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.

In a headline-making feat, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives set a new world record for the longest press conference by a sitting world leader, speaking for an astonishing 14 hours and 54 minutes. He began at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and continued well past midnight into Sunday. The event, held on World Press Freedom Day, featured President Muizzu actively answering questions from journalists and the public, pausing only briefly for prayer.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had held the record after speaking for 14 hours in 2019 during a similar Q&A format. Before that, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko claimed the title with a seven-hour conference. Now, with this new milestone, President Muizzu not only made headlines but also added another chapter to the Maldives’ history of record-setting leadership, such as the famous underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 that highlighted climate change.

Economic Reforms Impacting the Tourism Sector

Throughout the nearly 15-hour exchange, President Muizzu addressed a wide array of topics. Most notably, he discussed recent changes in the nation’s economic framework that directly affect the travel industry. For instance, he highlighted the new Foreign Exchange Act, introduced in January 2025, which requires tourism-related foreign earnings to go through official banking channels. According to President Muizzu, this move has already brought USD 214 million into the formal system this year. As a result, it has helped stabilize foreign reserves and improve access to foreign currency for travelers.

Maldives 2.0: A Vision for Digital Transformation

In addition, President Muizzu introduced “Maldives 2.0,” a digital transformation initiative designed to modernize public services and reduce corruption. These are steps that aim to streamline experiences for both locals and international visitors. Moreover, he explained that this initiative includes partnerships with countries like Estonia to build a stronger digital infrastructure. From healthcare improvements to digitalized governance, the plan reflects how the Maldives intends to better serve residents and guests alike.

Ultimately, with its turquoise waters and coral islands continuing to attract global attention, the Maldives is not just evolving as a luxury destination but also strengthening its position as a leading destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and innovative progress.

Maldives Resorts Shine in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards