With plenty of on-site activities, beautiful beaches,
and decent all-inclusive food, the Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is a solid upper-middle-range value
With plenty of on-site activities, beautiful beaches,
and decent all-inclusive food, the Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is a solid upper-middle-range value
Built in 2012, this Thai-style resort is one of the best all-around luxury picks in the Maldives. Highlights include 108 attractive waterfront rooms, great food, a large infinity pool, and an excellent house reef. Dusit Thani is pricey (for good reason), but it also includes nice freebies such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, Wi-Fi, daily yoga classes, a kids' club, and in-room Nespresso machines. The resort’s biggest drawback is its out-of-the-way location, at least 35 minutes from Male Airport by plane. The similarly priced Taj Exotica has a more convenient location, but it lacks Dusit Thani's kids' club.
Built in 2012, this Thai-style resort is one of the best all-around luxury picks in the Maldives. Highlights include 108 attractive waterfront rooms, great food, a large infinity pool, and an excellent house reef. Dusit Thani is pricey (for good reason), but it also includes nice freebies such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, Wi-Fi, daily yoga classes, a kids' club, and in-room Nespresso machines. The resort’s biggest drawback is its out-of-the-way location, at least 35 minutes from Male Airport by plane. The similarly priced Taj Exotica has a more convenient location, but it lacks Dusit Thani's kids' club.
With thoughtful and clean design elements, chic and modern decor, luxe amenities like L' Occitane bath products, and guests ranging from families to honeymooners, Velassaru Maldives is a luxury property with a lively, casual vibe. It's also got one of the most impressive infinity pools we've seen. The 129 rooms come with thoughtful features like polished coconut shell decor accents, personal wine fridges, plunge pools, outdoor showers, and private beach areas. There's also a large public beach with a teeming house reef, overwater spa, dive center, watersports center, and five restaurants and two bars -- and it's only 25 minutes via speedboat from Male.
With thoughtful and clean design elements, chic and modern decor, luxe amenities like L' Occitane bath products, and guests ranging from families to honeymooners, Velassaru Maldives is a luxury property with a lively, casual vibe. It's also got one of the most impressive infinity pools we've seen. The 129 rooms come with thoughtful features like polished coconut shell decor accents, personal wine fridges, plunge pools, outdoor showers, and private beach areas. There's also a large public beach with a teeming house reef, overwater spa, dive center, watersports center, and five restaurants and two bars -- and it's only 25 minutes via speedboat from Male.
Situated on its own stunning private island, the luxury, 45-unit Gangehi Island Resort offers a tranquil vacation in beautiful natural surroundings. The property offers a mix of rooms and villas, including rustic-chic overwater bungalows with direct access to the crystal water. All are spacious and have lovely verandas and large bathrooms; higher categories add extras such as Nespresso coffeemakers. The resort features a mix of buffet and a la carte restaurants and the food here gets particularly great reviews from guests, plus all-inclusive packages are available. Other features include a spa, basic gym, diving center, boutique selling souvenirs and local handicrafts, and a small library. For something a bit more impressive (and more expensive), Kandolhu Maldives has more dining options, a better gym, and luxe in-villa perks such as iPads, curated wine fridges, and whirlpool tubs.
Situated on its own stunning private island, the luxury, 45-unit Gangehi Island Resort offers a tranquil vacation in beautiful natural surroundings. The property offers a mix of rooms and villas, including rustic-chic overwater bungalows with direct access to the crystal water. All are spacious and have lovely verandas and large bathrooms; higher categories add extras such as Nespresso coffeemakers. The resort features a mix of buffet and a la carte restaurants and the food here gets particularly great reviews from guests, plus all-inclusive packages are available. Other features include a spa, basic gym, diving center, boutique selling souvenirs and local handicrafts, and a small library. For something a bit more impressive (and more expensive), Kandolhu Maldives has more dining options, a better gym, and luxe in-villa perks such as iPads, curated wine fridges, and whirlpool tubs.
This simple guesthouse 10 minutes from Malé's airport started with just six rooms in 2011 and has since expanded to a second building across the street. Expect construction sights and sounds all around the 'hood -- this newer manmade island is a hub of activity in the midst of a major growth spurt. What the two-pearl property does offer is affordable and clean accommodations for budget travelers (especially backpackers) -- a rare find in the Maldives -- with surprisingly modern rooms outfitted with mini-fridges; some have kitchenettes. There's a pretty beach nearby for swimming but no pool on-site. The 24-hour cafe serves guests and locals (no alcohol), and barbecues can be arranged on the rooftop deck. Free Wi-Fi is unreliable.
This simple guesthouse 10 minutes from Malé's airport started with just six rooms in 2011 and has since expanded to a second building across the street. Expect construction sights and sounds all around the 'hood -- this newer manmade island is a hub of activity in the midst of a major growth spurt. What the two-pearl property does offer is affordable and clean accommodations for budget travelers (especially backpackers) -- a rare find in the Maldives -- with surprisingly modern rooms outfitted with mini-fridges; some have kitchenettes. There's a pretty beach nearby for swimming but no pool on-site. The 24-hour cafe serves guests and locals (no alcohol), and barbecues can be arranged on the rooftop deck. Free Wi-Fi is unreliable.
