa is unique and a little surreal. Book a table around two weeks in advance so that you don’t miss out! The two islands that make up the resort are quite distinct. A 500-metre timber footbridge connects the main hub of Rangalifinolhu, which is ideal for families, with the smaller Rangali Island. On Rangalifinolhu, the atmosphere is cool and lively. Almost every type of cuisine is covered here, from the eight show kitchens at the sand-floored Atoll Market to a cheese and wine bar. On Rangali Island, tranquillity and privacy are the order of the day. There’s the Koko Grill – an exclusive, candlelit Japanese live cooking venue on the beach, a cinema under the stars and a chic adults-only ‘quiet zone’ with infinity pool and tented lounge bar. Accommodation is split over the two islands: spacious Beach Villas and Deluxe Beach Villas with private plunge pool on Rangalifinolhu Island and a range of water villas off Rangali Island. Sunset Water Villas have their own private area of the lagoon and a master bedroom with revolving round bed. Conrad's latest addition is the world's first undersea residence – the Muraka.
The beauty of Constance Halaveli, with its wide, soft white-sand beaches all around the island, is matched by the exceptional hospitality renowned of the Constance brand. Quiet and luxurious, it has a range of attractive facilities. Dining options include the main restaurant, Jahaz, offering international buffet-style cuisine and themed evenings; a speciality overwater restaurant, Jing, serving a fine dining Pan-Asian menu; and Meeru, a traditional Maldivian beach grill with a selection of fresh seafood. Each of the restaurants also has its own sommelier. Two bars – one poolside, one over water along the longest jetty in the Maldives – provide ideal locations to enjoy a sundowner or signature cocktails late into the evening. It's worth upgrading to the All Inclusive package here, for inclusions like a choice of over 150 wines served by sommeliers, premium brands and fine dining. There’s superb snorkelling on the house reef, and access to excellent diving nearby. There’s also the relaxing and rejuvenating overwater U Spa by Constance, with Valmont treatments. The glorious villas here all have a private pool. Water Villas are set off a very long jetty, meaning that the highest numbered villas are exceptionally peaceful. On the beach there’s the impressively spacious Beach Villas and a great choice for families, with Family Beach Villas that have a separate kids' room and the Double Storey Beach Villas which are set over two floors with two bedrooms.
While dress is informal, there’s nothing casual about the service or facilities on this luxurious island. Basking in one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, there are many reasons why Gili Lankanfushi was once voted the best hotel in the world at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. This luxury retreat reopens in December 2019 after a refurbishment. The food is outstanding. The main restaurant, Kashiveli, is outdoors on the sand, and there’s also the intimate restaurant, By The Sea, serving Japanese fusion dishes. For a dining experience quite unlike any other, an underground gourmet cellar is reached by descending a glass staircase, with a cavern showcasing more than 600 wines. After a bespoke tasting menu with wine pairings organised by an excellent sommelier, discover the artisanal cheese room and chocolate cave. For a chilled out evening for two, screenings can be arranged at the jungle cinema. Tropicsurf surf school allows guests to discover some of the Maldives' best surfing, with three surf breaks just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort. Huge rustic villas are all overwater. Not only do they have an overwater sun deck with loungers, there’s also a hidden rooftop deck with day beds. For a personal touch, music and films can be preloaded for you on the in-room iPod, and your very own ‘Mr Friday’ will see to everything that you need, before you even know you need it. While the Villa Suites and Residences are set off a jetty, the incredibly private Crusoe Residences can only be reached by boat.
Set in a stunning lagoon, this pretty island is comfortable and natural. There are no children, the staff are excellent, and there’s a quiet yet friendly atmosphere. The result is that many guests return year after year. The colourful house reef offers wonderful snorkelling and there are numerous dive sites within an hour by boat; in fact there are 15 sites within 15 minutes. For an adrenalin rush, the choice of fun watersports includes parasailing; or for a more leisurely approach to the water, canoes can be hired for a self-guided hop on/off snorkelling trip. For dining, you’ll find a range of meal plans available, from Full Board to All Inclusive Gold. The main Falhu restaurant is sand-floored, overlooking the ocean with a deck on stilts over the water, and the fine dining restaurant, Aqua, sits on the main jetty, where the chef often comes out to chat to guests. The open-air Thundi Bar on the beach is a great spot for cocktails as the sun goes down, and in the evenings, the low-key Kandu Bar is the hub of the island. The wooden Beach Villas, Jacuzzi Beach Villas and Premium Jacuzzi Beach Villas are set over two beaches, facing northeast or southwest. Overwater, Jacuzzi Water Villas and Ocean Jacuzzi Water Villas have steps down into the ocean.
Niyama’s island names – ‘Chill’ and ‘Play’ – set the tone for the resort: innovative, fresh, relaxed and upmarket. While the underwater den, Subsix, lies six metres below the ocean’s surface, Nest – on the new second island – can be found six metres high up in the treetops, and is a real one-of-a-kind in the Maldives, with private pods suspended among the Banyan trees. Closer to ground, other cool dining options include Tribal, with live cooking stations on hot rock grills and open fires, and the signature restaurant, Edge, with its sail-like white roof, which can be found 500 metres offshore and is only accessible by boat. The second island, ‘Play’, is linked to the original island by a small bridge and also hosts additional rooms, the relaxed family-friendly BLU beachfront restaurant, a kids' club, and an infinity pool with children’s area and poolside cabanas. Snorkelling can be done straight off the island – some of the best marine life can be found close by, where the reef is full of both large and small brightly coloured fish. Non-motorised watersports including kayaking are complimentary, and PADI dive courses and motorised watersports are also available. The new Surf Shack encourages guests to get to grips with some excellent surf breaks, including Vodi surf point just offshore (ideal for all levels) and Kasabu surf point, a five-minute speedboat ride away (great for experienced surfers). For a slower pace, the LIME Spa offers treatments both day and night. If even in the Maldives you need a tech fix, entertainment at Active includes Nintendo-Wiis, Xbox 360 and two simulator rooms. A range of sleek studios and pavilions are located on the beach and overwater. Beach Studios have an outdoor bathroom and secluded beach views. All of the other room types have their own private fibre-optic lit plunge pool. For a relaxed evening in, make the most of the in-villa popcorn machine and watch a movie on the big-screen TV!
