The Jetsetters Journal

Pick a month

When to go: 17 places, month by monthThe whole year at a glance

At their best in November

Europe

Asia

Indian Ocean and Africa

Middle East and the Americas

Every hotel we shortlist170 hotels, one listFilter by place, by what each hotel is best for, and by the judges behind it.Browse all hotels

How the Shortlists work · How we choose

Journeys

When to go: 17 places, month by monthThe Shortlists

The dining car of the Orient Express

Rail · 5 trains

Luxury train journeys

Five great trains, from the Orient Express to the Andes.

Read the guide
The Colosseum lit up at night

Cities · 1 perfect day

One day in Rome

Sunrise to midnight: the walk, the tasting menus and a view of St Peter's.

Read the guide
Overwater villas on a Maldives lagoon

Islands · 12 months

The Maldives, month by month

When the sea is glass, when the mantas come, and when the price halves.

Read the guide
Wildebeest crossing the Mara River

Wild · Jul to Oct

The Great Migration

Where two million animals will be, and where you should be waiting.

Read the guide
The Grand Canal in Venice at the end of the line

Rail · London to Venice

The Orient Express

When it runs, what each cabin costs, and the best month to board.

Read the guide
An aircraft wing against a dusk sky

Flights · Door to door

Emirates business class

From the car at your door in London to the lights of Dubai, in ten moments.

Read the guide

Links marked * are affiliate links: we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Hotels cannot pay to be on this list. How the shortlist works

Overwater villas on a turquoise lagoon: the best hotels in the Maldives, shortlisted for 2026

The Shortlist

Best hotels in the Maldives 2026

Atoll by atoll: the resorts that independent judges rate highest, who each suits, and who should book somewhere else.

  • Research-based
  • Checked 16 October 2026
  • No paid places
  • 20 hotels, 6 areas
THE JETSETTERS JOURNAL · SHORTLIST 2026 ·MaldivesSHORTLISTED

Photo: Unsplash

The short answer

The best hotels in the Maldives, in one paragraph

The best hotels in the Maldives are spread across the atolls, and the right one depends on how far you will fly by seaplane and what you want under the water. Our 2026 shortlist has 20 resorts, every one holding a Michelin Key or a Forbes Travel Guide star rating. The most decorated are One&Only Reethi Rah, Soneva Jani and JOALI BEING. For a first trip, stay within an hour of Malé; for mantas, choose Baa Atoll between June and November.

Shortlisted means chosen on research: a Michelin Key or Forbes Travel Guide rating, or praise from two independent publications, each linked below. We have not stayed at these hotels yet. Read how we choose.

Close to the airport

The best hotels in North Malé Atoll

The closest atoll to the international airport, with resorts reached by speedboat rather than seaplane. It mixes long-established island resorts with the newer Fari Islands development and its marina.

Stay here if
Short stays, first-time visitors, late arrivals and families who want a simple transfer
From the airport
20 to 50 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport (MLE)

Shortlisted 2026

One&Only Reethi Rah

A large private island with 12 beaches and space between villas, run for families and couples alike.

118 rooms: Beach Villas, Water Villas, Grand Villas and the Grand Sunset Residence. Private pools: some categories; pool villas and the Grand Sunset Residence have their own pools.

  • Families
  • Honeymoons
Skip it ifThe island is big enough to need a bike or buggy, and the shared transfer alone is quoted at USD 1,260 per adult for 2026.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

A close-to-the-airport island resort with a separate spa islet and a surf programme.

96 villas in 15 categories, from beach villas and overwater bungalows to the Two-Bedroom Royal Beach Villa and Sunset Three-Bedroom Water Suite. Private pools: some categories; the larger villas and suites have their own pools.

  • Families
  • Value luxury
Skip it ifPools are not standard in every villa type, so the cheaper categories can mean sharing the main pool.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Round, contemporary overwater villas designed by Kerry Hill Architects, with access to the Fari Marina Village.

100 villas, overwater and beach, one to three bedrooms. Private pools: yes, every villa.

  • Honeymoons
  • Food
Skip it ifShares the Fari Islands with a marina and beach club, so it feels less secluded than a single-resort island.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

A design-led resort with 12 restaurants and bars and a free boat to its Ritz-Carlton neighbour.

90 one to three-bedroom Beach and Water Pool Villas, plus 20 studios. Private pools: villas yes; studios no.

  • Food
  • Wellness
Skip it ifThe pared-back concrete and timber design will not suit anyone hoping for thatch and a traditional island feel.
Evidence
Check rates

* Affiliate link: we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend.

Speedboat, no seaplane

The best hotels in South Malé Atoll

Short boat rides south of the airport, with deep channels and reefs that draw divers. Resorts here are within easy reach of Malé but feel further away than North Malé.

