2014-06-17

Boasting pure white sands and sparkling blue waters, the Maldives are truly the definition of paradise. With thousands of islands totaling less than 100 square miles of land, you’re never far from the beach in this island nation. Here are a few of the best places to stay as you enjoy this tropical escape.

Lux Maldives



Photo Credit: Lux Maldives

This 5-star luxury resort is situated on a stretch of beach on Dhidhoofinolhu Island, nearby Dhidhoofinolhu Marina and just 30 minutes away from Malé International Airport. This elegant resort offers a spa, outdoor pool, 6 dining options, free Wi-Fi, and water sport facilities. Guests at Lux Maldives are a short distance away from Maafushivaru Island Beach and Maafushivaru Island Pier. Guests compliment this resort’s villas, which offer direct beach or lagoon access, as well as the excellent snorkeling in this area.

Room Tip: Opt for the Prestige Water Villas on the west side of the resort, which are quieter and provide a nice breeze.

Price Range: $330-1000

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Lux Maldives

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru



Photo Credit: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru stands on a stretch of private beach in Vabbinfaru. The resort is just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. Guests staying at this 5-star luxury resort have easy access to Angsana Beach, Vabbinfaru Beach, Bandos Beach and Thulhagiri Beach. The spacious villas offer direct beach access, and beautiful ocean views from private sundecks. Guests praise this resort’s beautiful private beach.

Room Tip: The ocean-view rooms are worth the extra cost, offering more privacy and quiet.

Price Range: $1300-1500

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Kurumba Maldives



Photo Credit: Kurumba Maldives

Kurumba Maldives is a 4-star beach resort situated on a private island in North Malé Atoll, offering a tranquil setting of white sandy beaches and tall coconut palms. From Malé International Airport, the resort can be reached in just 10 minutes by speedboat. The resort is also close to Banana Reef Dive Site, HulhuMalé Ferry Terminal and Viligili Ferry Terminal. It offers 2 outdoor pools, fitness center, spa, 3 tennis courts, as well as Italian, Indian, Lebanese and Japanese food at on-site restaurants.

Room Tip: Bring a flashlight because the resort can be difficult to navigate if you return after dark.

Price Range: $500-1100

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Kurumba Maldives

Bandos Island Resort & Spa

Photo Credit: Bandos Island Resort & Spa

This resort stands on an island in North Malé Atoll, one of the area’s best spots for diving, with over 40 excellent dive sites.This resort offers easy access to Kuda Bandos, Banana Reef Dive Site, Manta Point Dive Site, and HulhuMalé Ferry Terminal. The resort features a pool with swim-up bar, several dinning options on-site, fitness center, spa, and kids’ club, which provides entertainment for younger guests.

Room Tip: For a quiet night, choose a room as far away from the bar as possible.

Price Range: $297-415

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Bandos Island Resort & Spa

Royal Island Resort and Spa

Photo Credit: Royal Island Resort and Spa

This 5-star beach resort on Horubadhoo Island offers beachfront accommodations, 110 km from Malé International Airport and 7.6 km from Dharavandhoo Thila. The wood villas offer TV, en-suite bathroom, and private patio with ocean views. The resort features a spa, 2 restaurants, outdoor pool, gym, tennis courts, and a hearty daily breakfast buffet.

Room Tip: Opt for the villas on the sunset side for beautiful views and a larger stretch of beach

Price Range: $315-500

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Royal Island Resort and Spa

Angsana Velavaru

Photo Credit: Angsana Velavaru

Angsana Velavaru offers luxury beachfront villas on Velavaru Island. Malé International Airport is just 40 minutes away by seaplane, and Maamigili Airport is 57.8 km away. All villas are equipped with free Wi-Fi,  32-inch television sets, and private pools. There are 5 on-site restaurants where guests can enjoy local and international dishes, as well as an award-winning spa, and exciting activities, such as dolphin-watching trips, can be arranged.

Room Tip: Go for the beach villas, which are cheaper than the overseas villas, and provide better access to beach activities

Price Range: $515-4000

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Angsana Velavaru

Holiday Island Resort & Spa

Photo Credit:  Holiday Island Resort & Spa

This is 4-star budget-friendly resort is set on the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll on Dhiffushi Island, a 30-minute flight from Malé International Airport. This resort offers beachfront bungalows with private terraces that offer views of the ocean, equipped with satellite TV, fridge, en-suite bathroom with bathtub, and safety deposit box.  The resort features nightly entertainment at the on-site bar, as well as sauna, gym, and beach volleyball facilities. Guests have easy access to  Maafushivaru Island Beach and Maafushivaru Island Pier.

Room Tip: Ask for a room toward the western end of the resort, which offers much nicer views.

Price Range: $335-414

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Holiday Island Resort & Spa

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Photo Credit: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

This resort stands on Furana Island in North Malé Atoll, making it an excellent choice for visitors who want to enjoy the island’s entertainment. Guestrooms feature Maldivian-inspired décor, offering views of the beach, sea, or garden, along with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, 24-hour room service and en-suites bathroom. The resort is located near Full Moon Beach, Paradise Island Beach, Kurumba Beach and Boutique by Island Breeze,a 25-minute speed boat ride from Malé International Airport.

Room Tip: Go for the sea cottages which offer gorgeous outdoor showers

Price Range: $293-2500

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Chaaya Island Dhonveli

Photo Credit: Chaaya Island Dhonveli

This 4-star budget-friendly resort in North Malé Atoll is located about 16 km from Malé International Airport. The resort offers 5 dining options, spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool. Ocean-view rooms offers a comfortable seating area and private balcony. Guests compliment this resort’s good food, great views, and friendly staff.

Room Tip: The deluxe water bungalow suite is worth the upgrade.

Price Range: $308-$2100

Check the hotel’s lowest price on Agoda here: Chaaya Island Dhonveli

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