Hotels in Maldives
The selection of Maldives resorts keeps growing each year. There are around 200 resorts vying to be the Maldives hotel you choose for your holiday this year.
Each Maldives resort offers distinct amenities, targets a specific clientele, and sits on an island with unique features. Not even the sand is equally white and fine on every island.
Picking the best Maldives hotel isn’t about price or stars. Some 4* resorts have facilities that outshine older 5* ones. And some very expensive ones aren’t worth the cost. When choosing a Maldives hotel, it’s wise to consider the differences between islands.
That’s why at Arenatours we visit multiple hotels in the Maldives each year to assess their condition, facilities and service. We include in our catalogue the best Maldives resorts, always aiming for excellent value for money.
Main differences between Maldives islands
Island size
- Large-island Maldives resorts: Offer more activities and entertainment options. You’ll generally find bikes, jet skis, evening shows or childcare services. They also tend to have more restaurants, longer beaches and more guests.
- Small-island Maldives resorts: Much more intimate, perfect for unplugging. Ideal for honeymooners, executives and celebrities valuing privacy. Service is highly personalised—some even put your name on the door instead of a number.
Location & transfers
When choosing your Maldives hotel, bear in mind your flight arrival time—it can limit transfer options. If you have few days and want to make the most of them, it might be better to pick a hotel on an island close to the capital to avoid lengthy transfers.
Or perhaps you’d like the seaplane experience. The views over turquoise lagoons will stay with you forever. We also recommend focusing on resorts on islands where there’s less rain during your travel dates, especially in low season.
Coral for snorkelling
- Reef: If snorkelling is a priority, look for Maldives resorts with a coral reef accessible by swim from the island. To spot whale sharks, manta rays or other species, target resorts in the atoll where sightings peak during your Maldives trip.
- Lagoon: Some islands lack a reef but compensate with stunning turquoise lagoons. At these Maldives hotels you’ll find the famous sandbanks so often seen on Instagram.
Comparing Maldives hotels
Main differences between Maldives resorts
Hotel age & condition
Maintenance is vital in the Maldives. Sea salt quickly takes its toll. Rooms are usually wooden, with guests walking in barefoot straight from the sand or water.
Renovated and new resorts score highly, though the latter can carry some teething risks.
That’s why continuous inspection of Maldives hotels is essential. A resort that’s top-rated today may have aged significantly in five years.
Activities & beach
Some Maldives hotels offer golf, others paddle or surf, etc.
Also note beaches differ by size and sand quality. If you love soft white sand, focus on hotels with the best beaches in the Maldives. You can even have a private beach at resorts like Nika Island.
Experiences in the Maldives
Some Maldives hotels feature slides from their water villas straight into the sea. Others have underwater restaurants or submerged suites. Some offer a nearby deserted island for a private dinner, or romantic bubble tents on the beach.
You can also stay aboard a liveaboard. These Maldives boats are hugely popular with divers and surfers wanting to spend maximum time enjoying their sport.
Value for money
If gastronomy matters to you, there are resorts with a wide range of restaurants. And if you want to leave budgeting behind, there are more and more all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives. Each resort offers different extras—some excursions or even spa treatments.
And of course, value for money is a key decision factor.
At Arenatours we advise you so that, within your budget, you choose the ideal resort for a perfect Maldives holiday.
