Without a doubt, the Maldives is a bucket-list luxury travel destination. The island archipelago is famed for its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and decadent overwater bungalows. But owing to its mass allure, the Maldives has recently seen a proliferation of high-end resorts. And with so many hotels and islands to pick from, it’s difficult to choose the right one. Luckily, I’ve compiled the 15 Best 5-Star Resorts in the Maldives based on overall ratings and guest reviews. On the whole, this guide covers the full spectrum of 5-star resorts in the Maldives, from affordable all-inclusives to once-in-a-lifetime stays.
My personal favorites are JOALI Maldives for its excellent service and marine biologists and Gili Lankanfushi for its spa and wellness center.
QUICK PICKS: 2 BEST 5-STAR RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES
Don’t have time to read the whole guide? No worries! To summarize, here are the two best 5-star resorts in the Maldives
15 Best 5-Star Resorts in the Maldives
The following are the 15 best 5-Star Resorts in the Maldives. To begin with, I’ve included a table listing all the hotels by price per night. After that, you’ll find a section with a short review of each property and its highlights.
Additionally, if you’re traveling as a pair, try reading my Best Resorts in the Maldives for Couples guide, or my Best Maldives Honeymoon Resorts article. Both include more 5-star Maldives resorts.
In any case, here is the comparison table of the 15 best 5-Star Resorts in the Maldives. Presently, these prices reflect the lowest per night room rate. Most of these rates include at least breakfast, and most do not include transfer from Male. If these prices seem a bit steep, try my Best Cheap Resorts in the Maldives article instead.
| ACCOMMODATION | Price |
| JOALI Maldives | $2250 |
| Gili Lankanfushi | $2040 |
| One&Only Reethi Rah | $1990 |
| Four Seasons Kuda Huraa | $1200 |
| OBLU SELECT Sangeli | $880 |
| Six Senses Laamu | $870 |
| VARU By Atmosphere | $820 |
| Emerald Maldives | $770 |
| Constance Halaveli | $670 |
| Baros Maldives | $650 |
| Dusit Thani | $625 |
| Hurawalhi Island Resort | $565 |
| Veligandu Island Resort | $520 |
| Paradise Island Resort | $300 |
| Velassaru Maldives | $250 |
Best 5-Star Resorts in the Maldives
By all means, the Maldives is one of the top luxury travel destinations in the world. Dazzling white beaches, luscious palms, and azure waters charm guests from around the globe. Above all, the secluded location and high standard of service provide the ultimate getaway for the upscale traveler. For those lucky enough to escape to this paradise, the only question is where to stay. In light of this, I’ve put together the 15 Best 5-Star Resorts in the Maldives, ranked by price, and selected by guest reviews. Hopefully, you’ll find the perfect luxury Maldives resort for your upcoming getaway.
JOALI Maldives
JOALI Maldives is a luxurious escape located in the Raa Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane journey from Male. Of its 73 villas, one is among the largest and grandest in the Maldives and earned a spot on my Best Overwater Bungalows in the Maldives list. But even its standard rooms are equipped with private pools, gorgeous canopies, and palatial living spaces. The basic beach villa also features a wrap-around pool, outdoor shower, oversized soaking tub, and beautifully detailed island decor.
In addition to well-appointed rooms, the resort offers all the usual ultra-luxe Maldives amenities. For instance, the JOALI Spa, a fitness center, four restaurants with an exceptional breakfast spread, and an underwater museum. Furthermore, excursions like yachting, wakeboarding, and swimming with manta rays can also be arranged. Most importantly, all these amenities are provided with nothing short of world-class service, making JOALI one of the best 5-Star resorts in the Maldives.
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Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is my all-time favorite 5-Star resort in the Maldives. In fact, it’s even been named the best hotel in the world. What’s more, it’s also home to the largest overwater villa on earth (or should I say, in the sea). But regardless of what room you book at Gili, you’ll be in for the stay of your life.
Each suite here is an overwater villa, sitting in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the Maldives. And it just so happens to be only 20-minutes from Male despite its pristine condition. Considering its ease of access, the resort does well to create such a whimsical castaway vibe. Gili has a “no shoes, no news” policy, and even features several Robinson Crusoe residences reachable only by boat.
Meanwhile, there’s plenty to do on the island. Sunrise yoga, the Meera Spa, and Chocolate Cave are a few highlights. Scuba diving, island hopping, and water sports can also be arranged. While personalized butler service from Mr. Friday ensures no needs go unmet. Above all, Gili Lankenfushi provides an unparalleled escape, making it one of the best 5-Star resorts in the Maldives
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One&Only Reethi Rah
One&Only Reethi Rah is a glamorous 5-star resort in the Maldives. Located in the North Male Atoll, it’s a 45-minute speedboat from Male or a 75-minute yacht ride. Once here, guests can enjoy a stay at one of the best-known luxury resorts in the world. Though many new resorts have come and gone since One&Only first opened its doors, it remains a standard of excellence in the Maldives.
