The Best Resorts in the Maldives: From Floating Villas to Overwater Paradises

Each Maldivian resort offers its unique touch to travellers. Whether the resort is the perfect place for families or the ultimate luxury getaway, it’s always personalised to be memorable. But there are certain aspects to every resort in the Maldives that makes it similar. The white sandy beaches, the sound of wind rustling through coconut palms, and the friendly touch from the resort staff. Over time, the Maldives has embraced everything from sustainability to eco-luxury. Travellers can find floating villas to overwater villas. And although the spa experience in the Maldives is like no other, you can also find spas that are on their very own island!

As resort concepts in the Maldives develop, everything has become more curated for travellers to enjoy. Dining options have become more diverse, located in pristine jungles and on tree-houses. From sustainability programmes to cocktail making and learning sports with famous footballers, the Maldives has become an all-in-one destination. And although you might find a lot of destinations ‘like’ the Maldives, it’s never the Maldives! So, how do you choose the perfect destination for your trip to a country with such a wide array of options?

1. JOALI Maldives / JOALI Being for Couples

JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING have been gaining popularity with quite a lot of travellers as of late. These destinations offer the perfect getaway for a quiet, health-focused and sustainable trip.

JOALI BEING is located in the pristine Raa Atoll extremely popular among divers. This location is well-known for its diverse marine life. After a scene 40-minute seaplane ride, JOALI BEING greets you with love and a sense of community. Here, travellers can reconnect with nature, and go on a journey of self-discovery. For many, the journey at JOALI BEING is what keeps bringing them back. On top of the luxury villas and the multitude of dining options, JOALI BEING offers you something a bit more personalised. Recently, Jeremy and Pia Jauncy found themselves back in the resort for the exact same reasons.

JOALI Maldives is another popular destination for couples as well as families looking for a scenic getaway. Just like JOALI BEING, JOALI Maldives is also located in Raa Atoll. The journey of JOALI Maldives is all about new experiences and the thrill of exploration. This wonderland of creativity brings art to life, as the resort invites travellers to explore more. The sense of discovery recently brought the long-time partner of Christiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodriguez to the property. Her trip started on the luxury airline Beond, to the popular TMA seaplane, finally reaching the beautiful resort destination!

2. LUX* South Ari Atoll for Family Getaways

If you’re looking for a resort located nearby Male’ for your family trip Lux* South Ari Atoll is worth looking into. Located just 25 minutes away by seaplane, this luxury retreat is recommended by travellers to travellers. What makes this resort perfect for families? As you step off the seaplane, the team at LUX* South Ari Atoll greets you with ice cream! This is just the start of a magical family getaway at the resort.

The resort offers everything. From treasure hunts to board games at sunset with cocktails for the adults, it combines the activities of little ones into the vacation of the grown-ups. LUX* also offers its very own brand of ice cream, ICI, for both adults and young ones. Whether you want sorbet or gelato, ICI has a flavour for everyone’s tastebuds. Everything is curated for the perfect family trip. A stay at the Family Lagoon Pavillion, a specially crafted programme for teens and spa days for the kids! That’s what a family getaway at LUX* South Ari Atoll is all about.

3. A Solo Trip at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Although the Ritz-Carlton Maldives is known as the perfect retreat for couples, there is no reason not to enjoy this beautiful resort by yourself. After all, it’s all about embracing the circle of island life at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. You can choose from the wide range of beautiful villas to the wide array of dining options at the resort. Loyal to its brand, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers travellers unforgettable moments and curated journeys.

Learn a little about the Maldivian culture and treat yourself to a spa day. From your arrival, you are greeted with tidbits of the Maldivian culture. Whether it is the Sangu conch shell that welcomes you to the island or the Aris meeha who makes your stay welcoming, everything is created to make your stay the most memorable.

