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Dreamy Getaways in the Maldives: A Guide to the Best Luxury Resorts for a Premium Island Retreat

Discover the ultimate in opulence and relaxation at these top-range properties, with world-class amenities and unrivalled natural beauty.

As my flight descended towards the tiny island nation of Maldives, I was already in awe of the spectacular submerged reefs visible from the aircraft. The myriad shades of water that surrounded the Maldives were a sight to behold.


To come to think of it, many things in the Maldives are one of a kind. It's a country without any rivers or hills, and instead, it boasts stunning white sand beaches like no other. Moreover, it is the perfect getaway for the quintessential luxury-seeking tourist.


With each island serving as a resort, it is hard to emulate the Maldives as a luxury destination anywhere else in the world. An author once described the country as an Eden of exquisite beauty. Let's take a look at some of the most lavish properties in Maldives.


Table of Contents:

  • Soneva Jani
  • Velaa Private Island
  • Cheval Blanc Randheli
  • Jumeirah Dhevanafushi
  • Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
  • Soneva Fushi
  • Reethi Rah

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Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani is nothing short of luxury redefined. This world-famous resort exudes opulence, featuring around 50 over-water pool villas, surrounded by more than 5 km of crystal-clear blue water. I was especially impressed by the unique retractable roofs in the villas, allowing one to stargaze from their own bedroom, with the sound of ocean waves in the background.


If this wasn’t enough, I had my private waterslide, leading me straight into the pristine lagoon waters. Another highlight here is personalised excursions, carefully curated by the property, for their guests. Soneva Jani boasts some of the finest restaurants, run by world-class chefs.


I was truly spoilt for choice, with their So Wild restaurant (famous for its plant-based cuisine) and The Crab Shack restaurant, (rated the world's most romantic restaurant by CNN). Located in Noonu Atoll, on Medhufaru Island, Manadhoo, the resort is a 45-minute seaplane ride from Male.


Velaa Private Island

Velaa Private Island is a place of pure seclusion, a place of pure luxury and a place for connoisseurs. The island boasts 45 state-of-art private villas, houses, and residences, each of which is ornately decorated. As I was escorted towards one of them, I was told that the stone used in laying the pavements is from the Jordanian Desert, flower pots from Indonesia, wood panelling from Borneo and the marble is of course, Italian! I could sense why it has earned the sobriquet of “beyond luxury.”


Here, you can play golf at the Velaa Golf Academy, or take a Seabob to experience the underwater world. You can also hire your semi-submarine here! Located in Noonu Atoll, the island is a 45-minute ride from Male. Guests can choose the property's private charter or a commercial shared seaplane to reach the place.


Cheval Blanc Randheli

Another property offering an exemplary luxury experience in the Noonu Atoll is the Cheval Blanc Randheli. So, how royal is this property? Royal enough for British Royalty, Kate and William, to stay here as part of their Maldivian sojourn.


The property is a combination of tiny islands protected by a large beautiful coral reef. A Twin Otter, exclusively designed for the property, took me to this spectacular place. From above, I could see the impeccably designed villas, scattered across the island, some on the water and a few tucked away into lovely green spaces.


The villa architecture is different from what I have seen in other resorts. High doors and ceilings, cathedral-style lofts, and a dedicated outdoor sitting area characterise the structures here. The underwater life is pretty lively, owing to the reef. You can expect plenty of sightings of colourful fish, manta rays, and sea turtles here.


Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

Situated in North Male Atoll, the ultra-luxury Jumeirah Dhevanafushi is known for its unique architecture. The villas, which have a minimum living area of 350 sq m, are spread over two storeys and come with a wooden viewing deck at the top.


Unlike any other resort, each villa is either on the beach or over the water. Designed by Singapore-based company Miaja, the property seamlessly blends the concepts of indoor and outdoor living. I felt like I was in an exquisitely decorated bungalow right in the middle of the ocean! Star-lit Jacuzzi, yoga pavilion, cinema with SONOS, and rooftop bars add to this ultimate luxurious getaway in the Maldives.


Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Considered one of the most luxurious resorts in the world, Conrad Maldives offers high-end villas, many of which are for adults only. Additionally, it has private bungalows with swimming pools, 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom beach suites, and overwater villas.


I was bedazzled by the two-storeyed Murarka Residence here. This is an architectural marvel, with parts of the villa located below the sea. The upper level has two bedrooms, a gym, an infinity pool, and a sunrise and sunset deck.


The magnificent lower level boasts one king bedroom with a glass ceiling that provides awe-inspiring views of underwater marine life. I wondered if it can get any more indulgent. There is also a 24-hour multilingual butler team at your service. If living under the sea is not your thing, then you can keep it light with underwater lunch. Try out Ithaa, the world’s first undersea restaurant, which is around 16 ft below the ocean surface.


Soneva Fushi

One of the largest islands in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi is set on the tropical island of Kunfunadhoo in Baa Atoll. It’s a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and has rich natural vegetation on the island.


The island features massive private luxury villas and residences, which are nestled amidst dense foliage and give an unparalleled experience of privacy. Many of the structures resemble tree houses and have their private stretch of beach and seawater pools. The extravaganza doesn’t end here. Soneva Fushi also boasts the largest over-water villas in the world! Being one of the best snorkelling sites in the Maldives, it is the perfect space to stay.


Reethi Rah

Imagine an island shaped like an octopus, with an extraordinary 6-km-long coastline. This is Reethi Rah for you. Visited by list A-list celebrities, the island has its own sandy coves and pristine bays. The well-manicured gardens and lawns look straight out of a royal palace.


This award-winning luxury resort has 130 spacious villas discreetly scattered across the island. I was amazed to learn that there are six incredible restaurants on the property, serving cuisines from all around the world.


The highlight of this property is an exclusive 7-day wellness therapy called Harmonia. It is curated by Francesc Miralles, a certified physiotherapist and practitioner in traditional Chinese medicine. Located in North Male Atoll, the island is a 20-minute seaplane ride from Male airport.


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