Stay here if
Couples on shorter trips, divers, and anyone who wants to avoid seaplane timings
From the airport
15 to 45 minutes by speedboat or yacht from MLE

Shortlisted 2026

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

A large resort where every villa has an infinity pool, with 11 restaurants and a private-island option.

122 villas, overwater and beach, plus a separate private island. Private pools: yes, every villa.

  • Families
  • Food
Skip it ifIts size and 11 restaurants give it a busier, hotel-like feel than smaller islands.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives

A small, long-established resort on one of the largest lagoons in the region, with a strong spa.

64 villas and suites, mostly overwater, including the two-bedroom Rehendi Presidential Suite. Private pools: some categories; the island villas and Rehendi suite have pools.

  • Wellness
  • Value luxury
Skip it ifBeing so near the airport means aircraft and Malé traffic are part of the backdrop.
Evidence
Check ratesOfficial website

Shortlisted 2026

OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI

An all-inclusive island resort with overwater villas that have slides and plunge pools.

90 suites, villas, pavilions and reserves, overwater and on land. Private pools: most categories; plunge pools overwater and lap pools on land.

  • Honeymoons
  • Value luxury
Skip it ifThe all-inclusive model suits those who want fixed costs, less so those who like to pay only for what they use.
Evidence
Check rates

* Affiliate link: we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend.

Mantas, June to November

The best hotels in Baa Atoll

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for Hanifaru Bay, where manta rays and whale sharks gather between roughly June and November. The atoll holds some of the country's most established barefoot and family resorts.

Stay here if
Snorkellers, marine life fans and families
From the airport
30 to 35 minutes by seaplane from MLE, or a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo then boat

Shortlisted 2026

Soneva Fushi

The original barefoot resort: thatched villas on a forested island with an observatory and outdoor cinema.

About 60 villas of varied sizes with indoor and outdoor bathrooms. Private pools: many villas; confirm by category.

  • Families
  • Food
Skip it ifThe jungle setting brings insects and a rustic feel, and the return transfer is quoted at USD 1,100 per person.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

A large island resort with a marine discovery centre and close access to Hanifaru Bay.

103 rooms: beach villas, beach bungalows and water villas with pools, the two-bedroom Koimala Villa and a three-bedroom Land and Ocean Suite. Private pools: most categories.

  • Families
  • Wellness
Skip it ifBusy in school holidays, when children's activities set the tone.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

The Nautilus Maldives

A small private-island resort of houses rather than villas, with no fixed schedules.

26 beach and overwater houses. Private pools: yes, every house.

  • Honeymoons
  • Food
Skip it ifRates sit at the top of the market, and a small island means limited space to wander.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

Milaidhoo Maldives

A compact, Maldivian-owned island with pool villas and a restaurant built from three converted dhonis.

50 villas: Water Pool Villas, Beach Pool Villas, Beach Residences and the Ocean Residence. Private pools: yes, every villa.

  • Honeymoons
  • Value luxury
Skip it ifWith three main restaurants on a small island, dining choice can feel narrow on a long stay.
Evidence
Check rates

* Affiliate link: we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend.

Remote, by seaplane

The best hotels in the north: Raa, Lhaviyani and Noonu

A spread of quieter northern atolls where several of the country's most expensive private-island resorts sit. Distances are longer, so islands feel remote and uncrowded.

Stay here if
Honeymooners, wellness travellers and those with a large budget seeking privacy
From the airport
45 to 60 minutes by seaplane from MLE, or a domestic flight to Maafaru or Ifuru then boat

Shortlisted 2026

Cheval Blanc Randheli

The LVMH-owned resort, with a separate spa island reached by dhoni.

46 villas over the water and on the lagoon and garden. Private pools: yes, every villa.

  • Honeymoons
  • Food
Skip it ifFormal, highly polished service and rates to match may feel too buttoned-up for a barefoot holiday.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

Velaa Private Island

A private island with a nine-hole golf academy, a snow room and an 800-label wine cellar.

47 villas, houses and residences in eight categories, up to the four-bedroom Velaa Private Residences. Private pools: yes, every villa.

  • Families
  • Food
Skip it ifOne of the most expensive stays in the Maldives, and the golf and snow room add little for those who want simplicity.
Evidence
Check rates

* Affiliate link: we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend.

Whale sharks, all year

The best hotels in Ari Atoll (North and South)

West of Malé, Ari is the country's best-known diving atoll, with year-round whale sharks in the south. Resorts range from large, lively islands to smaller traditional ones.

Stay here if
Divers, snorkellers and families who want plenty of activities
From the airport
25 to 30 minutes by seaplane from MLE, or a domestic flight to Maamigili then speedboat

Shortlisted 2026

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

A two-island resort known for Ithaa, the all-glass undersea restaurant, and The Muraka underwater residence.

