Best Boutique Hotels in the Maldives

Experience the Original Maldives in barefoot eco-luxury at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Nestled within the beautiful North Malé Atoll, this lush tropical haven is conveniently reachable in just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. The resort features 48 newly refurbished all-pool villas, blending timeless Maldivian heritage with sustainable design and adorned with distinctive local arts and crafts. Guests are welcomed with a serene barefoot ritual, grounding them in the island’s tranquil spirit. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru embodies its ethos of embracing the environment and empowering people through its expanded Marine Lab, a symbol of over 20 years of ocean stewardship. Guests can participate in inspired conservation efforts, including coral restoration and biodiversity programs, and enjoy mesmerizing underwater experiences such as guided snorkeling tours, marine life safaris, Kahan’bu catamaran cruise and visits to the 26-year-old Rannamaari shipwreck, a vibrant habitat for marine creatures, and more. Embark on an enchanting culinary journey at three exceptional dining venues: Sangu Garden for Maldivian grills, the signature Thai restaurant Saffron, and the award-winning Madi Hiyaa offering authentic Japanese Yakitori. With the new Dine-Around concept and the exclusive Twin-Island experience at its sister property Dhawa Ihuru, this inviting sanctuary offers unrivaled moments. Recognized as the 'Most Sustainable Resort' at the TTM Awards, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru also features the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, renowned for its holistic and rejuvenating wellness rituals.

- "Excellent" - "Perfect facilities and staff! The size of the island is amazing, you can walk around it in about 10 minutes! Which also" - "Paradise, Romantic, relaxing and great snorkelling" - "Simply amazing" - "Memories i will not forget" - "Paradise in the earth" - "Paradise on Earth" - "Superb experience :)" - "Assolutamente da visitare!" - "Serene, relaxing and intimate." - "Worth value" - "Definitely going back there again!"

Huvafen Fushi Maldives is a resort located in the North Malé Atoll in the Maldives. It features overwater and beach bungalows with private pools, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and four restaurants. Each bungalow has its own private plunge pool and a sundeck. Each unit also includes bath amenities, large flat-screen satellite TV, Bluetooth speaker, and butler service. The attached bathrooms include a rain shower and a separate bathtub. The resort has four dining venues and sunset deck for evening cocktails. Guests can swim in the resort’s infinity pool, go to the overwater gym, and practice yoga at the overwater yoga pavilion. The house reef is 82 feet away - and is rated among the best in the North Male Atoll with dramatic coral walls and with rich marine life. In the 40-minute radius around the resort, one can spot more than 15 snorkeling and diving spots with the resort's 5-star PADI diving trainers. Guests can also enjoy deep-sea fishing, complimentary non-motorized watersports. Huvafen Fushi Maldives is a 30-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport.

- "The hospitality can not descripe it." - "we came for our honeymoon and will definitely will come back the most amazing amazing by place and staff" - "1000000% ralxation and peace" - "Fantastic gateway, very exclusive with great service" - "Super fun stay" - "Magical in every sense of the word" - "Just what we needed after a busy week in India. Would recommend this resort." - "One of the best in all of the Maldives!"

COMO Cocoa Island offers luxurious accommodations on the private shores of Kaafu Island in South Male Atoll. It provides indulgent spa treatments, 2 private diving reefs and an infinity pool. Inspired by the Dhoni (a local fishing boat), the elegant air-conditioned suites and villas boast beautiful views of the crystal ocean. Each is equipped with a flat-screen TV and feature large bathrooms with bathtubs. COMO Cocoa Island features Ayurvedic treatment programs, a gym and yoga classes. For quiet afternoon indoors, there is a library and free Wi-Fi. Ufaa Restaurant offers all-day dining, with its healthy South Indian menu prepared using fresh seafood and organic vegetables. Barbecue buffets are available on selected days. Cocoa Island is about 19 mi, or a 40-minute speedboat ride, from Male International Airport.