Velassaru’s glistening beach and bright turquoise lagoon create a serious ‘wow’ factor on arrival. The resort has a slightly younger vibe and is ideal for honeymooners and couples. Vela, the main restaurant, is the perfect place to enjoy dishes from the interactive buffet and live cooking stations. But it’s definitely worth trying the à la carte offerings which include the popular Teppanyaki with its idyllic spot over the lagoon and serving Japanese cuisine with a creative twist, and Sand, where you can enjoy dishes inspired by the Indian Ocean on candlelit tables dotted along the beach. There are also two fabulous bars. Fen Bar is cool and minimalistic with mood lighting and chilled music, and the place to relax with a cocktail and shisha. For drinks in a gorgeous setting, head to Chill Bar at the water’s edge and grab yourself one of the chic daybeds overlooking the ocean. Other facilities include a recommended watersports centre and snorkelling can be done directly from the beach. The beach rooms at Velassaru have some of the biggest and loveliest indoor/outdoor bathrooms. Deluxe Bungalows are individual single-storey buildings a few metres from the water, with a raised sleeping area. Sleek Beach Villas are thatched cottages facing the beach, with little extras such as a wine chiller. There’s also a choice of villas with pools and beautiful Water Villas on stilts over the ocean.
Facilities at Veligandu are in keeping with the island’s natural Maldivian style. The main sand floor restaurant, Dhonveli, has a choice of buffet-style dishes and live cooking stations, with a weekly Maldivian night and a once-a-week sparkling wine breakfast. For more intimate à la carte dining, the Madivaru restaurant serves up a dinner menu of grilled seafood and beef. For added romance, opt for a table on the beach under the stars. There’s a thatched sand-floored bar area with plenty of tables, sofas and a glossy long bar, and the Athiri bar. The glorious long sandbank after which the island is named – Veligandu means ‘sandbank’ in Maldivian – can be found on the southern end of the island, and the best snorkelling on the house reef can be found off here too. There are some excellent dive spots nearby to spot reef sharks, manta rays (throughout the year but best seen from December to May) and even hammerhead sharks. Spacious villas are neat and modern inside, with high thatched roofs and dark wood floors. There’s a choice of Beach Villas with a sundeck or Water Villas with steps down into the lagoon, both with or without Jacuzzi.
Biyadhoo
3
There’s no pretence about Biyadhoo – if you’re looking for a simple escape at a good value, established resort with a wonderful natural environment, this is it. It’s why many of the guests here return year after year. The resort has recently improved many of its facilities, with changes including free Wi-Fi, twice-weekly snorkelling trips, as well as a refreshment of the rooms, reception, restaurant and bar. The island is a haven for divers, with a wealth of top dive sites nearby. The renowned PADI dive school is particularly popular, with the excellent instructors on-hand to advise which of the varied dive sites are best suited to your ability. For snorkellers, the fabulous house reef has seven different passages and offers the opportunity to get up-close with reef sharks, rays and turtles. And for relaxation, there’s a main stretch of beach plus several smaller beaches around the island. Palm is the resort’s air-conditioned restaurant, offering buffets and set menus with international cuisine. In the evening, the al fresco Coconut Bar becomes the island’s hub as the place for drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, often with entertainment. Stay between May and November and you'll get your drinks included, with a free upgrade from Full Board to All Inclusive. Rooms are housed in two-storey blocks, just a few steps back from the water’s edge. They are fairly basic but perfectly adequate, as most guests here tend to focus on the outdoors. Each has a balcony or terrace leading to the beach.
Belonging to the luxurious Constance portfolio, Constance Moofushi’s beauty is paralleled only by the highest standards of service and quality, and there’s serious attention to detail here. Facilities are stylish yet natural, with wood, bamboo and thatched features. The sand-floored Manta restaurant offers buffet-style dining, with numerous live cooking stations serving up dishes including Italian classics and Maldivian specialities. An overwater section of the restaurant allows you to find a quiet table and dine amid stunning Indian Ocean views. The equally relaxed à la carte Alizée beachfront grill is located just a few steps from the ocean, and specialises in grilled meats and fresh seafood. There’s also a rejuvenating overwater spa and an infinity pool with beach bar, the perfect spot for a daytime cocktail. The three large lagoons and coral garden surrounding the island provide wonderful snorkelling and diving opportunities, and the resort lies within half an hour of 32 of the Maldives' best dive sites. There’s a subtle, high-end Robinson Crusoe theme running throughout the beautiful villas, from hammocks on the Beach Villa terraces to coin chest minibars brimming with treats. Water Villas are on stilts overwater, while spacious and indulgent Senior Water Villas also have an outdoor bathtub. All villas also have an excellent Mac mini entertainment system with free Wi-Fi, music and movies on demand.
