The Maldives islands are known for their turquoise waters and pure white sands. Spending a night in an over-water bungalow is on many a bucket list. There is plenty of luxury accommodation to choose from in the Maldives and the incredible resort islands are basically competing to see who can wow you the most. But which Maldives resort should you choose? Here is a breakdown of the style, highlights, accommodation and price of four amazing resorts in the Maldives.
Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi offers the ultimate barefoot luxury experience. The resorts island lives by a simple credo: no news, no shoes. Here, your only job is to relax and enjoy.
Style
Soneva Fushi is designed as a luxurious natural oasis perfect for rejuvenation. This means all natural materials have been used in the buildings and all 57 villas offer a mix of jungle and ocean views.
What makes it special
Ah, where to begin! Besides the beautifully designed villas (did you see that sunken lounge?!) the resort has a beachside Cinema Paradiso and a dedicated observatory for star gazing. The resort is located on the UNESCO protected Baa Atoll and the surrounding marine life is some of the most vibrant on the planet. The resort’s complimentary kids’ area known as The Den is an awe-inspiring playground which includes a pirate ship, two pools, cinema, library and more. The resort offers a whopping six restaurants plus destination dining across the island. Last but not least, Soneva Fushi is known for its home-made chocolate and ice cream!
Accommodation
Soneva Fushi has a total of 57 private villas with size ranging from one to nine bedrooms. Each villa is serviced by a Mr or Mrs Friday (that would be your butler). All villas have luxurious open-air bathrooms, Bose sound systems and espresso machines. Most of the villas also include a private swimming pool, steam room and wine cellar.
Price
From USD $1,040 per night for a one-bedroom villa
Amilla Fushi
If you’d have to describe Amilla Fushi in one word, the word would be c-la-s-s. From start to finish, this island paradise has been designed to deliver such a level of sophistication and yes, pure class, that it feels completely removed from the hum drum of time and space. Complimentary spa treatments, baby sitting, barbecue dinners… Which Maldives resort has it all and then some? Amilla Fushi, that’s who.
Style
The name of the resort translates as “My Island Home” and that is exactly what it feels like – if your idea of home is a spectacularly stylish and unbelievably luxurious private island. The villas are luxurious, but blend in with the natural scenery. The service is off-the-charts impeccable – we’re talking about wishes and whims being granted before you even think to vocalise them.
What makes it special
As our team discovered, a stay at Amilla Fushi is a holistic experience in pure unadulterated luxury. From being whisked off from the jetty in a Rolls Royce buggy to the beachfront swimming pools and dedicated butler service, this resort will truly make you feel like royalty. The Javvu Spa is one of the best we’ve ever visited and there’s incredible attention to detail throughout. Our island bicycles even had our names engraved on the license plates! A little name dropping is in order as well, as the Beckhams chose Amilla Fushi as the location of their New Year’s celebration.
Accommodation
Amilla Fushi’s private villas are out of this world. The spacious four to eight-bedroom villas are perfect for families and bigger parties. Each as a private pool and the inclusions are really tempting: butler service, baby sitting, massages, barbecue dinners… and more.
Price
From USD $3,422 per night for a four-bedroom villa
Finolhu
As soon as you arrive at this private resort island, it becomes clear that Finolhu is not your average Maldives resort. Inspired by the jet setting glamour of classic travel, Finolhu is the trendy twin of sister resort Amilla and offers a fabulous retro spin on resort life. Simply put: if you’re wondering which Maldives resort is the grooviest, Finolhu is the winner, hands down.
Style
Finolhu is retro glam and totally current all at the same time. The concept here is “Sleep & Chill” and the resort’s private villas are furnished with vintage record players and champagne phones. Guests can jaunt across the over-water walkways dressed in robes with “Rockstar” written across the back and enjoy spa treatments in beachfront “divans” inspired by divas of decades past.
What makes it special
One thing’s for sure: Finolhu can throw a party like no other. The resort’s “Graze & Groove” concept offers five dining outlets plus in-villa dining. The nightly entertainment ranges from fire dancers to acrobats and international artists and DJs make regular appearances. At the 2017 Beach Festival, Robin Thicke was the main act. Finolhu also has a uniquely designed spa concept and offers excursions and cruises on the UNESCO protected Baa Atoll.
Accommodation
Finolhu’s private villas range from two-bedroom beach pool villas to one-bedroom lagoon pool villas. The latter gives you the decadent choice between jumping into the ocean or enjoying the private pool of your over-water bungalow. All villas have Marshall sound systems, mini wine fridges and luxurious open-air bathrooms.
Price
From USD $950 per night for a one-bedroom villa
Soneva Jani
If you’re asking which Maldives resort is the most photogenic, Soneva Jani just might take the cake. This island paradise offers amazing over-water villas with water slides launching from the roof, whisking you straight into the paradise lagoon. And when it comes to facilities and services, the sister resort of Soneva Fushi does not pale in comparison.
Style
Soneva Jani excludes just the kind of beachside luxury you’d expect from the Maldives. The over-water villas are built from environmentally sustainable materials and guests have front row seats to the marine life of the UNESCO protected Baa Atoll.
What makes it special
In a word, that would be the ah-mazing overwater villas. Floating over the turquoise lagoons, these tropical abodes are just begging to be photographed. If the rooftop waterslides weren’t enough, the resort also has an open-air cinema and private observatory as well as boasting multiple dining outlets. That is of if you don’t wish to dine under the starry skies at the observatory.
Accommodation
We have two words for you: over-water villas. Soneva Jani offers Water Villas and Island Sanctuaries with up to four bedrooms, meaning guests get to choose between sleeping over the waves or reigning over a private beach estate. Most of the villas have private pools with water slides and a retractable roof which allows you to watch the stars while snuggled up in your bed.
Price
From USD $3,825 per night for a one-bedroom villa
Ready to book a holiday in paradise? Ministry of Villas offers luxury villas in the Maldives and beyond. Our service goes beyond what you see online – contact our villa specialists to find out more.
