2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards: Maldives Best Resorts

In a year when the desire for authentic, rejuvenating escapes continues to rise, the Maldives once again proves why it remains the crown jewel of global travel. In the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, a prestigious collection of Maldivian resorts earned accolades that place them among the top 10% of hospitality destinations worldwide. Based entirely on genuine guest feedback, these honors celebrate resorts that not only meet expectations but exceed them in unforgettable ways.

To better understand what sets them apart, here’s a closer look at the standout properties that redefine barefoot luxury, environmental mindfulness, and heartfelt hospitality.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo: Authenticity on an Untouched Atoll

Tucked away in the remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo quietly builds a loyal following, and Tripadvisor’s recognition now places it firmly in the global spotlight. As an adults-only escape with 68 villas inspired by traditional Maldivian design, the resort offers more than just privacy, it delivers purpose.

More importantly, guests flock to its rich house reef, culturally inspired experiences, and international cuisine that brings global flavors to island living. Mercure Kooddoo stands out as a sanctuary for those who seek genuine connections, both with themselves and the surrounding natural world.

Nova Maldives: Where Soulful Luxury Meets Conscious Travel

Earning a Travelers’ Choice Award in the Maldives is no small feat, but Nova Maldives makes it look effortless. Known for its emphasis on soft luxury, the resort fosters a sense of community and well-being rarely found in high-end hospitality.

What’s more, coral restoration, marine research, and wellness diving programs integrate seamlessly into the guest experience. Whether guests join a reef-saving initiative or dine beneath the stars, they immerse themselves in a lifestyle that is both indulgent and impactful. Nova doesn’t just offer a destination, it leads a movement in mindful tourism.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives: Eco-Minimalism with a Gourmet Soul

In the idyllic Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives stands out for its refined simplicity and eco-conscious approach. This award-winning resort blends minimalist architecture with the untouched beauty of its surroundings, creating a setting where nature is not only respected but celebrated.

Furthermore, culinary enthusiasts especially gravitate toward Alila’s inventive menus, which feature local ingredients and global flair. The island’s vibrant reef system and pristine dive spots promise unparalleled underwater adventures, while beachside dining transforms every meal into a sensory escape. Alila Kothaifaru merges sustainability with sophistication.

Reethi Faru Resort: A Beloved Classic with Timeless Appeal

For travelers who seek a balance of luxury and legacy, Reethi Faru Resort remains a trusted favorite. With its latest Travelers’ Choice accolade, the resort reaffirms its reputation for excellence in hospitality. Nestled in the Raa Atoll, Reethi Faru continues to offer guests a blend of traditional charm and modern comfort.

Notably, its consistent rave reviews reflect the dedication of a team that seizes every opportunity to create magic. Whether guests indulge in spa treatments or snorkel along the house reef, Reethi Faru delivers experiences that linger long after check-out.

Milaidhoo Maldives: Intimate Elegance in the Baa Atoll Biosphere

Luxury finds its purest form at Milaidhoo Maldives, a boutique island retreat located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll. This 2025 Travelers’ Choice winner focuses on meaningful luxury, offering personalized experiences tailored to each guest’s desires.

From start to finish, every detail, from romantic overwater villas to fine dining under the stars, speaks to tranquility and connection. The house reef, widely praised as one of the best in the Maldives, invites both novice and seasoned snorkelers to dive into a world of vibrant marine life. Milaidhoo creates more than a stay, it crafts a soulful escape.

Brennia Kottefaru: A Rising Star with a Heartfelt Welcome

As a newer name among the Maldives’ elite, Brennia Kottefaru quickly gains recognition with its authentic hospitality and serene setting. Located in the Raa Atoll, this luxurious resort wins over travelers with expansive villas, lush greenery, and meticulous attention to detail.

In particular, guests consistently praise the warmth of the staff and the tranquility of its beaches. Brennia cultivates a sense of home in paradise. Its Travelers’ Choice recognition marks not just a badge of excellence, but a promise of unforgettable moments waiting to unfold.

Canareef Resort Maldives: Southern Serenity with a Cultural Twist

Set in the southernmost atoll of Addu, Canareef Resort Maldives offers something few others can, raw, unfiltered Maldivian charm. With over 4 kilometers of shoreline and 271 spacious villas, this sprawling resort masters the art of combining space, privacy, and personalized service.

As a result, its 2025 Travelers’ Choice Award reflects its unique appeal to those who crave more than just a pretty view. Whether enjoying a floating breakfast at sunrise or joining a guided reef dive at sunset, guests experience every moment infused with local flavor and heartfelt hospitality. Canareef proves that the south of the Maldives holds just as much magic.

Reethi Beach Resort: A Farewell and a New Beginning

After years of excellence, Reethi Beach Resort celebrates its latest Tripadvisor award with both nostalgia and anticipation. As the property prepares to close temporarily for rebranding, it leaves behind a legacy of warm hospitality, dedicated service, and cherished guest memories.

Looking ahead, it will reopen in December 2025 as NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, a transformation that signals a new era while preserving the core spirit that earned Reethi Beach global acclaim. This moment marks not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of something extraordinary.

Beyond Awards: Why These Maldivian Escapes Are Worth Your Journey

In a world where travelers crave meaning, not just luxury, these Maldivian resorts set the standard for authentic, guest-centered hospitality. Their 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards aren’t merely trophies, they echo unforgettable experiences, thoughtful service, and places that stay with you long after check-out.

Whether you’re chasing marine adventures beneath crystal-clear waters, craving soul-soothing stillness under swaying palms, or seeking a deeper connection to nature and culture, these resorts offer more than a getaway, they deliver a transformative escape.

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.

Maldives Resorts Shine in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards