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The smallest country in Asia, Maldives is the ideal beach paradise for barefoot luxury seekers. Once known mostly as a romantic destination for honeymooners, social media and the pandemic have changed that. Today the Maldives host solo nomads looking to take a break from their stressful lives, babymooners, influencers, birthday celebrations and much more. There is something for any kind of traveler from adventure seeking, family friendly, foodies, to wellness seekers in search of peace and most amazing spas. If you're looking for a memorable stay, there are multiple luxury resorts nestled among the islands that offer a variety of experiences for everyone and today with my guide I have you covered! 

The Maldives are nestled halfway between Indonesia and Africa and they are made up of 26 atolls spanning 1,190 different islands. The best time to visit is between December and April during the dry season which allows perfect visibility for diving and snorkeling.  If you are traveling from the U.S. you might want to consider combining your trip with a stop before or after in Dubai, ( as it's about a 4 hour flight from the UAE). Or you might want to visit India and stop in the Maldives on the way back. 

SOME SPECIAL THINGS TO DO IN THE MALDIVES

Dine at the world’s smallest restaurant - Taj Exotica’s Ocean Pavilion in Maldives is one of those magical places.

Take a break from the world and enjoy the The W Maldives’ two-day Robinson Crusoe experience

Hit the beaches and go Island Hopping - Check out Travel & Leisure’s perfect guide to the must see beaches of the Maldives. 

Go Dancing at The overwater club at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

Honestly, the hardest part of your Maldives trip will most definitely be deciding which hotel/resort to stay in- but don't worry I have you covered. 

MY TOP 10 HOTELS IN THE MALDIVES

1. Kudadoo- brings the all-inclusive concept to new heights with its motto: Anything, Anywhere, Anytime. I love this Maldives episode from Eugene Levy’s travel show on Apple + “ The Reluctant Traveler” - if this doesn’t inspire you to book your trip, I don’t know what will! Lars Petre is the Swedish entrepreneur who not only developed the country’s first sea-plane company but co-manages nine other island resorts. On Kudadoo, he has created the country’s first solar-powered hotel and its first all-inclusive luxury hotel – all off a tiny coconut-forested sandbank. This is truly paradise on earth- here you can enjoy Healing Earth treatments, sound baths under water ( i'll leave that up to your imagination) enjoy the attention of a private butler 24/7, adventurous activities like jet-skiing and deep-sea fishing, or feasting fabulous food prepared by world renowned French chef Antoine Lievaux.
2. Gili Lankanfushi Maldives- This hotel is still set in one of the most eye-wateringly beautiful lagoons, a vision of virgin white beaches and water that sparkle from emerald green to crystal clear blue. As one of the most sustainable resorts in the Maldives,  Gili Lankanfushi wants to educate its guests about its magnificent surroundings. The resort has a marine biology center with two dedicated marine biologists, a coral-restoration project and partnerships with international NGOs, including Manta Trust and the Olive Ridley Project, to help protect at-risk wildlife. 
3.  The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands- It is also  where you’ll find Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme, the only one in the Maldives, staffed by marine biologists who are monitoring sealife with underwater robots and airborne drones, in addition to guiding guests.
4. Hurawalhi Island Resort- It has the biggest underwater restaurant in the Maldives – and there are wonders on both sides of the glass. Hurawalhi is surrounded by no fewer than 50 outstanding dive sites, including one of the most reliable manta-ray hotspots in the archipelago.
5. Joali- The design details in the overwater and beach villas are beautifully curated. Locally hand-carved wood panels and bamboo-slatted headboards are counterbalanced with rose-gold bathroom taps resembling giant pebbles. Fitness program, which has combined wellness with philanthropy by creating an outdoor “green gym” made up of things like handcrafted wooden structures, coconut hand weights and natural fiber ropes, and made entirely by students from a vocational school. 
6. For the Ibiza Loving Islander’s this one’s for you  Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives-Check out the Rock Star Villa suite ( with funky bar and giant disco ball). 
7. One&Only Reethi Rah- “ With eight restaurants, One&Only Reethi Rah is a gourmand’s dream- Enjoy a plant-based meal at Botanica by renowned chef Matthew Kenney, but keep in mind the resort specializes in private dinners with bespoke menus and attentive service.”  Robb Report 
8. The St Regis - a favorite for foodies, apparently their wine cellar is one of a kind. 
9. Velaa Private Island ( Check out  The Neeka Residence designed by renowned interior designer Patricia Urquiola). 
10. Cheval Blanc Randheli - Perfect for travelers who appreciate design and architecture.  Designed by celebrated architect Jean-Michel Gathy, who used traditional materials like rattan, mother-of-pearl and bamboo throughout the property.

Read More for more Maldives #travelinspo: 

• AD Magazine The Maldives Emerges as a COVID-Safe Haven for Style and Design Lovers
• Conde Nast Traveller Hotel Guide Maldives