Maldives
Pure white beaches, swaying palm trees and brilliant turquoise lagoons – wannabe Robinson Crusoes will not be disappointed. The Maldives, an archipelago of over 1000 coral islands, exemplifies the true meaning of the phrase ‘tropical island paradise’. Just north of the equator, it offers a 12-hour day all year round; the temperature is the same year round too: from 27°-32°C. But be warned, these are the tropics and it can and does rain at any time. Driest time of the year is October to April and the best time of all, weather-wise, to visit is January to March. This is pretty much the exact reverse of the Seychelles. For honeymooners and scuba divers it's as near perfect a destination as you will ever find, and a number of its resorts and islands are internationally recognised as models of sustainable, eco-friendly tourism. Many Maldivian resorts occupy their own island and offer the sort of barefoot luxury and pampering that most of us only dream of, plus a raft of watersports. It's not - with one or two exceptions - a destination for the budget conscious, and not for anyone who wants to do more than lounge on the beach with a good book, soaking up the sun, and swim, sail, snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. If that appeals - and actually that sounds like quite alot! – then you've found paradise on earth. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
The best hotels in Maldives
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One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah
North Male Atoll, Maldives
Heaven on earth in this resort with unsurpassed luxury and sophistication. A jewel among a string of coral atolls, lagoons, and white sands. Privacy and warmth for honeymooners and families alike.
from $3000Families - The resort has a KidsOnly Club that tailors activities to their needs.5* Luxury - Award-laden resort.WeddingsHoneymoons -
Soneva Fushi Resort & Six Senses Spa
Baa Atoll, Maldives
This eco friendly resort provides barefoot luxury at its best - rustic-chic villas, a Robinson Crusoe tree-top restaurant, and outdoor cinema. The land of milk and honey with no frills.
from $2870Eco - Green Resort Award.HoneymoonsSecluded setting - For escaping.Barefoot Luxury - For total relaxation. -
Huvafen Fushi
Maldives
This resort combines the wonders of nature, fantastic watersports, the ultimate pampering in world's first underwater spa, and wonderfully sleek villas. A unique Maldivian experience.
from $1450Spa - The world's first underwater glass-walled spa.Back to Nature - Explore the reef with marine biologists.LuxuryRomantic Break -
W Retreat & Spa, Maldives
Maldives
Surely the hippest and grooviest place in the Maldives - sleek style and contemporary comfort without getting in nature's way. The ultimate gourmet, spa, and romantic lifestyle where all your wishes will be fulfilled, and more.
from $1188LuxuryHoneymoonsRomantic BreakBarefoot Luxury - For total relaxation.Recommended by - Kiwi Collection, Travel Intelligence -
Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru
Maldives
Paradise is not lost with the array of temptations at this beautiful resort. 48 private villas with swimming pools, fantastic watersports including the use of a yacht, marine biology, PADI diving, and a world class spa - barefoot luxury, romance, and adrenalin rushes.
from $1089Watersports - Award-winning recreation team + sports equipment - canoes, wake boards, water skis, banana boats, windsurf boards, catamaran.Sailing - The hotel has its own yacht that can accommodate 12 people.Scuba course - PADI Gold Palm 5-Star Resort Dive Centre.Outdoor pool - Eacah villa has its own outdoor pool.Recommended by - Kiwi Collection -
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu
Male, Maldives
Rustic, eco friendly resort with thatched villas that fit well into their tropical surroundings. Romantically decorated rooms with fourposter beds and ethereal drapes. A luxury hideaway for honeymooners.
from $1000Private villas - 98 thatched private villas.Beach LifeBarefoot Luxury - For total relaxation.Romantic BreakRecommended by - Small Luxury Hotels -
Cocoa Island
Maldives
Relax in privacy at this supreme getaway island - stretch out in the stilted yoga pavilion, unwind in the world class spa, feast on nature's larder in the fantastic restaurant, and dream about the next day's snorkelling in the lofty-chic stilted villas.
33 rooms from $1000Spa - World class spa.LuxuryFoodiesSpa breaks -
Anantara Dhigu
Male, Maldives
Uncompromising luxury on this secluded island paradise. Understated elegance and chic simplicity. Fantastic waterports and spa facilities. A brilliant romantic getaway or family holiday.
from $870HoneymoonsRomantic BreakBarefoot Luxury - For total relaxation.Families
