The Hotel Guru
Maldives
The 11 Best Boutique Hotels in the Maldives

The 11 Best Boutique Hotels in the Maldives

The Maldives offers up, arguably, some of the world's best hotels. However, many of them are chains or large resorts. If you are looking for something a little more intimate and unique we recommend booking a boutique hotel. With many of the amenities of larger hotels - yet with a more individual style and personalised touch — these are the properties to pick if you're looking for something a little different. This is why our Hotel Gurus have compiled a collection of the best boutique hotels in the Maldives to make choosing your next break in the sun as simple as can be! Whether you're travelling with your family, you're a design aficionado, or you want to escape with your significant other — we have something for every occasion. So why not browse through our list and start planning your next trip?

For luxury

The Nautilus is made up of just 26 villas offering luxury and intimacy on a remote island accessed by seaplane. Villas are vast and either come over water or on the beach. Dining is a real highlight (headed by arguably one of the best chefs in the Maldives), the spa is delectable, and for those travelling with children - there's a kids club too. Drop your bags and unwind.
Velaa Private Island is a very luxurious getaway with plenty of activities and service second-to-none. Complete with its own golf course, a Clarins Spa, and gourmet dining - you'll wish for nothing here.
Huvafen Fushi is a unique luxury resort that combines the wonders of nature with the luxuries and style of a 5*. Boasting an impressive underwater spa, endless watersports, and smart modern design. An indulgent escape.
Gili Lankanfushi has an excellent motto "no news, no shoes". This is a place to really come and unwind. For those who rather a little action - they have that covered too from scuba diving to fishing or tennis. Villas have an open-air feel. A luxurious escape.
Soneva Jani offers spectacular private villas (many come with rooftop water slides). Every detail has been thought of from spa and dining, to activities and relaxation. Sustainably sourced interiors, organic local produce and faultless service - these guys do the Maldives like no other!

For a couples' escape

Kandolhu has long been a favourite amongst honeymooners. Sitauted on a tiny island, romantic villas are set over the sea with baths offering ocean views and terraces complete with plunge pools. The spectacular spa ensures utter indulgence. An intimate stay for a break for two.
Naladhu is romantic from the outset. Arrive at your villa via boat before unwinding in the bathtub overlooking the ocean (with plenty of room for two). With private boat tours and couples' massage, this is island bliss.
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is a totally serene escape set on a beautiful unspoilt beach. 30 thatched villas are decorated with natural materials and romantic beds are draped in thin muslin. Bespoke couples' experiences can be arranged - we recommend the sunset boat cruises!

For the watersports

Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru is the perfect barefoot luxury escape with 48 spacious beach villas offering that perfect mix of elegant yet rustic design. Recreation is taken seriously here with a vast range of motorised and non-motorised watersports, catamaran trips, and PADI diving.

For the design

Cocoa Island boasts 33 chic boat-shaped villas set over the sea. Spacious interiors feature smart dark wood set against crisp white linen and smart indulgent bathrooms. Complete with a spa and stand-out dining, this is a luxurious choice.

For families

Cheval Blanc Randheli offers sophisticated luxury overlooking the ocean. Adults can unwind in the exclusive spa while children will be kept buy in the kids club or taking part in the many hotel activities. Perfect for all the family.

Still not sure which to book?

Consider our Guru’s list of all the best hotels in the Maldives.
Browse through our collection of the best value hotels in the Maldives, the best honeymoon hotels in the Maldives or the best resorts in the Maldives
Widen your search to include our recommendations in Sri Lanka or Mauritius instead.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
- The Nautilus Maldives 26 rooms from $3159
  
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  Beach Life  -  The resort is completely surrounded by crystal white sands giving guests the opportunity for a real beach lifestyle
  Total relaxation  -  The numerous amounts of treatments offered in the spa gives guests opportunities to completely unwind
  Families  -  A host of experiences and activites to share together with your family from yoga to sailing
  Weddings  -  What better place for guests to renew their vows with their loved ones
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  The resort has relaxed beachside and overwater houses. Rooms have a bohemian design with natural furnishings and a walk-in rain shower. The food is superb and overseen by one of brightest chef's in the Indian Ocean. This resort epitomises the definition of barefoot luxury. Perfect for all the family See More
  
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- Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat 20183 Theluveligaa, Maldives 30 rooms from $650
  
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  Weddings  -  The perfect destination wedding venue with the resort catering to all your needs such as beach cermonies and candle-lit dinners
  Total relaxation  -  The numerous treatments offered in the spa gives guests a chance to completely unwind and enjoy their holiday
  Romantic Break  -  Bespoke romantic trips and experiences are arranged by the resort such as sunset boat cruises
  Beach Life  -  The idyllic crystal blue water and white sands provide the ultimate beach life
  
  Tasteful, authentic unspoilt beach and sea villas displaying the true charm of the Maldives. The villas are decorated in a traditional Maldivian style incorporating locally handcrafted pieces with simple colour schemes. Perfect for couples who want to unplug from technology and totally relax. See More
  
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- Kandolhu Malé, Maldives 30 rooms from $625
  
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  Honeymoons  -  Long known as a romantic getaway, this hotel won't dissapoint. Tranquil and private the perfect post-wedding escape.
  Hideaway  -  A real tropical oasis ideal to completely unwind.
  Diving  -  Kandalhu has easy access to some of the best diving spots in the Maldives.
  Restrictions on children  -  Children above 2 years old are welcome
  Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels, Tablet
  
  A romantic resort on a tiny island fringed by perfect white powder sands. Private villas are contemporary in style. The best stand on stilts over the ocean and boast terrace plunge pools. A pampering spa, fantastic diving opportunities and exemplary restaurant will make this hard to ever leave. See More
  