Kuramathi is one of the Maldives’ most popular resorts and it's perfect if you're looking for variety alongside relaxation. Here, pathways weave through lush foliage, leading to the excellent facilities that are dotted around this large island. There are two oceanfront infinity pools plus a lagoon-style pool shaded by palm trees, and snorkelling on the house reef is possible straight from the beach. For dining, you’ll be allocated a buffet restaurant determined by the location of your villa. We recommend upgrading to Select All Inclusive for the full choice of à la carte restaurants – including the popular Island Barbecue on the beach, Siam Garden serving up authentic Thai dishes, and fine dining at Duniye in the verdant heart of the island. Of the bars, favourites include the Sand Bar, where you can sink into a comfy beanbag with a cocktail and bury your toes in the sand, and the chic Champagne Loft. Rooms on the island range from simply designed Garden Villas and Beach Villas nestled in abundant vegetation (but just a short walk from the beach) to Deluxe Beach Villas that face the lagoon and luxury Pool Villas that sit right at the edge of the beach. Two Bedroom Beach Houses sleep six; ideal for families or friends travelling together. For the iconic overwater experience, opt for a Deluxe Water Villa perched above the turquoise lagoon
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities at Kuredu. Divers flock here for the surrounding marine life and the easy access to nearly 50 spectacular dive sites. Prodivers is the island’s excellent PADI dive centre and it also has a dedicated snorkelling centre, with guides offering trips around the colourful house reef and further afield. The watersports centre here is the largest in the Maldives, and the sheltered lagoon is the ideal spot to try windsurfing. There are four main buffet restaurants, and you’ll be allocated one of these for your meals depending on your room type and location. For à la carte dining, choose from The Far East, with authentic Asian cuisine, delicious seafood and vegetarian dishes at The Beach, and Mediterranean cuisine at Franco’s with herbs and spices fresh from the island’s greenhouse. Of the seven bars, Babuna is the liveliest with evening entertainment, whilst Sai Kotari is a pretty tea house at the end of the jetty, serving speciality teas and coffee cocktails. It’s particularly lovely after dark, when underwater lights showcase the night-time activity of the surrounding marine life. New facilities include a large kids' club with indoor play area and outdoor playground. As a larger island, there’s a real choice of accommodation, ranging from the traditional, simply furnished Garden Bungalows to the romantic Jacuzzi Beach Villas with a Jacuzzi in the open-air bathroom, and the Sangu Water Villas sitting on stilts over the lagoon.
Kurumba was the very first Maldivian resort to open its ‘doors’, back in 1972. Its history and traditional style are evident but this compact village-like island also offers a host of more contemporary facilities. The choice of dining is superb – there’s a restaurant for every night of the week with a poolside café to spare. And the quality is excellent. It begins with the main restaurant, Vihamanaa, which serves up buffet dishes from hearty Italian to fiery curries. Of the seven speciality restaurants, Italian fine dining is perfectly executed at Isola, while Al Qasr (‘the Palace’) lives up to its name with decadent surrounds and delicious Middle Eastern flavours. And then there’s Thila, which extends out over the water – this is the gourmet breakfast venue for higher room types and a great spot for seafood dinners. Snorkelling on the house reef is just steps from the beach and diving packages are available to pre-book. Rooms sit in clusters around the network of paths, with traditional exteriors and more modern furnishings. Superior Rooms are in two-storey buildings with views of the coconut groves. For direct beach views, opt for a Beachfront Deluxe Bungalow. There’s also a range of spacious villas with private pools, ideal for a more secluded stay.
Just 350m in length, Maafushivaru is small and romantic, with two wide beaches and a glorious lagoon. There’s a house reef for snorkelling and if you board one of the dive centre’s boat trips there’s a great chance of spotting turtles, manta rays and whale sharks nearby. An infinity pool is perfectly placed on the beachfront, next to the bar with comfy chic sofas for lounging. The main buffet restaurant is the Cuisine Gallery, which offers Mediterranean cuisine infused with local flavours. The island is also adding new dining options for 2020: Moodhu Grill will serve up meat and seafood on the beach, Oishii will offer an overwater teppanyaki experience, and the Water Bar’s poolside Tapas menu will offer lighter lunchtime bites. Maafushivaru’s secret delight is its beautiful uninhabited sister island, Lonubo. For an authentic Crusoe-esque experience, take a short boat ride across to this tiny desert island for romantic picnics, candlelit dining or even an overnight stay in the Lonubo Beach Villa with outdoor hot tub. We recommend pre-booking a Lonubo dinner or private island stay – only one couple can visit at a time and it’s deservedly popular. The villas are stylish with Maldivian touches. Refurbished Beach Villas are just steps from the beach with a semi open-air bathroom. Light and airy Water Villas sit on stilts over the lagoon, with floor-to-ceiling windows and direct access to the water. Beautiful new Beach Pool Villas and Water Pool Villas will have their own plunge pool on the private deck.
Small and picturesque, Thudufushi has welcoming staff and a lovely casual atmosphere. Diving is one of the most popular activities here. The island’s location on the outer edge of the atoll means that there’s access to deeper ocean and larger marine creatures. There’s a great area for waterskiing and windsurfing, a large lagoon and house reef, and an impressive marine biology programme includes coral regeneration. Dining options include the buffet-style restaurant, Maakanaa, plus an intimate Japanese restaurant with a teppanyaki grill and a cultural Maldivian corner, where two guests at a time can prepare traditional dishes with the chef and then dine under the palms of the tropical garden. Rooms on the beach include a few cottage-style Beach Bungalows scattered around the island on the beachfront and spacious Junior Suites with a separate living room (highly recommended if you want your room on the beach). There’s also the extra choice of Beach Suites and Jacuzzi Water Villas. Water Villas at Diamonds Thudufushi The chic white Water Villas here are impressively spacious and offer five-star luxury. Distinct in their design, they feature custom-made rattan furniture, hand-made parquet floors and contemporary Italian lighting, and one of the highlights has to be the large private terrace offering direct access to the water. The Water Villas also have iMacs with a large selection of movies and music. Water Villa guests have access to their own restaurant, Aqua, which has a modern European and Asian fusion à la carte menu.
