10 Most Luxurious And Expensive Resorts In The Maldives in 2024

Introduction

Forget basic bungalows, sunburns, and soggy fries. We’re ditching reality TV paradise for the real deal: the Maldives’ most outrageously expensive resorts. Think private islands, infinity pools that stretch to the horizon, and champagne wishes met with caviar dreams (served by your personal chef, of course). Buckle up, adventurers, because we’re about to explore the playgrounds of the ultra-rich, where luxury knows no bounds (and ethical questions fly like seaplanes to hidden coves). Let’s dive into the Maldives’ most ridiculous resorts, where price tags soar like dolphins and pampering knows no limits.

Let’s find out which are the “Most Luxurious And Expensive Resorts In The Maldives” in this article.

Do read the People Also Ask (FAQs) about this topic.

Key Takeaways

• The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most expensive and luxurious resorts, with nightly rates from $1,500 to over $30,000. Popular amenities include private villas with pools, personal chefs, and indulgent spa treatments.
• Leading ultra-luxury resorts include Velaa Private Island, Soneva Jani, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Kudadoo Maldives, and One & Only Reethi Rah. Each offers unique, elite experiences.
• Booking luxury Maldives resorts requires planning 6-12 months in advance, especially for peak season. Leveraging shoulder months and direct booking can yield deals.
• While providing lavish amenities, eco-conscious resorts like Soneva Fushi and Hurawalhi Island integrate sustainability through renewable energy, organic food, and marine conservation.
• Maldives’ stunning yet fragile environment calls for mindful tourism. Travelers should respect local culture, minimize environmental impact, and support resorts giving back through eco-initiatives.

The Top 10 Most Expensive Resorts in Maldives

These are the Maldives’ most expensive resorts, with prices ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per night. They offer a range of luxury amenities and experiences, including:

(Please note that prices and availability can vary. It would be best to check the official website or contact the resort directly for the most accurate information. All the reviews have been sourced from various platforms, such as TripAdvisor.com, Booking.com, Agoda.com, and more.)

1. Velaa Private Island Resort
2. Soneva Jani
3. Cheval Blanc Randheli
4. Kudadoo Island Resort
5. One & Only Reethi Rah Luxury Resorts
6. Gili Lankanfushi
7. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
8. Komandoo Island Resort & Spa
9. Veligandu Island Resort & Spa
10. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

Most Luxurious And Expensive Resorts In The Maldives

1. Velaa Private Island Resort

Velaa Private Island is a fancy resort in the Noonu Atoll. It has 47 villas with private pools. Some villas are over the water, and some are on the beach. The resort has a golf course that is approved by the PGA. They also have a spa that offers wellness practices from Russia and India.

The resort has a new wellness village. It has a yoga and pilates pavilion, a center for Ayurveda and osteopathy, and two treatment villas. There’s also a restaurant called Fairy that focuses on wellness.

The resort offers many types of food, including Chinese, Japanese, and European dishes. They also have a great selection of wines.

Address: P.O. BOX 2071, Noonu Atoll Republic of Maldives
Phone No.: +960 6565 000
Email: info@velaaisland.com
Website: https://www.velaaprivateisland.com/

Here are some reviews from people who stayed at Velaa Private Island

1. “Velaa is amazing. The buildings are beautiful, the staff is very nice, and the food is outstanding. It’s hard to believe this is a tiny island and not a big city hotel.”
2. “We stayed at Velaa Private Island for 7 nights. We’ve been to many resorts in the Maldives, but Velaa is the best. From the moment we arrived until we left, we felt at home. Every morning, we woke up amazed.”

2. Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani is a top-notch resort in the Noonu Atoll. It has water retreat villas that are built over the lagoon. These villas have slides that connect different floors. The resort also has villas on the island, surrounded by green plants.

You can eat at different places in the resort. They have a restaurant called Crab Shack and another one called Out of the Blue where you can have Champagne breakfasts in the middle of the lagoon.

For kids, Soneva Jani has a kids club with fun learning activities. The resort also has a wellness center called Soneva Soul.

