With white-sand beaches and seas teeming with exotic marine life, these idyllic atolls truly offer paradise on earth.
There is no way to do justice to the palatial accommodations of the Maldives, which are surrounded by palm-fringed white-sand beaches and aquamarine seas teeming with exotic marine life.
The Crescent, Niyama Private Islands
The Crescent is more than just a suite; it is a cluster of five villas – all with private pools – located above the turquoise water off the island resort’s powdery shores. In addition to a two-bedroom pavilion, two one-bedroom pavilions, and two deluxe studios connected by a wooden walkway, the enclave can accommodate up to 14 adults and eight children. The Crescent’s center is a private deck with floating loungers, a daybed and dining table. During your stay within this secluded pocket of Niyama, a traditional Boduberu dance will be performed solely for you. You will also enjoy a private barbecue, a movie under the stars, and an exclusive sunset cruise on a dhoni (traditional Maldivian fishing boat).
Owner’s Villa, Cheval Blanc Randheli
Its own 2.5-acre island features four bedrooms, a spa, lovely gardens, and an outdoor pool of 82ft, which are separate from the resort. LVMH owns the resort, so the interiors are stunning. If it weren’t for the palm trees, white sand beach and crystalline ocean, you might feel as if you were in Milan with its sleek neutral palette. Jean-Michel Gathy designed the villa, which is a modern take on traditional overwater bungalows. The master suite, located at the top of a monochrome statement staircase, offers a bird’s eye view of the tropical paradise. The Art de Recevoir program is available 24/7, where a team is available to customize activities for you.
Private Reserve, Soneva Fushi
In addition to nine bedrooms (including one for children and a nanny), Soneva Fushi’s Private Reserve also features a spa, gym, sauna, and steam room, making it the ideal retreat for a family vacation. The huge lagoon-style private pool provides a playground for little ones — a sunken sala is accessible by the waterslide (or by the bridge). It is the perfect location for a decadent dinner under the stars when the sun sets. In addition to the idyllic reserve, Soneva Fushi offers a wide range of activities, including nonmotorized water sports (paddleboarding, catamaran sailing, windsurfing), eco-friendly tour of their waste-to-wealth center and organic vegetable gardens to learn about sustainable practices, and a glassblowing demonstration with cocktails at the Glass Studio. You must visit The Observatory — with so little light pollution, millions of stars are visible to the naked eye, but with our state-of-the-art telescope, you can see the Plough of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter, as well as a lot of celestial bodies that aren’t visible anywhere else.
The Private Residence, Gili Lankanfushi
Known as the world’s largest overwater villa, The Private Residence is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon. The rooms are connected by wooden Robinson Crusoe-esque walkways, so utmost privacy, even from your own party, is guaranteed. Both the master suite and the two-bedroom duplex have open-air bathrooms and two-person bathtubs over coral gardens. As the nearest villa is approximately 1,000 ft away, you will have uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean from every area. A recent refurbishment has added a glass infinity pool on the upper sundeck, and kids will love the wide waterslide into the lagoon (or big kids, we won’t judge). Previous guests include Richard Branson and Buzz Aldrin.
Grand Sunset Residence, One&Only Reethi Rah
It is only 15 minutes by seaplane from Malé to One&Only Reethi Rah (meaning “beautiful island”), located on one of the largest islands in the North Malé Atoll. In addition to having its own time zone, Reethi Rah is one hour ahead of Malé, so guests can watch the famous sunset while enjoying cocktail hour. Nestled among lush tropical greenery on the island’s largest private beach, the Grand Sunset Residence consists of two separate villas that share a 540-square-foot private pool. In addition to the plush interiors, the bedrooms and bathrooms feature vaulted ceilings, and the outdoor areas are just as appealing. You can dine al fresco with the on-call chef, enjoy a bottle of wine from the cellar, or customize the private bar based on your preferences.
Royal Residence, Jumeirah Vittaveli
An enormous, but inconspicuous gate leads to the gargantuan Royal Residence, which is accessible through a stepping-stone path over a reflecting pool in Japanese style. The grand entrance is a clear indication of the abode within — five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two pools, a spa and gym, and a private restaurant shaped like a traditional Maldivian fishing boat that protrudes out onto the private beach. In the interior design, neutrals are paired with gold accents, like a traditional beach hut. The private spa is a welcome respite after a day at sea — Jumeirah has excellent water activities, and the Royal Residence has its own jetty to venture out from. Our recommendation is to enjoy a cocktail at the overwater bar or relax in a sunken lounge surrounded by fragrant lily ponds as the sun sets.
Como Villa, Como Cocoa Island
Among the 33 overwater suites on this island, all of which are inspired by the curving wooden forms of traditional Maldivian dhonis, one pair stands out. Cocoa Island’s two Como Villas are not only the most luxurious, they are also the most seecluded. Sunrise and Sunset, both of which are connected by their own private jetty, have living and dining areas with balconies on both sides that overlook the lagoon. With an en suite bathroom and outdoor shower, each wing has a private terrace and bedroom. You can explore the island barefoot, snorkel over the house reef or relax on your private sundeck from your villa’s deck. You should definitely set aside plenty of time to visit the world-class spa on Como Cocoa Island, Como Shambhala Retreat.
Romantic Pool Residence, Velaa Private Island
There is no better way to experience exclusivity than staying in this overwater residence. This one-bedroom villa, located above the turquoise lagoon, provides direct access to the ocean for couples. There is a sundeck with daybeds, an infinity pool, a Jacuzzi and a sunken pool bath on the terrace that leads out to the horizon from every room in the residence. In the villa’s private white sand patch or from the overwater dining gazebo at the villa’s private jetty, you can watch the sunset. In addition to generous living space, a gym and spa treatment rooms, the stylish interiors feature natural materials and have been designed with natural materials. In case you can’t tear yourself away from your luxurious cocoon, your personal butler will take you to and from the resort’s main island.
John Jacob Astor Estate, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli
There are three expansive sundecks from which you can jump directly into the sea from this two-story, three-bedroom overwater villa, as well as a 990-square-foot infinity pool. You barely need to step outside the villa with its gym, spa suites, cinema, and a 12-person dining area. There is also a butler’s pantry and large kitchen.
You’ll likely be tempted to explore this remote island; try the resort’s gastronomic dining options and take advantage of the water sports center’s thrilling excursions.
Private Island, Four Seasons Voavah
There are three villas with three bedrooms at Four Seasons Voavah, two water villas with two bedrooms, as well as two additional suites. You’ll be surrounded by spectacular Unesco ocean territory, where manta rays glide through clear waters, surrounded by coral and tropical fish. In addition to indoor and outdoor dining, the two-story Beach House includes an open-air living room, a gym, a library and a loft lounge on land. Take a bespoke treatment from an award-winning therapist at Ocean of Consciousness Spa between relaxing in your villa and swimming in the sea.
