Dreaming of a picture perfect island vacation?
Maldives hotels are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in the world. Think isolated private islands, seemingly illusory over-water villas, and sparkling pristine lagoons.
Velaa Private Island
Ever wondered what you'd do if you were rich enough to afford your own island? Velaa Private Island is the 'beyond luxury' boutique hideaway owned and created by a
Czech billionaire. Word has it that he invested $220 million to realize his dream.
The name Velaa comes from the sea turtles that inhabit the island, and they feature prominently in the hotel's contemporary design.
Privacy and comfort are the focus at Velaa Private Island. You'll find it hard to choose between the beachfront and over-water accommodations, as they're both sumptuous and subtlety classy in muted colors. All come with butlers, and alluring outdoor spaces with alfresco dining areas, bathrooms, day beds, and private swimming pools. However, those above the water also have glass viewing panels in the floors of their living rooms, and face either the sunrise or the sunset. For the ultimate honeymoon, look no further than the exclusive one-bedroom Romantic Pool Residence. It's only accessible by boat.
Rooms: 47 villas, houses, and residences, 18 of which are over-water. The largest has four bedrooms, spread over two levels on a private stretch of beach.
Rates: Expect to pay around $2,750 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes breakfast and taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $1,800 USD upwards per night during the low season.
Facilities: Spa, yoga, golf course, tennis court, dive center, fleet of marine vessels (including a submarine and luxury yacht), kid's club, swimming pool, boutiques, library, three restaurants, two bars (including one by the poolside with DJ), and the largest wine and champagne collection in the
Maldives.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
You'd expect a hotel owned by luxury fashion group Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy to be spectacular, and Cheval Blanc Randheli certainly doesn't disappoint. It was conceptualized by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, who's widely known for his decadent hotel designs.
Cheval Blanc Randheli is sleek, stylish and glamorous -- and it has what are possibly the best villas in the Maldives. They're modern, with natural materials and textures effortlessly blended in. Can't decide if you'd prefer an island or water villa? The Garden Water Villas are built on stilts over the lagoon and open to a lush private garden in the back, so you get the best of both.
Art is a feature at the hotel, with many pieces that have been especially commissioned by Vincent Beaurin. Don't expect to see the flashy showcasing of Louis Vuitton logos and labels though. The hotel goes beyond that!
Rooms: 46 villas, all with private swimming pools. The four bedroom Owner's Villa is situated on its own private island.
Rates: Expect to pay around $3,500 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes breakfast and taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $2,300 USD upwards per night during the low season.
Facilities: Spa, yoga, dive center, kids club and teens club, Turkish hammam, swimming pool, boutique stocking exclusive products, five restaurants, thee bars, wine and cigar cellars. Bespoke experiences and activities are offered.
Soneva Jani
When intimacy is essential, head Soneva Jani. Opened in late 2016, this new hotel has only 25 villas, making it one of the smallest in the
Maldives. It's low on density and big on privacy.
Like its predecessor Soneva Fushi, the hotel was designed by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders. The highlight of some of the villas are undoubtedly its retractable roofs in the master bedroom, so you can stargaze in bed at the touch of a button. Some of the water villas also feature slides from the top deck directly into the sea.
Medhufaru Island used to be a farming island, and guests can follow walking trails through the organic gardens that supply the hotel's kitchen.
Rooms: 25 villas (24 water villas and one island villa). Each has its own saltwater pool.
Rates: Expect to pay around $3,200 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $2,000 USD upwards per night during the low season.
Facilities: Spa, yoga, dive center, dolphin cruises, tennis court, kids club, observatory with high powered telescope, outdoor cinema, library, boutique, swimming pool, several restaurants, wine cellar.
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Not only can you stay over the water at the new St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, you can dine and drink over the water as well, for the ultimate sea experience. The hotel's tapas Whale Bar juts out into the ocean and is the perfect sunset spot!
If that's not enough, the hotel also has a massive signature over-water Iridium Spa. Focused on wellness, it comes with an Ayurvedic specialist, acupuncturist, hydrotherapy pool, private steam rooms, and spa cuisine.
This stunning new luxury
Maldives hotel opened in late 2016, on a leafy 22 acre private island, and it's certainly been set up to facilitate relaxation and rejuvenation.
Rooms: 77 villas, all with their own pools.
Rates: Expect to pay around $2,500 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes breakfast and taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $1,300 USD upwards per night during the low season.
Facilities: Spa, dive center, water sports center, tennis court, fitness center, kids club, recreation area, four restaurants plus a pop-up dining experience, two bars, swimming pool, library, underground wine cellar.
Six Senses Laamu
The Six Senses Laamu resort has perfected the art of eco chic, with a Robinson Crusoe castaway feel. The rustic yet hip villas and their furniture have been made from timber grown in sustainable forests. Cushions in vibrantly colored fabric add a modern twist. Highlights in the Water Villas include glass sunken bathtubs and glass-bottomed dining areas.
Much of the resort is situated over the water as well, including lobby, restaurants and bars, wine cellar, dive center, library, and gift shop. The spa, on the island, is just as striking. Its cocoon shaped treatment rooms are made from twigs and branches twined together!
What's more, Six Senses Laamu is the only luxury resort in Laamu Atoll, where dolphins swim. Outstanding surfing is also to be had there, with the world-class Yin Yang surf break nearby.
Rooms: 72 over-water villas, 25 beach villas. Some have private pools.
Rates: Expect to pay around $2,100 USD upwards per night, during peak season. This includes breakfast and taxes/service charges. Rates drop to around $800 USD upwards per night during the low season.
Facilities: Extensive spa with Ayurvedic therapies, dive center, water sports center, kids club, six restaurants and bars, swimming pool.
Source: Internet
