Gili Lankanfushi is widely considered to be the top resort in the Maldives, and for good reason. This stunning, 45-villa, eco-friendly resort just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport succeeds in delivering truly unpretentious, relaxed luxury. Bare feet are encouraged (shoes are removed as soon as guests get on the boat from the airport), and each guest is taken care of by a personal butler with the title Mr. Friday. The spacious, charmingly simple overwater bungalows are made of several types of wood, and have outdoor (and rooftop) decks with views that might induce tears of joy. Also standard are freestanding tubs, Nespresso machines, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. On land, the beautiful island with 683 palm trees offers a beachfront swimming pool, small spa, range of activities such as yoga, and well-regarded restaurants and bars. This special gem in the Maldives has more authenticity than other brand-name resorts of the same price point — just ask tennis pro Novak Djokovic, practically a regular here. While there are meal plans here, they don’t include alcohol, so travelers seeking an all-inclusive Maldives vacation should consider Constance Moofushi.
Gili Lankanfushi is widely considered to be the top resort in the Maldives, and for good reason. This stunning, 45-villa, eco-friendly resort just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport succeeds in delivering truly unpretentious, relaxed luxury. Bare feet are encouraged (shoes are removed as soon as guests get on the boat from the airport), and each guest is taken care of by a personal butler with the title Mr. Friday. The spacious, charmingly simple overwater bungalows are made of several types of wood, and have outdoor (and rooftop) decks with views that might induce tears of joy. Also standard are freestanding tubs, Nespresso machines, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. On land, the beautiful island with 683 palm trees offers a beachfront swimming pool, small spa, range of activities such as yoga, and well-regarded restaurants and bars. This special gem in the Maldives has more authenticity than other brand-name resorts of the same price point — just ask tennis pro Novak Djokovic, practically a regular here. While there are meal plans here, they don’t include alcohol, so travelers seeking an all-inclusive Maldives vacation should consider Constance Moofushi.
The 22-room Pesona Beach Resort & Spa is a mid-range beachfront property that's right in Gili Trawangan's central hub. It's a short walk from the ferry dock, as well as a number of restaurants and bars. Rooms and bungalows are bright and basic, decorated with just a dash of tropical flare. They come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and safes, and most have furnished balconies or terraces. However, Wi-Fi is only available in common areas and the beach isn't the best on the island. The well-liked restaurant serves Indian and Western fare, and the Skylounge is popular (as is the pool). Travelers who don't mind spending a bit more could check out the Hotel Vila Ombak, where villas have open-air living spaces and private pools.
The 22-room Pesona Beach Resort & Spa is a mid-range beachfront property that's right in Gili Trawangan's central hub. It's a short walk from the ferry dock, as well as a number of restaurants and bars. Rooms and bungalows are bright and basic, decorated with just a dash of tropical flare. They come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and safes, and most have furnished balconies or terraces. However, Wi-Fi is only available in common areas and the beach isn't the best on the island. The well-liked restaurant serves Indian and Western fare, and the Skylounge is popular (as is the pool). Travelers who don't mind spending a bit more could check out the Hotel Vila Ombak, where villas have open-air living spaces and private pools.
Angaga Island Resort is a low-key, somewhat dated 90-room upper-middle-range option, located on a gorgeous island surrounded by a white-sand beach and accessible house reef. While there's not much selection in the buffet, guests can enjoy beach games, water sports, diving, excursions, two bars, a gym, and Balinese spa treatments -- but there's no pool. Spacious rooms are comfy and have personal outdoor areas, but feature dated-looking bamboo furniture (even in newer water villas). This is a decent value for its category, but it's also worth considering Kuredu Island Resort & Spa and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, both of which are larger and have pools.
Angaga Island Resort is a low-key, somewhat dated 90-room upper-middle-range option, located on a gorgeous island surrounded by a white-sand beach and accessible house reef. While there's not much selection in the buffet, guests can enjoy beach games, water sports, diving, excursions, two bars, a gym, and Balinese spa treatments -- but there's no pool. Spacious rooms are comfy and have personal outdoor areas, but feature dated-looking bamboo furniture (even in newer water villas). This is a decent value for its category, but it's also worth considering Kuredu Island Resort & Spa and Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, both of which are larger and have pools.
