Best hotels in the Maldives 2023

You’ve decided to splurge on a dream trip to the Maldives, and who could blame you? From its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, not to mention the vibrant marine life, culture and, of course, tropical climate, it’s a top bucket-list destination for a reason.

While you may have spent years dreaming about staying in one of the many over-water bungalows, when it comes to actually choosing where to stay, the choice is almost overwhelming.

The total number of resorts in the Maldives now reaches well over 160, so there really is a head-spinning choice of different vibes and styles to wade through. From far-flung castaway piles to laid-back fly and flops, lavish beach palaces, design-driven spa retreats and romantic hideaways, picking the perfect place to stay is easier said than done.

To help narrow down your search, we’ve rounded up what, in our opinion, are the very best hotels in this Indian Ocean paradise. Whether you’re visiting for a honeymoon, an anniversary or simply want to tick this trip off your “most wanted” list, we’ve covered all bases.

Location: Raa Atoll

The first luxury island resort in the Maldives fully dedicated to wellness is set in the ravishing Raa Atoll, a 30-minute seaplane ride from the capital Malè. The biophilic (nature-inspired) design soothes the soul from the moment you pass through the Gate of Zero welcome pavilion, sculpted by Turkish artist Seçkin Pirim. It encourages guests to reset and take full advantage of the resort’s “transformational spaces”, which include a hive of hydrotherapy facilities – watsu, banya, hammam – sound discovery paths, cryotherapy chambers, yoga studios, meditation pavilions and a herbology centre.