9 extraordinary resorts for the perfect island holiday

Discover the wide variety of luxury in the Maldives with nine hand-picked resorts – from artistic hideaways and family-friendly retreats to havens of peace and relaxation.

Some places almost seem like another world. The Maldives is undoubtedly one of them. More than 1,000 islands, scattered like pearls in the Indian Ocean, each one a small universe of colour, light and lightness. Turquoise blue water, fine sand, green palm trees – and resorts that offer so much more than just comfort. Because luxury takes many forms here. Sometimes it is silence. Sometimes it is dinner underwater. A spa with a view of the horizon. Or the feeling of walking barefoot across wooden planks – with no plans, no appointments, simply living in the moment.

In this article, we showcase nine carefully selected islands: places that are not defined by size or stars, but by attitude, design, service and soul. From art-focused resorts to family hideaways and wellness islands. They all offer something different and reflect the diversity of the Maldives. They are all wonderful examples of how to spend time here.

Joali Maldives combines a luxurious island resort with an art gallery: sculptures, light installations and interactive works by international artists create an ​‘island artscape’ that invites you to both marvel and get involved – from creative workshops to artistically designed villas. Its sister island Joali Being is a retreat for holistic wellbeing. Sound healing, hydrotherapy, breathwork and tailor-made wellbeing programmes offer deep relaxation and transformation – accompanied by excellent cuisine, privacy and stylish service.

Joali Maldives & Joali Being
Muravandhoo & Bodufushi Islands, Maldives

Perfect for: art lovers, design fans and wellness connoisseurs

In South Malé Atoll, the Ozen Reserve Bolifushi combines understated luxury with a generous sense of space. Spacious villas – many of them with pools and direct access to the sea – offer privacy for couples and families. The all-inclusive concept sets new culinary standards with fine dining, Asian, Indian and Moroccan influences. Sport, spa and a sustainable energy supply complement the carefully considered offering. A personal butler service and thoughtful details ensure relaxed elegance without ostentation.

Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
Bolifushi Island, South Malé Atoll, 20222, Maldives

Perfect for: discerning families, gourmet fans and water sports enthusiasts

The Six Senses Kanuhura in Lhaviyani Atoll is characterised by barefoot luxury and relaxed elegance. Villas made from natural materials blend harmoniously into the lagoon landscape, while the spa and open architecture create space for tranquillity and mindfulness. The resort’s culinary offerings include fresh, authentic cuisine ranging from Italian specialities to Spanish-inspired evenings. Sustainability is part of everyday life here – from the resort’s own garden to marine biology. A place where you can slow down and feel connected to nature.

Six Senses Kanuhura
Kanuhura, 07060, Maldives

Perfect for: people seeking peace and quiet, spa fans and sustainable aesthetes

Spread across two islands, the Conrad Maldives combines a pioneering spirit with spectacular luxury. The highlight is The Muraka, the world’s first underwater villa with a glass sleeping area below sea level. Twelve restaurants – including the legendary undersea restaurant Ithaa – and an excellent wine cellar provide culinary highlights. Overwater spas, yoga with sea views and a wide range of water sports round things off. Spacious villas with modern designs offer privacy and the best views of the lagoon.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
South Ari Atoll, 20077, Maldives

Perfect for: design enthusiasts, connoisseurs and experience seekers

Modern, light and playfully elegant, the LUX* South Ari Atoll interprets luxury with a sense of freedom. Bright villas on the beach or over the water offer plenty of space for couples and families. Eight restaurants and five bars provide a wide variety of culinary options, while an in-house marine biologist leads whale shark tours – unique in the Indian Ocean. A spa, yoga, cinema under the stars and over 50 diving sites make the resort a lively yet relaxed retreat.

LUX* South Ari Atoll
South Atoll, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives

Perfect for: families, active holidaymakers and sea lovers

Lily Beach in South Ari Atoll combines relaxed luxury with a sophisticated all-inclusive concept. The Platinum Plan includes high-quality cuisine in four restaurants, first-class drinks and a wide range of sports activities. Villas with private terraces and jacuzzis offer modern comforts, while the Tamara Spa above the lagoon provides deep relaxation. A lively house reef, kids’ club and dedicated service make the resort ideal for couples and families alike.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Huvahendhoo Island, 00160, Maldives

Perfect for: families and pleasure travellers who love comfort

Finolhu combines retro charm with modern ease to create a luxurious, unpretentious island experience. 125 stylish villas – many with pools – offer space for couples and families. The heart of the resort is the lively beach club with DJ sets, sundowners and open-air cinema. Culinary delights include Asian finesse at Kanusan, freshly caught fish at Crab Shack and international cuisine at Beach Kitchen. Spa, yoga, water sports and an active coral transplantation programme combine design, nature and sustainability.

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort
Kanifushi Island, Hithadhoo, Maldives

Perfect for: barefoot chic, casual jet-setters and trendsetters

The OZEN Life Maadhoo in South Malé Atoll impresses with spacious villas on the beach or over the water, light and airy bathrooms, and spectacular sea views – some even from the bathtub. Culinary highlights include the underwater restaurant M6m, Asian specialities at Peking and Indian-Sri Lankan flavours at IndoCeylon. Spa, fitness, yoga and water sports complement the generous all-inclusive experience. Family areas and adults-only zones ensure the perfect balance between relaxation and activity.

OZEN Life Maadhoo
Maadhoo Island, South Male Atoll, 20094, Maldives

Perfect for: families, connoisseurs and couples with a taste for special experiences

Small, personal and perfectly located in South Ari Atoll, Nova Maldives offers direct access to a vibrant house reef with whale sharks, manta rays and colourful corals. Beachfront and overwater villas, a water spa with Maldivian medicine treatments and yoga ensure relaxation. Culinary delights are provided by Soul Kitchen, the Flames grill restaurant and the Japanese Mizu. The resort impresses with its warm service, individual attention and a familiar, relaxed atmosphere.

Nova Maldives
South Ari Atoll, Maldives

Perfect for: uncomplicated connoisseurs, snorkelling fans and sun worshippers

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