Beautiful Velidhu offers a fuss-free Maldives experience and focuses on its key elements: a stunning setting and warm hospitality. Iruara is the island’s only restaurant, but with the variety on offer it’s all you need, with buffet-style dishes alongside barbecued meat and fresh seafood. There are also occasional themed nights, and private dining experiences can be arranged on request – the romantic lobster dinner on the beach is a highlight. By day, the beachfront Light House Bar offers a relaxing spot for refreshing fruit juices or cocktails; by night it hosts low-key entertainment ranging from DJs to bingo! It’s worth upgrading to the All Inclusive option here to have your drinks included. The vast lagoons that surround the island are gloriously clear and ideal for watersports. The watersports centre offers windsurfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding lessons, as well as catamaran sailing and diving. Some of the best snorkelling can be found on the excellent house reef, accessed directly from the beach, where you can see reef sharks, turtles and colourful corals. The Huvandhu Spa offers soothing treatments and healing remedies and is particularly popular with couples. Bungalows are circular, with thatched roofs and neutral décor. In keeping with the island’s uncomplicated approach, there’s simply the choice of Beach Bungalows or Water Bungalows. Beach Bungalows are basic but comfortable, set amidst lush vegetation and just a few steps from the beach. Water Bungalows sit on stilts over the lagoon and have a small glass floor viewing window, allowing you to watch the marine life below.
Despite its size and abundant facilities, Meeru retains a tranquil atmosphere. As with most of the larger islands, you’ll be allocated a main buffet restaurant for meals, depending on your room type and location. The resort has clearly considered its guests and how best to accommodate them; there are specific adults-only facilities including one of the main restaurants, a bar, and one of the two pools. The weekly excursion programme here includes island hopping trips, submarine sightseeing and sunset cruises. On Friday evenings there’s a traditional Maldivian menu, and Sunday breakfasts are accompanied by Champagne. Sundowners at the overwater Asian Wok restaurant are a highlight – sit on colourful cushions on the edge of the decking and watch the reef sharks playing below. The Hot Rock restaurant is also recommended for the experience of having seafood and exotic meats cooked at your table on volcanic hot rocks. There are two spas; one on the island and the other overwater, and if you’re a golf enthusiast you can get a fix at the 9-hole pitch and putt golf course. The Euro Divers dive centre offers a range of courses and trips for snorkellers and divers, and the house reef is reached by boat. Accommodation is dotted around the island. Garden Rooms are simply furnished in single-storey terraces on the island’s interior. For views of the beach and lagoon opt for one of the Beach Villas. The Waterfront Villas here are unique, situated on the beach but straddling the water’s edge.
Reethi Beach might have a chilled-out atmosphere, but there’s plenty here if you’re looking for something more active. On the water, choose from catamaran sailing, canoeing, kitesurfing and waterskiing. Under water, there’s superb snorkelling on the house reef, with the chance to spot many species of fish, turtles and octopus – even dolphins have been known to come this close. Diving is another highlight, with house reef dives and multiple trips further afield each day. And as the Baa Atoll doesn’t have a high resort island population, many of the local dive sites are relatively unvisited. Back on land, there’s a sports complex with tennis, squash and badminton courts, and an air-conditioned fitness centre. There’s also a good choice of dining. If you’ve booked Half Board, Half Board Plus, Full Board or All Inclusive, you’ll eat at The Rehendhi Restaurant, which offers an impressive range of nightly themed buffets from seafood to Chinese to Tex-Mex. The Reethi Grill and Saima Garden offer more intimate options under the stars, while the five bars include three lovely beach huts. Maldivian-style villas are semi-detached, detached or overwater. Reethi Villas are simple and comfortable, with a partial open-air bathroom, and the more spacious Deluxe Villas include a Maldivian swing.
Beautiful Kandolhu presents the best of both worlds: a tiny, tranquil island with a lush green interior encircled by glorious white sands and coral reefs, yet with a choice of restaurants and rooms more typical of a larger island. Each of the five à la carte restaurants is small and intimate – the Japanese restaurant, Banzai, has just six seats. The Market is the all-day dining restaurant; elevated Olive offers Mediterranean classics; and Sea Grill serves fresh seafood cooked to order. The island's relaxed new daytime eatery, Ata-Roa, serves up a street food-style menu from Mexico and Peru, specialising in ceviche and tacos washed down with pisco cocktails. Kandolhu offers one of the Maldives’ most generous all inclusive packages, including access to all restaurants, plus a large variety of drinks, including in the minibar and in-villa wine chiller. Considering just how much is included, it’s excellent value. The house reef can be reached from access points around the island, perfect for snorkelling – often among turtles – and dive sites can be reached by boat in minutes from the dive centre. The elegant, Maldivian-style villas have modern interiors with wooden floors and high ceilings, and include thoughtful extras like iPads and GoPro cameras. Beach Villas have huge open-air bathrooms with jetted bathtub. For a beach villa with pool, opt for a Pool Villa or one of the two-storey Duplex Pool Villas – rare to find in the Maldives. The Ocean Villas and Ocean Pool Villas are reached by an overwater jetty, with steps straight into the ocean.