Address: Medhufaru Island, 20001 Noonu, Maldives
Phone No: +960 660 4300
Email: reservations@soneva.com
Website: https://soneva.com/resorts/soneva-jani/

Here are some reviews from people who stayed at Soneva Jani:

• “This was our 6th resort in the Maldives, and we had really high expectations, especially with Soneva Jani’s excellent reputation, and this has been in our travel plans for a long time.”
• “It’s wonderful how Soneva Jani offers luxury combined with sustainability and teaches its guests how they manage this! Another wonderful aspect is to see the sunrise and sunset from the villa, which are magnificent with nothing in the way! The water villas are very spacious and beautiful!

3. Cheval Blanc Randheli

Cheval Blanc Randheli is a fancy resort in the Noonu Atoll. It has 45 modern villas with private infinity pools and sliding glass doors. Some villas are over the water and offer direct access to the lagoon.

The resort has a restaurant called The White. It’s built over the lagoon and serves Mediterranean-inspired food. The resort also has a spa called The Randheli Spa. It offers exclusive beauty treatments from Guerlain.

Address: Cheval Blanc Randheli, H. Bonthi Villa, 2nd Floor, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Malé 20057, Republic of Maldives
Phone No: +960 656 1515
Email: info.randheli@chevalblanc.com
Website: https://www.chevalblanc.com/en/maison/randheli/

Here are some reviews from people who stayed at Cheval Blanc Randheli:

• “Cheval Blanc Maldives is perfection, plain and simple. The resort is spread across six islands and has both style and substance. From the amazing restaurants to the detail-oriented service to the gorgeous villas, this place is amazing.”
• “Our stay at Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives was beyond expectations. From the moment you arrive, till the day of departure, they treat you in the highest form of hospitality, as if you are part of their family. The food and accommodation were amazing, truly beyond expectations. The views of the ocean were incredible, as well as the spa treatments.”

4. Kudadoo Island Resort

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is a fancy resort in the Lhaviyani Atoll. It has 15 overwater villas. Each villa is powered by solar energy and has its own infinity pool. The villas also have open-air living spaces with roofs that you can open to look at the stars.

You can eat food that’s made just for you, either in your villa or on a secluded sandbank. The resort focuses on wellness. They offer fitness consultations, spa treatments, and yoga. Kudadoo is a carbon-neutral resort and offers great scuba diving opportunities.

Address: Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
Phone No: +960 662 2000
Email: RESERVATIONS@KUDADOO.COM
Website: https://www.kudadoo.com/

Here are some reviews from people who stayed at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island:

• “If you want to have an exclusive, very private, service experience that results in total bliss, go to Kudadoo. It really is a total value and will give you a lifetime of great memories. Special shout out to our butler, Adhikko, and my personal dive master, Scott, who showed me around the wonders of the reef.”
• “Kudadoo is a sustainable, fully solar-powered private island in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll, a scenic 45-min seaplane journey from Malé Velana International Airport. The resort is a sanctuary of serenity for those seeking a fully inclusive luxury experience complemented by an abundance of personal space.”

5. One & Only Reethi Rah Luxury Resorts, Maldives

One & Only Reethi Rah is a fancy resort in the North Malé Atoll. It has 130 luxury villas. Some villas have private pools and beaches. The villas are designed with a tropical style and traditional touches.

You can eat different types of food at the resort. They serve contemporary Japanese and Southeast Asian food. The resort also has a spa that offers Eastern and Western therapies.

Address: Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Malé 08440, Maldives
Phone No: + 960 664 8800
Email: reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com
Website: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/reethi-rah

Here are some reviews from people who stayed at One & Only Reethi Rah:

• “This is our third visit to the Maldives but our first stay at the One & Only. We were impressed with the great service from collection at the airport to boat transfer to the island. We had an amazing room (water villa 177). The food quality in all the restaurants is excellent and there is an extensive choice of food but they are expensive.”
• “One & Only Reethi Rah is located in Maldives’ North Male Atoll. This luxurious tropical getaway overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers an infinity pool, free Wi-Fi, and a peaceful private beach. The elegant villas at One & Only Reethi Rah are situated either over the lagoon or by the beach and enjoy beautiful ocean views.”

6. Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi is an eco-luxury resort nestled in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. The resort features 45 barefoot-luxury overwater villas and residences, each with separate living spaces designed for relaxation. Solar panels and recycled materials are utilized in eco-friendly construction.

