The Maldives is a tropical paradise known for its clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts. Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is made up of 26 atolls and has a rich history as a key maritime hub. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice, in 2021 and 2022, staying at Lily Beach and Waldorf Astoria, each offering unforgettable experiences. This blog begins with a general overview of the Maldives, followed by insights from my two trips, and concludes with a comprehensive analysis of hotels across all price ranges, drawn from my personal experiences and thorough research.

Overview

Best Time to Visit the Maldives – The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. This period is the dry season, offering sunny weather, calm seas, and perfect conditions for beach and water activities.

Transfers: Most resorts are located on private islands and are accessible via speedboats or seaplanes from Malé, the capital. The mode of transfer depends on the resort’s distance from the airport. I have traveled to Maldives twice, and reached my resort once via yacht and once via seaplane. 

About Malé: Malé is the bustling capital city, offering a mix of local culture, markets, and history. While not a tourist hub, it’s worth exploring briefly if you arrive early or depart late. In my two visits, I didnt get a chance to explore male. 

Recommended Days: A 4 to 7 day stay is ideal for enjoying the luxury, activities, and relaxation the Maldives offers without feeling rushed.

Prices: The Maldives is a luxury destination, with prices ranging from $400 to $1500+ per night for villas, depending on the resort. Transfers and meals are often additional, especially on premium properties.

Villa Section: Overwater villas are iconic in the Maldives, offering stunning ocean views and direct access to the lagoon. Beach villas are another great option for those who prefer staying on land but still want privacy and luxury.

Where to Stay? – consider factors like cost, location and accessibility, who you’re traveling with, accommodation type (beach villas, water villas, etc.), package options (all-inclusive, bed and breakfast, etc.), island size, the quality of the house reef for snorkeling/diving, and niche options like eco-tourism or luxury travel when choosing where to stay.

Who Is It For? The Maldives is perfect for honeymooners, luxury seekers, scuba diving enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a tranquil, tropical getaway. However, families and solo travelers can also find resorts that cater to their needs.

Lily Beach Spa & Resort

Arriving in Malé, we were quickly swept into the rhythm of Maldives island life. After a 40-minute seaplane journey with the world’s largest seaplane fleet, TMA, we found ourselves descending into paradise—Lily Beach Resort in South Ari Atoll. From the very moment we set foot on the island, we were greeted with refreshing slushies—booze for the adults—setting the tone for a laid-back yet indulgent escape.

Lily Beach operates under an all-inclusive plan, which made our stay hassle-free and seamless. This wasn’t just about meals; it included meet-and-greet services at the airport, access to the seaplane lounge, fine dining experiences at all four of their restaurants, dreamy excursions, various sports and activities, and a selection of premium wine and spirits. The resort had truly thought of everything, elevating our vacation to one of effortless luxury.

Our villa was an overwater bungalow, complete with a private pool and deck leading straight to the beach. The glass-bottom feature gave us the unique privilege of watching the stunning colors of the Maldivian waters from the comfort of our room. It was compact yet elegantly designed—a peaceful retreat from the world where every detail had been considered for maximum comfort.

When it came to dining, we were spoiled for choice. With four restaurants and four bars, every meal felt like a new adventure. One of my favorite spots was Lily Maa, the buffet restaurant. Each evening had a different theme, with a selection so vast and irresistible that I found myself trying everything. Breakfast was no less impressive—expansive, satisfying, and full of fresh options. Aqva, the poolside restaurant, was perfect for casual meals after a swim. Their pizza, salads, and burgers hit the spot every time. Then there was Tamarind, the Indian-Thai-Asian restaurant that provided an exciting change of pace. The samosas and specially-prepared curries were highlights, offering a taste of home but with an elevated twist. One morning, we tried the much-raved-about floating breakfast, and while the view was unbeatable, the reality didn’t quite live up to the hype—soggy food and no option for seconds. Still, it was a fun, one-time experience that I don’t regret.

One night, we decided to splurge on a private fine dining experience, which was worth every penny of the $100 per person. Set in a secluded location with only the sound of the waves as our backdrop, we enjoyed a four-course meal that was nothing short of divine. Sharing it with good company made the evening even more memorable.

