The Maldives already has a portfolio of amazing resorts, pegging it as one of the top destinations in the world for that perfect, idyllic holiday. This is why it’s often named as one of the top destinations in the world, and publications like The Telegraph have listed it – or its Kihavah Huravalhi – as one of the most idyllic islands on earth! In fact, there are over 100 island resorts in the Maldives, with a few more that can now be added to that list. These four new chic Maldives resorts stand out among the rest, offering the ultimate in barefoot luxury.
The Nautilus; Thiladhoo, Baa Atoll
You can’t get more exclusive then this, with The Nautilus only having 26 private houses, each of which has its very own living room, private pool, and ocean views. This tiny private island is owned by Maldivian entrepreneur Dr. I.U. Maniku who created the resort to express what he personally thought was the utmost of luxury. It’s a place that oozes laid-back bohemianism, where families can play and couples can honeymoon. Each house is completely secluded to ensure absolute privacy for relaxation, bliss, and fun, while at the same time making guests feel completely at home.
Photo credit: The Nautilus
The accommodations at The Nautilus are all houses that are either sitting right on the beach or on the edge of the ocean. Beach houses are lined along the powdery sandy beach, with glass doors facing it and opening up completely to let the breeze in. The house also opens up to a large deck and private pool that faces the water, but is sheltered by the beautiful gardens. Ocean houses sit above the turquoise water and boast a large deck with a private infinity pool. There are three separate circular buildings that are attached by doorways; with the bedroom being housed in the center, with the glass-floored living room, and bathroom on either side. Regardless of which house you choose, you can expect a dedicated butler, personalized wine fridge, and packing and unpacking service.
Photo credit: The Nautilus
The extravagance continues throughout the rest of the island resort, what with its incredible cuisine, Solasta Spa, and fantastic excursions. Food is served 24-hours a day both in its houses and at its beachfront Thyme restaurant. The infusion inspired Zeytoun is the resort’s signature eatery, sitting right above the lagoon and offering incredible indigenous cuisines with a twist. The spa is just as inviting, set in three glass-bottomed, over-water pavilions. Be in total bliss while getting a massage or other spa treatment, which can be finished off with a yoga or meditation class.
Everything about The Nautilus was designed with luxury in mind, down to the very finest details. From the minute you reach Malé Airport you will begin to feel like a movie star. Click here for the latest deals at The Nautilus.
Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives; Kuredhivaru, Noonu Atoll
Nestled in the Noonu Atoll on the remote island of Kuredhivaru, this is the first Mӧvenpick brand resort in the Maldives, and it’s definitely impressive. The Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives is a place for relaxing and rejuvenating, with its entire design being based on the resort’s natural surroundings. The previously uninhabited island was the perfect choice for the brand to showcase themselves in this remote part of the world, and create a truly magnificent resort will all of the trimmings. It’s contemporary mixed with comfort, privacy, and luxury, without being too over-the-top. The Mӧvenpick brand made sure that the resort was luxurious, but without taking away from the natural beauty that the Maldives is famous for.
Photo credit: Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives
Since November of 2018 the resort has opened its door to guests from all over the world that are looking for a pristine sanctuary that will awaken all of the senses. From its powdery white sand beach to its fabulous cuisine, the Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives surely does tick all the boxes. Imagine walking up to the sound, sight, and smell of the stunning sea each and every morning; having that first morning coffee while enjoying the magnificent views. This is possible in all of the resort’s 120 villas, with 33 being set right along the beach, and 72 being right over the water. Plus, they all feature an outdoor lounge area complete with a private plunge pool. If you’re travelling with the family, stay in the exceptional 3-bedroom Beach Spa Pool Residence and enjoy the large outdoor area, 6-seated dining room table, and relaxing patio.
Photo credit: Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives
This resort is a great choice for families, what with its Little Birds Club, children’s meals, and in-villa amenities that include kids’ TV channels, child-proof electric plugs, and night lights. This doesn’t mean that honeymooners can’t have a relaxing time here. They most definitely can thanks to the fantastic Sun Spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and daily sunrise and sunset yoga classes. The there are the restaurants, which help make the Mӧvenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives stand out among the rest. This should be expected, as the Mӧvenpick brand did start off in the restaurant business, and has since grown to be what it is today. There are three places to enjoy a fabulous meal, or head to the coffee and wine lounge right on the beach. Take your dining experience one step further by having a tailor-made experience under the stars, at the villa, or in almost any setting that you desire. To see more photos or book a villa, click here.
