Maldives was formerly known as the “King of Islands” and in the local language of Dhivehi, Maldives also means “garland of islands”. These are all apt names to describe this glittering archipelago with its surreal landscape. With its prime location and natural bounty, Maldives has become a hub for luxury resorts.
Here are five super luxury resorts located in the Maldives that any of us would love to experience at least once in our lifetime.
Velaa Private Island Resort
Located in the stunning Noonu Atoll, 187km north of Malé, this private resort’s name, “Veela,” means ‘Turtle Island’ in the local language, in tribute to the countless generations of sea turtles that have flocked to its shores to nest and hatch over the years. Velaa Private Island also has plans to incubate and conserve these sea turtles.
When coming here, visitors will be arranged with private butlers to ensure the resort experience here will be perfect.
You will arrive at Velaa by seaplane and get a bird's eye view of this beautiful resort. More specifically, the whole resort resembles the head of a turtle, with the island forming the body. In addition, visitors can visit the surrounding areas of the island by private, luxurious boats.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Another beauty in Noonu Atoll is the impressive Cheval Blanc Randhel resort. Like Velaa, visitors to Cheval Blanc Randheli will be staying on a completely private island.
Another luxurious aspect that sets Cheval Blanc Randhel apart is the Garden Water Villa. This garden villa is built in a cocoon-style house on stilts, including a lush garden, an infinity pool and a large courtyard with a dining table, armchairs and lounge chairs placed right on the water.
The resort's architecture is a combination of modern materials and natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, mother-of-pearl, coral and leather.
This impressive resort also has its own private island with its own jetty and pier. There is only one four-bedroom property spread over one hectare of island. This is the epitome of “total privacy”. Guests will enjoy a private spa, a 25-metre outdoor pool, a pristine beach and unique gardens. In the main house, guests have three large, light-filled living rooms with a grand piano, sofas, an art gallery and a bar.
One&Only Reethi RahNorth
One & Only Reethi Rah is a gem of the North Malé atoll. Under the crystal clear waters, you will find more than 2,000 species of fish swimming among the stunning coral reefs. The resort boasts 6km of private coastline, including 12 pristine beaches, two separate swimming pools – one for adults, one for children and families – and a 30-metre long lagoon.
There are four restaurants throughout the resort, including BOTANICA, which serves dishes surrounded by hundreds of flowers or under ancient Banyan trees, and contemporary Japanese restaurant Tapasake, which serves creative sake cocktails, fresh sushi and sashimi, and four outdoor Teppanyaki areas. For a little something to drink, head to Fanditha Bar, one of three bars at One & Only Reethi Rah and arguably the most romantic spot to watch the sun set over the sparkling ocean.
Similar to the Chevel resort above, One & Only Reethi Rah also offers guests a private island retreat called the Grand Sunset Residence. It is surrounded by lush tropical greenery, with three private bedrooms, a lavish dining and living area, and a private 50m² swimming pool surrounded by an elaborate terrace. It also includes a large wine cellar containing more than 4,000 bottles of 500 labels from famous regions of California, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Australia and South Africa.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Kudadoo Maldives, with a total of 15 overwater bungalows with ocean views, offers a premium experience that will satisfy even the most discerning guests. Here, visitors can swim with stingrays, freely watch sea turtles, go dolphin watching at sunset, take a plane, ride a water scooter and even dive with sharks.
Like most resorts in the Maldives, Kkishoo is strongly committed to sustainability and being 100% solar-powered. Architect Yuji Yamazaki, who is responsible for the island's eco-design, used eco-conscious materials including wood from sustainably managed forests in Canada, New Zealand and Indonesia.
If you’re in Kudadoo, enjoy a romantic rendezvous on Dream Island in Ihaviyani, a sandbar atoll just a stone’s throw from the main island. Here, you should dine at Kkishoo, the world’s largest underwater restaurant, which serves a sumptuous fish dinner.
Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru
The Four Seasons Maldives is a resort located on the 44-acre island of Landaa Giraavaru in the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. A 35-minute seaplane flight from Malé International Airport will take you there.
Guests often choose to go to the large pool with a loft facing the sea and relax while eating and watching the sunset. In addition, the resort also offers a free yoga and treatment area at The Spa & Ayurvedic Retreat, an outdoor area spread over 1.2 hectares. More specifically, this place also offers Ayurvedic retreats to help guests take care of their mental health best.
For a light snack and a drink, head to Shish Bar for a cocktail, lounge on the sofas with curtains and ornate lanterns, and enjoy the view. Then head upstairs to the rooftop restaurant, Al Barakat, for a delicious meal. For something more unique, head to Landaa’s Fuego, a floating platform in the middle of the lagoon, for a romantic candlelit dinner, where dishes are served by boat. Or, for something more exciting, head to Om Supti Night Spa, set in a private jungle, which features an outdoor bathtub and swinging beds, creating the perfect setting for a deep, restful sleep.