To begin with, all rooms are thoughtfully appointed, with both beach and water villas offering stunning ocean views. Guests can explore one of the 12 private beaches, or relax at the One&Only Spa. Personal training or tennis are also options.
Meanwhile, KidsOnly offers parents some much-needed privacy, and One Tribe provides a place for teens to connect. Several international restaurants cater to all tastes and in-villa dining is on call 24/7. All in all, One&Only is a classic 5-Star resort in the Maldives that can’t be missed.
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Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
The Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa sits on a coral island just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Male. It’s one of the only Maldives resorts featuring surfing as well as great diving and snorkeling. The resort comes with everything you’d expect from a Four Seasons property, spacious and elegant suites, excellent service, and endless amenities.
Beach villas feature tropical blooms or beach access, while water villas offer dazzling lagoon views. All rooms come standard with a pool with an open-air shower. Of course, there are multi-bedroom bungalows on and off the water as well.
Besides the usual amenities, a spa, fitness center, diving, etc., Kuda Huraa stands out for its Marine Discovery center with a turtle rearing program, and one-of-a-kind Surf safaris. Not only does the resort offer surf courses from beginner to advanced, but it also provides sea-plane surf safaris to those on a mission to surf the best waves in the Maldives. Its annual surfing competition is easily the most luxurious surfing event in the world. On the whole, The Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is a great choice for a 5-Star resort in the Maldives
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OBLU SELECT Sangeli
OBLU SELECT Sangeli is a very highly reviewed property in the North Male Atoll. The 50-minute speedboat transfer from Male is included, but a chartered seaplane flight is available upon request. This 5-Star Maldives resort is a premium all-inclusive.
Guests can enjoy complimentary international alcoholic beverages from their mini-bars, as well as one included excursion per stay. Two fine-dining experiences are provided, as well as meals at several cafes and restaurants. To be sure, an adults-only restaurant and an exclusive sundowner bar provide for romantic evenings at Sangeli.
Additionally, an over-water fitness center, spa, wellness complex, and a myriad of excursions offer countless pursuits. In view of the above, it’s easy to see why OBLU SELECT at Sangeli is one of the most highly reviewed 5-Star resorts in the Maldives.
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Six Senses Laamu
The Six Senses Laamu is a sublime eco-conscious resort on Olhuveli Island, a 40-minute seaplane journey from Male. It’s another Maldives resort that does very well with the castaway aesthetic. And despite its barefoot luxury vibes, it delivers all the class and comfort of the louder luxury resorts in the Maldives.
The Six Senses’ basic room type (a Lagoon Water Villa) features several cheeky glass floor features, including a glass aquarium dining area. Meanwhile, the beach suites offer private pools and direct ocean access.
As for amenities, the Six Senses offers both great surfing as well as an in-house marine biology team conducting programs with local NGOs. Spa treatments, a yoga pavilion, fitness center, and diving are all on hand, as well as several restaurants to choose from. In any event, the Six Senses Lamu is a 5-Star Maldives Resort that easily earns its number 1 rank on Tripadvisor.
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VARU By Atmosphere
Despite being in the middle of this list, VARU provides some of the best value as far as 5-Star resorts in the Maldives go. To begin with, the resort runs on an all-inclusive basis that provides free transfers. Most Maldives hotel transfers start at around $200/person, so it’s a handy saving.
After a 40-minute speedboat ride from Male, guests arriving at VARU enjoy a stay inclusive of unlimited alcohol, an included spa treatment, and two snorkeling excursions per day. What’s more, the resort features a fitness center, tennis, water sports, and a Kids club. And despite its all-inclusive basis, the service at VARU is impeccable to say the least. With this in mind, it’s my top value pick for a luxury 5-Star resort in the Maldives.
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Emerald Maldives
Emerald Maldives is yet another all-inclusive 5-star Maldives resort that’s incredibly well-rated. Guests love Emerald, and for good reason. This secluded resort is a 40-minute seaplane journey from Male, or a 30-minute domestic flight followed by a 30-minute speedboat transfer. Once at the resort, guests enjoy a tranquil escape from reality.
The rooms here are incredibly spacious, each with a marble bath and oversized soaking tub. The basic room type includes a pool, open-air shower, outdoor terrace, and direct beach access. What’s more, Emerald also presents a palatial three-bedroom beach villa among the largest in the Maldives. Coupled with a diverse range of amenities and dining options for the entire family, Emerald is one of the best luxury 5-star resorts in the Maldives.
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Constance Halaveli
Constance Halaveli is one of the most popular 5-star resorts in the Maldives and a short 25-minute seaplane journey from Male. Markedly, the standard room at this luxury resort is an overwater villa with pool. Of course, beach villas are also available, and feature lush tropical gardens and a private pool. Whatever room type you choose, you can expect privacy, impeccable service, and detailed touches throughout.
