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There’s nothing quite like planning an island vacation to beat the winter cold and snow and treat yourself to something special. The Caribbean and Hawaii are always popular choices, but the Maldives takes “tropical getaway” to a whole new level. Here you’ll find 1,000 islands just waiting to be explored and relaxed upon, not to mention some of the most luxurious places to stay and call home for a few days or longer. Here are the top 10 Maldives resorts to help you plan an amazing trip with a partner, family, friends, or even just for yourself.
Komandoo Maldives Island Resort
The last Maldives resort we’ll mention here is Komandoo, an adults-only option in the Lhaviyahi Atoll, which is a 40-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport. Enjoy Jacuzzi water villas overlooking the Indian Ocean, book a treatment at the Duniye Spa, and go diving and snorkeling to see manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks. There are also three onsite restaurants, including one that lies 5.8 meters below Hurawalhi Maldives.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
This is a wonderful resort for people who want to escape the busy pace of life and indulge in luxury. It’s located on what’s known as the Three Coconut Isle and has 64 sea-view villas and suites. Come here to experience how time can stand still with the ones you love. The onsite restaurants serve Pan-Asian cuisine and Mediterranean cuisine, and there’s also a poolside bar/restaurant and the Equator Bar with its fine wines and great cocktails. This is a great place to be if you enjoy an adrenaline rush, thanks to ample scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing options. This is also a great place to renew your vows with your partner and to soothe your mind, body, and soul at the Jiva-Grande Spa.
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
The Anatara Veli Maldives Resort is another excellent option in the Maldives, especially if you’re looking for romance. Here you’ll find your own private hideaway with crystal clear waters below your over-water bungalow. This is an adults-only resort, and there are 67 over-water and ocean bungalows here for adult guests. You can get here on a 35-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport and also have access to Dhigu, Anatara’s sister resort, while staying here. The bungalows give you direct lagoon access, 62 to 92 square meters of indoor and outdoor space, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The resort also offers a luxury spa with Ayurvedic healing techniques, five treatment rooms, and a relaxation garden with cold and hot plunge pools.
AYADA Maldives
Ayada Maldives has nine different types of accommodations to choose from, including villas and suites that are by steps away from the beach and over-water. There are also nine dining options that serve everything from Teppanyaki to Asian cuisine, have an over-water wine cellar, and can cater to all dietary requirements. Fun excursions to enjoy while staying here include fishing at sunset on a traditional Maldivian wooden boat, taking a glass-bottom boat tour, going on a deserted island picnic, and setting out on an island safari to see top coral reef snorkeling sites. Meanwhile, the onsite spa spans 3,500 square meters and has a vichy shower room, private Turkish Hammam, and elaborate marble plinth.
Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives
This is another luxury resort and one that is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon on the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It features 80 beach and over-water pool villas and residences for guests and is the Maldives’ only over-water observatory. Experience the excitement of underwater dining at Sea and the flat-top grill cuisine of Fire. You can also learn the secrets of Maldivian cuisine by taking a Spice Spoons class, which is offered daily from 9am to 2pm. The onsite spa, meanwhile, offers six over-water treatment suites and a Shirodhara treatment bed.
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa
For another adults-only resort option, try this Centara option, which is about 20 minutes from the Velana International Airport by speedboat. This is a favorite spot among couples, but anyone over 12 years of age is welcome here. There are 140 villas that blend in with nature here and feature minimalist décor and many in-room amenities. There are several restaurants and bars here, as well as Spa Cenvaree for treatments and a relaxation pavilion for yoga sessions.
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
The Gili Lankanfushi is another hidden retreat in the Maldives, and this one has 45 over-water villas with jetties across the lagoons. There are seven villa categories, including a family villa. The Meera Spa has six over-water treatment rooms, steam and sauna rooms, and open-air relaxation area. Padi Discover scuba diving and certifications are available for guests at least 10 years old.
Constance Halaveli
There are 86 villas at Constance Halaveli, which also has a fantastic spa and award-winning wine cellar. Here you can also have the opportunity to dive in the North Ari Atoll and see rare marine fauna and sea creatures. For dining, guests can enjoy seafood, Asian cuisine, and international favorites at the three restaurants. You’ll also get a welcome drink upon arrival and get to enjoy the private beach, outdoor pool, and fitness center.
Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses is a resort accessible by plane and boat on a lagoon where dolphins swim along the shore. Take a sunset dolphin cruise, go diving or snorkeling, and enjoy a BBQ dinner experience while staying here. Multiple room villas are available for guests in groups, and there’s also a spa right on the beach.
