The mysterious Maldives… with over 1,000 tropical green gems in a lush turquoise sea, it’s no wonder there are so many untouched, pristine, secluded islands, waiting to be discovered. Sailing over Male by seaplane, or cruising through the crashing waves by boat, with breathtaking views and panoramic vistas all around, is like beginning your own Robinson Crusoe adventure.
Often floating over coral reefs and blue lagoons, or stretched across white sand beaches along the shoreline, resorts in the Maldives are like no other in the world. Many are located on their own private island, so not only can you relax in paradise with high-class service, try diverse and delicious food, and be pampered in luxurious spas, you can also head out into nature.
Explore jungles rich with rare birds and fauna, oceans brimming with fish, turtles and dolphins, secluded beaches and bays without people for miles. Does secluded island life sound like the holiday for you? Then take a look at our top boutique Maldivian resorts for getting away from it all.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is an intimate resort located on its own tiny island in the North Male Atoll, a flawless tropical island, complete with powder sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, providing the ideal environment for a tranquil, relaxing break.
With only 48 villas around the island, Banyan Tree is truly exclusive and quiet. However, the isolated nature of the place doesn’t mean you can’t have the highest level of luxury. All villas feature a private pool and jet pool, air-conditioning, a mini-bar and complimentary bathrobes and slippers, all set right on the beach so you can wake up each morning to the sun rising across the Indian Ocean.
If you can take your eyes away from the swaying palm trees, there’s nothing like sampling authentic and sustainable cuisine at Banyan’s main restaurant, Ilaafathi. Sourced from the island or locally from surrounding Atolls, discover a range of Asian dishes and international gourmet meals with impeccable service and unlimited beverages. Or, for a quick snack between pool dips, head over to Naiboli Bar for appetizers, light meals, and cocktails. A glass of wine on the beach? Yes please!
The spa at Banyan Tree is renowned as one of the finest in the Maldives. Based on ancient Asian healing philosophies and generations of expert masseuses, their sanctuary offers a luxurious setting for some serious pampering. Fresh coconut balms, mud baths, deep soaks, intuitive massages – as if you weren’t relaxed enough already!
Gili Lankanfushi is a supremely luxurious, unique and romantic hotel and is highly recommended. An environmentally friendly resort in the Maldives with a ‘no news, no shoes’ approach to barefoot luxury, Gili Lankanfushi occupies a small coral island with sophisticated accommodation, facilities and first-class service. Emphasis at Gili Lankanfushi is on ensuring guests truly relax – not only in the lavish accommodation, superb dining and leisure pursuits, but in their understated luxury, offering world-class amenities in a relaxed environment, and always with a smile.
Accommodation at Gili Lankanfushi is accessed via jetty, offering total privacy – except perhaps for the fish surrounding your villa! Suites boast large, open-air living areas with open decks and hanging hammocks, surrounded by shallow turquoise water. Rooftop terraces with scope over the lagoon offer stunning, panoramic views. Crusoe Residences and the Private Reserve can only be reached by boat, promising true tranquillity with just yourself, nature… and your personal butler.
Gili Lankanfushi is big on luxury but also big on sustainability. The resort is committed to conservation and works hard to preserve the gorgeous natural environment – buildings have been constructed using sustainably sourced wood, toiletries are provided in refillable earthenware containers, food waste is composted and used in the organic vegetable garden, and guests are encouraged to recycle. There is also their marine biology centre, Gili Veshi, a research facility that protects sea life and offers guest experiences, such as reef cleaning and eco tours. Together, they work to protect the beauty of the island and the whole archipelago, and we are grateful!
Makunudu Island is a relaxing, laid back, value for money Maldivian resort, highly recommended for couples, honeymooners and guests celebrating a special occasion, to sweep you away into the warm tropical embrace of an original Maldivian retreat. With so few rooms and such an excellent reputation for good food and relaxation, it is one of our favourites in the Maldives.
Crafted in traditional Maldivian style using locally sourced woods, stones and a palette of earthy hues, accommodation at Makunudu is furnished in a classic style reflecting the local character and vibrancy of the island environment, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. Indulge in the pleasure of a garden shower, open to the outdoors yet completely discreet. Bask on your private sun loungers beneath the shade of palms, or under the warm Maldivian sun.
So, we’ve got relaxation , gorgeous settings, what’s left? Romance! Makunudu is the ideal place for a romantic getaway, or better yet, a place to renew your vows, with the Indian Ocean and pristine white sands as your witnesses. Embrace the unique island spirit that resonates in endearing Maldivian traditions and the enthralling beat of local ‘bodu beru’ drums. The resort’s experienced ‘Say I do’ team can take care of all the intimate details, creating a truly bespoke and unforgettable celebration.
Just 350m in length and 50m in width, this tiny gem with its pristine nature, fringed-palm beaches and powdery sand, authentic hospitality and spiritual serenity invites you to leave your shoes behind and enjoy the ‘art of doing nothing’. Ringed by 6km of spectacular house reef, an underwater playground for sea turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays and hundreds of varieties of rainbow-hued fish, Mirihi Island is a nature lover’s paradise, and the perfect place to explore the unspoiled ocean.
The villas at Mirihi are all built with privacy and style in mind. The tasteful rooms all have designer furnishings, polished wooden floors, spacious beds, air-conditioning, a ceiling fan and a fully stocked mini-bar. Depending on your preference, you can stay at the Beach Villas, surrounded by the soft sands and gentle shoreline, or the Water Villas, which stand on stilts over the lagoon, offering a close proximity of the bustling, colourful sea life beneath it.
Diving is a major attraction at Mirihi, with 50 different dive sites conveniently located within an hour’s boat ride, where you can see everything from manta rays to whale sharks to dolphins and beautiful coral gardens. The Ocean-Pro team, a PADI award-winning diving school, offers courses for all levels and ages, from beginner courses all the way up to official certifications. With their expertise on marine life, sea conditions and conservation, they’re sure to create the perfect diving experience you won’t soon forget. The waters are waiting for you!
In the evening, after a day floating in the immaculate lagoon, there are two renowned bars at Mirihi. A wine lounge showcasing over 300 wines from around the world, and the other serving delicious cocktails and light snacks by the beach while boasting the largest collection of fine rum in the Indian Ocean. The perfect relaxing evening to a relaxing day in paradise.
“I was removed from all the wickedness of the world here.”
Daniel Defoe in Robinson Crusoe
Author Anna WilliamsCategories Maldives, News