About Maldives

The thousand or so tiny islands of the Maldives have some of the world's most perfect beaches. Fine, white sand underfoot with perfectly clear aqua water lapping against it. On one side are the fringes of tropical forest and on the other spectacular coral reefs. Mmmm…. heaven. And a heaven you should see before it's submerged. The Hotel Guru's selection of the best places to stay in the Maldives offers something for everyone, whether you want good value family friendly or romantic barefoot luxury.

Some of our Maldives Collections:

Every Maldivan resort has its own private island, so there's plenty of choice if you're looking for a secluded luxury resort on a tiny island. The world's biggest hotel brands fight it out, trying to outdo each other with luxury extras like wish-fulfilment services, private pools, pillow menus and personal butlers. But as well as the five and six star resorts there are also specialist resorts for divers and families, and eco-resorts.

These days it's also possible to skip the resorts and experience the Maldives on your own. You can stay in privately run guesthouses and island hop at your own pace using the local ferry serves. If you do travel independently bear in mind that the Maldives are a Suni Muslim nation, so alcohol, pork and dogs are banned and the weekends are Fridays and Saturdays. It’s also advisable to dress modestly.

Some of the more remote islands are also some of the best places to stay in the Maldives if you're going on a family break. You'll find brilliant kid's clubs, and plenty of resort entertainments - these resorts have to have everything as it's a long journey to the next island!

Where to stay in the Maldives - which area?

Staying near the capital, Malé, means you're close to the airport, and the kind of attractions you'd expect from most capitals. There's a museum exploring the nation's history, a beautifully ornate ancient mosque, a large choice of places to eat and drink, and plenty of cruising, sailing, diving and other watersports options. Malé is also home to the 'Whale Submarine', which isn't a submarine used for whale watching, it's for exploring the reefs.
If you stay in the more remote resorts you're more limited to the facilities your resort offers.
The more remote your island resort the better chance you have of seeing totally clear night skies if you're a stargazer. You also have the opportunity to spot dolphins and baby sharks in secluded lagoons, or meet turtles, dolphins, coloured swarms of tropical fish or maybe even a whale shark. Yes, you can see amazing marine life all over the Maldives, but the more remote the island, the more at home the marine life is and the better your chances of spotting large pelagics.

Just don't forget that these islands are popular year round so make sure that you plan well ahead if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in the Maldives.

The Best Places to Stay in The Maldives

Malé: the best place to stay in the Maldives for buzz

On South Malé Atoll, Anantara Veli is only 30minutes from Malé International Airport. So no relaxation time is wasted transferring you to the island paradise of your dreams. It's difficult to differentiate the Maldives's daydream island resorts from each other, they all look so perfect, but Anantara Veli offers the chic simplicity of those huts that sit out over the water.
If you prefer sleeping above land, but still want to be close to Malé, book Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. This eco resort looks like a village of huts, fitting seamlessly into the tropical surrounds. But inside the 'huts' are quite luxurious.

For divers and snorkellers

Anantara Dhigu on South Malé Atoll is another of those beautiful collections of thatched bungalows on stilts. This one overlooks a stunning calm lagoon brimming with spectacular corals.
The Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru's private yacht makes this one of the best places to stay in the Maldives for sailors. This resort also has its own dive centre, so there's plenty to do without leaving the resort. Each of the 48 units has it's own private pool, so this is also a nice private spot for honeymooners.

For families

Sand this white and powdery, and water this aqua doesn't come cheap, but if you're looking for something at the more affordable end of the Maldivian scale, try The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. This is a large resort, which is how they can keep prices down, but it takes up the whole island, so outside of meal times, you can still have that feeling of desert island seclusion. Both the prices, and the generous sized villas, make this one of the best places to stay in the Maldives for families.
The Lily Beach Resort and Spa is a stunning, five-star resort on a private island. There’s a choice of suites or villas, all with wonderful sea views. There’s also a kid’s club, an over-water spa and a some of the best diving in the region.
The Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, just a short boat ride from Malé, is also known for its excellent kid’s club and beautiful infinity pool.

For castaways

For a real tropical island experience the Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Landaa Giraavaru, offers true open-air living. On one of the more remote islands, this a real castaway experience - but with a dining pavilion and internet access.
Soneva Fushi Resort & Six Senses Spa is the definitive example of the term 'barefoot luxury'. There's an outdoor cinema, for entertainment under the stars, a Robinson Crusoe style treetop restaurant and each villa has an open air bathroom leading onto its own stretch of private beach. Having won a Green Resort Award, this is also one of the best places to stay in the Maldives if you're looking for somewhere eco-friendly.
Cocoa Island has just 33 rooms, so it's a small resort in these parts. There's a yoga pavilion, a world class spa, amazing snorkelling opportunities and an award winning chef.
Conrad is a chic and luxurious ‘stilt-villa’ hotel perched on the tip of a perfect, white-sandy beach on a beautiful tropical island. Villas have private hot tubs, luxurious bathrooms and enormous terraces overlooking coral reefs.

For complete relaxation

Huafen Fushi on North Malé Atoll has differentiated itself from the other idyllic tropical island resorts by building its spa underwater.
Don't think the Maldives is all thatched huts, if you're looking for chic you'll find it at W Retreat & Spa. The W concept has made it to the tropics, and has been seamlessly integrated into the beautiful surrounds. Creating one of the hippest, grooviest, best designed back to nature resorts in the world. And there's even a bar with dancing.
One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah promises heaven on earth. Which might sound like a steep challenge, but when you see their facilities - 130 villas and suites set in 190 acres of tropical gardens - many with private pools and butlers, you'll get a sense of what you're in for. They give you a bike to get around to your spa treatments and meals...

For Romance

Island Hideaway has the name to match the experience - it’s a luxurious boutique resort on a privately owned virgin island. Villas come complete with personal butlers and some have private pools, there’s also an extensive spa and five star cuisine.
The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is an opulent, over-water paradise with stunning interiors, spectacular views, award-winning restaurants, a pampering spa and a fantastic cocktail-bar. Unspoiled and peaceful.
Anantara Naladhu is a small Maldivian dream offering peace and tranquility in either a beach house or ocean house - both offering private pools and complete seclusion, and only reachable by boat. There’s also a luxurious spa, and the option to dine alone on the beach.

For a self-catering Apartment or Private Villa

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

Most people arrive on the Maldives at Velana International Airport on the island of Hulhule, just a short distance from Malé. Transferring to your resort is different depending on the resort. Some are a speedboat ride away, some require seaplanes.
If you want to hire a car while visiting the Maldives we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
The Maldives offer a mild climate, ranging from around 26°C - 30°C year round, and plenty of sunshine Oh, yes, it is That Perfect! There’s no hurricane season, through there is a short monsoon, during November and December when it tend to get rainy in the afternoons. So those two months are probably not the best times to go - though to be frank, Christmas and New Year are the most popular times to go. If forced to recommend a most perfect time then January though March would be It.