4. Vakkaru Maldives – Group Adventure

It’s all about packing your travel bag, getting that insurance coverage for your trip, and taking that friend’s trip out of the group chat this year. If you’re looking to take a group trip to the Maldives, Vakkaru Maldives would make for the perfect spot. This 5-star luxury resort is located in the beautiful Baa Atoll. You could not find clearer waters and more scenic views if you tried! Baa Atoll is popular for its breathtaking untouched beauty, and Vakkaru is all about embracing the timeless sanctuary. Your 30-minute scenic seaplane ride will land you right in paradise.

From Europe to Asia, Vakkaru Maldives brings you a variety of dining options. Whether you want pizza pasta fried rice or local dishes, Vakkaru has it all. For group travellers, the Four Bedroom Beach Pool Residence makes for the perfect villa. This is the largest villa in the resort, with the capacity of holding 8 adults and 4 children! In addition to the beautifully crafted rooms, the villa also comes with a separate living space, dining area and outdoor gazebo. This is one of the recent additions to the resort, which has opened up doors for group travellers to enjoy the Maldives together!

5. Soneva Secret to Discover Something New

Soneva Secret is the latest addition to the collection of beautiful Soneva resorts in the Maldives. This barefoot-luxury retreat has been a traveller favourite since its inception. Soneva crafts special moments that keep bringing travellers back to experience the personalised services at the resort.

With the launching of Soneva Secret, the resort is bringing travellers the first floating villa in the Maldives. The Castaway Villa, the first of its kind, brings travellers luxury overwater living experiences. Spread across two floors, the Castaway Villa is perfect for those seeking to experience something new. Whether you’re a solo traveller or a couple on a romantic getaway, this Villa is definitely something to try. Only accessible by sea, this unique villa is set to take your Soneva Secret experience to new heights.

If you think you’ve seen the best of the Maldives, think again. The private islands in Maldives take luxury to a whole new level in 2025. These escapes offer not just a vacation but a once-in-a-lifetime experience designed for those who value privacy, personal service, and complete relaxation. Ultra-wealthy travelers now seek secluded retreats where everything is tailored to their desires. Let’s dive into the top private island getaways that redefine luxury travel this year.

What Makes Private Islands in the Maldives So Special?

A private island in the Maldives offers the ultimate escape. Unlike traditional resorts, these islands provide total seclusion—no crowds, no schedules, just pure freedom. Every experience caters to your taste, from personal chefs to private excursions. Additionally, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the most stunning natural beauty on Earth, making it clear why these islands are so coveted. It’s luxury on a personal level, where every moment revolves around your comfort and desires.

The Most Extraordinary Private Island Escapes in 2025

Velaa Private Island – The Ultimate Luxury Playground

Private Island in Maldives: Ultimate Luxury Retreats in 2025

Velaa Private Island redefines luxury by offering a sanctuary for those who demand the ultimate in indulgence. Every detail gets crafted to perfection, from the private semi-submarine that lets you explore the vibrant marine life of Noonu Atoll to the Maldives’ only snow room, offering an experience unlike any other. Furthermore, the island’s world-class Velaa Golf Academy elevates the golfing experience with personalized lessons on a course designed by José María Olazábal—an exclusive offering in the Maldives.

Dining at Velaa becomes a journey in itself, featuring Michelin-starred experiences at Aragu alongside other exceptional venues, each providing its own distinct culinary adventure. When you rent the entire island, priced at up to $200,000 per night, you not only secure complete privacy but also enjoy unparalleled service and comfort. For those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity, luxury, and unforgettable experiences, Velaa Private Island is the destination where all dreams come true.

The Nautilus Maldives – Personalized Luxury Like No Other

The Nautilus Maldives transforms the concept of a luxury island escape by offering a sanctuary of complete personalization and exclusivity. This ultra-luxe bohemian retreat, with just 26 villas, ensures unparalleled privacy and freedom from rigid schedules. Every experience gets tailored to your desires, from seamless yacht-to-island arrivals to bespoke dining that goes beyond traditional menus, allowing spontaneous culinary indulgence wherever you choose.