Lily Beach’s main beach, located near the water sports area, was absolutely stunning. The soft white sand and clear, shallow waters made for the perfect spot to relax for hours. Whether we were sipping coconut water from the beach bar or watching the sunset over the horizon, it was impossible not to feel at peace. We spent most days lounging by the beach, but the activities offered by the resort were equally tempting. Stand-up paddleboarding and glass-bottom canoeing were complimentary, and though I attempted to flyboard, my lack of skill made for more of an entertaining spectacle than an accomplishment.

The evenings at Lily Beach were no less magical. We enjoyed sipping drinks on our deck, gazing out at the endless sea under a star-filled sky. The resort also hosted performances from time to time, adding an element of fun and excitement to our stay. The moments of sheer relaxation and quiet joy felt like they would never end.

One standout aspect of our trip was the hospitality. I’ve traveled extensively and stayed at many world-class resorts, but the level of care and attention we received at Lily Beach was extraordinary. The staff went above and beyond to make sure our experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Our time at Lily Beach was one of pure bliss, filled with luxurious comforts, exciting activities, and endless indulgence. It was a trip that left us with memories to treasure and stories to tell for years to come. Without hesitation, I would recommend this little slice of paradise to anyone looking for the perfect Maldivian escape.

Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi

Our journey to the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi began with the smoothest of transitions, quite literally. After landing, we were escorted a mere two-minute walk to the sea where a luxury yacht awaited us. Unlike most Maldivian resorts that require a seaplane transfer, the Waldorf Astoria is close enough to the airport that a yacht makes the journey—a 40-minute ride across the turquoise waters. As first impressions go, this one set the bar incredibly high. The yacht itself was a masterpiece: immaculate interiors, plush seating, and the sort of luxurious detailing that you expect from a resort of this caliber. Add in the free-flowing champagne and gourmet snacks, and it felt like the vacation had already started.

Arriving at the resort, we were greeted by a smiling team of staff, including our island host. Walking into the main reception area was like stepping into a world designed for the elite. The ceilings soared above us, and the polished wooden floors gleamed. It was a subtle, yet immediate reminder that this was no ordinary resort. This was something more. Much more.

Our villa was located on the south side of the island—an Ocean Villa, which, even by Maldivian standards, was astounding. Illuminated cathedral ceilings, oversized chandeliers, and attention to every detail made this place feel more like a palace than a tropical retreat. The space was immense, both inside and out. The villa even had a glass-bottomed viewing section so we could enjoy the underwater world without leaving our room. I particularly appreciated how, three weeks before our arrival, the hotel reached out with an extensive questionnaire about our preferences. From whether we preferred still or sparkling water to an incredibly detailed pillow menu, the Waldorf’s commitment to personalizing every aspect of our stay was clear from the start.

One of the standout features of the villa was the bathroom. It was almost as large as the bedroom itself, with a deep soaking tub that overlooked the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean. The outdoor space was just as jaw-dropping as the interior—there were 18 seats arranged across the deck, none of which felt cramped. The sheer space and layout made it hard to believe this was the “standard” villa. I’ve seen presidential suites in other hotels that didn’t come close to what the Waldorf Astoria offers as their baseline.

For our 4-night stay, we paid 7,20,000 INR, which included the yacht transfer and a $100 USD credit per person for four days, usable at all the restaurants (except Terra and private dining experiences). Given the luxury of the resort, we found this a fair price for what was delivered. At the end of our stay, our final bill came to around $800 USD, covering additional food and activities.

When it came to dining, the Waldorf Astoria did not disappoint. Our first dinner was at Yasmeen, a restaurant designed to resemble a traditional Arabic village. I could almost believe I had been transported somewhere deep into the Levant as we devoured freshly baked breads and exquisite dips. Another memorable dinner was at Li Long, their Chinese restaurant. Known for its Peking duck, the authenticity of the dishes took me by surprise. It was a taste of China, but with the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.

Perhaps the most unexpected culinary highlight came from Zuma, a restaurant that needs no introduction. We were fortunate to dine here just after it had opened, enjoying dishes like yakitori and robata grill while surrounded by one of the most picturesque landscapes I’ve ever seen. Floating above the lagoon, Zuma offered not just a meal, but an experience.