It’s hard to top Taj Exotica when it comes to food, romantic atmosphere, and convenience. Located on a private island just 15 minutes from the airport, this 65-room resort is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Maldives. Highlights include personal butlers, spacious guest rooms with private pools, gorgeous beaches, and two gourmet restaurants. Rooms and food are among the priciest in the Maldives (for good reason). Those looking for a cheaper but still upscale alternative should try Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, also 15 minutes from the airport; those comfortable with this price range may also want to consider the decadent Gili Lankanfushi.
It’s hard to top Taj Exotica when it comes to food, romantic atmosphere, and convenience. Located on a private island just 15 minutes from the airport, this 65-room resort is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Maldives. Highlights include personal butlers, spacious guest rooms with private pools, gorgeous beaches, and two gourmet restaurants. Rooms and food are among the priciest in the Maldives (for good reason). Those looking for a cheaper but still upscale alternative should try Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, also 15 minutes from the airport; those comfortable with this price range may also want to consider the decadent Gili Lankanfushi.
Built in the 1980s, Rihiveli is a solid choice with all the essentials for a Maldives vacation -- white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, plenty of free water sports, worthwhile excursions, clean rooms, and decent food. Travelers who want to experience flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has far better facilities and similar off-peak rates (taking meal plans into account).
Built in the 1980s, Rihiveli is a solid choice with all the essentials for a Maldives vacation -- white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, plenty of free water sports, worthwhile excursions, clean rooms, and decent food. Travelers who want to experience flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has far better facilities and similar off-peak rates (taking meal plans into account).
Gili Lankanfushi is widely considered to be the top resort in the Maldives, and for good reason. This stunning, 45-villa, eco-friendly resort just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport succeeds in delivering truly unpretentious, relaxed luxury. Bare feet are encouraged (shoes are removed as soon as guests get on the boat from the airport), and each guest is taken care of by a personal butler with the title Mr. Friday. The spacious, charmingly simple overwater bungalows are made of several types of wood, and have outdoor (and rooftop) decks with views that might induce tears of joy. Also standard are freestanding tubs, Nespresso machines, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. On land, the beautiful island with 683 palm trees offers a beachfront swimming pool, small spa, range of activities such as yoga, and well-regarded restaurants and bars. This special gem in the Maldives has more authenticity than other brand-name resorts of the same price point — just ask tennis pro Novak Djokovic, practically a regular here. While there are meal plans here, they don’t include alcohol, so travelers seeking an all-inclusive Maldives vacation should consider Constance Moofushi.
Gili Lankanfushi is widely considered to be the top resort in the Maldives, and for good reason. This stunning, 45-villa, eco-friendly resort just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport succeeds in delivering truly unpretentious, relaxed luxury. Bare feet are encouraged (shoes are removed as soon as guests get on the boat from the airport), and each guest is taken care of by a personal butler with the title Mr. Friday. The spacious, charmingly simple overwater bungalows are made of several types of wood, and have outdoor (and rooftop) decks with views that might induce tears of joy. Also standard are freestanding tubs, Nespresso machines, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. On land, the beautiful island with 683 palm trees offers a beachfront swimming pool, small spa, range of activities such as yoga, and well-regarded restaurants and bars. This special gem in the Maldives has more authenticity than other brand-name resorts of the same price point — just ask tennis pro Novak Djokovic, practically a regular here. While there are meal plans here, they don’t include alcohol, so travelers seeking an all-inclusive Maldives vacation should consider Constance Moofushi.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is an upscale, 148-room property that's an easy 30-minute speedboat ride from Male. Rooms are spacious and mostly contemporary, but are dim, showing wear, and often littered with dead ants. Interconnecting rooms, a kids' club, and kiddy pool area make the resort suited for families, while a world-famous surf spot makes it an enticing challenge for surfers. Wear and tear aside, the resort's value is in the wide array of activities and features on offer, from a spa and pool, to bars, entertainment, and water sports. The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is more luxurious and also close to the airport, and often not much pricier, so it's worth comparing rates.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is an upscale, 148-room property that's an easy 30-minute speedboat ride from Male. Rooms are spacious and mostly contemporary, but are dim, showing wear, and often littered with dead ants. Interconnecting rooms, a kids' club, and kiddy pool area make the resort suited for families, while a world-famous surf spot makes it an enticing challenge for surfers. Wear and tear aside, the resort's value is in the wide array of activities and features on offer, from a spa and pool, to bars, entertainment, and water sports. The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is more luxurious and also close to the airport, and often not much pricier, so it's worth comparing rates.
