6 Resorts in Maldives Wins Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award

6 resorts in the Maldives has won the coveted Forbes Travel Guide 5-star Award 2021. Several resorts in the Maldives also won the 4-star award.

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. The star rating system’s anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on up to 900 objective standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help travellers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a five-star from Forbes Travel Guide is by earning it through their independent inspection process.

Resorts in Maldives that won the Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Award

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Maldives Forbes Travel Guide — *Image: Cheval Blanc*

The ultra-luxe Maison offers a range of experiences to fit every mood and desire of travellers. Cheval Blanc Randheli hosts various water activities ranging from water skiing or windsurfing to Seabob, jet ski, or stand-up paddling. A team of Alchemists at the luxury resort will design tailor-made activities and memorable experiences for guests.

For a gastronomic journey and every craving, guests can pamper their taste buds in 5 restaurants and 4 bars at Randheli. Meanwhile, The suites at Cheval Blanc Randheli features a subtle blending of Maldivian influences and modern sensibility.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Four Seasons Maldives Resort at Kuda Huraa is a ‘garden-style resort arranged as a traditional Maldivian village’. The luxury retreat won the ‘World’s Leading Water Villa Resort 2020’ at the World Travel Awards last year as well.

Kanuhura Maldives

Kanuhura Maldives is a luxe lifestyle resort located in Lhaviyani Atoll and boasts 80 villas. Entirely renovated and redesigned in 2016, Kanuhura is a timeless castaway chic experience for travellers seeking ‘laid-back island living’.

The luxury escape is a part of the Mauritius-based hotel and leisure group Sun Resorts. Likewise, Kanuhura Maldives is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. In 2020, the resort was recognized among the ‘Top 15 Luxury Island Resorts in the Maldives’. And also among ‘Top 10 Luxury Dining Experience in the Maldives’ by Luxury Lifestyle Awards’.

One&Only Reethi Rah

One&Only Reethi Rah offers an abundance of space and privacy. Surrounded by the wonders of the Indian Ocean, the luxury high-end resort makes its home on one of the largest islands in North Malé Atoll.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Vommuli resort's overwater villas surrounded by beautiful lagoon — *Image: The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort*

This Marriott International’s property in the Maldives boasts features 44 overwater villas and 33 villas located on the beach. In 2020, for the fourth constructive year, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli resort claimed the title of World’s Leading Luxury Island Resort as well. Moreover, this is the second constructive year the resort is winning the Forbes Travel Guide 5-star Award.

The luxury high-end island retreat features one of the largest overwater villas in the world, the John Jacob Astor Estate. Located in the stunning Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is only reachable by seaplane. But, you can charter the resort’s Azimut FlyBridge 66 luxury yacht, Norma, for an exclusive transfer experience.

Velaa Private Island

Nestled 200 Kilometres north of the Velana International Airport, the ultra-luxury Velaa Private Island boasts 48 villas, of which 18 are built overwater. Guests can find a myriad of dining options and activities at the resort. Furthermore, dining at Aragu in Velaa Private Island is a not-to-miss experience.

This year, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi also won Forbes Travel Guide’s 2021 Hotel Instagram of the Year.

Feature image by Velaa Private Island

As summer travel heats up worldwide, the Maldives takes bold steps to shine brighter than ever on the global tourism stage. The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), known as Visit Maldives, has launched a wide-ranging summer campaign across key international markets to boost brand visibility and drive bookings for the idyllic Indian Ocean paradise. This multifaceted effort not only strengthens the Maldives’ position as a top luxury getaway.

As part of this dynamic push, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives, highlights the bigger picture behind these efforts:

“This summer campaign is part of a broader effort to intensify our presence in key markets where we see significant potential for immediate arrivals and long-term growth. We aim to build sustained interest in the Maldives as a top-of-mind destination by combining on-the-ground activities with strategic media placement and global partnerships.”

Why the Maldives is the Ultimate Summer Escape

Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powder-white beaches, and overwater villas that epitomize luxury, the Maldives offers an unbeatable summer retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Unlike many traditional destinations, the Maldives’ tropical climate creates a year-round haven, with summer bringing warm sunshine and vibrant marine life—perfect for diving, snorkeling, and serene beach days. Beyond natural beauty, the Maldives’ rich culture and world-class hospitality ensure every visitor experiences something truly special.

Global Reach Through Strategic Partnerships and Campaigns

To capture the attention of high-value travelers, Visit Maldives capitalizes on powerful global alliances and sophisticated marketing across its top source markets.

United Kingdom: The Maldives secured a high-profile partnership with Liverpool FC, positioning itself as the club’s Official Tourist Destination Partner. This alliance amplifies the Maldives’ brand visibility among millions of football fans worldwide. The UK campaign features extensive out-of-home (OOH) advertising, including eye-catching ads on London’s underground and buses, alongside taxi promotions that keep the Maldives front-of-mind for British travelers planning summer vacations. Additionally, a collaborative campaign with TravelBag (DNATA UK) aims to boost engagement and summer bookings.

Russia & CIS: Visit Maldives works closely with PAC Group and Resort Life Travel to offer personalized luxury experiences tailored to Russian-speaking tourists, ensuring the Maldives remains a preferred summer destination in this region.

Europe’s DACH Region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland): A strong ongoing campaign with travel giant TUI leverages their extensive retail and online network to promote Maldives vacations, targeting both B2B and B2C audiences. Supplementary collaborations with DER Tour and Alpitour in Germany and Italy respectively create tailored packages and increase bookings through well-established travel agencies.

Poland and Spain: Promotional campaigns with TUI Poland and Travel + Leisure magazine tap into affluent, travel-savvy audiences, elevating the Maldives’ status as a must-visit summer locale.

India: Recognized as a key market, India hosts a robust suite of initiatives, including partnerships with major travel platforms like MakeMyTrip, TBO, and Pickyourtrail. These efforts are supported by high-profile celebrity endorsements and exclusive campaigns with Bollywood director Farah Khan.

Digital & Influencer Engagement to Drive Bookings

In addition to the above summer campaigns, Visit Maldives is rolling out a special Summer Sale campaign across its social media platforms, featuring exclusive offers designed to spark inspiration and drive holiday bookings during the peak travel season. Supporting this push, a curated series of influencer activations targets key source markets, delivering aspirational content across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Setting the Stage for an Unforgettable Summer in the Maldives

With a strategic focus on strengthening trade partnerships and highlighting the Maldives’ unique summer appeal, Visit Maldives is driving early bookings not only for the upcoming peak season but also for the 2025-2026 winter months. By addressing the seasonal marketing gaps from the previous year, these well-coordinated campaigns secure a sustained presence in key markets and keep the Maldives top of mind for discerning travelers.

Backed by its unmatched natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and global outreach, the Maldives is firmly positioned as the ultimate summer escape in 2025. Whether travelers seek peaceful beaches, vibrant underwater adventures, or rich cultural experiences, this Indian Ocean paradise offers an extraordinary getaway, made even more accessible thanks to Visit Maldives’ dynamic and ambitious summer campaign.