Offering an affordable escape to the Maldives, Cinnamon Dhonveli showcases the diversity of the Indian Ocean, with a dramatic surf break with crashing waves to one side of the island and a calm lagoon for snorkelling on the other. Towards the end of 2019, most rooms and facilities will have a fresh new look as the island is undergoing a major refurbishment. There's a casual, laid-back vibe here. For dining, you’ll be allocated one of the three restaurants – Koimala in the gardens, Maakana with a view of the surf break, or Rehendhi at the edge of the lagoon. All are buffet-style, with a wide choice of international dishes and live cooking stations. Raalhu Bar’s outdoor deck overlooks a renowned surf point, and dolphins and even pilot whales can occasionally be spotted, while the Raiyvilaa Bar is the perfect spot for sundowners. Rooms are housed under thatched roofs. Choose between the Superior Ocean View or Beach Bungalows facing the ocean. We love the two-storey Exclusive Duplex Garden Bungalows (exclusively reserved for Kuoni UK guests from November to February) for the space and excellent value that they offer, as well as the fact that they sit in shaded gardens just steps from the ocean. Inside you’ll find white walls and floors, a downstairs lounge area plus a mezzanine bedroom with balcony. Over water, options include Water Bungalows, which have a peaceful location in a shallow lagoon, and the premium Overwater Suites, which have direct access to the ocean. From November, you can also choose the new Junior Beach Suite or Beach Suite with Pool.
Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa combines natural décor with modern luxuries. The house reef is one of the highlights here. As well as thousands of tropical fish and stingrays, it has its very own coral-covered shipwreck 22 metres underwater – perfect for divers to discover without even needing to board a boat. Back on land, the Jiva Spa offers soothing Indian-inspired massages. Across the modern restaurants there’s a focus on fresh regional and international cuisine. Bokkura is a chic all-day dining venue with an artistic beach-inspired design, serving up a daily changing à la carte menu featuring world cuisine, while beside the pool at the tip of the island, Open – The Grill offers an Asian dining experience. For something a little more romantic, private dining options range from secluded sandbank picnics to wine cellar dinners. The cool Reef Bar, where the signature creation is a six-salt tequila shot tray featuring exotic salts such as Pink Himalayan, Red Hawaiian and Peruvian Maras, is a great spot for low-key evenings. The villas have a rustic-luxe design, with neutral furnishings and natural features such as driftwood art pieces. There are two types of beach villa: Superior Charm Beach Villas and more spacious Deluxe Delight Beach Villas, while overwater the Premium Indulgence Water Villas follow the curve of one side of the island. For maximum space and privacy, the Two Bedroom Nirvana Beach Suites with Pool are two-storey suites with a plunge pool on the large deck.
One of the Maldives's newer resorts, Dhigali sits in the remote Raa Atoll. It can be reached by a short domestic flight and boat ride from Malé airport, but we recommend a scenic seaplane journey of just 45 minutes. Excellent hospitality and cool modern design features are highlights here, but in this less-developed atoll you can also gain a real sense of local culture. There’s a house reef in swimming distance and a lagoon for watersports, plus a stunning sandbank at the tip of the island. Dining is innovative and authentic, with the style and atmosphere of each restaurant reflecting the cuisine. There’s a particular focus on fresh Asian flavours, including at the signature restaurant, Battuta, which serves dishes from North Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Capers is the main restaurant, and there's also the Café, all-day dining at Jade, and freshly grilled meats and fish at Faru. At sunset, make your way to the upper level of Haali (the sunset bar) with a cocktail in hand. Rooms have a clean-lined and neutral décor, with warm tones of browns and creams, modern furnishings and plush natural fabrics. The vast choice here includes Beach Bungalows that are just steps from the shore, Beach Villas with Pool, overwater Water Villas that sit on stilts close to the colourful house reef, and Lagoon Villas with Pool that have views across the calm lagoon.
This stunning small island sits in the remote Baa Atoll – the Maldives’ only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that’s inhabited by dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks, and known for its seriously swish but sensitively-designed resorts. Milaidhoo opened its ‘doors’ in November 2016 and offers a world-class Indian Ocean escape with a focus on authentic barefoot luxury. The house reef lies close to the beach and, as a marine-protected reef, is known for its excellent snorkelling and diving. For dining, Ba’theli makes an impression – set overwater with a spectacular design inspired by traditional dhonis, open for dinner and offering island-inspired cuisine. There’s also the main all-day dining Ocean restaurant at the water’s edge and a beach grill with private outdoor beach huts for two, chef's table and a wine cellar. The spa is on the sunrise side of the island, with a yoga pavilion for sunrise yoga sessions. Stylish, light and airy, the large villas all have private pools and an emphasis on outdoor living. With thatched roofs, bespoke furniture and a contemporary design that’s still in harmony with the surroundings, these are some of the most beautiful villas in the Maldives. Most are Water Pool Villas, with a curved infinity pool on the deck featuring an overwater gazebo/day bed and steps straight into the ocean. If you prefer to be on land, Beach Pool Villas have a spacious deck with day bed and oval-shaped pool fronting the white sands. For the ultimate in luxury, opt for one of the residences, where you’ll have your very own butler, private chef and outdoor cinema.
This 54-acre island of towering Banyan trees, thousands of coconut palms, three natural lagoons and one-and-a-half miles of white sandy beaches showcases a different side to the Maldives. Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa sits in the far south of the Maldives, south of the equator. It even runs on its own island time so that guests can enjoy an extra hour of sunshine – a great example of the above-and-beyond Shangri-La service. There’s a huge sense of space for total escapism. Rooms and facilities are dotted around the dense jungle and on the beachfront so that it never feels crowded, and each room comes with bicycles so it’s easy to get around. For dining, Javvu is the all-day dining restaurant, set along the shoreline and featuring 'ocean treasure' and Maldivian-themed buffets. Dr Ali’s is inspired by the travels of a local Maldivian doctor, taking you on a culinary journey with dishes from the Arabian Gulf, Indian Ocean and South China Sea, while Fashala focuses on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Three bars include the sleek M-Lounge – the perfect beachfront venue to enjoy sundowners to the sound of chilled tunes. Other innovative features on the island range from the restorative CHI, The Spa, to the Maldives’ largest 9-hole golf course. The Shangri-La’s location means that as well as private island life, its guests can also experience a more authentic, cultural side to the Maldives. There are four local islands just a short boat ride away, where you can visit villages and farms with a local guide. There’s also a surprising British military history on nearby Gan – during World War II it was established as Royal Naval base and then served as a Royal Air Force station. Of course there’s also the world-class snorkelling and diving that the Maldives is known for, with incredible coral reefs and nearby dive sites including the British Loyalty shipwreck. Huge luxurious villas are secluded in the tropical vegetation, on the beachfront, overwater and even perched in the treetops. All have an island host, mod cons and glorious ocean views. Overwater villas have steps straight to the ocean, while the on-island villas have their own private plunge pool.
