The Maldives, widely regarded as the world’s most exclusive vacation spot, is home to a number of extremely opulent hotels and resorts that represent the ideal tropical paradise escape for honeymooners, sun worshippers, affluent visitors, scuba divers, and celebrities.

The Maldives, an archipelago of more than a thousand tiny coral atolls, is situated on the equator south of India and spans 800 kilometers (500 miles) of the Indian Ocean on a north-south axis. The breathtakingly gorgeous islands are the visible coral peaks of an oceanic volcanic mountain range, some of whose outer margins drop to depths of almost 3 km (10,000 ft). The archipelago is endowed with some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, turquoise lagoons that are crystal clear, amazing marine life, and unmatched luxury resorts that occupy their own private islands.

Naturally, it’s challenging to pick just ten resorts from a location that is home to numerous exquisite hotels. For a number of reasons, the resorts on this list are among my favorite properties in the Maldives. They are distinguished by stunning settings, first-rate lodgings, fantastic fine-dining restaurants, breathtaking beaches, top-notch spas, first-rate recreational amenities, and a sustainable attitude. Importantly, every resort on this list is located on a natural island, as opposed to the man-made islands that are mushrooming up in the North & South Atolls of the Maldives. The beauty of these islands can never compare to the lush tropical beauty of natural islands, and they also devastate the local eco-system, which is why you won’t find any resorts on this list that are entirely built on man-made islands, even though some of these artificial islands are home to mind-blowing resorts.

Here are my picks for the top 10 five-star hotels and resorts in the Maldives. Make sure you read my advice for getting the greatest deal at a luxury hotel because these resorts have a heavy price tag (some of these hotels’ daily room rates during high season average more than $5,000 USD per night). Warning: After experiencing the extraterrestrial grandeur of a Maldivian resort, all other beach vacations will seem insignificant. I can also give you some wonderful news.