And while many guests may never want to leave the lavish comforts of their villas, the island does provide all the must-have Maldives amenities. Halaveli features a full-service spa, fitness center, watersports, tennis, and a Kids Club. Together with four restaurants and a superb breakfast buffet, it offers all the luxuries befitting a 5-Star resort in the Maldives. To that end, it’s an excellent choice for a decadent escape to the Maldives.
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Baros Maldives
Baros Maldives has made a name for itself as one of the best 5-Star resorts in the Maldives. Located in the North Male Atoll, it’s only 25 minutes from Male by speedboat. And while it has many accolades, my favorite is that it was the first EcoDive center in the Maldives to be certified by Reef Check. As a matter of fact, it was one of the original dive resorts in the Maldives and continues to provide unparalleled diving experiences for its guests.
Besides being a great dive resort, Baros also offers amazing amenities. Most of its villas feature private plunge pools or spas, and its overwater suites are built with expansive outdoor terraces. Additionally, a spa, fitness center, water sports, and yoga provide plenty of variety in paradise. With this in mind, Baros continues to be a top pick for luxury travelers to the Maldives.
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Dusit Thani
Dusit Thani is a luxurious offering in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Baa Atoll. It’s reachable via a scenic 35-minute seaplane flight over the various atolls of the archipelago. Additionally, one can opt for a 25-minute domestic flight followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride.
The villas at Dusit Thani are undeniably chic, featuring modern Thai-inspired decor. Rooms also offer an outdoor rainshower and oversized soaking tub. Furthermore, the amenities are on par with the best in the Maldives. For instance, the resident Devarana Spa hangs suspended from trees, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for lucky guests.
The resort also offers complimentary yoga classes, a fitness center, snorkeling, tennis, and bicycles for each guest. Additionally, a library, Kids Club, and photography studio round up the amenities nicely, while several restaurants provide a variety of dining options. All in all, Dusit Thani is one of the best 5-Star resorts in the Maldives.
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Hurawalhi Island Resort
Hurawalhi Island Resort tops many lists as one of the Maldives’ best 5-star resorts. It’s located in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male. Here, guests will find amazing marine life interactions, as well as sustainable practices well worth the effort. To start with, 30% of the resort’s energy needs are met by solar power. Additionally, they’ve built a water desalination plant on the island to reduce plastic water bottle waste.
Meanwhile, marine encounters are never far. Guests often enjoy dolphin sightings with breakfast, and a manta ray breeding ground is only 150m from the beach. Hurawalhi also boasts the largest underwater restaurant in the world, 5.8 Undersea, for amazing undersea viewing while you dine. Moreover, the resort favors a simple elegance along with its barefoot luxury approach, making it one of the best 5-Star resorts in the Maldives.
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Veligandu Island Resort & Spa
Veligandu Island Resort is a great affordable 5-Star resort in the Maldives. Located in the Ari Atoll, it’s a quick 20-minute seaplane journey from Male. The island boasts white sandy beach around its entire shoreline and an aquamarine lagoon. Most of its bungalows feature a jacuzzi and sweeping ocean views.
Despite its affordable nature, Veligandu offers a wide variety of amenities. In detail, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, spa, and two restaurants. What’s more, guests rate the dining at Veligandu to be exceptional, and its overall reviews are some of the highest in the Maldives. Until now, it’s been a favorite for discerning travelers seeking the best the Maldives has to offer.
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Paradise Island Resort & Spa
Paradise Island Resort is one of the most booked luxury resorts in the Maldives and has amassed thousands of 5-star reviews. Located a short 20-minute speedboat ride from the Male, guests can enjoy a quick transfer to one of the most affordable 5-star resorts in the Indian Ocean. Once at the resort, guests have an option of suites with private pools. There are active pursuits like a fitness center and tennis courts, as well as diving and snorkeling.
Additionally, guests can choose from 5 restaurants catering to all dietary needs and restrictions. Several 24-hour dining options add to the list. Above all, Paradise Island Resort & Spa offers no-frills luxury and is one of the most affordable 5-Star resorts in the Maldives.
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Velassaru Maldives
Velassaru Maldives is the most affordable 5-Star resort in the Maldives to make the list. It’s incredibly well-reviewed, and a quick 25-minute speedboat transfer from Male. The island is idyllic with expansive beachfront overlooking the main pool. Furthermore, the resort offers well-decorated rooms including beachfront and overwater villas, all offering sweeping ocean views and L’Occitane products.
At the resort, guests can enjoy an overwater pavilion with spa treatments, a moder fitness center, and tennis courts, as well as an infinity pool. Watersports and activities are easily arranged, as is private dining. Besides in-villa and private dining, guests can choose from 5 restaurants and 2 bars for dining and entertainment. Considering all it has to offer, Velassaru is one of the best-value luxury resorts in the Maldives.
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That’s it for my guide to the best 5-Star resorts in the Maldives! I hope you found an island that fits your taste, but if you didn’t, try one of my other Maldives Hotel Guides. Best of luck on your travels, and enjoy those Maldivian sunsets for me!