Luxury Maldives Tours made for you

A 45-minute seaplane ride north of Malé takes you to this boutique resort on the gorgeous Noonu Atoll, where privacy and exclusivity are at the heart of its flawless design. Private white-sand beaches, a year-round outdoor pool, golf academy, superior spa, tennis courts and incredible snorkelling sites nearby put Velaa’s facilities amongst the best in the islands. Each villa has been thoughtfully put together to create a sensory experience, from the soft aqua colours, wood panelling, teak furniture, bamboo light fixtures and rattan swimming chairs, making it at one with the picturesque surroundings. With a private pool, extensive terrace, outdoor baths and shaded gardens, luxury has gone into every detail. Despite the resort’s remote location, there is a range of high-end restaurants from unpretentious, authentic European fare to a dazzling Teppanyaki restaurant sat atop a three-storey high wine ‘cellar’.

One for design-savvy travellers, the resort was conceptualised by the go-to-guy for extravagant hotels, Jean-Michel Gathy, who has now brought detailed perfection to the Maldives. Every element of the resort oozes chic style, from the sand-disc artwork to the palm-fringed slate-lined pool and marbled bar. The 45 villas, each with its own private infinity pool, overwater deck, private beach and exquisite bathroom, have drawn celebrities and royalty including Prince William. Travel 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé to reach this eye-pleasing oasis. Guests can pamper themselves with spa treatments, an onsite hair salon and impeccable service with each villa assigned its own butler and concierge. Other than the obvious water sports options including snorkelling and diving at nearby reefs, the resort also has a tennis court, gym and a kids’ club.

As the only resort on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers exclusivity and unspoiled island living at its best. The 193 thatched-roof pavilions and water suspended villas seamlessly blend contemporary style with modern convenience. Each room has been designed with understated sophistication, with a private terrace, outdoor shower and sweeping views across the idyllic ocean. There are a variety of dining options at this laid-back retreat with restaurants on the sand, floating on the water or meals served privately in your villa. Guests can make the most of the luxurious facilities from the two swimming pools with poolside bars, to the tennis courts, fully equipped gym and the heavenly on-site spa. With a focus on entertainment, there are endless activities to take part in from snorkelling, diving, beach yoga, volleyball, hoover boarding, cycling and regular pop-up cinema screenings and musical performances.

Sprawled across its own island and with the Maldives’ only PADI National Geographic dive centre, 12 beaches and sleek private villas, this resort more than lives up to its name. Sail in by yacht to this sophisticated haven that features some of the world’s largest luxury villas, each with its own ultra-chic design. The suites are nestled in the tropical gardens, on the beachfront or resting on top of the Indian Ocean. Each has spectacular ocean views; sweeping balconies and some have a private outdoor pool. With your pick of the numerous beaches, two swimming pools, tennis courts, the Maldives’ first sun spa and climbing wall, and the indulgent One&Only spa with aromatherapy massages, there is more than enough to keep you entertained. Dining is a highlight of One&Only Reethi Rah. Savour delicious meals in the privacy of your own villa or feast on Asia and Mediterranean cuisine in al-fresco restaurants.

This lively barefoot resort sits on a secluded island just 25 minutes from Malé via seaplane. With house reefs to discover the thriving marine life and a sociable atmosphere in the evenings, there is no need to venture beyond its tantalising white sand shores. The wooden, bamboo and thatched roof bungalows unite a tranquil feel with modern-day amenities. The villas that sit on the wooden decking over the sea allow you to slip straight into the shallow lagoon for snorkelling. Beach villas are more simplistic with front terraces leading onto the sand. Dining here consist of the main sand-floored buffet restaurant, offering an extensive range of international dishes. Or there’s the à la carte beachfront grill just a few steps from the waters edge. As the sun sets, head to one of the bars for DJ-spun tunes. As well as some of the best diving and snorkelling available, leisure is more than catered for here too, with 15 exclusive spa villas including four water treatment villas.

Nestled within the lush foliage on Kunfunadhoo Island, within the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, is Soneva Fushi – a true island paradise. This island is reached by a 30-minute scenic flight from Mahe airport or a short speedboat ride from Dharavandhoo airport. This resort takes great pride in protecting its surrounding tropical environment, as well as several steps to maintain the conservation of the flora and fauna of the island, and funds beneficial foundations while implementing an array of sustainability practices. There are luxurious villas to suit every kind of traveller, from intimate one-bedroom properties with private pools to six-bedroom villas with their own spa and gym. The architecture of the resort is inspired by nature, and the thatched roofs, wooden beams, woven ropes and recycled planks ensure that the villas blend into the surroundings and accentuate the natural beauty of the island. When it comes to dining, guests at Soneva Fushi are spoiled for choice. Mihiree Maitha offers everything from flakey pastries at breakfast to wonderfully fresh sushi and grilled fish for lunch and dinner. Desserts are a speciality too, with home-made ice cream and sorbet made using fresh fruit from the island. For a truly unique dining experience, you can choose to dine at Sobah, a traditional Maldivian restaurant located on an uninhabited island 15 minutes away by speedboat. Of course, there are ample opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood on the beach or relax with a cocktail on a hammock suspended over the Indian Ocean. Rather than just ordering your favourite tipple at the bar, you can descend into the resort’s incredible wine cellar, a veritable Aladdin’s cave of rare champagnes, vintage cognac and organic wines. How you choose to spend your time is entirely up to you. Relax on the pristine white-sand beaches, snorkel or dive through crystal clear waters, hop between the islands by boat, relax at the spa or enjoy a cooking class where you’ll learn how to use the incredible array of fruits, fish and spices on your doorstep. Soneva Fushi also has an outdoor cinema and an observatory with a state-of-the-art telescope, which allows you to marvel at the star-studded night sky.