This upper-middle-range, family-friendly hotel is a quick (and free) shuttle ride from the Male International Airport. Though most guests here are in transit, staying for a single night before or after a flight, there are plenty of things to do on the premises. Tropical grounds in the rear offer tennis and lawn games, while in front, there is a white-sand beach and large outdoor pool area. The 136 rooms and suites (king beds or two twins) have minibars and views of the Indian Ocean (many come with small balconies). In the morning before check-out, guests can enjoy a beautiful buffet in the bright, contemporary restaurant on the fourth floor. Perhaps the most significant draw of the hotel, though, is that it is the only place in the capital allowed to serve alcohol -- hence a fun evening mix of expats, locals, and tourists at the pub and the pool bar. Wi-Fi and customer service are spotty.
This upper-middle-range, family-friendly hotel is a quick (and free) shuttle ride from the Male International Airport. Though most guests here are in transit, staying for a single night before or after a flight, there are plenty of things to do on the premises. Tropical grounds in the rear offer tennis and lawn games, while in front, there is a white-sand beach and large outdoor pool area. The 136 rooms and suites (king beds or two twins) have minibars and views of the Indian Ocean (many come with small balconies). In the morning before check-out, guests can enjoy a beautiful buffet in the bright, contemporary restaurant on the fourth floor. Perhaps the most significant draw of the hotel, though, is that it is the only place in the capital allowed to serve alcohol -- hence a fun evening mix of expats, locals, and tourists at the pub and the pool bar. Wi-Fi and customer service are spotty.
This 117-room upscale hotel is hands-down the nicest option in the capital of Malé; it is also the tallest with 14 stories and views from big windows. Another major identifying feature is the chic rooftop infinity pool and lounge -- great for enjoying a slice of nightlife (i.e. mocktails and coffee), which Malé famously lacks. The Shangri-La group rebranded its Traders Hotels under the Jen label and is implementing changes to liven things up for a younger generation. The two restaurants focus on local products, while coffee and to-go meals are available in the lobby. Modern rooms -- though small -- have rain showerheads, bathrobes, comfy beds, and free Wi-Fi. There are also a spa, fitness center, free walking tours of the city, and free transfers to and from the airport on the next island over.
This 117-room upscale hotel is hands-down the nicest option in the capital of Malé; it is also the tallest with 14 stories and views from big windows. Another major identifying feature is the chic rooftop infinity pool and lounge -- great for enjoying a slice of nightlife (i.e. mocktails and coffee), which Malé famously lacks. The Shangri-La group rebranded its Traders Hotels under the Jen label and is implementing changes to liven things up for a younger generation. The two restaurants focus on local products, while coffee and to-go meals are available in the lobby. Modern rooms -- though small -- have rain showerheads, bathrobes, comfy beds, and free Wi-Fi. There are also a spa, fitness center, free walking tours of the city, and free transfers to and from the airport on the next island over.
Located near several popular dive sites in the North Male Atoll, Eriyadu Island Resort was one of the Maldives' first tourist resorts. With more than 30 years under its belt, this 76-room, upper-middle-range resort is slowly updating its style and moving toward four-pearl status. Pluses include an excellent, easily accessibly house reef; on-site activities; and direct beach access off all rooms. However, the lack of free water or Wi-Fi, average buffet quality and selection, and slow renovation process (there's a huge disparity in room quality) still leave much to be desired. Prices are fair for what you get, though; competitors such as Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, which also has an on-site reef and simple rooms, typically cost more.
Located near several popular dive sites in the North Male Atoll, Eriyadu Island Resort was one of the Maldives' first tourist resorts. With more than 30 years under its belt, this 76-room, upper-middle-range resort is slowly updating its style and moving toward four-pearl status. Pluses include an excellent, easily accessibly house reef; on-site activities; and direct beach access off all rooms. However, the lack of free water or Wi-Fi, average buffet quality and selection, and slow renovation process (there's a huge disparity in room quality) still leave much to be desired. Prices are fair for what you get, though; competitors such as Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, which also has an on-site reef and simple rooms, typically cost more.
This slim and tall 14-room hotel in the city of Malé is best suited for those in transit or business travelers on a budget. It was opened in 2012, and its basic but modern rooms have white bedding, flat-screen TVs, and (small) desk areas with free bottled water and minibars; suites have separate living rooms and kitchens for longer stays. Courteous staff can arrange day-trip excursions and airport transfers -- they will even pick-up and drop-off guests at the international terminal, a ferry ride away. Room service is available throughout the day and free coffee, toast, and eggs are served in the cafe each morning. Overall, this is a clean and safe place those who need to be in the capital. Upper floors are quieter, but guests can try opening windows to hear the sounds of local culture, such as mopeds and the call to prayer. Wi-Fi is free.
This slim and tall 14-room hotel in the city of Malé is best suited for those in transit or business travelers on a budget. It was opened in 2012, and its basic but modern rooms have white bedding, flat-screen TVs, and (small) desk areas with free bottled water and minibars; suites have separate living rooms and kitchens for longer stays. Courteous staff can arrange day-trip excursions and airport transfers -- they will even pick-up and drop-off guests at the international terminal, a ferry ride away. Room service is available throughout the day and free coffee, toast, and eggs are served in the cafe each morning. Overall, this is a clean and safe place those who need to be in the capital. Upper floors are quieter, but guests can try opening windows to hear the sounds of local culture, such as mopeds and the call to prayer. Wi-Fi is free.
