The best new luxury hotels in the Maldives

The Maldives is a nation-state of over 1000 coral islands in the Arabian Sea lying within the Indian Ocean. These beautiful islands comprise twenty-six atolls. They all range over double rows in azure waters, sustaining marine life diversity around the coral reefs.

Formerly a British protectorate, this now independent republic has become one of the most popular ‘go-to’ places on the planet. Many first-class hotels and accommodations have sprung up in recent years. This is mainly to provide for the growing interest in these ecologically important and gorgeous islands.

Below are 5 of the best new luxury hotels in the Maldives.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll

The lavish villas that make up the Raffles Meradhoo are on a serene private island in the far south of the Maldives. Harking back to Raffles’ colonial heyday, Singapore, this hotel complex combines the highest luxury with an unforgettable experience of the Maldives’ marine life.

Welcomed by drums, guests can expect the impeccable service, deluxe accommodation, luscious dining, and lifestyle associated with the Raffles name.

Beach villas and residences and 16 large overwater villas feature colonial-style furnishings. There are also blinds, and overhead fans, verandas, and filmy drapes around 4-poster beds. Additionally, striped navy-blue cushions and a sky-blue/white color scape complement the fabulous ultramarine ocean on view from every villa.

Dining includes superb barbeque grills on the beach or Nikkei-style fine cuisine in the Yazu restaurant. Besides, international breakfasts have every kind of morning food a guest could desire accompanied by blissful fresh bread. You can also arrange a champagne and caviar breakfast picnic.

Watch the turtles, the myriad fish, and the glorious sunrises and sunsets. You can also walk in the peaceful lush tropical setting or on white icing-sugar sands. Drinks doubtless include fabulous sundowners in true colonial style.

A spa with relaxing Balinese massages, 2 swimming pools, and private pools in some overwater villas are additional benefits at this lovely retreat.

Joali Maldives Muravandhoo Island

Joali is a miracle of transformation from a deserted island in Raa Atoll. What’s more, it was shattered by the el nino conditions of 2016, into a fabulous resort. This resort offers a sensual and sublime stay on a paradise island from the airport pick-up to the hotel welcome through to the return transfer.

There are 73 vast traditionally thatched and beautifully appointed villas — all state-of-the-art luxury. Some rest on pure white sands, while others perch over marine blue waters. Furthermore, architects, designers, artists, and sculptors have combined their skills with engineering and construction professionals to produce an original resort of comfort and style.

Marine biologists helped instruct on protecting the teeming life of the ocean. Besides, every care has been taken to preserve flora and fauna of the atoll. Also, guests at Joali can enjoy gourmet dining from several restaurants offering creative menus of Japanese, Asian, Mediterranean, and International cuisines.

Besides, an ESPA Spa provides exclusive face and body treatments. There is also an open-air fitness and yoga studio, gym, pool, and water sports available. What’s more, a kid’s club provides for younger visitors and superb concierge services take care of everything else.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Guests are met at the airport by a courtesy yacht and applauded onto this 3-island resort by welcoming staff. From there on, outstanding reception, concierge, and housekeeping services allow guests to enjoy modern hi-tech ultra-luxurious facilities in a dreamlike tropical paradise.

119 vast villas sit on beaches of pure white sand or sit above sparkling aqua-blue waters where Maldive marine life rings the coral reefs. Rich in flora and fauna, gorgeous beaches, private lap pools, a luxury spa, and 11 first-class eateries, the island has everything needed for an idyllic stay.

Furthermore, excellent fitness and water sports facilities for children and adults have trainers on hand to assist. Additionally, the world-class spa has 2 infinity pools and superb wellness treatments in a serene haven of peace and tranquility.

The restaurants/bars provide for every taste and feature novel individual pods in a tree-top dining area and a cheese and wine bar below ground. Besides, the Kid’s Club takes care of the children with eco and marine-based activities. Overall, this is a sublime desert island resort among many wonderful choices.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau

This is another blissful 81 deluxe-villa resort in the heartland of the salvaged Raa Atoll. The InterContinental benefits from the neighboring Baa Atoll Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, protecting and encouraging diverse coral ecosystems. As such, this heavenly palm-strewn resort is a haven for nature lovers among the teeming marine life of the coral reefs.

Spotting Manta Rays may become a full-time activity here. If not, there is a top-notch water sports center overseen by marine biologists. There are also pools, 5 restaurants, and a great kid’s club. A fine spa facility also offers luxury face and body therapies in treatment rooms suspended over the ultramarine blue waters.

Dining includes a Mediterranean menu served in a quaint wooden lighthouse. There is also a stilted restaurant with the catch of the day on show. Additionally, you can enjoy many snacks and deli dishes here all day.

Above all, a traditional Maldive boat takes guests for romantic sunset trips and sundowners. However, InterContinental Club benefits apply here.

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

70 lavish villas of the Mirandhoo resort sits on a biosphere reserve. They all have an astonishing array of marine life encircling the beautiful coral reefs. Additionally, 6 categories of spacious villa offer white-sugar sands or overwater locations with modern interiors, marbled bathrooms, and panoramic ocean views.

Plenty of modern amenities are in all the villas. Moreover, butler/hospitality services add that something extra to an already heavenly experience.

This lush tropical environment also features a spa with profound wellness therapies for the mind, body, and spirit. There is also Japanese seafood or international all-day dining menus. Besides, a tasty street food option fits the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful resort.

The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. To reach the islands, guests arriving at Velana International Airport are met by an unusual transfer service. Likewise, the villa resorts satisfy visitors and escort them by small plane, yacht, or motorboat directly to the island of choice. This luxury is just the start of a trip to paradise.

By Guido Graf