My name is Jodie Turner and I am the Director of Extraordinary Escapes, a company I started 21 years ago after deciding to leave my law career. It was 2003, I was living in London and had my first baby. I had desperately wanted to visit the Maldives and I sat in my London apartment researching the best Maldives resorts for families. Even with my over enthusiastic legal training, I couldn’t find enough information on the resorts that work for families and those that are better suited to couples.
I arrived in the Maldives on my very first visit in August of 2003 to the resort of my first choice. Of course, it was my dream come true and so I decided to extend my holiday. As it turned out this resort was full and so we moved to the resort of my second choice. Both resorts were incredible however the second resort just suited me better. Under an umbrella, on the white sand beach in the Maldives, the idea to create a company that specializes exclusively in only one destination and that knows everything about that one destination was created.
Extraordinary Escapes was the very first company to specialize exclusively in the Maldives and no other destination and exclusively in the luxury Maldives resorts. Other companies have tried to replicate our business model over the years however what we do differently is that as the Company Director, I remain involved in the advice process for all of the bookings. Another unique aspect of our business model is that we acknowledge that each and every client is different and therefore what one person considers perfection is different to the next person. We therefore provide objective advice and facts on the resorts rather than subjective, which is what you see on other travel websites.
When I started Extraordinary Escapes 21 years ago, there were only 6 true 5-star luxury Maldives Resorts. The issue our clients faced back then was the lack of information available on the Maldives and the luxury resorts. Now it is the complete opposite. There are so many resorts to choose from and so much information available, clients don’t know what is fact or fiction. From family resorts, to couples escapes. From wellness retreats to active adventures. There is a luxury resort in the Maldives for everyone and now we are spoilt for choice.
Over the last 21 years, we have travelled to the Maldives at least twice a year, staying at the resorts we have chosen to sell and visiting some we decide not to sell. We only sell resorts that truly reflect the star level we have labelled them at and are priced accordingly. I am lucky enough to say that since starting Extraordinary Escapes, I have spent over 60 weeks in the Maldives. I believe this puts me in a better position that anyone to write an article on what I think are the leading luxury resorts at the moment.
Here is my list of the Top 10 Luxury Maldives Resorts in 2024 (not is any particular order) and a top tip for each not to be missed:
1. Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is heaven on earth. Located in the incredible Baa Atoll, it is blessed with a picture perfect island in a first class location. With a luxurious Maldivian Island theme, the villas are the perfect fusion of modern luxury and traditional Maldivian design. With it’s natural island beauty, coupled with the Four Seasons' world-renowned style and service, you’ll never want to leave.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offers a unique excursion called Manta on Call. You are given a cell phone on arrival at the resort and called when Mantas are sighted. You meet the Manta Trust Marine Biologists at the Marine Discovery Centre and off you go on your adventure to find the Mantas!”
2. Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi is the ultimate island hideaway. It is the original barefoot luxury resort in the Maldives, blessed with natural beauty and an incredible house reef. Located in the stunning Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi’s picture perfect beaches and deserted island theme invites you to explore. Soneva’s SLOW LIFE philosophy is to create unforgettable experiences for their guests that last a lifetime while treading lightly on the earth. Soneva Fushi is where luxury merges with sustainability in pure harmony.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “Start your amazing house reef snorkelling after breakfast by relaxing on an over-water hammock at Out of the Blue. When you are ready to take the plunge, climb the spiral staircase and take the waterslide straight to the house reef!
3. Waldorf Astoria
The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an exclusive Maldives luxury resort providing all Guest transfers via catered Luxury Yacht, making your arrival experience feel more like an excursion. This stunning island paradise, with perfect white sand beaches and an iridescent turquoise lagoon, is surrounded by its beautiful house reef abundant in marine life. Your Waldorf Astoria Personal Concierge and all of the Team are dedicated to making your Maldives holiday a series of unforgettable moments.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “Indulge in an around the World culinary experience with every restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria transporting you to the theme it represents. From Li Long’s Chef hand carving the Peking Duck at your table to Zuma’s Chefs cheering ‘Irasshaimase!’ as each guest enters the restaurant, we found dining at the Waldorf Astoria incredibly impressive.”
4. Patina Maldives
Patina Maldives is the perfect location for the ultimate Maldives holiday. A stunning Maldives luxury resort that is part of the Fari Islands, Patina is located a 45 minute speed boat transfer from Male International Airport. This island is ultra modern chic in design with soft, natural finishings and flowing indoor and outdoor living spaces. Patina Maldives offers more than just a Maldives luxury resort experience combining nature, wellness, creativity, exploration and immersive art experiences to elevate your Maldives holiday.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “Spend some time at Patina’s Fari Beach Club, a hub of activity. It is home to incredible restaurants, shops, food trucks, a second resort pool and amazing art experiences. Our favourite time was Sunset when we were entertained by music, canapes and Happy Hour drinks and of course a Maldivian sunset.