The Ledge by Dave Pynt, another Michelin-starred venture, was another gem. Having waited two months for a reservation at the Singapore branch, it was incredible to experience the same level of quality here, without any of the hassle. Even as a vegetarian, I found the grilled items and desserts divine. Glow, their farm-to-table concept, was a lovely surprise, offering hearty vegan burgers and comforting soups. Amber, a sunset lounge, gave us one of the most breathtaking views of our trip. I can’t put into words how mesmerizing the sky was, shifting through countless shades as we sipped our drinks.

For something more casual, Nava became our go-to spot. With stunning lagoon views, live DJs, and pizzas that hit the spot, it was perfect for a laid-back afternoon. Tasting Table, the main restaurant, was where we enjoyed breakfast most days. Each morning was a feast of creativity and indulgence, with unique dishes like truffle eggs benedict and Maldivian-inspired shakshuka. The service was impeccable—our glasses never stayed empty, and the staff were always eager to assist.

In terms of wellness, the Waldorf has a 24/7 gym outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and a spa that goes above and beyond. The wellness pool was a revelation, divided into zones that targeted different parts of the body, using jets, air pressure, and varying water temperatures to offer a complete sensory experience. For those looking to stay active, there are tennis and padel courts, and for water enthusiasts, the dive center and water sports center offer plenty of options. I opted for seabobbing—a thrilling way to explore the waters around the island.

What truly sets the Waldorf apart, though, is the service. Every staff member seemed to know our names and preferences, making us feel like the most important guests on the island. Whether we were dining, relaxing by the pool, or exploring the resort’s many activities, we were constantly met with warmth, attentiveness, and a genuine desire to ensure our stay was nothing short of extraordinary.

Reflecting on our time at the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, it’s clear that this resort has mastered the art of luxury. Every detail, from the moment we stepped on that yacht to our final breakfast, was curated to perfection. This isn’t just a resort—it’s a destination in itself, where indulgence and comfort reach new heights. The Maldives may be known for its luxury, but the Waldorf Astoria has redefined what it means to truly escape to paradise.

Conclusion 

If you’re considering alternatives to the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, here are some excellent options:

• Soneva Jani / Fushi: The retractable roof villas with huge pools are something out of a dream, perfect for stargazing while lying in bed. Soneva Fushi offers a lush island vibe, while both resorts champion eco-luxury. The price tag is steep however..
• Taj Exotica: Conveniently close to Malé, it’s a quick boat ride to this slice of Indian-influenced luxury. The service is warm and attentive, though you might occasionally hear seaplanes overhead due to its proximity to the airport.
• Ritz-Carlton: A striking newcomer with modern, sleek villas and a unique circular design. The service is impeccable, and the villas are spacious, though some might find privacy a bit compromised in certain spots of the villa due to the layout. Yet, an incredible modern new property.
• St. Regis: Known for its outstanding butler service, this resort is all about tailored luxury. The whale shark-shaped bar and serene setting are unforgettable. It’s a little more secluded, which is either a dream or a bit too quiet, depending on your preference.
• Four Seasons (Landaa Giraavaru / Kuda Huraa): With two stunning properties, Four Seasons offers a mix of adventure and luxury. Both have exceptional marine programs, and the high price reflects the brand’s consistent top-tier service.
• Angsana Velavaru: The villas here are literally on the ocean, and you’ll need a boat to shuttle between the main island and your villa. It’s a unique experience, and the wellness focus is fantastic, though it’s not as over-the-top luxurious as some of the other options.
• InterContinental: Nestled in Raa Atoll, this is a quieter, more understated luxury option with great wellness programs. It screams extravagance, and the tranquillity and service make it a solid pick.
• Gili Lankanfushi: The Crusoe Residences are incredibly private, accessible only by boat, which gives a sense of serene isolation. The food, villas and views are unparalleled.
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Famous for Ithaa, its underwater restaurant, this resort offers a mix of family-friendly fun and luxe experiences. Some areas of the resort can feel a little busier though.

The Maldives is a haven of turquoise waters, tranquil beaches, and ultimate relaxation. From the luxurious pampering at the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi to the peaceful serenity of your private villa, every moment is crafted for indulgence. Whether you’re floating in crystal-clear lagoons, dining under the stars, or simply unwinding in the quiet of nature, the Maldives offers a perfect escape from the world. It’s a destination where time slows down, and relaxation takes over, leaving you rejuvenated and refreshed. A stay here isn’t just a vacation—it’s a truly unforgettable experience of tranquility and luxury.