Scubaspa brings a new concept to the Maldives, combining premium spa treatments and exceptional diving as it sails around this picture-perfect archipelago. This is not your average live-aboard. The Floating Resort is a 50-metre purpose-built luxury ‘safari yacht’ with PADI 5 Star Dive Resort status and a real wow factor. The design is sleek with wooden decks and modern cabins, and a 30-strong crew – including four spa therapists, a yoga master and four chefs – means there’s a high staff-to-guest ratio. A separate dive boat accompanies the main yacht, carrying all dive equipment. Though Scubaspa’s main focus is diving, the yacht’s unique aspect is that, thanks to the supreme comfort and spa facilities, it appeals to non-divers, too – perfect for couples or friends with different interests. Guests can choose between inclusive spa treatments, dives, or a combination of the two. And this floating resort doesn’t overlook the key reasons that travellers flock to the Maldives for, either; its itineraries include sunrise yoga sessions, snorkelling, watersports, beach barbecues under the stars, and visits to tiny uninhabited islands. Dining on board is at the Al Fresco restaurant on the main deck. Three buffet-style meals are served here each day, with evening meals including Surf and Turf nights and Sundays seeing guests treated to a traditional roast dinner. Luxury cabins and suites have a neutral décor with lots of wood, modern en-suite shower rooms and air-conditioning. Sea Star Cabins are located on the lower deck with opening port lights and queen beds, while the Dolphin and Manta Suites are on the main deck and have panoramic windows so you can drink in the views. The Cowrie Suite is at the bow of the lower deck and has a sofa bed that can sleep a third guest.
Hulhule Island Hotel is the only hotel situated on the same island as the Maldives’ international airport, so it’s the ideal overnight spot if your flight and transfers don’t match up and you need a stopover hotel. There’s a free shuttle day and night to take you to/from the airport. A world away from the usual high-rise airport hotels, this tropical hotel sits on a sandy beachfront and all rooms have ocean views. The main restaurant is the 24-hour Faru Coffee House, offering a diverse à la carte menu that includes European, Mediterranean, Japanese and Maldivian dishes. If you’re celebrating or just fancy dining up on the rooftop, Uduvilaa has an extensive food and wine menu as well as views of the harbour and Malé’s illuminated skyline. The hotel’s third restaurant, Poolside, is an open-air affair, with a display kitchen and exotic cocktail menu. The informal sports themed bar, Champs, has a pool table, foosball and darts. If drinking al fresco appeals, then head out to the Champs Deck or Sunset Deck. Comfortable rooms include Superior Rooms, and the more spacious Deluxe Rooms which also have a balcony. Superior Deluxe Rooms with Jacuzzi are popular with honeymooners, and include sparkling wine on arrival.
Kanuhura
5
One of the Maldives' more natural islands, Kanuhura combines blends rustic elegance with laid-back luxury living. A secluded paradise of not one but three private islands, linger on deserted white sands at tiny sister islands Jehunuhura and Masleggihura, and spend time exploring the region on a catamaran or sunset dhoni cruise. There's no house reef here but the island has access to some of the atoll's most spectacular underwater sites. With most reachable by boat, we recommend heading to the Maa Giri and Kanuhura Corner reefs – incredible spots which teem with turtles, rays and grey reef sharks. The resort has had a luxury refurbishment. A treat for culinary experiences, at the main buffet restaurant you can enjoy delicious international and local cuisine in front of serene Indian Ocean views. Italian style abounds at Bottega, a modern Italian trattoria with a showcase pizzaiolo kitchen and vintage wine cellar; while at Veli you can feast on innovative Asian-fusion cuisine. A dining highlight is the island grill, which you can find on the secluded sands of Jehunuhura. Villas are beachside or overwater, on either the sunrise or sunset side of the island. Soft colour schemes and natural materials blend perfectly with the island's unspoilt environment. There are a number of room styles to choose from, including the comfortable Beach Villas that have a partial open-air bathroom and private terrace, and the Water Pool Villas that indulge with a private plunge pool. Staying in a Retreat Beach Pool Villa and above includes extra benefits like a dhoni sunset cruise and a picnic on Masleggihura island.
JA Manafaru is a 35-acre private island in the far-north Haa Alif Atoll. For total escapism, this unspoilt paradise seduces guests with lush emerald foliage, untouched white sands and coral reef lagoons, alongside exceptional dining experiences and architecturally stunning beach and water villas. The dining choices here are excellent. Kakuni Restaurant is the main buffet-style restaurant that offers a sumptuous selection of international and Maldivian culinary delights. Of the à la carte restaurants, White Orchid is an award-winning Asian-fusion restaurant, while Andiamo Bistro & Pool tantalises with Mediterranean specialities. The Cellar is the island's exclusive haute-cuisine dining venue; an underground 'wine cave' that sits two-and-a-half metres below sea level. All of the rooms have their own private pool, sun deck and large sleeping area. While the Sunrise Water Villas bask in huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the idyllic Beach Bungalows are hidden tropical retreats, with a private beach cabana and open-air bathroom just steps from the pristine white sands.
