Sugar-white sands, sea breeze-tousled palms, and some of the bluest ocean you'll ever see, the Maldives definitely deserves its associations with paradise. The archipelago is made up of over 1,200 tropical islands, 200 of which are inhabited full-time and the rest being home to hotels and resorts. A groundswell of new, super-fly resorts have upped the luxury ante of the lowest country in the world, but the chilled-out island vibe remains.
Beaches
The best time of the year to visit the Maldives is between January and April, during the dry season. From April to October, during the archipelago's monsoon season, weather is often overcast and unpredictable.
At these opulent resorts from Crown & Champa, the dining is just as stunning as the scenery.
Beyond the overwater villas and sparkling lagoons, the friendly giants of the Maldives inhabit a paradise of their own.
These stylish watering holes at InterContinental resorts serve up drinks with a view.
InterContinental Maamunagau may have opened up the Maldives’ less-developed Raa Atoll to more visitors, but this sparkling new jewel makes protecting its pristine foundations the prime mission.
Sinking? More like sprouting. There are so many beautiful new reasons to visit the Maldives, it’s hard for us to keep track. Read on for a hit-list of some of the freshest resorts in this far-flung Indian Ocean paradise nation.
This is one resort that comes with its own art map. Each of the 73 villas and residences—ranging in size from one to four bedrooms—has its own infinity pool and butler service, but the real innovative features include artisanal amenities, curated in-villa libraries and handpicked art.
In the lesser-touristed Noonu Atoll, pristine and untouched is the name of the game.
“Secret water island” is the direct translation of the name of this all-villa resort.
Each of these earth-toned, natural-material villas comes with an ample 44-square-meter infinity pool set above the sea and massive outdoor decks to watch the world go by—above and below the waterline.
Some of the most loved international five-stars call Baa Atoll their home, and now joining them is a new Westin, designed by PEIA Associati, whose founder has been called the godfather of modern Italian architecture.
If proximity to Malé is key, this 120-villa resort is a great fit. Only 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport, the Grand Park checks all the boxes, dotted as it is with 65 private pool villas, a large infinity pool, three restaurants, a spa and a kids’ club.
When on a family vacation to the Maldives, would you expect anything else from a resort named after a favorite wine?