The upper-middle-range Bandos Island was the second resort in the Maldives, and opened in 1972. Its 215 rustic-chic rooms were last renovated in 2005 and have patios with garden or beach views; some higher-tier options have living rooms and outdoor hot tubs. Guests opt for dining packages that include average buffet food, or pay extra for three a la carte restaurants (one that is open 24 hours). The highlights here are the impressive PADI Dive Centre with trips to over 40 dive sites, and the kids’ club. The hotel also has an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, live entertainment at Sand Bar, and massage treatments at the pretty spa. The service and grounds are unmemorable, however, the beaches are crowded in spots, and the tennis courts have seen better days.
The upper-middle-range Bandos Island was the second resort in the Maldives, and opened in 1972. Its 215 rustic-chic rooms were last renovated in 2005 and have patios with garden or beach views; some higher-tier options have living rooms and outdoor hot tubs. Guests opt for dining packages that include average buffet food, or pay extra for three a la carte restaurants (one that is open 24 hours). The highlights here are the impressive PADI Dive Centre with trips to over 40 dive sites, and the kids’ club. The hotel also has an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, live entertainment at Sand Bar, and massage treatments at the pretty spa. The service and grounds are unmemorable, however, the beaches are crowded in spots, and the tennis courts have seen better days.
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is an all-inclusive boutique luxury resort in the South Ari Atoll. The 48 villas have sophisticated decor, espresso machines, minibars, private decks, outdoor showers, iPod docks, and comfy king-size beds; some rooms have semi-private pools. Sandbags, crabs, reef sharks, and fish are common sights in the surrounding lagoon and the island's location is ideal for spotting whale sharks and dolphins year-round. Standout and unique features include a chic airport lounge, beachside infinity pool with large bar, laser light shows, large overwater spa and gym, and small wine bar. There's an all-inclusive option that includes alcohol -- not especially common for the Maldives -- but this former adult-only resort doesn't have much for kids to do. The comparable Lily Beach Resort & Spa is kid-friendlier.
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is an all-inclusive boutique luxury resort in the South Ari Atoll. The 48 villas have sophisticated decor, espresso machines, minibars, private decks, outdoor showers, iPod docks, and comfy king-size beds; some rooms have semi-private pools. Sandbags, crabs, reef sharks, and fish are common sights in the surrounding lagoon and the island's location is ideal for spotting whale sharks and dolphins year-round. Standout and unique features include a chic airport lounge, beachside infinity pool with large bar, laser light shows, large overwater spa and gym, and small wine bar. There's an all-inclusive option that includes alcohol -- not especially common for the Maldives -- but this former adult-only resort doesn't have much for kids to do. The comparable Lily Beach Resort & Spa is kid-friendlier.
Located on a small island 35 minutes from Male, this luxury resort has 33 high-end water bungalows and a peaceful, all-natural vibe. Cocoa Island is primarily geared towards couples, and children’s facilities are sparse. Property highlights include gorgeous beaches, an infinity pool, on-site reef, excellent a la carte restaurant, and a pricey spa with a hydrotherapy pool and free daily yoga classes. Rooms come at a fair price for this caliber of property, but food and extras can add up fast. Still, it's a popular and less expensive alternative to Gili Lankanfushi.
Located on a small island 35 minutes from Male, this luxury resort has 33 high-end water bungalows and a peaceful, all-natural vibe. Cocoa Island is primarily geared towards couples, and children’s facilities are sparse. Property highlights include gorgeous beaches, an infinity pool, on-site reef, excellent a la carte restaurant, and a pricey spa with a hydrotherapy pool and free daily yoga classes. Rooms come at a fair price for this caliber of property, but food and extras can add up fast. Still, it's a popular and less expensive alternative to Gili Lankanfushi.