The best luxury hotels in the Maldives for interior design and architecture lovers

If you’ve already explored Thailand, Croatia, and Mexico, maybe it’s time for a lush archipelago getaway? Famed for its immaculate waters and remote location, this South Asian destination is probably constantly popping up on your social media. But if you’re looking for the best-of-the-best, then follow our lead. Design lovers will be entranced by the very best luxury hotels in the Maldives, where chic interiors and boundary-pushing architecture meet complete vacation mode.

Discover the best luxury hotels in the Maldives for design lovers

Best luxury hotels in the Maldives at a glance

Best all-rounder hotel in the Maldives: Soneva Fushi
Most romantic hotel in the Maldives: Naladhu Private Island Maldives
Best for wellness hotel in the Maldives: JOALI Being
Best hotel for families in the Maldives: Patina Maldives

1. Nautilus Maldives | Baa Atoll

Hotel: The Nautilus Maldives
Address: Thimarafushi, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 26 private houses (beach and ocean houses)
Brand: The Nautilus Hotels & Resorts
Year opened: 2018
Style: Ultra-luxury barefoot bohemian retreat combining exceptional privacy, personalised service and a “stay without schedules” philosophy. Each house has a private pool, a dedicated House Master and highly flexible dining experiences
Family amenities: Two- and three-bedroom residences, family-friendly activities, watersports, marine adventures and private experiences suitable for multigenerational stays
Wellness facilities: Solasta Spa, yoga, meditation, wellness treatments and ocean-inspired therapies
Best for: Couples seeking extreme privacy, honeymooners, celebrities, and luxury travellers wanting a highly personalised Maldives experience
Prices starting from: US$3,000+ per night, depending on room and season.

The Nautilus remains one of the best luxury hotels in the Maldives, if not the world, floating on a private island in UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll. The hotel wows from the word go, with private immigration, customs, and transfers, where guests are then whisked to their overwater villa on a luxury yacht. Nautilus’ interiors and architecture have a thousand well-thought-out layers: circles and spirals are seen throughout the spacious, airy property to mimic the shape of the eponymous shell. Light wood floors, thatched roofs, and traditional furnishings scream tropical paradise in the 26 villas, all of which have private pools, direct access to the house reef, glass floors for watching the marine life in their natural habitat, and private butlers.

We love that the focus at Nautilus isn’t what you can do in the hotel itself, but what you can do in this spectacular location. Cruise on a private yacht, watch a film on the beach, head out deep-sea fishing, to a deserted island, or go diving with their in-house dive centre.

That being said, Solasta Spa offers an endless array of massages and treatments, which you can enjoy before dinner at one of four restaurants. Thai, Mediterranean, South American, and even Ayurvedic cuisine are covered using the freshest ingredients, prepared by expert chefs and with never-ending ocean views.

Learn more about Nautilus Maldives or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

2. Soneva Fushi | Baa Atoll

Hotel: Soneva Fushi
Address: Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: Around 60+ private villas and residences (including some of the Maldives’ largest private residences)
Brand: Soneva
Year opened: 1995, with regular upgrades
Style: Pioneering sustainable barefoot luxury resort set within a lush jungle island in the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Known for “no news, no shoes” luxury, nature immersion and exceptional privacy
Family amenities: The Den kids’ club, family villas, children’s activities, nature experiences, cycling, watersports and family dining options
Wellness facilities: Soneva Soul wellness centre offering holistic treatments, Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, sleep programmes and advanced therapies
Best for: Families, eco-conscious luxury travellers, repeat Maldives visitors and guests seeking a legendary private-island experience.
Prices starting from: US$3,000+ per night, depending on room and season.

The Soneva brand is synonymous with luxury, and their Maldives resort also lies in the Baa Atoll. They’ve captured their location through interiors that use light and natural wood, which make up most of the villas, and plenty of glass, plus furnishings in pretty teals and turquoises reminiscent of the water outside. The stunning beachside villas are all made from natural, sustainable materials and come with open-air bathrooms and private butlers.

There’s no main hotel pool, so opt for a pool villa to have a private one. Soneva Fushi has almost too many amenities and activities to count; stargazing, yoga, diving, dolphin cruises, glass-blowing, and the Six Senses Spa are just a few. This is all while remaining eco-friendly; your dinner will come from their vegetable garden, electrics are solar-powered, and the sculptures and furniture are all recycled or locally made. The hotel has an insane eleven dining options, which range from overwater Asian-fusion and plant-based Maldivian to the world’s first zipline restaurant.

Discover more about Soneva Fushi or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda 

3. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives | North Malé Atoll

Hotel: Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Address: The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 142 villas and residences (beachfront and overwater categories, ranging from 78–290 sqm)
Brand: Centara Hotels & Resorts
Year opened: 2025 
Style: A contemporary luxury island resort blending Thai hospitality with Maldivian island living
Family amenities: Designed with multigenerational travel in mind, the resort offers large family villas and residences, connecting accommodation options, a kids’ club, E-Zone, babysitting on request and access to the water attractions and facilities at neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
Wellness facilities: Spa Cenvaree offers a range of Thai-inspired treatments, relaxation therapies and wellness experiences, alongside a fitness centre, swimming pools, yoga and wellbeing activities
Best for: Families, couples seeking a modern Maldives escape, first-time visitors wanting a balance of luxury and activities, and travellers looking for a high-quality resort within easy reach of Malé. The resort is approximately a short speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport
Prices starting from: US$800+ per night, depending on room and season.

One of the newest hotels on the list, and one we’re just back from visiting, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is the over-water villa retreat you’ve been dreaming of. From the luxury spa to the numerous restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, this is the ideal Maldives escape for adults.

The hotel has plenty to keep you busy, including diving excursions, cooking classes, and parasailing, but it is equally a den of tranquil charm if your preference is to take it easy. The design is modern and feels luxurious but not stiff, and that made our stay feel really special. Best of all, it’s an easy speedboat ride away from Malé, meaning you’ll be relaxing in no time.

Read our full review of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives.

Discover more about Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

4. JA Manafaru | Haa Alifu Atoll

Hotel: JA Manafaru
Address: Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 84 beach and overwater villas and residences
Brand: JA Resorts & Hotels
Year opened: 2014, with regular upgrades
Style: Luxury private island resort with barefoot elegance and authentic Maldivian character
Family amenities: Family beach villas, children’s pool, kids’ activities, watersports, snorkelling, diving, tennis, marine experiences, babysitting (on request)
Wellness facilities: Calm Spa Sanctuary, hydrotherapy facilities, yoga pavilion, fitness centre, visiting international wellness practitioners, personalised holistic therapies
Best for: Honeymoons, luxury family holidays, wellness retreats, diving enthusiasts and couples seeking a secluded island escape
Prices starting from: Approximately US$700 (£520) per night, depending on season, villa category and meal plan.

JA Manafaru is one of the Maldives’ most exclusive luxury island resorts, offering an authentic castaway experience in the pristine Haa Alifu Atoll, the northernmost and least developed region of the archipelago. Home to just 84 spacious beach and overwater villas, the resort delivers exceptional privacy, personalised service and breathtaking natural surroundings. Guests can snorkel vibrant house reefs, dine across seven restaurants and bars, enjoy secluded beaches and discover the rich culture of the Maldives while staying on a natural island that feels wonderfully untouched. The generous villa sizes, many with private pools, make JA Manafaru equally suited to romantic escapes, family holidays and milestone celebrations.

What truly sets JA Manafaru apart is its holistic approach to wellbeing. The resort’s Calm Spa Sanctuary has evolved into one of the Maldives’ most distinctive wellness destinations, welcoming internationally renowned practitioners specialising in Ayurveda, Tibetan medicine, Reiki, osteopathy and therapeutic movement throughout the year. 

