Where we've been, and when

Faarufushi is one of those places that quietly grows on you. Our water villa was lovely, with a private pool, a spacious deck and that gorgeous Maldivian ocean right outside. The island is beautifully green, with plenty of tropical vegetation and little pathways to explore. I also liked the way the resort was designed—modern and stylish, but without trying too hard. The food was excellent, and the main restaurant had a lovely, airy feel. All in all, a really relaxed and comfortable stay. I’d happily recommend Faarufushi to anyone looking for a stylish Maldives escape without too much fuss.

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Afzal took us around the island during our stay, and here he is showing us the grand two-bedroom Presidential Water Villa. We arrived on a rainy afternoon, so we had to cocoon ourselves inside the villa for a while before we could finally step out and explore.

The food—and the sheer variety—completely bowled us over. The evening entertainment, on the other hand, got a little too relaxing! 😄

Cycling around the jetties was quite a challenge, especially with the strong winds blowing across the island. And honestly, two nights felt like far too little time here. We could have easily done with a couple more.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Emerald Maldives Resort review →

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa really nails that sweet spot between fancy and chill. The whole place is lush and green, and you can just hop on a bike to explore the island whenever you feel like it. Honestly, the infinity pool is massive — just sitting there with views over the lagoon is pretty hard to beat. The overwater villas are gorgeous, and if you're into that sort of thing, the underwater room with the reef basically on your doorstep is absolutely wild. The beaches and lagoon are everything you dream the Maldives will be, but what really sets it apart is all the greenery dotted around. It doesn't feel like a sterile resort — it actually feels like a real tropical island. Everything's spread out nicely, there's no rush or stress, and it's got that proper island vibe. If you're after more than just a stunning villa to crash in, this place delivers.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Pullman Maldives Maamutaa guide →

It took what seemed like a never-ending flight to get to the local airport, followed by a boat ride to Ayada’s shores. But once we finally arrived, we were absolutely blown away by everything we saw.

Our villa was gorgeous, and we took our cycles around to explore every nook and cranny of the island. I even tried squeezing in some yogic movements on the villa deck, but quickly discovered that moving much was next to impossible. After all, we’d been feeding ourselves far too generously! 😄

One evening, there was a fantastic beach performance by a troupe that had come all the way from Turkey—or somewhere around there. Their fire and pyrotechnic displays were mesmerising and made for quite a spectacle.

I’d recommend Ayada at the drop of a hat to anyone with a decent budget. It really is one of those places that leaves you thoroughly impressed.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Ayada Maldives review →

We arrived at the resort in style, by private speedboat, and Baros took our breath away almost instantly. 🌴

Our water villa wasn’t the most modern we’ve stayed in, but it had a wonderfully exotic, old-world charm that we absolutely loved. The island itself is tiny, but it certainly packs a punch. The villas had just been refurbished during our visit and looked fresh as daisies.

And then there’s the iconic Lighthouse Restaurant—one of the most photographed spots in the Maldives. Dining here, surrounded by the ocean, has a wonderfully soothing quality to it.

All in all, Baros is one of those properties that gets so much right. A beautiful little island, a great sense of place, and plenty to enjoy. I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable Maldivian escape.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Baros Maldives review →

Soneva Jani has a very distinctive personality. Our villa had this beautiful, almost handcrafted feel, with whitewashed wood, natural textures, plenty of space and a private pool with the lagoon right outside. The architecture is playful too—the curved staircase and slide were impossible to ignore! We particularly enjoyed the relaxed, barefoot atmosphere, from long breakfasts by the beach to sitting outdoors after dinner under the night sky. It feels less like a conventional luxury resort and more like a beautifully designed island hideaway where you can simply slow down.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Soneva Jani Maldives review →

Nova Maldives has a really easy-going feel to it. We loved the combination of its clean, contemporary overwater villas and the more natural, thatched-roof spaces around the island. The lagoon is beautifully clear, and there’s plenty of that classic Maldivian turquoise around the walkways and beach. One of my favourite memories was simply sitting out on the boat in the late afternoon on a sunset cruise, watching the sun soften over the ocean. It felt relaxed and unpretentious—more about enjoying the island and the sea than dressing things up too much.

Planning a stay? View current Nova Maldives stay options →

Le Méridien totally won us over! We spent time there in October 2022 and fell in love with its relaxed, contemporary vibe. The design is beautifully understated—think natural wood, cane details, and open spaces that just breathe. The restaurants and lounges are super bright and airy, with those gorgeous ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. What really got us was how unpretentious and peaceful everything felt. If you're after a stylish Maldives resort that nails the balance between modern elegance and laid-back island living, this is it.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Le Méridien Maldives guide →

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Our third visit to Gili Lankanfushi never gets old. This tiny island captivates with pristine beach sand and hand-crafted wooden villas that feel authentically Maldivian—not concrete-heavy like many resorts. The overwater villas are stunning hideaways with thatched roofs and lagoon views perfect for doing absolutely nothing. What truly sets Gili apart is its barefoot, laid-back soul. Warm hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and lush, unpolished beauty create an intimate escape that feels refreshingly different from typical luxury resorts.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Gili Lankanfushi Maldives review →

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Kuda Villingili nailed the vibe—modern without feeling sterile. Our villa was tucked into lush greenery, so it felt private, but the beach and lagoon were literally steps away. The space itself was clean and airy, all glass and natural wood, the kind of place that just feels good to be in. Meals with ocean views became a thing. Even the boat ride over was surprisingly pleasant—proper seats, big windows, no cramped ferry energy. It's one of those resorts that gets the balance right: contemporary design meets genuine island ease. No fuss, just well-thought-out comfort.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Kuda Villingili Resort guide →

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A seaplane brought us to this lovely little island, which has some of the finest beaches in the Maldives. The water villa we stayed in was a cute one, and we settled in rather nicely.

One evening, we joined a cocktail party by the beach, where we were treated to some wonderfully exotic Bodu Beru performances. The following day, we headed out on a dolphin excursion aboard this massive dhoni. We were lucky enough to spot a handful of dolphins, which made the outing all the more worthwhile.

Our hosts were incredibly gracious and always around to keep us company—or simply whenever we needed them. It made the whole stay feel warm, relaxed and wonderfully personal.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Dhigufaru Island Resort guide →

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LUX* South Ari Atoll has a really easygoing, playful feel to it. What stood out for us was the sheer space—the beautiful turquoise lagoon, long stretches of white sand and a wonderfully lush, coconut-filled island. We loved lounging on the overwater nets, with the lagoon literally underneath us. There was plenty happening too, from yoga sessions to relaxed outdoor dining, but it never felt overly formal. The sunsets were another highlight. Overall, it felt like a resort where you could be as active or as lazy as you wanted.

Planning a stay? Read our complete LUX* South Ari Atoll guide →

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Really enjoyed the hospitality here. We ended up spending an awful lot of time at the spa, which left us feeling thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated.

The Maldives can be quite severe at times, and unfortunately, we happened to pick a period when the seas were particularly rough. But the stupendous breakfast more than made up for it! 😄

And, as is almost inevitable with these otherworldly resorts, I’ve once again managed to put on a little weight. The food is simply too good to resist!

This is also a really large island, with an abundance of lush vegetation, which gives it a lovely, natural feel.

Planning a stay? Read our complete Vakkaru Maldives review →