Finolhu
5
Finolhu doesn’t play by the traditional Maldivian-luxe rules. It takes the top-notch service and jaw-dropping desert-island setting – in the remote Baa Atoll, known for having the best marine life in the archipelago – and adds a playful twist. It’s quirky; think Instagrammable splashes of retro cool like VW campers parked on the beach, vintage phones for ordering Champagne, pastel-hued spa huts named after musical divas and, new for 2018, a unique 'beach bubble' tent on the sandbank. Make no mistake, though – Finolhu is ultra-luxurious, with sleek private villas and five-star dining. Start your days with long leisurely breakfasts at Baa Baa Beach Diner, and choose from North African flavours at the Baahaa Grill and Asian fine dining at the overwater restaurant, Kanusan. Hands-down, our favourite place to eat on the island is the Fish & Crab Shack. Stroll to the far end of the powder-soft sandbank (the longest in the Maldives) and you’ll find a rustic hut where you can tuck into a bucket of prawns or fresh fish platter, washed down with a crisp glass of wine. At some islands in the Maldives you’ll barely hear a peep after dinner, but this is when Finolhu comes alive. Here, you can raise your voice above a whisper while being entertained by stilt walkers, acrobats and hot-right-now DJs. The island hosts weekly White Parties and there’s even a resident mermaid. The main bar is the social hub of the resort, with a pool, beach cinema, gamers’ arcade and futuristic rooftop bar, and an extensive activity list includes yoga sessions alongside aquatic adventures from snorkelling to high-octane X Jet Blades. You can even learn how to surf with the help of the island's expert instructors. Guests can also hop on a speedboat for a half-hour ride to Finolhu’s sister island; the A-list hideaway of Amilla Fushi. Thatched villas have opulent splashes of purple and gold, distressed wood and vintage touches like Marshall sound systems. Beach Villas lead out to a private stretch of sand, or upgrade to an Ocean Pool Villa for the iconic overwater experience – you can often spot dolphins from your deck. If you’re a family or group of friends travelling together, go all-out with the fun-filled Two Bedroom Rock Star Ocean Pool Villa.
Just 10 minutes from Malé airport, this laid-back island resort promises affordable luxury and a relaxed barefoot vibe. Formerly the uninhabited sister island to the Bandos Maldives resort, Malahini Kuda Bandos has been redesigned as an uncomplicated and relaxing Maldivian escape, with lots of new facilities and modern accommodation. There may be no pool here, but the stunning beaches provide the perfect spot to kick back for an afternoon, while for a little indulgence, the Alizé Spa offers fantastic wellness treatments based on age-old Maldivian and Asian traditions. With the North Malé Atoll renowned for its spectacular variety of marine life, it's well worth exploring on a diving excursion. There are more than 30 nearby dive spots, all within a comfortable 50-minute boat ride from the island. With views over the superb beaches, Maaga is the island's main buffet restaurant, which serves a variety of international dishes infused with local flavours. We recommend eating on the open-air decking area, which overlooks the ocean and surrounding lagoon. Indulge in a lighter meal on the beachfront or savour exotic local cocktails at The Bluu, or visit Bar 75, the quirky daytime beach bar with great entertainment and fun swing seating. The rooms on the island are housed in blocks, and are simply designed with soft colours and contemporary furnishings. We've chosen to feature the Garden Rooms for Kuoni guests, which are set further back from the beach within the tropical island vegetation. For accommodation nearer the beach, ground-floor Deluxe Rooms have beautiful partial ocean views, with Superior Rooms set above them. The detached Beach Villas are simplistically stunning, with direct beach access and private open-air bathrooms.
In the North Malé Atoll, OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli is a vibrant and refreshingly modern all-inclusive resort with a stylish design and a relaxed island feel. With natural channels and a jaw-dropping house reef just metres from the island, this is a true underwater haven filled with spectacular coral and marine life that include silver-tipped sharks, lobsters and giant sea turtles. This trendy resort has a slightly younger vibe, with great watersports facilities and even Wi-Fi on your speedboat transfer, meaning you can flood your Instagram feed with pictures of paradise before you've even arrived at the resort. For dining, The Spice is the resort's main buffet restaurant where you can enjoy delicious international dishes, all freshly prepared at live cooking stations. For lunch and dinner, the beachside grill is the resort's speciality à la carte restaurant, where you can tuck into succulent seafood and mouth-watering grilled meats in front of stunning Indian Ocean views. Helen's Bar is the perfect place for a relaxing after-dinner tipple, with a fantastic selection of wines and spirits to choose from, and a recommended menu of exotic cocktails to try. All of the villas and suites are contemporary in design, and feature classic Maldivian touches that add to their charm. Beach Villas are just steps from the ocean, with an outdoor terrace and generous open-air bathroom, while Lagoon Villas have the luxury of a private plunge pool, with an overwater deck that leads out into the surrounding lagoon. For the ultimate indulgence, the Beach Suites are a very exclusive retreat, situated on the sunset side of the island with spacious outdoor gardens and a generous private pool.