- "a perfect escape for several days!" - "Paradise" - "Amazing, perfect place to rest and ressource ," - "Just perfect!" - "Calming, relaxed" - "Cocoa island is Paradise" - "Great value" - "A truly excellently managed property"

Every Naladhu Private Island experience is one to treasure. Every space is yours to own. Take residence in one of the classic houses inspired by colonial elegance or a majestic Two Bedroom Pool Residence overlooking the Indian Ocean. A short 35-minute luxury speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport brings you to the secluded island where a personal butler will be awaiting your arrival and ready to tailor-create your holiday escape. Blessed with beautiful white sand on one side, and the lullaby of rolling Indian Ocean waves on the other. Naladhu Private Island Maldives is the realization of the perfect holiday dream. Elegantly designed with an emphasis on recreation, world-class diving, fishing, surfing, indulgence and utter relaxation, this exquisite retreat features tennis courts, indoor-outdoor dining and a freshwater pool. The island offers a unique holiday home-like feeling, underpinned by a utopia of seclusion that is created by private and tailored services. Each house comes with a private pool and is hidden away in pristinely kept vegetation, entwined with sandy paths that seem to wind endlessly, along with your imagination and dreams. Overlooking the lagoon, The Living Room is an elegant beachfront dining scene. The glass-walled wine cellar takes center stage, stocked with some of the most esteemed vintages from both the Old and New Worlds. Guests also have the option to take 2-3 minutes pontoon ride to sister properties Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu for endless dining possibilities including the award-winning SEA.FIRE.SALT. restaurant or theatrical teppanyaki dining at Origami. Celebrate a special occasion with a private alfresco Intimate Dining. Guests also have the option to take a short pontoon ride to sister properties Anantara Veli and Anantara Dhigu for endless dining possibilities including the award-winning SEA.FIRE.SALT. restaurant or theatrical teppanyaki dining at Origami. Celebrate a special occasion with a private alfresco Intimate Dining. For a la carte Spa luxury coupled with wellness, Naladhu invites you to embark on a spa journey in the privacy of your villa or at the Anantara Spas on our nearby sister islands, with a choice of over water treatments at Anantara Dhigu and holistic therapies at Anantara Veli.

- "Wow" - "Private getaway in a location like a paradise with top service and luxury." - "Most exotic and relaxing and most importantly the privacy is so well done" - "If Heaven exists, it must be like Naladhu Island."

Located in North Ari Atoll, in the Maldives, Kandolhu Maldives features 5 restaurants and free Wi-Fi. All rooms are air conditioned and offer wonderful ocean views. Your spacious villa at Kandolhu Maldives features a flat-screen TV and a Bluetooth speaker. Your private bathroom offers a shower, bathtub and hairdryer. At Kandolhu Maldives you will find a 24-hour front desk. There is also a laundry service and a small boutique selling toiletries, postcards and souvenirs. Kandolhu Maldives offers special benefits to honeymooners which include a 30 minute massage, 3 course candle light dinner with sparkling wine, fruit basket and floral bed decoration on arrival. Measuring just 656 feet by 492 feet, the island features wide sandy beaches. The ocean has a colorful reef which is ideal for snorkeling. This resort is 43 mi from Male Airport and can be reached by a 20 minute seaplane ride followed by 15 minutes on a speedboat.

- "Amazing week in paradise" - "Perfect stay with many great memories:)" - "Enchanting scenery, wonderful staff, and a truly magical stay!" - "an awesome experience overall !!" - "Everything was beyond my expectations" - "A Paradise of Personalized Hospitality – A Truly Unforgettable Experience"

Perched over the Indian Ocean, Gili Lankanfushi offers closeness to sun and sea with its luxurious accommodations. Aside from free Wi-Fi, it also has an ocean-view outdoor pool and relaxing spa. Located on the private island of Lankanfushi in Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is a 20-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport. Featuring private sun decks and a water garden, each eco-friendly residence is equipped with a cable/satellite TV, DVD player and BOSE surround-sound system. An espresso machine and mini-bar are also included. With glass-paneled floors, the elegant spa provides traditional Ayurvedic treatments and yoga programs. Other recreational activities include tennis, island day trips and scuba diving. Enjoy premium wine and gourmet chocolate at The Wine Cellar and Underground Chocolate Cave. By the Sea Restaurant serves fusion and Japanese cuisine. The Main Restaurant and Bar offers international buffet spreads.