The resort’s intimate atmosphere heightens with the presence of a dedicated House Master—your 24/7 butler, ready to attend to your every need with the utmost care. At The Nautilus, time flows freely, and every moment is yours to shape. Whether you stay in a beach or ocean villa, each residence offers effortless chic, a private pool, and service as unique as you are. Here, there are no rushes, no rules, just complete privacy and indulgence, all on your terms.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – Fully Solar-Powered Ultra-Luxury

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island sets a bold new standard for ultra-luxury with its unwavering commitment to sustainability. This fully solar-powered haven serves those who demand the finest in comfort while prioritizing the planet’s future. Every aspect of Kudadoo, from its intimate setting to its world-class services, revolves around an ethos of privacy and exclusivity.

The resort’s Anything, Anytime, Anywhere philosophy ensures that every guest’s desires get met effortlessly, offering access to gourmet dining, thrilling dive experiences, and rejuvenating spa treatments—all included in the experience. Kudadoo creates a sanctuary where luxury and sustainability coexist seamlessly, making it the ultimate choice for travelers who value both indulgence and eco-consciousness. With each detail thoughtfully crafted to reduce its environmental footprint, this private island redefines what it means to travel responsibly in unparalleled comfort.

Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island – The LVMH-Owned Exclusive Retreat

Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island, owned by the luxury powerhouse LVMH, stands as the ultimate exclusive retreat where fashion meets unparalleled indulgence. This private island spans one hectare and features a four-bedroom mansion designed to perfection, complete with an infinity pool and a private yacht for serene, personalized exploration. Tailored for those with the highest standards, every element of this island is crafted around exclusivity—from curated designer shopping experiences to intimate, one-of-a-kind events. Moreover, a dedicated team ensures seamless service, making Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island a luxurious escape where sophistication and style redefine every moment.

JOALI BEING – The Ultimate Wellness Private Island

JOALI BEING is a private island in the Maldives, devoted entirely to wellness and holistic healing, offering an exclusive retreat for those in search of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. This sanctuary caters to high-net-worth travelers seeking a luxury experience that focuses on health and well-being. Featuring cutting-edge detox programs, sound therapy, and overwater meditation pavilions, JOALI BEING redefines wellness. By drawing from both ancient wisdom and modern science, the island’s offerings go beyond traditional treatments, integrating personalized nutrition and specialized therapies. With every element crafted to nourish the mind, body, and soul, JOALI BEING provides a serene escape where wellness and luxury meet to create a truly transformative experience.

What Does It Take to Stay on a Private Island in the Maldives?

Luxury like this comes at a price. Renting an entire island can cost upwards of six figures per night, but for the world’s elite, that’s part of the appeal. Hollywood stars, tech moguls, and royalty frequent these islands, drawn by the chance to enjoy privacy and opulence. Some islands offer membership programs or exclusive bookings for a select few, making them even more desirable for those who value privacy and discretion.

How to Experience Maldives’ Private Island Luxury Without Breaking the Bank

Not everyone needs to be a billionaire to enjoy private island-level luxury. Many high-end villas offer the same secluded experience with private beaches, personal butlers, and bespoke services at a fraction of the price. Resorts like these let you enjoy the perks of a private island without needing to rent the entire thing. In fact, it’s a smart way to indulge in luxury without stretching your budget.

The Future of Private Islands in the Maldives

The future of private islands in the Maldives looks exciting, with advances in sustainability, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge technology. Expect new projects in 2025 and beyond, like self-sustaining eco-islands and high-tech retreats that blend luxury with innovation. Without a doubt, the next generation of islands will continue to push boundaries, offering even more personalized and sustainable experiences for the world’s most discerning travelers.

The Pinnacle of Luxury

The Maldives remains the pinnacle of luxury travel, and its private islands go even further. These escapes cater to the ultra-wealthy, offering unparalleled exclusivity and service. Whether you’re seeking a wellness retreat, an eco-friendly adventure, or the ultimate indulgence, the private islands of the Maldives in 2025 offer something truly special.