Sandies Bathala opened in 2019 and it brings a great-value all-inclusive option to the Ari Atoll. This small island is located along the north-eastern rim of the atoll, just a 15-minute scenic seaplane ride from Malé airport, and it has long been a popular spot with divers from all around the globe. The house reef surrounding the island is stunning, with colourful fish, reef sharks and turtles regularly spotted. Head beyond the reef with the experienced PADI and SSI dive crew, or venture out on a snorkelling trip where you can stop on a desert island for lunch. Bathala will also offer night snorkelling for a totally different perspective of the ocean and marine life. If you prefer a dip in the pool then the infinity pool here is a great spot to cool off. For dining, there's the buffet-style Island Gallery – where all your meals are included – with a fresh fish barbecue, live cooking stations and local dishes. The Beach Grill will offer freshly caught seafood specialities and fresh lobster menus in a romantic setting on the beach. Guests can quench their thirst at the Island Bar, which will be a great place to relax and unwind after exploring the magnificent marine life. Accommodation options are refreshingly simple; choose to stay in a charming beach bungalow or water villa. There are no TVs in the rooms to help you completely switch off.
One of the newest additions to the Maldives's five-star resort portfolio, Faarufushi brings barefoot luxury to the remote northern Raa Atoll. There's a real focus on simple indulgences here; the minimalist design is a delicate addition to the island's natural beauty and there's a fantastic house reef which is perfect for snorkelling. If all you want to do is as little as possible, head to the Nika Spa's treehouse-style couple's treatment rooms for an afternoon of indulgence and undisturbed relaxation. Whether it's a beachside retreat offering total escapism or a sleek overwater villa that enjoys front-row access to the dazzling lagoon, all of the rooms here combine understated luxury with a chic design. Beach Bungalows have stylish open-air bathrooms, while the Beach Retreats have a private plunge pool. Ocean Retreats with Pool are all about the view, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an overwater deck. At the jetty's end, the Ocean Suites with Pool are more spacious and include a larger living area and overwater infinity pool. There are three restaurants on the island, and all overlook superb views of the ocean. Iru is the main all-day dining restaurant, while Athiri is the casual beachside eatery which offers robatayaki, tapas and even wood-fired pizza. Eclipse is the island's signature restaurant; a crescent-shaped overwater setting which basks in uninterrupted lagoon views. Follow this with a post-dinner drink at the stylish Boli bar, an overwater lounge that offers you sunset views the whole year round.
A string of palm-flanked beach villas are dotted along the main part of the island, flowing into a curving arc of overwater bungalows and a wooden jetty – the launch pad to the adults-only One Banyan Island. This emerald speck is the remote location of six Honeymoon Select Ocean Villas, complete with lagoon-facing beds and private pool. The Deluxe Beach and Water Villas also come with pools. This is a great Maldivian destination for families too, with all-inclusive dining and two-bedroom Family Suites with terraces and pools. The transparent aquamarine waters of the lagoon are home to stingrays, green turtles and reef sharks – you can spot these even from the jetty and shore. However, snorkelling and scuba diving are the best ways to explore the rich marine life here. Snorkels can be borrowed from the resort as part of your all-inclusive package, as can stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and pedalos. Beach bums can pick from a trio of powder-soft crescents – kids will love the spiral water slide into the ocean – while two infinity pools (one adults-only) offer blue-on-blue idyll. The day-to-night vibe transforms from chilled island hangout to a buzzy after-hours scene. Wake to a spot of sunrise yoga on the beach, kayak through the lagoon then while away an afternoon in the spa before dinner at one of three restaurants (one vegetarian). Live DJs then hit the decks by the pool, enticing night revellers to stay to a cool soundtrack and after-dark cocktails.
Reethi Faru
4.5
This teardrop-shaped island is cast adrift in the relatively undeveloped Raa Atoll. Reethi Faru is a wonderfully unassuming private island retreat where it’s all about letting the natural beauty do the talking. A stunning lagoon catches the sun like a glittering topaz; rays, reef sharks and sea turtles glide through the vibrant house reef. Restaurants and bars all have one thing in common: incredible locations – feast on fresh seafood at the overwater Dhiyavaru Restaurant or sample Maldivian fine dining in a torch-lit thatched beach cabana at Huvandhu Garden. Don’t miss the Sunset Bar to see a jaw-dropping purple-streaked sky. Villas are spread across the island, concealed in the jungle, dotting the powdery sand or perched on stilts above the lagoon. Garden Villas are set back from the beach so we recommend the Deluxe Beach Villas or Deluxe Jacuzzi Beach Villas for a bed-to-beach location and a private hot tub – perfect for honeymooners. Or opt for a Water Villa for laid-back lagoon living at its best; you can dive straight into the crystalline waters from your deck. Interiors are rooted in their surroundings, many with private terraces and outdoor rain showers, and island-inspired decor – think coastal wall prints, cushions the colour of the sea and jungle, and natural wood furnishings. It’s all about setting your own pace here. Wake to al fresco breakfasts then sink your toes into sand as soft as flour, before diving into the warm lagoon and unwinding in the Balinese-style spa. Or ramp it up with a huge choice of watersports – there’s everything from windsurfing to kitesurfing and paddleboarding (adrenaline junkies shouldn’t miss the jetpacks). Discover submerged islands and dramatic overhangs with Reethi Faru’s five-star dive centre, or stick to dry land with tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball or yoga sessions.
Coco Bodu Hithi
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Constance Halaveli Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi
Komandoo Island Resort & Spa
Niyama Private Islands
Velassaru Maldives
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa
Constance Moofushi Maldives
Kuramathi
Kuredu Island Resort & Spa
Kurumba Maldives
Maafushivaru Maldives
Diamonds Thudufushi
Velidhu Island Resort
Meeru Island Resort & Spa
Reethi Beach Resort
Kandolhu Maldives
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa
Dhigali Maldives
Milaidhoo Island Maldives
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives
The Floating Resort by Scubaspa
Hulhule Island Hotel
JA Manafaru
Malahini Kuda Bandos
OBLU by Atmosphere at Helengeli
Sandies Bathala
Faarufushi Maldives
OBLU Select at Sangeli