Find out more about JA Manafaru or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

5. RAAYA By Atmosphere

Hotel name: RAAYA By Atmosphere
Location: Raa Atoll, Maldives
Address: Kudakurathu Island, Raa Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Number of rooms and suites: 167 beach and overwater villas
Brand: Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (Atmosphere Core)
Date opened: 2024
Design style: Contemporary island luxury inspired by castaway adventure and Maldivian nature
Family amenities: Kids’ club, family villas, art zones
Wellness facilities: ELE|NA Ayur Spa, fitness centre, yoga pavilion and holistic wellness treatments
Prices from: Approximately £450 per night (all-inclusive), depending on season

For a fresh take on Maldivian luxury, RAAYA By Atmosphere brings a playful, castaway-inspired spirit to the private island experience. Set on Kudakurathu Island in Raa Atoll, this 2024 resort combines contemporary design with lush jungle, powder-soft beaches and an exceptionally beautiful lagoon, with 167 beach and overwater villas to choose from. 

The all-inclusive concept makes it particularly appealing for couples, with premium dining, watersports and activities included, while the resort’s four restaurants range from Middle Eastern fine dining at MIZĀJ to Pan-Asian favourites at Ampers&nd. Don’t miss the house reef, just a short boat ride away, or the ELE|NA Ayur Spa, where treatments take place amid the island’s tropical greenery. We especially love the overwater villas, where private decks, daybeds and direct access to that impossibly blue lagoon make it easy to spend an entire day doing absolutely nothing.

Read our full Maldives honeymoon guide at Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts

Find out more about RAAYA By Atmosphere or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda.

6. Joali Being | Raa Atoll

Hotel: Joali Being
Address: Bodufushi Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 68 villas with pools (33 beach villas and 35 water villas).
Brand: JOALI
Year opened: 2021
Style: The Maldives’ first dedicated wellbeing island, designed around nature, transformation and personalised wellness journeys
Family amenities: Family villas, private residences, nature activities, creative workshops and experiences designed for different generations
Wellness facilities: Extensive wellbeing offering including hydrotherapy, sound healing, movement therapies, naturopathy, Ayurveda-inspired treatments and KAASHI hydrotherapy hall
Best for: Wellness-focused travellers, couples seeking transformation, mindful luxury escapes
Prices starting from: US$2,000+ per night, depending on room and season.

Known as ‘The First Wellbeing Island in the Maldives’, when you return from Joali Being, you’ll be so fantastically healthy, balanced, and relaxed that you’ll feel like a new person. The hotel was designed by Autoban studio around the theme of biophilia (being in or around nature), meaning everything blends seamlessly into the surrounding ocean and jungle. The villas are either overwater or on the beach, with private pools and personal butlers, and while the design is pared back, touches of green throughout, such as in the shower and on the ceilings, once again blend with the island.

Grab your complimentary bicycle and dive straight into wellness: sound therapy, herbology, cryotherapy, and sensory deprivation chambers are offered alongside programmes to reset everything from your digestion to your mental health. There are also nutrition classes, therapy sessions, and all of the underwater or on-the-water adventures you desire. A whole range of eateries call Joali home, all of which focus solely on nutritious, farm-to-table cooking. Our favourite is Flow, which has three sections and three menus: the signature B Well, the blue-themed, pescatarian SU, and vegetarian Plantae.

Learn more about Joali Being or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

7. LUX* South Ari Atoll | South Ari Atoll

Hotel: LUX* South Ari Atoll
Address: Dhidhoofinolhu Island, South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 181 villas
Brand: LUX* Resorts & Hotels
Year opened: 2009 (reimagined following renovations)
Style: A lively, contemporary luxury resort combining Maldivian island beauty with extensive activities, dining choices and a relaxed atmosphere
Family amenities: Kids’ club, teen activities, family villas, watersports, marine excursions and children’s programmes
Wellness facilities: LUX* Me Spa, yoga, fitness centre, wellness treatments and holistic programmes
Best for: Families, active travellers, first-time Maldives visitors and guests wanting variety
Prices starting from: US$600+ per night, depending on room and season.

