10 Best Hotels in Maldives

As if being by a tropical lagoon wasn't enough, each of the massive villas at this beautiful island resort (half of which are built out over the water) also comes with its own infinity pool and hammocks. The wooden-floored, airy apartments are so large (around 2,500 square feet each) and luxuriously appointed you may never want to leave. And indeed, you don't have too— outstanding room service makes for an extra intimate dining experience. When you do leave your room, check out one of the world's few underwater restaurants. Water activities include snorkeling, or perhaps a longer trip aboard the resort's own private sailboats. Baa Atoll, where you're staying, is a UNESCO marine biosphere reserve, so in addition to having fun in the sea, you can do something really different to save the world and take part in the Coral Adoption Programme by building your very own piece of coral.

You'll reach Baros, one of the smaller and more secluded of the Maldives resort islands, by a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé, and although it is slightly more affordable (heavy emphasis on the slightly) than many others, it still packs in a whole lot of luxury. The beaches are just as pristine and white here, and the sunsets are free. Land is at a premium on this tiny island, so Baros cleverly placed half of its wooden villas and several of its many dining options out on stilts above the water, creating a tranquil feeling of being at one with the elements. For a special treat, take an excursion on the resort's 62 foot dhoni (traditional Maldivian handcrafted boat) for a half-day, full-day or sunset cruise

There’s luxury and there's luxury—Conrad Maldives, situated on two private tropical islands, provides a benchmark for sophisticated Maldives resorts. Choose a beach or water villa, or break the bank (possibly several banks) and go for a sunset water villa, with telescope, glass-floored living room, and a circular bed that rotates as you watch the sun dip below the distant horizon. Dine in Ithaa, an incredible underwater restaurant on gourmet fare and have the sommelier help you choose from 20,000 bottles of wine. Then stroll the quarter-mile bridge linking the two islands and watch out for the manta rays that glide and swoop beneath your feet. Go diving or snorkeling to come face-to-face with a dazzling underwater display of Technicolor marine life, from brilliantly colored coral reefs to real life Nemo and friends. Book 90 days in advance and get a 30% discount.

A short speed boat trip from its sister resort, Constance Moofushi, Halaveli is the slightly grander, older sister. Shaped like a dhoni (Maldivian traditional boat) Constance Halaveli curves its elegant way along perfect beaches amid palms and indigenous greenery in the North Ari Atoll. Stroll along the longest boardwalk on a Maldives island to your water villa; stay on terra firma in your exclusive beach villa, or if you want to bring the whole family and be totally incognito, opt for an exclusive family beach villa with its own private beach—so private that not even the most determined paparazzi or mother-in-law could find you. Dig deep into your pocket and splurge on a wine-pairing dinner at the Jing Restaurant, where cool breezes will fan your appetite as you raise a cocktail to the stars; or breakfast or dine at your leisure in the attractive sand-floored Jahaz Restaurant. Visit an underwater wonderland when you snorkel or dive along some of the finest coral reefs in the world. Don’t miss the early evening fish-feeding off the end of the jetty, when rays, sharks (not Great Whites), and all manner of amazing marine creatures come for snacks.

If Robinson Crusoe had planned to up his game to barefoot chic, this lovely island in the Ari Atoll is where he would have chosen. Even the restaurants have sand floors that merge into the gorgeous white beaches as if they had grown organically out of the sea. This is casual, sophisticated simplicity at its best with attentive (but never obtrusive), friendly staff always on hand to fulfill all of your vacation wishes, from piňa coladas late morning, pancakes, cream and honey for tea, superb seafood at lunch and dinner, or a sizzling BBQ. Choose a water villa and sit on your deck and watch a passing parade of exotic sea life swim around you—parrot fishes, rays, black-tipped sharks (quite harmless)—or step down your private stairs into the sea, slip on goggles and flippers and swim a few leisurely strokes to the coral reef for even better close-ups. Even if you’ve never snorkeled or dived before, qualified patient staff will guide your every stroke. Take the all-inclusive Cristal Package—everything is included even premium spirits and a fantastic wine list.