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- Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru Maldives 48 rooms from $700
  
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  Beach Life  -  With turtle rescues, diving, snorkelling, sailing, walking and much much more you'll find plenty of things to fill your days.
  Honeymoons  -  Achingly romantic with private villas overlooking the crystal clear waters and candlelit dining under the stars.
  Cooking classes  -  Learn how to whip up a scrumptious Maldivian meal during your stay.
  Sailing  -  The hotel has its own yacht that can accommodate 12 people.
  Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection
  
  A hideaway resort in utter paradise with an array of temptations for guests. The 48 private villas have their own 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. See More
  
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- Cocoa Island Maldives 33 rooms from $950
  
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  Eco break  -  Cocoa Island has a comprehensive eco-policy and takes great care of its pristine natural environment and house reef.
  Beach Life  -  White sands, blue waters and tropical fish swimming around the stilts of your private beach villa.
  Honeymoons  -  Honeymoon heaven - world class spa, phenomenal food, astonishing views and total tranquility.
  Sailing  -  For those with sailing experience the hotel catamaran is lent out for dolphin watching and island hopping excursions.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Kiwi Collection
  
  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. See More
  
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- Velaa Private Island Maldives 43 rooms from $1281
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The resort offers exclusive romantic residences which can only be reached by boat, allowing even more privacy and exclusivity
  Groups  -  Tailormade celebrations can be arranged and events with maximum capacity on the island of 130 pax
  Active Holiday  -  From golf, squash, diving and climbing the range of activies makes sure that no one goes bored
  Beach Life  -  The white sands and crystal blue Indian ocean are just perfect
  
  Gorgeous villas located on the remote private island of Veela. Guests can expect ultimate privacy and to be treated like royalty. Velaa plays host to the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the Maldives. Food is incredible from gourmet menus to unpretentious dishes. The definition of luxe. See More
  
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- Huvafen Fushi Maldives 44 rooms from $1160
  
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  Eco break  -  This resort gives back to the local community, supporting coral-reef rehabilitation projects and sustainable local businesses.
  Honeymoons  -  Honeymoon heaven: destination dining anywhere on the island, sunset cruises, couples' massages and long walks on the beach.
  Spa  -  The world's first underwater glass-walled spa.
  Swimming Pool  -  Lovely outdoor pools.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels
  
  Unique Maldivian luxury resort that combines the wonders of nature with the luxuries and style of the 5*. Sleek villas mirror the surrounding crystal blue water. Fantastic watersports, the ultimate pampering in world's first underwater spa and delicious meals. A true hideaway in utter bliss. See More
  
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- Naladhu P.O. Box 2014, Maldives 20 rooms from $1201
  
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  Beach Life  -  Make the most of this idyllic island life; palm trees, white sands, turquoise seas and the blissful Anantara Spa.
  Romantic Break  -  Arrive at your private beach house by boat, enjoy couples dining on the beach and romantic outdoor baths.
  Sailing  -  Take a romantic sunset cruise around the island, the perfect end to your evening.
  Surfing  -  Great surfing particularly in the months between April and October.
  Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels, Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A Maldivian dream brought to life. Peace, tranquility, and privacy in either an ocean or beach house with private pools. A romantic seclusion from which to indulge in the fantastic watersports and beach life, and unwind later in the luxury spa. Complete paradise. See More
  
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- Gili Lankanfushi North Malé Atoll, Maldives 45 rooms from $1288
  
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  Honeymoons  -  The Maldives has long been known as a honeymoon destination and this utterly spoiling spot perfectly fits the bill.
  Total relaxation  -  With the moto being 'no news, no shoes' you'll be sure of a relaxing stay.
  Spa  -  Meera Spa boasts 6 overwater treatment rooms, an Ayurvedic Treatment Champa and much more!
  Cooking classes  -  Learn the secrets of Maldivian cuisine, or how to perfect your sushi or curries!
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  If you were to conjure up the perfect tropical island escape, this would be it. Secluded villas standing on stilts above crystal clear waters, swaying palms and the whitest of white sands. Add into that mix fabulous food, a spoiling spa, superb diving and friendly yet efficient service. Magic. See More
  
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- Cheval Blanc Randheli 11111 Manadhoo, Maldives 46 rooms from $1739
  
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  Families  -  Snorkel the crystal blue playground that surrounds the resort with your family and there are great kids and teen clubs
  Groups  -  Hire out the entire resort for your entire family or friends and enjoy the exclusivity and special occasion
  Spa breaks  -  The Guerlain Spa is exclusive to the Maldives providing guests with moments of serenity and ultimate peace
  Romantic Break  -  Various romantic experiences are avaliable to couples such as private beach dining
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  With water, island and beach garden villas, the resort offers countless chances for total relaxation. Each villa has a sleek pool, and huge daybeds, with a great amount of attention to detail. Relax in the ultra-exclusive Guerlain Spa for a completely rejuvenating stay. A firm family favourite. See More
  
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- Soneva Jani Maldives 24 rooms from $2040
  
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  Honeymoons  -  Each villa comes with a private pool, plus stargazing with an astrologer and prosecco fuelled bluetooth silent cinema...Bliss!
  Total relaxation  -  'No shoes, no news' policy, a top notch spa, private villas and round the clock service - relaxation is certainly on the cards
  Spa  -  Soneva Spa offers a wide range of healing treatments, plus tailor made spa journeys and much more
  Diving  -  Take a PADI diving course at the hotels dive centre and explore the local reefs
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  Spectacular private villas (many come with rooftop water slides) on the island of Medhufaru. Every detail has been thought of from spa to dining, to activities and relaxation. Sustainably sourced interiors, organic local produce and faultless service - these guys do the Maldives like no other. See More
  
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