With a name like LUX*, you already know this is the place for luxury. LUX* South Ari Atoll’s Indian Ocean location is surrounded by sapphire-blue ocean, home to more than fifty dive sites teeming with dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish. The hotel is kitted out in almost all white, save for the ashy wood floors, and villas have fringed palm roofs, high vaulted ceilings, and free-standing tubs perched right in front of the water. Overwater villas also enjoy a spacious deck, glass floor, and the classically Instagrammable overwater netted bed, but only the Romantic Villas come with a private pool.

Packed into this remote stretch of sand are also two main infinity pools, a sandbank, an outdoor cinema, and eight restaurants and bars. On the activities front, the hotel doesn’t have a house reef, but they do offer free snorkelling trips to the nearest one; plus, you can opt for SUP yoga, a jet ski safari or swimming with whale sharks. Close out each day with a massage or treatment at LUX* ME Spa’s pavilions before figuring out what to eat. The restaurants span the world, from Japan to Italy, and bars come in all shapes and sizes, from overwater to beachfront, or even poolside.

Find out more about LUX* South Ari Atoll or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

8. Patina Maldives | Fari Islands, North Male Atoll

Hotel: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
Address: Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 110 villas and studios
Brand: Capella Hotel Group
Year opened: 2021
Style: Contemporary luxury resort blending minimalist design, art, sustainability and a more social island experience than traditional Maldives resorts
Family amenities: Kids’ club, family villas, creative activities, marine exploration and extensive sports facilities
Wellness facilities: Flow wellness centre, holistic treatments, fitness, yoga, meditation and personalised wellbeing programmes
Best for: Design lovers, younger luxury travellers, families and guests wanting a stylish modern Maldives resort
Prices starting from: US$1,500+ per night, depending on room and season.

Located in the Fari Islands, Patina was designed by Studio MK27 and although it looks almost industrial in design, a closer inspection reveals natural furnishings, sustainable materials and gorgeous earthy tones throughout. From solar panels on every villa and recycled materials to no-waste or single-use plastic policies, sustainability is big at Patina. There are 90 private pool villas at the hotel; the overwater ones are an iconic square shape with an inside-outside living concept, spacious deck, private garden and outdoor bathtub, and for the kids, you can also request a PlayStation or Xbox.

Flow is the hotel’s spa, which will meet all your holistic, nutritional, and fitness needs, but save time for the plethora of other activities, like cooking classes, wine tasting, private superyacht cruises, and water sports. Patina always has family in mind, with kids’ cooking courses and a STEM programme where kids can build their own model F1 car, also available. While the kids are in class, enjoy a moment of peace with a meal at one of Patina’s many (12 to be exact) restaurants, which cover Japanese, Nordic, South American, and Aegean cuisine.

Discover more about Patina Maldives or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

9. The Standard, Maldives | Raa Atoll

Hotel: The Standard, Maldives
Address: Huruvalhi Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 115 villas
Brand: The Standard Hotels
Year opened: 2019
Style: A playful, design-led island resort combining wellness, nightlife, contemporary interiors and a youthful atmosphere.
Family amenities: Family villas, kids’ activities, snorkelling, watersports and island adventures
Wellness facilities: The Standard Spa, traditional hammam, yoga, fitness centre and wellness rituals
Best for: Couples, groups of friends, younger luxury travellers and guests seeking a fun Maldives experience
Prices starting from: US$800+ per night, depending on room and season.

The Standard’s memorable, bold design translates surprisingly well into this Raa Atoll paradise, which has a barefoot policy and 360-degree views of the surrounding turquoise water. There are over-water villas, but that’s about the only similarity to other Maldivian resorts – bold colours, jungle patterns, modern furniture, and quirky lighting, like disco balls in the bathrooms, give this resort an off-grid, fun vibe that encourages guests to let their hair down.

