Ticket to Paradise: The Most Beautiful Maldives Resorts for Winter
In the Maldives, sun, light and warmth give you new energy. Culinary delights, deep relaxation in the spa and an incomparable underwater world make your happiness perfect.
January 15, 2024
Four Seasons Voavah, Baa-Atoll
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My island, my rules
If you've always wanted to have a paradise in the Indian Ocean all to yourself, Voavah is the place for you. There's also a 19-metre private yacht, spa, gym and diving center. The two-hectare island in the UNESCO biosphere reserve can only be rented exclusively. Seven luxurious rooms in three villas offer space for 22 happy guests, who don't have to adhere to any restaurant times or other guidelines. As soon as they land, their every wish - from hand-fished sashimi on the yacht to diving with reef sharks and a pool party under the stars - is fulfilled before they even think about it. Price on request.
Four Seasons Voavah at Baa Atoll
838H+M3M, Kudarikilu, Maldives
Tel. +(960) 66 00 888
Web: fourseasons.com
Price: on request
Conrad Maldives, Alifu-Dhaalu-Atoll
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Fish in front of your window
The Conrad Maldives sets new standards with what is probably the first bedroom in the world that is at eye level with sea turtles and reef sharks below the surface of the sea. The Muraka Residence has two bedrooms with a sun deck and access to the sea above water, as well as one with a round dome and a box seat with a panoramic window under water. A butler is available around the clock. The contemporary tropical-style water and beach villas on the Rangali and Rangali-Finolhu islands, which are connected by a jetty, also leave nothing to be desired.
Conrad Maldives
Rangali Island, 20077, Maldives
Tel.: +960 6680629
Web: conradmaldives.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 900 per person
Cora Cora Maldives, Raa-Atoll
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The very great freedom
If you long for the ultimate in freedom and carefree living, the Cora Cora on Raa Maamigili is the perfect place for you. The 100 luxuriously purist villas on land and on the water were designed with this guiding principle in mind and a sophisticated all-inclusive concept was developed. Because true freedom knows no bounds, the premium package includes a round-the-clock gourmet plan, water sports and wellness. In addition, 250 employees, known as Freedom Fighters, are dedicated to the individual well-being of guests. It's a special kind of carefree service.
Cora Cora Maldives
Raa Maamigili Raa Atoll, 05161, Maldives
Tel: +960 658-4888
Web: coracoraresorts.com
Price: Lagoon Villa incl. Premium All Inclusive from € 649
Soneva Secret, Haa-Dhaalu-Atoll
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Being Robinson Crusoe
Robinson Crusoe would even have left his island for this: In mid-February, the unique retreat "Soneva Secret" opens in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, the most remote place in the Maldives. Far away from civilization, manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles are the only things to be seen on this private island. Highlights of the 14 beach and overwater villas: the Crusoe Villas in the lagoon, which can only be reached by boat, and the Castaway Villa, the first floating villa in the Maldives. The "Out of This World" restaurant can also only be reached by boat - or with an 80-metre zipline that you can swing across. Price on request. soneva.com
Soneva Secret
Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Tel: +960 660 4300
Web: soneva.com
Price: on request
Jumeirah Maldives, Nord-Malé-Atoll
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Views as far as the horizon
Living on the water or between palm trees on the beach? The resort on the island of Olhahali has 67 spacious, Mediterranean-style residences - from the Beach Villa with a roof terrace and a pool to the Water Residence with three bedrooms and a large pool over the lagoon. Exquisite restaurants, a cinema under the stars, the fitness center and the spa on the water provide plenty of variety. Those who want to retreat to their villa can have breakfast served on a floating tray in their own pool; those planning an unforgettable dinner can have it served on the jetty - a sea view to the horizon is included.
Jumeirah Maldives
Olhahali Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Tel: +960 668 2606
Web: jumeirah.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 1,400 per person
Amari Raaya, Kudakurathu Island
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Absolute privacy
Hardly any other place in the Maldives exudes as much joie de vivre as the Amari Raaya on the island of Kudakurathu. Spacious villas with access to the shimmering seawater and some with private infinity pools are lined up along two jetties. From here, the path leads to the white sandy beach and through the untouched, dense nature in which the beach villas are hidden. It's precisely this privacy factor in combination with the fresh style that guests appreciate so much. Must-do: Private dining on the watchtower while the sun sets on the horizon. It's a breathtaking experience! Those who prefer company can be pampered in the Maai Spa, immerse themselves in the beachfront pool or the Maldivian culture.
Amari Raaya
Kudakurathu Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives
Tel: +960 400 1400
Web: amari.com
Price: Villa incl. breakfast from € 436
Patina, Nord-Malé-Atoll
© Georg Roske
The ocean's energy
The power of nature, wellness, creativity and, last but not least, impeccable service are intended to inspire the soul and awaken euphoria. The fact that this succeeds speaks volumes for the level of hospitality on the 42-hectare island. The size means plenty of space for the 90 beach and water villas as well as 20 studios, in which outdoor and indoor areas merge imperceptibly into one another. The smallest villa measures 240 square meters, the Beach House with three bedrooms and a 21-meter pool 1,800. Each villa has a private pool and a hammock. Thanks to natural materials and colors, even the eyes can rest here.
Patina Maldives
North Malé Atoll, 20026, Maldives
Tel: +960 4000 555
Web: patinahotels.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 1,800 per person
Lily Beach Resort & Spa, South-Ari-Atoll
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Pure paradise
Visitors to the private island of Huvahendhoo in the South Ari Atoll are immersed in a postcard idyll. As a pioneer of the all-inclusive concept and the Platinum Plan, Lily Beach set completely new travel standards. A dream comes true for guests when they enjoy the tranquillity - and the incomparable view of the sea - on the water, in the residences on land surrounded by tropical greenery or in the Tamara Spa with its glass floor. Four bars and restaurants are available around the clock for culinary delights. The Platinum Plan also includes a wide range of excursions and activities. It's real luxury!
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Huvahendhoo Island, 00160, Maldives
Tel.: +960 668-0013
Web:lilybeachmaldives.com
Price: Beach Villa with all-inclusive service from € 878
Kandolhu, Ari-Atoll
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Small and charming
The island of Kandolhu measures just 200 by 150 meters. The 23 beach villas and seven water villas nevertheless combine spaciousness with privacy and casual exclusivity. Five restaurants, a bar and the option of having dinner served on the beach or in the villa offer culinary variety, while the spa guarantees deep relaxation. The house reef impresses with its abundance of species; snorkeling trips to other reefs are offered as well as three dives a day. Baby sharks and sea turtles can be spotted from the beach and jetty.
Kandolhu Maldives
Kandolhudhoo, North Ari Atoll, Maldives
Tel.+960 668-0790
Web: kandolhu.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 1.270 per person
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Winter 2023/24.