Overwater villas, beach villas, Grand Water Villas, spa villas and The Muraka, across 15 categories. Private pools: some categories.

  • Diving
  • Families
Skip it ifSpread over two islands with 11 places to eat, it can feel busy and less intimate than smaller resorts.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

LUX* South Ari Atoll

A long, lively island in the whale shark zone with eight restaurants and five bars.

193 villas, beach and overwater. Private pools: some categories.

  • Diving
  • Value luxury
Skip it ifAt 193 villas it is large and sociable, with less privacy than smaller islands.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

Constance Halaveli Maldives

A traditional thatched resort with a 22,500-bottle wine cellar and an overwater spa.

86 villas: thatched beach villas and Water Villas, plus family and presidential villas. Private pools: yes; beach and water villas have plunge pools.

  • Honeymoons
  • Value luxury
Skip it ifAn older resort with a classic look; those after contemporary design should pick a newer opening.
Evidence
Check rates

* Affiliate link: we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend.

Surf and solitude

The best hotels in the far south: Laamu, Gaafu and Addu

Remote southern atolls with deep channels, surf breaks and large pelagic marine life. Fewer resorts and longer journeys keep visitor numbers low.

Stay here if
Divers, surfers and repeat visitors who want remoteness
From the airport
About 65 minutes by seaplane, or a 50 to 60-minute domestic flight then speedboat

Shortlisted 2026

Six Senses Laamu

The only resort in Laamu, with a marine research programme and strong reef conservation work.

97 rooms: beach bungalows, overwater bungalows with rooftop decks, and two-bedroom villas. Private pools: some categories; the two-bedroom villas have pools.

  • Diving
  • Wellness
Skip it ifSeaplanes fly in daylight only, so arrivals after about 3pm need an overnight stop in Malé; the transfer is USD 1,199 per adult.
Evidence
Check rates

Shortlisted 2026

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

A small timber and stone resort with a steep house reef close to the overwater villas.

50 villas: Park Villas, Park Water Villas, Deluxe Beach Pool Villas, Overwater Sunset Pool Villas and the Kiaali Residence. Private pools: some categories; Park Villas and Park Water Villas have none.

  • Diving
Skip it ifThe two-leg journey depends on domestic flight times, and the entry villas have no pool.
Evidence
Check rates

* Affiliate link: we earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend.

THE JETSETTERS JOURNAL · STAYED AND VERIFIED ·MALDIVES 2027

Coming in 2027

Stayed and verified

None of the resorts above carries our second stamp yet. Resorts we stay at earn the Stayed and verified stamp, with what we found written down and any hosted stay disclosed. Run a hotel on this list? See how verification works.

How the the Maldives shortlist works

  • Published criteriaSetting, service, value for the rate and who it suits: the same five tests for every hotel.
  • Evidence, statedA Michelin Key, a Forbes Travel Guide rating, or two independent publications. Each pick links to its sources.
  • No paid placesNo hotel can buy its way on. A hosted stay is disclosed on the page, every time.
  • RecheckedFacts carry the date we checked them, and the shortlist is revisited every year.

Who should skip the Maldives altogether

If you want to explore, eat out in different places each night or travel on a modest budget, a single island will feel small and expensive. For culture and variety with beaches attached, look at Sri Lanka instead: the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Questions people ask

the Maldives hotels, answered

What are the best hotels in the Maldives in 2026?

Our 2026 shortlist has 20 resorts. The most decorated, recognised by both the Michelin Guide's Keys and Forbes Travel Guide, include One&Only Reethi Rah, Soneva Jani and JOALI BEING. Soneva Fushi and Cheval Blanc Randheli hold three Michelin Keys.

Which Maldives atoll is best for a first visit?

North or South Malé Atoll, within an hour of the airport by speedboat. You can land late, transfer the same evening and skip the seaplane's daylight-only schedule, which matters if your flight arrives after dark.

Which Maldives resorts are best for families?

Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, One&Only Reethi Rah and Velaa Private Island all suit families, with kids' clubs, larger villas and calm lagoons.

Where should I stay in the Maldives for manta rays?

Baa Atoll, home of Hanifaru Bay. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Soneva Fushi, The Nautilus and Milaidhoo are all on the shortlist. Go between June and November, ideally late July to early October.

Do I need a seaplane to reach these resorts?

Only for some. Malé Atoll resorts use speedboats from the airport. Baa, Ari and the north use seaplanes, which fly in daylight only, or a domestic flight plus a boat. The far south needs a domestic flight.

Have you stayed at these resorts?

Not yet. Every resort on the 2026 list is Shortlisted on research. Resorts we stay at will carry the Stayed and verified stamp, and any hosted stay will be disclosed on the page.

Keep exploring