22 of the best · the Maldives, Indian Ocean
From the only hotel on the airport island to classic Baros, barefoot luxury in Baa, art in Raa, Cheval Blanc in Noonu and the RAF history of Addu, with our guides to choosing an atoll and staying on a local island.
Our 22 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love the Maldives.
Soneva’s flagship, in a UNESCO reserve
Soneva’s flagship island inside the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with restaurants such as Out of the Blue and Fresh in the Garden.
Soneva Fushi, Baa Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Cheval Blanc’s Maison in the Maldives
Cheval Blanc’s Maison in the Noonu Atoll, whose restaurants and Spa Cheval Blanc are accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
Noonu Atoll, Republic of Maldives (Malé office: H. Fairlin, 8th Floor, Hithigas Magu, Malé 20009)Explore View on map
Private island, by speedboat
A private island of overwater villas a short speedboat ride from the airport, with an underground wine cellar and an organic garden.
Gili Lankanfushi, North Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
How to choose.
The back story
Near the airport or far away, mantas or whale sharks, adults-only or family island: how to pick the right atoll and resort, with the questions to ask before you book.
The back story
Since the rules changed, guesthouses have opened on inhabited islands across the Maldives. What to expect, how to dress, the green tax and where to start.
For arrivals and departures.
The only hotel on the airport island
The only hotel on the airport island, two minutes’ walk from Terminal 1, with a complimentary shuttle, pool, gym and private beach.
Hulhulé, P.O. Box 2118, Malé, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Baa, Raa, Lhaviyani and Noonu.
Most of the island is jungle
A spacious Baa Atoll resort of villas and residences with private pools, where most of the island is untouched jungle.
Amilla Maldives, Baa Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Cheval Blanc’s Maison in the Maldives
Cheval Blanc’s Maison in the Noonu Atoll, whose restaurants and Spa Cheval Blanc are accessible to guests with reduced mobility.
Noonu Atoll, Republic of Maldives (Malé office: H. Fairlin, 8th Floor, Hithigas Magu, Malé 20009)Explore View on map
Blu Beach and the mantas of Baa
A Four Seasons resort in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with a PADI Career Development Centre for divers and AyurMa wellness.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Home of the 5.8 undersea restaurant
An adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Lhaviyani Atoll, home of the 5.8 undersea restaurant.
Hurawalhi Island Resort, Lhaviyani Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
An island full of art
An art-immersive resort on Muravandhoo Island in Raa Atoll, with 73 beach and water villas and residences.
Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
A small island in a UNESCO reserve
A small island resort of water and beach pool villas in the heart of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Milaidhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Three islands and famous beaches
A Lhaviyani Atoll resort across three private islands, 40 minutes by seaplane, known for its beaches.
Six Senses Kanuhura, Lhaviyani Atoll 07060, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Soneva’s flagship, in a UNESCO reserve
Soneva’s flagship island inside the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with restaurants such as Out of the Blue and Fresh in the Garden.
Soneva Fushi, Baa Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
By speedboat.
7 km from the airport
A 220-room island resort 7 km from the airport, with the Maldives’ first hyperbaric chamber and a long-running dive centre.
Bandos Maldives, North Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Welcoming guests since 1973
One of the first resorts in the Maldives, welcoming guests since 1973, 25 minutes from the airport by speedboat.
Baros Maldives, North Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Easy island living
A Four Seasons island in North Malé Atoll, with a lagoon-top Indian restaurant and ŪRJĀ, a naturopathy island.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, North Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Private island, by speedboat
A private island of overwater villas a short speedboat ride from the airport, with an underground wine cellar and an organic garden.
Gili Lankanfushi, North Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Twelve secret beaches
A private island resort in North Malé Atoll with beach and water villas, residences and 12 secret beaches to cycle between.
One&Only Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Art, gardens and a James Turrell Skyspace
A design-led resort on a 42-hectare island in the Fari Islands, with an island garden and James Turrell’s Skyspace Amarta.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
South Ari to Addu.
Wooden bungalows in the far south
A resort of detached wooden bungalows in Addu City, the southernmost atoll, with dolphin cruises.
Addu City 19060, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Two islands, Ithaa and the Muraka
Two natural islands in South Ari Atoll, home to the Ithaa undersea restaurant and the Muraka undersea residence.
Rangali Island, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Once the RAF Sergeants’ Mess
A 78-bungalow hotel on Gan, once the Royal Air Force Sergeants’ Mess, five minutes from Gan International Airport.
Gan, Addu City, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Two islands, nine restaurants
Two natural islands in Dhaalu Atoll with 134 villas and pavilions, nine restaurants and a surf break on the shore.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll, P.O. Box 2002, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
The deep south
The resort that puts Laamu Atoll on the map, with Leaf, a restaurant fed by its own organic gardens, and a 300-label wine cellar.
Six Senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll, Republic of MaldivesExplore View on map
Resorts usually book your seaplane, domestic flight or speedboat transfer; seaplanes fly in daylight only.
21 of the best Restaurants10 of the best Cafés
20 of the best Bars & Lounges7 of the best Nightlife & Beach Clubs21 of the best Attractions & Excursions21 of the best Art Galleries & Museums
15 of the best Spas, Gyms & Wellness20 of the best Hospitals & Clinics
10 of the best Places to Shop
12 of the best Luxury Lifestyle2 of the best Property17 of the best Getting Around