Tatler Best Hotels: Maldives Properties Earn Spot in Asia’s Top 100

The Maldives has once again proven why it remains a top destination for those seeking unparalleled luxury and pristine beauty. In the prestigious Tatler Best Asia 100 Hotels 2024 awards, several Maldivian resorts have been featured for their extraordinary offerings in hospitality, wellness, and design. This year’s winners set a new standard for excellence in luxury. With each property earning a spot in the coveted list of 100 best hotels, offering guests a unique experience amidst the stunning landscape of the Indian Ocean.

Cheval Blanc Randheli

A Chic Island Paradise Where Natural Beauty Meets Branded Comforts

Cheval Blanc Randheli stands as a celebrated gem in the Maldives, capturing the essence of quiet luxury. Guests arrive by private seaplane and instantly immerse themselves in the breathtaking views of Noonu Atoll’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The resort’s interiors, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, blend sleek modern design with rustic charm,. Featuring natural materials such as rattan and thatched roofs. As Tatler notes, “Cheval Blanc Randheli is where understated interiors and Dior-scented villas meet the natural grandeur of the Maldives.”

JOALI Being

A Private Paradise Where the Environment is as Healing as the Treatments Themselves

JOALI Being takes wellness to new heights, serving as the first dedicated immersive wellness retreat in the Maldives. Located on the secluded Bodufushi Island, this resort embraces a holistic approach to well-being with its four pillars: mind, skin, microbiome, and energy. The 68 villas, each with private pools and personalized butlers, offer minimalist design with luxurious touches. Tatler’s review highlights, “Joali Being is a sanctuary where well-being seamlessly integrates with the surrounding natural beauty. Offering bespoke programs designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit.” In addition to its remarkable wellness offerings, Joali Being also earned the title of 2024 Tatler Best Asia: Best Wellness Resort. Cementing its place as a leader in holistic health retreats.

Patina Maldives

A Masterclass in Moody Tropical Minimalism

Breaking away from traditional design tropes, Patina Maldives introduces a fresh, tropical minimalist style by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan. The resort’s use of natural materials like wood, rattan, and linen. Which creates an inviting atmosphere that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. The villas, along with the striking Amarta light installation by James Turrell, set the stage for an unforgettable stay. Tatler praises Patina Maldives for its architectural innovation: “Patina Maldives represents a sophisticated blend of design and nature. Offering a stylish, immersive experience.”

Soneva Fushi Maldives

Barefoot Luxury That Evokes a Childlike Sense of Wonder

*One Bedroom Water Reserve with Slide at Soneva Fushi*

Nestled within the Baa Atoll Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi captures the spirit of adventure with its “no news, no shoes” policy. From treehouse-like accommodations to overwater villas with slides into the ocean, Soneva Fushi embodies barefoot luxury. Not only does it embrace sustainable practices, but it also offers guests the chance to enjoy private island lunches prepared by personal chefs. As Tatler eloquently describes, “Soneva Fushi remains a place where sustainability meets wonder. Offering a childhood fantasy in the lap of luxury.”

Velaa Private Island

Tee Off or Wind Down in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll

Velaa Private Island, located in the Noonu Atoll, gives guests access to a wide range of experiences, from kite surfing and parasailing to relaxing on private beaches. The resort’s villas and residences, crafted with natural materials, offer an authentic Maldivian stay. What sets Velaa apart is its unique combination of cutting-edge wellness treatments. Along with a nine-hole golf course designed by José María Olazábal. “Velaa is an island where adventure and relaxation coexist in perfect harmony,” says Tatler. Highlighting the resort’s ability to cater to both thrill-seekers and serene travelers.

A New Era of Maldivian Luxury

The Maldives continues to lead the world of luxury hospitality. With resorts that blend natural beauty, impeccable service, and innovative design. Each property celebrated in the Tatler Best Hotels Asia 2024 list exemplifies the region’s dedication to delivering world-class experiences. Whether through tranquil wellness retreats, sustainable practices, or exceptional culinary and leisure offerings, the Maldives redefines the standards of luxury travel. As the global travel landscape evolves, these resorts serve as shining examples of the future of luxury hospitality. Combining comfort, sustainability, and creativity in the heart of paradise.

This June, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo invites travelers to experience Eid Al-Adha in a way that goes beyond the usual holiday. The adult-only resort has created a special two-day celebration that offers a hands-on look at Maldivian culture through storytelling, traditional crafts, and local flavors. It forms part of their ongoing ‘Discover Local’ program, designed to help guests truly connect with island life.

Learning the Ancient Art of Joali Weaving

One of the standout moments takes place on Saturday, June 7, when guests join a Joali weaving workshop. This craft involves weaving coconut rope into practical items and has been quietly passed down through island families for generations. Since resorts rarely showcase this tradition, this becomes a rare chance for guests to experience a living cultural art.

Mohamed Irshad, the Front Office Manager of Mercue Maldives Kooddoo, shares why it matters:

“We don’t want to just show our guests the Maldives, we want them to feel it through our traditions. Joali weaving is one of those rare crafts that tells the story of resourcefulness, connection to nature, and island life”

Eid Buffet and the Colorful Maali Parade

The celebration starts on the evening of June 6 with an Eid buffet featuring refined takes on local festive dishes. Here, the resort prepares everything using fresh ingredients sourced nearby, celebrating the Maldives’ rich culinary heritage.

Then, the following night, the resort comes alive with the Maali Parade, a lively procession inspired by traditional Maldivian folklore. Masked performers bring ancient stories to life right on the island.

Dining Under the Sun: The Sandbank Picnic Experience

No trip to the Maldives feels complete without a sandbank picnic, and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers a particularly memorable version. Set on a tiny, untouched island surrounded by crystal-clear water, guests enjoy an authentic meal served on tropical leaves. This picnic offers a tasting journey into Maldivian flavors, featuring local specialties like:

Gulha: Coconut and tuna fritters
Kulhi Kaajaa: Spicy tuna bites
Bajiya: Pastries filled with sweet and spicy mixes
Rihaakuru Kaajaa: Fritters made from rich fish paste
Dry Fish: Smoked tuna strips
Bodi: Sweet coconut treats with toddy syrup

Along with fresh coconut water, the food makes the meal both refreshing and deeply connected to the island’s culinary traditions.

Year-Round Cultural Experiences with ‘Discover Local’

Although Eid brings special energy to the resort, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo’s cultural offerings continue throughout the year. For instance, the ‘Discover Local’ program invites guests to try their hand at traditional sunset fishing, palm leaf art, and sampling cultural cocktails inspired by island ingredients.

The cocktail menu features creations such as:

Maldivian Green: A blend of gin, curry leaf syrup, lemon, and soda water
Ocean Breeze: Vodka infused with butterfly pea flower, peach schnapps, pineapple, and coconut syrup
Green Kooddoo: Rum mixed with Malibu, pandan leaf juice, pineapple, and coconut syrup
Mirus Rita: A spicy twist on the classic margarita using chili-infused Maldivian tequila
Coco Kurumba: Whisky combined with tamarind juice, coconut milk, and passion fruit syrup

These drinks add an extra layer to the island experience and let guests taste Maldivian flavors in a completely new way.

More Than a Vacation: A Cultural Journey

If you visit for Eid or explore Maldivian culture at any time, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo offers more than a stay. In fact, the resort invites guests to experience the Maldives as a vibrant, living culture, full of stories, flavors, and traditions that stay with you long after the trip ends.

5 Maldives Resorts Among the Tatler Best Hotels Asia 2024