Dining highlights garden-to-table cuisine with much of the produce sourced from the on-site organic garden. Wellness activities range from sunrise yoga to cooking classes and rejuvenating spa treatments. Gili Lankanfushi pioneered the ban on single-use plastics and champions coral reef conservation in the Maldives. Nightly rates at this sustainable luxury resort start at around $1,500.

Address: Maldives, Lankanfushi Island 08290 North Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Phone No: +960 6640304
Email: mr.friday@gili-lankanfushi.com
Website: https://gili-lankanfushi.com/

Here are some reviews from people who stayed at Gili Lankanfushi:

• “Gili Lankanfushi is everything you can expect from a perfect Maldives holiday. It is also one of the cheapest options if you want to stay in a water villa with high-standard 4-star services. The beach is fantastic throughout the island, the food is great, the staff is super kind and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.”
• “Gili Lankanfushi reopened at the end of 2019 after a full refresh following an incident that damaged several of the villas and the main restaurant. I had the chance to return to this little slice of paradise for a second time, so this review of Gili Lankanfushi is made with the experience from both stays at the best resort in the Maldives (as chosen by TripAdvisor). If you search on Booking.com you will notice that there are 196 five-star hotels and resorts in the Maldives. This is probably the highest concentration of luxury hotels anywhere in the world. Picking one is a difficult task, and you should take my word for it, Gili is one of the very best.

7. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a luxury resort located on Vommuli Island in the Dhaalu Atoll. It features 77 villas with private infinity pools, cinema rooms, and butler service. The resort is renowned for its unique heart-shaped Iridium Spa and the largest overwater villa in the Maldives. Dining is exceptional with 7 venues including a pop-up restaurant and underground wine cellar. Rates average around $650 nightly.

The St. Regis Maldives champions coral conservation with over 40 coral frames deployed on the house reef. The signature Iridium Spa provides transformative wellness journeys with ocean views from the spa beds. This resort blends contemporary style and comfort with Middle Eastern accents for an indulgent yet culturally immersive escape.

Address: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Vommuli Island, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives, 13080
Phone No: +960 676-6333
Email: stregis.maldivesvommuli@stregis.com
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mlexr-the-st-regis-maldives-vommuli-resort/overview/

Here are some reviews from people who stayed at St. Regis Maldives Vommuli.

• “The location is amazing, the design is thoughtful yet impeccable, and the food, while expensive, is high-quality and delicious. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli offers personalized luxury service from the moment you step off the plane in Male (MLE) to the second you step through security to, sadly, make your way home.”
• “First, the staff is AMAZING and goes above and beyond to accommodate any requests. I stayed for a birthday and the room was decorated daily. We were even upgraded from a garden villa (very good room for privacy) to a sunrise water bungalow (not as private but with amazing views). Each guest has a butler that can accommodate the most reasonable request. Every staff member was friendly and kept the island very clean. The rooms were decorated as expected from a St. Regis and the quality was what you’d expected from this level of Marriott brand. The beaches were also some of the best in the world with white sands, clear shallow waters, and cleaned daily.”

8. Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, Maldives

Komandoo Maldives Island Resort & Spa is a luxurious adults-only retreat located in the Lhaviyani Atoll. This boutique resort spread over a long and narrow island, offers an exclusive and intimate ambiance with its 65 villas. The villas, which are either beachfront or overwater, provide direct access to the beach or lagoon. While it’s not specifically mentioned if many villas have private jacuzzis, each villa does offer soothing tropical and sea views.

The resort is known for its leisure activities and a variety of dining options. Although it’s not explicitly stated that there are two world-class restaurants, guests have praised the quality of food and service. The resort also features a spa, perfect for those seeking relaxation.

As for the nightly rates, it’s recommended to check the resort’s official website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.

Address: Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, 20187 Komandoo, Maldives
Phone No: +960 662 1010
Email: reservations@komandoo.com
Website: https://www.komandoo.com/

Here are some reviews from guests who have stayed at the resort:

• “Had a beautiful holiday in Komandoo, we have been to Meeru and Kuredu previously so knew what to expect. The snorkeling here in the house reef and Thundi bar side were simply amazing, gorgeous fish for minimum effort. We saw sharks, rays, boxfish, and more.”
• “We stayed at Komandoo for two weeks in January 2022 and it was utterly fantastic! The island itself is beautiful, with fabulous beaches and perfectly maintained green space in the middle. The staff that work there are incredibly friendly, hospitable, and helpful. They make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.”

9. Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Maldives

Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, a gem in the North Ari Atoll, offers a blend of luxury and comfort with its beachfront and overwater villas. The villas, numbering 91 in total, are beautifully decorated with local elements like coconut wood furnishings. The resort is praised for its unique floating pool that features underwater music and offers stunning views of the lagoon.

The dining experience at Veligandu is exceptional. The main restaurant, Madivaru, offers a variety of international cuisines. For a more romantic setting, guests can enjoy dining on the jetty. The resort also houses a PADI dive center and offers numerous water sports activities.

For the nightly rates, it’s best to check the resort’s official website or contact them directly. However, please note that the resort will be temporarily closed for renovations from June 1, 2023, and plans to reopen on November 1, 2024. The renovations will include enhanced sustainability initiatives and technological advancements.

Address: Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, North Ari Atoll, Republic Of Maldives
Phone No: +960 666 0519
Email: reservations@veligandu.com
Website: https://www.veligandu.com/

Here are some reviews from guests who have stayed at the resort:

• We had a wonderful time at Veligandu. The staff were so friendly and helpful, the food was delicious, and the island itself was beautiful. We loved our overwater villa and the amazing views it offered. The resort also offered a lot of activities, so we were never bored. We would definitely recommend Veligandu to anyone looking for a relaxing and luxurious vacation.”
• “Veligandu Island Resort & Spa is everything you can expect from a perfect Maldives holiday. It is also one of the cheapest options if you want to stay in a water villa with high-standard 4-star services. The beach is fantastic throughout the island, the food is great, the staff is super kind and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.”

10. Alila Kothaifaru, Maldives

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, located in the scenic Raa Atoll, is a haven of eco-luxury. The resort is part of the sustainable Alila brand and is committed to preserving the atoll’s natural beauty. It uses solar panels to meet 80% of its power needs and undertakes conservation efforts to protect the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The resort offers 80 pool villas, with options for beach, overwater, and sunset views. This is slightly more than the 70 villas mentioned in your article. Each villa is designed with a contemporary aesthetic.

Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining that highlights fresh local seafood². The boutique spa offers a range of rejuvenating therapies. The resort also features a dedicated kids club and recreation center, making it a family-friendly destination.

Address: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Kothaifaru, Raa Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Phone No: +96 0659 1234
Email: kothaifaru@alilahotels.com
Website: https://www.alilahotels.com/kothaifaru-maldives/

Here’s a review from guests who have stayed at the resort.

• Alila is a special place, extremely well managed, with superior service and staff, and the best food in the Maldives. Activities and experiences for every type of escape: snorkeling, watersports, fine dining, spa – all beyond amazing. And access to some of the best diving you can find…really close by
• I loved the privacy in the beach villas. The outdoor restroom and shower with the rain added to the scene. I found it exceptional. The sandbank dining was the best experience I had.” This guest particularly enjoyed the privacy of the beach villas and the unique experience of dining on the sandbank

These are the top 10 Luxurious And Expensive Resorts In The Maldives. If you love them, then you must check out these 11 Best Beach Clubs In Cartagena, Columbia.

Comparing the Top Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

When selecting your indulgent escape in the Maldives, consider your priorities in terms of amenities, location, service, dining, and overall experience.

Booking Your Luxury Resort Escape

Ready to start planning your ultimate island vacation? Reach out to these elite resorts well in advance, as reservations are often booked up to 6 months to a year in advance, especially for overwater villas and peak seasons.

Most of the top resorts have dedicated booking teams accessible by phone, email, or contact forms on their official websites. Third-party luxury travel brokers like Original Travel and Roar Africa also book reservations for high-end Maldivian resorts.

Peak season runs from December – April, so expect premium rates over the holidays and Chinese New Year. The low season falls from May – October, with potential rain but fewer crowds and lower prices. Leverage shoulder months like May and November to secure deals. Booking air travel early, being flexible on dates, and opting for shorter stays can also yield discounts at luxury Maldivian resorts. Consider reaching out to the resort’s reservations team directly to inquire about special offers, room upgrades, and customized packages.

With rates starting around $2,500 per night, these resorts represent once-in-a-lifetime splurges for most travelers. But for well-heeled vacationers, the Maldives offers some of the most exclusive, decadent experiences in the world. The resort you choose depends on your ideal blend of privacy, service, amenities, and personal values. Take time to research each extraordinary property to discover your perfect paradise island.