Joali Maldives; Muravandhu, Raa Atoll
The brainchild of Turkish businesswoman Esin Güral Argat,the design of Joali Maldives takes a fresh and different approach, mixing elements from all over the globe into one fantastic resort. This includes bamboo-slatted headboards, heron-and-palm-leaf printed kimonos, and bathrooms of Verde Lapponia marble from Norway. Then there is the jetty that is sure to wow any guest the moment that they arrive. Its structure is Zaha Hadid-inspired, with one side looking like a manta ray, while the other appears to be two fish kissing. That as well as its stunning surroundings make Joali a resort well worth travelling to. This is due to the fact that Argat made sure that everything about the resort was perfect, right down to the cuisine. She brought together Australian chef Ashley Goddard (formerly of Soneva Fushi) and French pastry chef Stephan Prost to create superb menus at the resort’s four restaurants, all of which use organic fruit and herbs from an onsite garden.
Photo credit: Joali Maldives
The magic is carried on throughout the elegant villas that sit either on the beach or right over the water, and can sleep anywhere from two to four people. The villas were designed with a laid-back feeling, as was the rest of the resort, which is in tune with the very definition of Joali, which means hammock in Dhivehi. Each piece of furniture was designed to ensure that every guest feels comfortable and at home without losing the feeling of extravagance. There is a personal butler to tend to every need, whether it be booking a massage at the spa or arranging to have breakfast in the villa while dangling your feet over the water. Come to Joali as a family or a group and have the pleasure of staying in one of the residences, two of which have two private pools! Two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences are available, and are all amazing and large enough that everyone will feel like they have adequate space and privacy.
Photo credit: Joali Maldives
Even kids will enjoy staying here thanks to its treasure hunts, native storytelling days, and kid’s spa. Still, the spa itself is an extraordinary space, what with its grey and white marble Hamman, floating yoga pavilion, and overwater treatment rooms. It matches the rest of the beautiful resort right down to all of the finest details, including the leisure activities, like yachting, water skiing, diving, and snorkeling. Or head to the Manta Ray Tree House and view the stunning green and blue marine colors from above. Finish a day off by sipping on one of 50 different sakes at the Japanese restaurant Saoke, having a sunset cocktail at the beachfront Mura Bar, or enjoying a glass of wine from the cellar at Vandhoo. Click here to make a reservation at Joali Maldives.
Kudadoo Maldives; Kudadoo, Lhaviyani Atoll
This all-inclusive luxury resort is not only exceptional, but also exclusive. Kudadoo Maldives is set on a private island, and was designed to be a personal dream from every luxury traveler out there. This is exactly what it is, what with its 15 private overwater residences, 24-hour butler service, exceptional fine dining, and yoga and meditation guru. If that’s not enough, it’s also eco-friendly, having 984 solar panels that ensure that the entire properly is completely solar-powered. Plus, the island’s surrounding reef is one of the most undiscovered in all of the Maldives. It’s for these reasons and more that made experts at Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) name it as is the best new luxury hotel in the world for 2018.
Photo credit: Kudadoo Maldives
No children under the age of 15 can stay at the fashionable resort, making it truly a place of peace and serenity. This is especially true in each of the private residences, which boast some of the largest sundecks in the archipelago. They were all designed using eco-conscious materials that were sourced from all over the globe, keeping with the theme of the property. Relax in complete privacy in your one- or two-bedroom villa, taking a dip in your private plunge pool, looking out at the sea, or dining in your sunken dining room. They are each spacious and luxurious, as well as being functional, which is exactly to be expected in something that was designed by famous architect Yuji Yamasaki. Everything has a Zen-like feel to it without taking away from the natural surroundings. They feature glass floors, a stunning Japanese styled bathroom, and sliding doors that open up to allow for the breeze to come in. On top of that, each residence comes with its own private butler that will meet your every need to ensure that your stay here is seamless.
Photo credit: Kudadoo Maldives
Kudadoo Maldives prides itself on its luxury all-inclusive experience with its anything, anytime, anyplace moto. Nothing is too much to ask for, no matter what time of the day it is. This means that if you’re hungry in the middle of the night your personal butler will be sure that your craving is satisfied, be it in your residence, on the beach, or in the onsite Retreat. Better yet, head to the 5.8 Underwater Restaurant at sister resort Hurawalhi Maldives, which is, you guessed it, 5.8 meters below sea level. The resort will also arrange for a picnic on the beach or a candlelit dinner under the stars. Don’t forget to ask Ilyas the sommelier which of the resort’s impeccable wines pairs best with your meal, or to book yourself time in the Lonu Cave. This is the only Himalayan salt chamber in the entire Maldives, and can be found in the Sulha Spa. The spa is suspended over the water, with its menu having some of the best treatments from around the world. You can also arrange for a private yoga or meditation class anytime and anywhere that you’d like. There really is no denying that the world is your oyster at Kudadoo Maldives. This all-inclusive resort is not economical, but you can find the latest deals here.
