Stunning island resorts in the Maldives

Stunning locations, excellent food and flawless service—these hotels have all this and more

Helengeli Island Resort

A 15-minute flight from the Male International Airport will take you to this beautiful beach resort. With 50 rooms carved into 25 bungalows, this island can get busier than the others, but the vast beach and thick tree cover ensure you have your space. The rooms are adequate, if not expansive, and you can shower open-air in the privacy of your garden. The island is fringed by a lovely reef making it a beautiful dive site for beginners.

Angsana Ihuru

This groovy 45-villa resort is located on a tiny island which you can circumnavigate in 10 minutes. It is surrounded by a reef abundant in fish-life. Several spa therapies from all over Asia are on offer at Angsana Ihuru. The best part? The Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, a high-end sister property can be visited and its facilities used for free.

Hilton Maldives / Iru Fushi Resort & Spa

A 45-minute scenic seaplane ride gets you here from Male. Situated in the virgin Noonu Atoll, on a 21-hectare island, this resort has 221 rooms, 10 superb restaurants and bars, and a spa with 21 treatment chambers. Sample the freshest Maldivian seafood at Islander’s Grill, or enter the world of wine-pairing with a guided blind-tasting at The Cellar. Send the kids on snorkelling safaris while you indulge in some soothing Ayurvedic spa-treatments.

One & Only

The One & Only blends surreal accommodation with superlative service to serve up a magical experience. The water villas, with split-level verandahs and hammocks over turquoise waters, are perfect for couples, while the beach villas back on the shore are great for families with children. There’s a dedicated children’s area in the resort where they can enjoy watersports under expert guidance, while their parents can enjoy some quiet time on the sand.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Kuda Huraa

Many of the guest bungalows at this resort have glass floors, meaning you can see the waves washing up below your feet. Each room has either a balcony or a terrace, from where you can catch the stunning sunsets. The hotel offers surfing lessons, for ages six onward, with the Aussie instructors on hand to help you out. Not for nothing was it voted as the favourite leisure resort at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa

The architecture and room-design here are all classic-Maldivian. Sun decks, private plunge pools and dedicated spa rooms in each villa are the other memorable features of this property. The main attraction though is the Jiva Grande Spa, where treatments are supervised by an Ayurvedic doctor. The Indian Royal Mud Bath is not to be missed. Check out the spa-café that serves up low-calorie cuisine, and the restaurants that serve, among other delights, familiar Indian food.