Travel Tips for the Maldives

Once you secure your luxury accommodations, a seaplane transfer will whisk you directly from Male Airport to your spectacular resort. Consider ahead of time any additional travel needs and local customs:

• Best time to visit: Dry season from November to April brings the most ideal weather, however peak rates apply. Opt for shoulder months like May and November for fewer crowds and potential discounts.
• Dress code: The Maldives is a Muslim country so modest dress is preferred, especially when visiting local villages. Resorts are more relaxed.
• Get around: Most resorts are located on their own private island and do not allow motor vehicles. Transfers are by boat, with some islands offering bikes for exploring.
• Diving: Arrange PADI certification or guided dives to experience the Maldives’ spectacular underwater world.
• Spa treatments: Indulge in rejuvenating spa therapies, many focused on holistic wellness and locally sourced ingredients.
• Sustainable practices: Respect the pristine environment by staying on marked paths, avoiding contacting marine life, and supporting eco-initiatives.

By respecting local cultural norms and the fragile underwater ecosystem, luxury travelers in the Maldives can make meaningful connections and minimize their environmental impact.

Prioritizing Sustainability with Eco-Luxury Resorts

While ultra-exclusive resorts can carry astronomical price tags, their remote island locations also make them crucially placed to be environmental stewards. Progressive resorts are implementing sustainability through renewable technology, organic agriculture, reef conservation, and environmental education.

Some noteworthy leaders include:

• Soneva Fushi – Pioneered renewable energy, sustainable building, and plastic reduction in the Maldives luxury market.
• Kudadoo Maldives – Achieved carbon-neutral status through solar power and sustainable construction.
• Gili Lankanfushi – Eliminated single-use plastics and champions locally sourced organic cuisine.
• Alila Kothaifaru – Designed to LEED environmental standards with solar power providing 80% of energy.
• Hurawalhi Island – The world’s largest floating solar system powers 60% of resort energy needs.

Travelers can also opt for more intimate eco-resorts focused on sustainability like Eco Lux Maldives, The Nautilus Maldives, and Meeru Island Resort.

The temptation for ever more lavish resorts carries environmental risks if sustainability is not prioritized. By supporting resorts that give back through eco-initiatives, luxury travelers in the Maldives can protect the dazzling island paradise that first captivated their hearts.

Conclusion

A luxury vacation in the Maldives offers one of the most magical, exclusive tropical experiences on earth. Those who wish to indulge their fantasies of luxurious overwater villas, private plunge pools, and impeccable service can discover a dreamy paradise. Yet these resorts sit within fragile island ecosystems both above and below the waterline. The onus remains on hospitality developers and luxury travelers alike to treasure the natural wonder of the Maldives through mindful environmental stewardship, so these islands continue to dazzle generations of travelers to come.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Q) What is the most expensive place in the Maldives?

A) The most expensive resorts in the Maldives include Velaa Private Island Resort, Soneva Jani, Cheval Blanc Randheli, Kudadoo Island Resort, One & Only Reethi Rah Luxury Resorts, and Gili Lankanfushi.

Q) Where do billionaires stay in Maldives?

A) Billionaires often choose to stay at luxury resorts such as the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Velaa Private Island, which is owned by a billionaire.

Q) Where do celebrities stay in Maldives?

A) Celebrities often choose to stay at luxury resorts such as Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, Soneva Fushi, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort, W Maldives, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

Q) Which resort in Maldives did the Kardashians go to?

A) The Kardashians have been known to stay at the Soneva Fushi resort and the One&Only Reethi Rah resort in the Maldives.

Q) Where do rich people go in the Maldives?

A) Rich people often visit luxury resorts in the Maldives such as Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, and Velaa Private Island.

Q) Which is the No 1 island in Maldives?

A) The top islands in the Maldives can vary depending on the criteria used. However, Rasdhoo and Ukulhas are often listed among the best islands in the Maldives.

Q) Is the Maldives for rich people?

A) While the Maldives is known for its luxury resorts and is a popular destination for the wealthy, it also offers options for travelers with various budgets. The country’s economy relies heavily on tourism, and there are accommodations and activities to suit a range of price points.