- "Paradise, an amazing resort, in beautiful surroundings and deeply relaxing" - "All I can say is amazing..Probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to ,there is no topping the place the bar is" - "Best honeymoon ever!!" - "A True Paradise..." - "Exceptional staff and service!" - "Perfect paradise" - "Highly recommended and would love to return one day!!!" - "Beyond expectations" - "Average and disappointed"

Located on the island of Medhufaru in a 3.5 mi lagoon in the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani features both overwater and island villas. Each water villa opens to its very own stretch of lagoon and is complete with a private pool and a retractable roof to stargaze from the master bedroom. Some of the villas have slides from the top floor directly into the lagoon below. All villas are equipped with a spacious master bedroom with an adjoining kids sleeping area. All villas have an open-air bathroom with bathtub, shower and lagoon access. They also have a walk-in mini-bar with espresso machine and private wine cellar selection. An outdoor deck and seating area with sun loungers and direct access to the lagoon are also available. The main facilities of Soneva Jani are located at The Gathering, which is a three-story structure that hosts the main dining outlets as well as an Observatory, a Spa, gift-shop and a water sports and dove center. There is also an overwater silent cinema, a tennis court, a labyrinth gardens, and a Children's Den on the main island. Soneva Jani offers a number of dining options and cuisines, as well as the complimentary cheese room, chocolate room and ice-cream room for all guests. The property is a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport and 1-hour by speedboat from Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani's sister resort.

- "defiantly going back again"

Nestled on the pristine island of Thelu Veliga, located in the South Ari Atoll, approximately 56 mi southwest of the capital, Malé, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat features of its own magnificent house reef. The property is a 35-minute seaplane ride away from Malé International Airport. The villas are tastefully designed to evoke the authentic, unspoiled charm of the Maldives. All are equipped with a mini-bar and tea/coffee maker and the private bathrooms include a hairdryer and toiletries derived from organic teas. Some villas have private access to the beach, while some are poised over the island’s turquoise lagoon. Guests can pamper themselves at the Intimate Spa by THEMAE or partake in activities such as snorkeling, diving, wind surfing and kayaking; where all can be arranged at an additional cost. In addition, the resort offers a menu of bespoke romantic experiences and excursions which may be arranged upon request. The property has Chinese speaking staff. Dining highlights include the restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, including local seafood with continental and Asian flavors. Other dining options, such as in-villa, on-the-beach private dinners and seafood BBQs, may also be arranged for guests upon request. Guests can also enjoy refreshing beverages and light dishes at the sunset-facing bar and lounge. Complimentary WiFi is available for guests in rooms and public areas of the property.

- "We loved it here." - "Perfect little island to relax and enjoy good food" - "Perfect romantic getaway to relax" - "An Unforgettable Stay in Paradise!" - "Absolute bliss from start to finish ❤️" - "Perfect little island, great food and staff were lovely…would definitely go back!" - "Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat - Pure Paradise🏝️" - "A good place for solo traveller relax" - "Definitely an island to come back to in the future."

Nestled in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Baa Atoll, The Nautilus Maldives offers an ultra-luxury private island experience surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, sandy beaches and the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay, a haven for manta rays and whale sharks. With just 26 ultra-luxe boho-chic houses and residences, this exclusive hideaway provides direct beach or lagoon access, ensuring ultimate privacy and seclusion. Each spacious sanctuary is designed with an organic, bohemian flair and features ultra-luxury amenities, including personalized butler service. For added convenience, each of the houses and residences is equipped with modern comforts. Guests at The Nautilus can unwind with bespoke wellness journeys and holistic treatments at the overwater Solasta Spa or join yoga, meditation, and fitness sessions. The private island also offers an extensive range of free-spirited experiences, including both motorized and non-motorized water sports, all of which can be arranged anytime, as per the guest's preference. The Nautilus features three gourmet restaurants and two lounge bars, embracing the concept of unscripted dining. Here, world-class chefs craft personalized culinary and mixology delights, allowing guests to veer off the menu and enjoy anything, anywhere, at any time—without the constraints of opening or closing times. The Nautilus is easily accessible via a scenic 30-minute seaplane journey from Male’ International Airport or guests can enjoy a private luxury yacht transfer which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from the airport.

- "the Mautilus was the best .. they was so kind and helpful they made my stay more than happy, I enjoyed every moment in t" - "Wonderful island and great customer service" - "There will always be something to nitpick but things were about as perfect as possible."