Accessible only by seaplane or private boat, this collection of 102 thatched-roof hales (Asian-Pacific villas) is both ultra romantic and family-friendly. The rooms are spread across the private island and set either on the white-sand beach, amid the tropical foliage, or on stilts over the blue-green water. All have wooden accents, a relaxed-chic design, and large outdoor living spaces with private plunge pools. Specialty suites are ideal for families, as is the comprehensive kids club and the resort's marine-conservation educational center, which features both manta-ray tracking and turtle-rescue programs. The pool area caters to those who seek pampering, with a dedicated staff offering cold towels, frozen fruit, and other goodies throughout the day. Dining options range from a produce-focused Mediterranean spot to a sexy Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant made for stargazing. The half-board breakfast and dining package is a great option. At the heart of the island is the award-winning expansive spa village complex, which features garden- and ocean-view treatment bungalows, an herb garden, and an extensive menu of Western, Eastern, and Ayurvedic therapies. Four Seasons also offers a second resort in the Maldives, as well as a private yacht with luxury cabins.

After a scenic, 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé with a spectacular bird's-eye-view of dozens of tiny tropical islands, you'll glide into one of the Maldives' most popular resorts. Though relatively large by Maldivian standards, it's not only popular because it has the iconic beautiful beaches and impossibly blue seas, but also because it caters for all tastes and budgets, from basic accommodation to high-end luxury villas with Jacuzzis. The resort has more of a small (very small) town atmosphere than many others in the Maldives but is perfect for families, honeymooners, or singles. It offers land and sea activities such as biking, fishing, golf, and diving. In fact, Kuredu has its own 5-star PADI diving center and fantastic marine life on tap. You'll be spoiled for choice with food and drink as there are seven restaurants and eight bars.

If you do have to overnight in Malé, or would like a day to explore the little town (you won’t need more) then this small, stylish Thai-themed hotel is the place to be. Next door to the Maldives Parliament, in the center of the city, with the airport only eight minutes away by boat, you’ll get excellent hands-on service from the very professional German and French owners Thomas and Frederic. The air-conditioned rooms are very comfortable, and the food at the Thai restaurant is possibly the best in town—especially the Pad Thai. The included continental breakfast is excellent (cold cuts, cheeses, freshly baked breads, fruit) and all your transit arrivals and departures are handled seamlessly.

You expect pristine beaches, waving palms, lush vegetation, and the bluest of all seas (de rigeur for all Maldives resorts), but when you fly into this, the very last island resort in the Maldives, just south of the Equator, you’ll also be flying into a piece of World War II history. Gan airport, known then as Port T, is where the British had a strategic naval base. Back then, no one could have imagined that this island would eventually offer incredible luxury, comfort, and exclusivity—some of the finest in the Maldives. Choose a beautifully appointed beach villa, a tree-top villa, a water villa on stilts, or a private villa called Villa Muthee, which means "pearl" in the local language. A bonus for guests looking for more than a desert island paradise, is a number of cultural excursions to local farms or Port T, city tours by car or bike, and a Villingili nature walk. You can also play golf, snorkel, dive, relax on the lovely beaches, or enjoy a spa treatment.

If you're in the Now Generation, cool beyond Arctic ice and unconventional without being an outsider, and have deep pockets (think 6-star plus), then head for this 21st-century minimalist resort that's chic, classy and hip. Not for fuddy-duddies, nor for those with kids under 13, this ultra-glamorous island resort has super luxury accommodation including bi-level suites with private plunge pools, sun decks, and see-through floor windows to the ocean. Try your hand at water sports with state-of-the-art equipment (and helpful staff who show you how and where); munch Mongolian food in Fire, the outdoor jungle restaurant; sample sushi and lots more marine goodies at Fish, the specialty seafood restaurant, or salsa the night away at 15Below, the underground nightclub. If lazing on the white sands surrounding this island paradise is not enough for you, head out on a luxurious yacht to the tiny private island of Gaathafushi and cocoon yourself in the tropical silence. All this comes at a price, but hey, you won't stay hip and fancy-free forever.