There’s a poolside DJ, CBD spa treatments, and an ocean assault course – this isn’t your standard hotel, no pun intended. The beautiful villas, which are on the beach or overwater at the house reef, come with private decks, a plunge pool, a rain shower, and an open-air bathroom. Activities are naturally abundant: snorkelling, fishing and diving pair with private boat charters, desert island cruises and manta-ray swimming experiences. There are six restaurants and bars, with smoothies and breakfast at Joos Cafe, and BBQ Shak being favourites.

Learn more about The Standard, Maldives or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

10. Naladhu | South Male Atoll

Hotel: Naladhu Private Island Maldives
Address: Veliganduhuraa Island, South Malé Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 20 private houses
Brand: Minor Hotels
Year opened: 2007
Style: Intimate colonial-inspired private island retreat focused on privacy, exceptional service and personalised experiences
Family amenities: Private houses suitable for families, personalised activities, watersports and access to neighbouring resort facilities
Wellness facilities: Private spa treatments, yoga, wellness experiences and personalised wellbeing programmes
Best for: Couples, honeymooners and travellers seeking a small, exclusive island hideaway
Prices starting from: US$1,500+ per night, depnding on room and season.

Naladhu is a Maldivian resort where you don’t even need to think about something before it magically happens. Luxury yacht transfers, a 24/7 private butler, and a restaurant serving everything (more on this later) mean you can truly switch off. With only 20 villas, privacy is key, and no expense was spared on the build. All rooms are elegantly designed with contrasting white and dark furniture and wood, large private pools, free-standing tubs, private cabanas, outdoor showers, and complimentary champagne – the list goes on.

Naladhu’s spa has a classic menu, plus expert-led wellness, nutrition, and fitness programmes. The hotel’s water sports centre is also packed with toys, whether paragliding, surfing, sailing, or SUP is your bag, and you can even snorkel with whale sharks, dolphins, or turtles. Back on land, cooking classes, yoga, and the gym are also tempting; you’ll need the latter after visiting the restaurant. Known as The Living Room, Naladhu’s restaurant simply serves everything. There’s no menu, so if you want pancakes for breakfast, Indian for lunch, and Mexican as a midnight snack, that’s exactly what you’ll get. They serve every type of cuisine, but if that’s too much choice, there are six more restaurants beyond the lagoon.

Find out more about Naladhu or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia

11. Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives | Noonu Atoll

Hotel: Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives
Address: Randheli Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 46 private villas.
Brand: Cheval Blanc (LVMH Hospitality)
Year opened: 2013
Style: Ultra-luxury French island retreat combining contemporary architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, private pools and highly personalised service
Family amenities: Dedicated children’s activities, carousel, watersports, tennis, family villas and private experiences
Wellness facilities: Dedicated spa island with Guerlain treatments, fitness facilities, yoga and tailored wellness journeys
Best for: Luxury connoisseurs, honeymooners, families seeking the highest level of service and design-led travellers
Prices starting from: US$3,000+ per night, depending on room and season.

Cheval Blanc’s stunning Maldives property in the Noonu Atoll was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy in an ultra-contemporary, elegant style that shouldn’t go with relaxed island life but somehow works perfectly. Outside, swaying palm trees, crystal water, and bright white sand contrast the hotel’s interiors, featuring lavish chandeliers, modern art and contemporary furniture. Choose from a beach garden, island, or over-water villa, which all come with big private pools, a pergola, free-standing bathtubs, floating hammocks, and a personal telescope.

There’s also your personal butler, who will do everything from booking excursions to delivering your meals. Speaking of excursions, you can go wildlife spotting on a cruise, rent out any number of futuristic water sports equipment, or sail across the water to visit the Maldives’ only Guerlain spa. Five restaurants and three bars make up the culinary options, most of which are exceptionally healthy and include Italian, Maldivian, and Japanese. There’s also ‘Carte Blanche’, where guests can create their own dining experience, whether it be a midnight feast or dinner on a private island.