5. St Regis Maldives
Located a spectacular 45 minute seaplane transfer from Male, this picture perfect luxury resort offers the ultimate Maldives holiday. With stunning white sand beaches and an iridescent turquoise lagoon rich in marine life, the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has earnt its place as a leading Maldives luxury resort. The unique resort design has been inspired by the surrounding marine life, with the spectacular Whale Bar and the famous lobster shaped Iridium Spa with outdoor infinity pool.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “Unique to St Regis is the Maldivian marine animal inspiration in the design of its resort buildings. Discovering what each of these building is, is an experience in itself. Our favourite is the incredible Whale Bar which is the perfect place to enjoy a drink after dinner.
6. Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is the ultimate Robinson Crusoe luxury island experience. Offering high end luxury with a natural and rustic twist, you’ll instantly feel you have escaped to an island paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Located in a stunning aqua lagoon, this beautiful island offers exceptional service with a completely unique guest experience. On arrival, every guest is introduced to their Mr/Ms Friday, who will take care of your every need.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “What we love about Gili Lankanfushi is that with only 43 Villas and with all of them being overwater, the island is purely there for guests to enjoy. Gili’s philosophy is about creates special experiences. Our favourite is one of their Destination Dining Experiences. Choose your dream location, whether it is a private beach dinner, sunken table dug into the sand, dining in the treetops, all you have to do is decide and they do the rest!”
7. Huvafen Fushi
A spectacular boutique resort that is the ultimate in modern luxury. It's stylish and sophisticated but in a relaxed manner. We truly believe the photos don't do this island paradise justice, it's breathtaking. Perfectly positioned with a stunning vista towards the horizon, this island boasts an incredible marine environment with an outstanding house reef. The thatch-roofed bungalows all with private plunge pools, are chic and beautifully modern, giving them a feeling of sophisticated island style. Huvafen Fushi is also home to the only underwater Spa in the world.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “Huvafen has a stunning traditional Maldivian sailing boat ‘Dhoni’ that you can book privately. We have gone out on a snorkelling excursion followed by lunch and a game of cricket on a private sandbank. We have also been for a sunset sail followed by a private candlelit dinner. It is a beautiful boat and an amazing experience.”
8. Six Senses Laamu
Six Senses is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, making this Atoll its exclusive playground. Whatever you do and wherever you go, as a guest of Six Senses Laamu, you’re guaranteed to be the only visitor there. Whether it’s snorkelling on the incredible house reef, surfing a world class break or visiting the local island, this paradise is yours to explore privately. Offering a luxury island experience with a Robinson Crusoe feel, the resort and villas are built from sustainably grown timber. The island itself is a large natural paradise with a stunning turquoise lagoon and soft white sand. This combined with the many dining options, most set over-water, provides a dining hub with a vibrant atmosphere.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “As Six Senses is the only resort in the Laamu Atoll, the surfing here is amazing. Often you are the only ones there, unless you are joined by dolphins spinning and playing with you. You don’t need to be surfing at Six Senses to see dolphins. On many occasions, either at breakfast at Longitude or sunset at Chill Bar, we have seen huge pods of Spinner dolphins frolic past.”
9. Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is a Maldivian island paradise set in a stunning turquoise lagoon. With world class surfing breaks within minutes, this resort is perfect for a five-star luxury surfing escape. Combine this with incredible dining locations, international gourmet cuisine and the world's only private Island Spa and you’ve found paradise. Add to this the Four Seasons’ world renowned service and amazing Kids Club and you have the perfect family surf escape.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “Four Seasons Kuda Huraa has always been a Maldives leading resort. Located close to all of the world class surf breaks it is the perfect resort to stay at to have an amazing luxury surfing holiday. Having said that, what we love about Four Seasons Kuda is that while it is perfect for the surfers of the family, it doesn’t forget about those who don’t surf. It has a Spa on its own private island and a great Kids Club.”
10. Anantara Kihavah Maldives
Anantara Kihavah is located in the impressive Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a reputation as one of the best in the Maldives for marine life. This island is picture perfect in every way, with silky white sandy beaches, an iridescently blue lagoon and an amazing house reef. Anantara is mid-sized so large enough to have your own private space (and bikes to ride) but not too large that you lose that intimate island feel. The service at Anantara is exceptional and your personal Villa Host will look after your every need. This is a fantastic resort for those who enjoy a variety of dining options including the award winning underwater restaurant, Sea.
Extraordinary Escapes Top Tip: “SEA, Anantara’s incredible underwater restaurant is certainly an absolute must. SEA is definitely the best underwater restaurant in the Maldives. Surrounded by stunning natural corals, you will not only see hundreds of technicoloured tropical fish, on the occasions we have dined at SEA, we have also dined with Turtles, Sharks, Rays and even once a diver with a ‘Will you Marry Me’ Sign for the table next to us !”