10. ALILA KOTHAIFARU MALDIVEAlila Kothaifaru Maldives is located on a 27.6-acre (11.2-hectare) island in the isolated Raa Atoll and approximately 45 minutes by seaplane from Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Terraced pavilions, villas, and a treetop spa are all part of the resort’s exquisite, minimalist architecture by Singapore-based Studiogoto, which is expertly incorporated into the surrounding nature to fully immerse visitors in the picturesque natural surroundings. The low-rise buildings’ modern interiors have open-air areas and a restful color and texture scheme inspired by islands, making for the perfect environment for total relaxation and reconnection with the natural world. There are 80 pool villas total, 44 of which are beachfront and 36 of which are positioned overwater with easy access to the water. The resort’s beachfront all-day dining restaurant Seasalt and Umami, which features meals with Japanese influences, are just two of the exquisite dining options available on the property. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is currently one of the Maldives’ most reasonably priced 5-star hotels.9. JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLANDJumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island is a private haven devoted to all things opulent, encircled by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The little resort is conveniently accessible by a 15-minute seaplane trip or a 60-minute speedboat ride and is situated on the northernmost point of the North Malé Atoll. The 67 large villas each include an own rooftop patio, an infinity pool, and round-the-clock butler service. The luxurious characteristic routines at the overwater spa are influenced by Ayurvedic heritage. The resort’s awe-inspiring panoramic architecture and serene interiors were built by Singaporean design firm Miaja, who infused it with a sleek, modern aesthetic that echoes modern Mediterranean style. Yoga sessions, underwater photography expeditions, seaside splash parks, and babysitting services are just a few of the relaxing activities available to guests.8. THE ST REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORTThe renowned St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is surrounded by idyllic landscapes, dense tropical flora, a superb white-sand beach, a pristine lagoon, and the sparkling turquoise Indian Ocean. It is situated in the Dhaalu Atoll, 40 minutes by seaplane southwest of Malé. The resort’s 77 elegantly outfitted villas include spacious private terraces leading to pristine beaches and infinity pools with the spectacular Indian Ocean as a calm backdrop. They combine contemporary design and local craftsmanship with a strong awareness for the ecological surroundings. The John Jacob Astor Estate, one of the Maldives’ largest three-bedroom over-water villas, is another feature of the resort. The six restaurants and bars offer gastronomic treats from throughout the globe, while the over-water Iridium Spa allows visitors to rejuvenate.The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is a luxurious private island resort that is located on the southernmost point of the remote Raa Atoll, close to the UNESCO biosphere reserve Baa Atoll. It has one of the most secluded and stunning settings in the Maldives. Six restaurants and bars, substantial wellness & leisure amenities, and 81 roomy villas and homes are all included in the property. These are either on the beach, near the lagoon, or overwater. The resort’s top-notch service, which includes becoming the first in the world to offer Club InterContinental perks to all visitors (such as daily afternoon tea, evening aperitifs, and all-day refreshments at the pool or beach), is one of its highlights. The ultra-luxury resort is the greatest place in the Maldives to snorkel with manta rays year-round thanks to its abundance of marine life and its stunning manta ray sanctuary, which truly sets it apart from other luxury resorts there.6. CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELIThe magnificent Noonu Atoll is home to the renowned Cheval Blanc Randheli Resort. The magnificent property is situated on a number of tiny islands that are shielded from the ocean by a sizable coral reef that is home to an incredible variety of multicolored fish, rays, and sea turtles. Traveling there requires boarding a Twin Otter of Havilland seaplane that was specially created for the Maison and features the brand’s iconic taupe and Randheli’s sun yellow. The opulent resort provides 46 island, lagoon, and garden villas in muted hues and tones that enhance the room’s open layout. The lodgings have the appearance of classy cathedral-style lofts and each one has a range of modern design features, high doors and ceilings, relaxing outside spaces, a gorgeous private pool, and pontoons beside the lagoon. During their recent trip to the Maldives, Kate and William made Cheval Blanc Randheli their playground.5. VELAA PRIVATE ISLANDThe Noonu Atoll’s Velaa Private Island, which is 187 kilometers (110 miles) north of Malé, is the realization of a dream to build an exclusive hideaway that goes “beyond luxury” and treats visitors like kings and queens. In order to capture the finest of this distinctive archipelago, drenched in azure skies and the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean, Velaa was created. Its name is inspired from the generations of sea turtles that have flocked there to nest and hatch. The resort has 45 private villas, houses, and special residences that can accommodate 1 to 10 people. It also has a romantic pool residence that can only be accessed by boat, adding to its exclusivity. Each home features gleaming Italian marble, Indonesian flowerpots, luxurious Borneo wood paneling, and stone flooring from the Jordanian desert. At the Velaa Spa, privileged visitors can unwind in absolute luxury. Ryder Cup skipper José Mara Olazábal also runs the Velaa Golf Academy, where golfers can improve their short game.4. JOALI MALDIVES & JOALI BEINGThe JOALI brand oversees JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING, two magnificent resorts in the Maldives. While each property has its own distinct identity, they both share a similar vision. The JOALI brand was introduced with the opening of JOALI Maldives, a 73-villa resort tucked away in the breathtaking Raa Atoll where guests can enjoy beachfront life through an amazing collection of artworks that are displayed all over the island. Saoke, a Japanese restaurant, authentic Asian Vandhoo and Tuh’u, a Levant restaurant, Bellinis, and many other destination dining experiences are examples of innovative dining concepts. JOALI BEING, which debuted in 2021 and offers 68 exquisite beach and overwater villas, is located on Bodufushi Island in the same lagoon as its sister property. The first immersive wellness resort in the Maldives, JOALI BEING takes visitors on a transformative journey by fusing traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science.3. ONE&ONLY REETHI RAHUltra-luxe When the One&Only Reethi resort first opened in 2005, it provided a degree of style and sophistication that was unmatched in the entire globe, and it continues to impress as the Grand Dame of the Maldivian archipelago. The resort, which is located on a partially man-made, octopus-shaped island in the North Male Atoll, enjoys a remarkable 6 km (3,7 mi) of coastline that is speckled with white sand coves and turquoise bays. Each of the 130 roomy villas has its own private terrace overlooking the clean waters of the lagoon and is discretely tucked away among lovely vegetation. The staff is always accommodating of the individual needs of each and every guest, and the food is creative and of the highest quality, presented in an inspiring range of ways. The spa is separated from the rest of the resort by peaceful gardens and well-kept grass. Royals and A-list Hollywood stars both adore One&Only Reethi Rah.2. SONEVA FUSHIThe first “Robinson Crusoe”-style resort in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi, is located on Kunfunadhoo, a privately owned tropical island in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The island, which is 400 meters broad and 1,400 meters long, is one of the biggest ones in the Maldives. In addition to the island’s pristine waters, white beaches, and tropical climate, it also offers an exceptional ecological experience due to its extremely abundant vegetation. Huge, multi-bedroom, fantasy-like luxury villas and private homes are tucked away among lush tropical vegetation. Many of them are constructed to mimic tree huts to fit the castaway motif. All of them open to a personal stretch of sugar-white beach, and the majority have their own private seawater pools. Soneva Fushi will also debut eight magnificent water retreats in the summer of 2020. These overwater villas will be the largest and most opulent in the entire globe.1. SONEVA JANIThe Noonu Atoll’s deserted five-island cluster is home to the most opulent resort in the Maldives, which is bordered by beautiful beaches, covered in lush tropical vegetation, and encircled by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon with unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean. The renowned resort has 51 overwater pool villas spaced out along two jetties that curve into a stunning lagoon with 5.6 km (3,4 mi) of crystal pure seas. The largest resort island in the Maldives, which is surrounded by exquisite beaches and covered in lush tropical vegetation, is reached by two jetties known as the North Jetty and South Jetty. The retractable roofs on the villas, the private water slides, the variety of exquisite restaurants, the individualized experiences & excursions, and the stunning new spa facility, Soneva Soul, are highlights at Soneva Jani. Customers who book Soneva Unlimited can take advantage of an all-inclusive option to enjoy the best of the resort.