Learn more about Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives or Book through Agoda

12. COMO Cocoa Island | South Male Atoll

Hotel: COMO Cocoa Island
Address: Makunufushi Island, South Malé Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 33 overwater villas inspired by traditional Maldivian dhoni boats
Brand: COMO Hotels and Resorts
Year opened: 2002 (renovated 2019)
Style: Understated, elegant and wellness-focused boutique resort known for tranquillity, exceptional food and intimate service
Family amenities: Two-bedroom villas, family-friendly activities, snorkelling, diving and private excursions
Wellness facilities: COMO Shambhala Retreat offering yoga, Pilates, Ayurveda-inspired treatments, nutrition and holistic wellness
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, wellness travellers and guests wanting a peaceful boutique Maldives escape
Prices starting from: US$1,500+ per night, depending on room and season.

Arguably one of the COMO brand’s best luxury resorts, designed by COMO Founder Christina Ong and architect Cheong Yew Kuan, Cocoa Island is just 40 minutes from Male, yet it feels like another planet. The spaced-out villas are simplistically beautiful, with modern white furniture, dark wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows allowing you to fully appreciate the impossibly blue ocean outside. Each multi-room villa has a private pool, overwater terrace and an outdoor shower with steps going into the water.

Surrounded by two house reefs and sandbars, there’s plenty to fill your days – go on a whale-shark expedition, dive the reef, try yoga, meditation and every imaginable water sport, or help regenerate the reef through coral propagation. Shambhala Retreat is the cherry on top, offering everything from hydrotherapy and reflexology to wraps, massages, and even multi-day wellness immersions. Luckily, the choice is taken away at mealtimes with just one restaurant, Ufaa, serving delicious breakfasts, plus a healthy Mediterranean and Indian menu throughout the day.

Find out more about COMO Cocoa Island or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

13. Velaa Private Island | Noonu Atoll

Hotel: Velaa Private Island
Address: Noonu Atoll, Maldives
Number of rooms: 43 private villas and residences
Brand: Independent luxury resort
Year opened: 2013
Style: Ultra-exclusive private island combining European sophistication with Maldivian nature, created as a highly personalised luxury sanctuary
Family amenities: Family residences, kids’ activities, tennis, watersports, marine adventures and dedicated family experiences
Wellness facilities: My Blend by Clarins Spa, fitness centre, yoga, meditation and personalised wellness treatments
Best for: Ultra-luxury travellers, families seeking privacy and guests wanting a true private-island experience
Prices starting from: US$2,500+ per night, depending on room and season.

If you thought a private island resort simply meant luxury, prepare to be blown away by Velaa, an incredible resort north of Male, which guests reach via private plane. From the sky, the house reef bursting with colourful marine life and the jungle-covered island itself looks impressive, but wait until you get inside. The hotel is shaped like a turtle, and its interiors combine classic dark wood and rattan with ultra-sleek furniture, mood lighting, and bold artwork. The 47 villas, about half of which are overwater, have private infinity pools, al-fresco bathrooms with Clarins toiletries, and a terrace, and you can even choose whether you want a villa facing the sunrise or sunset.

If you’re at a loss for what to do or simply too distracted by the view, just ask your private butler. Flyboarding, surfboarding (every kind of boarding), diving, big game fishing, dolphin watching, and Technogym sessions are all available, as is futuristic one-on-one tuition at the Velaa Golf Academy with PGA professionals. There are three restaurants run by some of the world’s best chefs; fine-dining Aragu, Japanese teppanyaki and vintage wines at Tavaru, and light Maldivian food at Avi Pool Bar.

Discover more about Velaa Private Island or Book through Agoda

Frequently asked questions: luxury hotels in the Maldives