10 of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives
The world’s lowest-lying country, spread across 1,192 coral islands haloed by white-gold beaches and crystalline lagoons swirling with jewel-coloured tropical fish make the Maldives a unique proposition. And it’s not just the one-of-a-kind topography, the Maldives is home to some of the world’s most incredible hotels, bursting with an endless array of memorable things to see and do – from floating breakfasts in your private swimming pool and gourmet meals in underwater restaurants, to sunrise yoga classes and hours long spa treatments, to dolphin-spotting cruises and every watersport you can think of. But, in a country where almost everything has to be imported the costs can quickly mount up, making all-inclusive the smart way to go. Some islands operate on an entirely all-inclusive basis, while others offer a variety of options including packages that take care of everything. To pinpoint your dream resort, here’s our pick of the best resorts in the Maldives which offer all-inclusive deals.
Diamonds Thudufushi, Alif Dhaal Atoll
Maldivian water villas don’t get more elegant than this – chic and white above the cobalt blue sea. Their expansive terraces have direct access to the ocean, living rooms and four-poster beds that gaze out to sea. A selection also have outdoor hot tubs. Two-bedroom water villas are ideal for larger parties or families with older children, and boast a large pool. The beach villas come with private terraces. Lantern-lit dining on the beach, sushi overlooking the reef and papaya body treatments in the spa are among the standout experiences. Diamonds also has some of the best snorkeling in the archipelago, and there's a large lagoon for watersports.
Read the full review: Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas
Kudadoo Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll
Kudadoo is an intimate and tastefully understated resort with only 15 over-water villas positioned right on top of a remarkable house reef. The villas themselves take on a tranquil ryokan vibe (think curved roofs, slatted timber, grass ceilings and seriously comfortable four-poster beds) and all have their own pools, a sofa swing and easy access to the lagoon for epic snorkelling sessions amid colourful marine life. Kudadoo's fully-inclusive experience is superb – making everything and anything available at any time and anywhere. From unlimited spa treatments, excursions, private yoga sessions and water sports to gourmet food (including an astounding cheese cellar), spirits and champagne on tap, you'll want for nothing. Pair this with the discreet, intuitive service of your private butler and you have something that will impress even the most discerning of travellers.
Read the full review: Kudadoo Maldives.
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Hurawalhi, Lhaviyani Atoll
Hurawalhi wears its natural bounty lightly. There are no airs and graces here. Even before the seaplane touches down, shoes are already being kicked off and will never be seen again for the rest of the vacation. Whether a villa floating over the water or gently nuzzling up against the tree-cloaked beach, the mood is one of ease, almost inertia. However, guests who do want to try a little more than simply lying horizontal will be thrilled by the All Inclusive Plus Package which includes full board alongside a host of diversions such as free-flow beverages at the bars, sunset dolphin cruise, snorkelling and windsurfing lessons, and yoga classes. It's price point versus its design and quality of food and drink makes it one of the best all-inclusive hotels in the Maldives.
Read the full review: Hurawalhi
OZEN Life Madhoo, South Male Atoll
Whilst this is a top option for a luxury Maldives holiday, there’s not an ounce of stuffiness. One island is the springboard to the overwater WIND villas, snaking across the turquoise water, as well as the main restaurant and the spa. Grab a bike from under a palm tree, or hail a golf buggy, and head to island number two where a modern, circular bar has spectacular views across the infinity pool, and serves drinks all day. From here, it's an easy journey if you're staying in an EARTH villa, hidden among the tropical foliage behind. With five restaurants open for dinner and three for lunch, plus the poolside pizzeria, guests are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to dining.
Read the full review: OZEN by Atmosphere
Constance Moofushi, South Ari Atoll
This lively and well-priced barefoot resort is on the tip of the South Ari Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane from Malé. The sugar-white beach is wide enough to accommodate wild, quiet strolls and the Beach Villas have front terraces that lead straight onto it, made private by palms and bushes. Overwater villas are simple thatched bungalows with optimal views of marine life. Days here are designed for loafing, while nights are sociable and stress-free, thanks to an all-inclusive environment where you can forget about whether you really ought to go to the bar or cave into the kids’ demands for ice cream. The entertainment is low-key but enjoyable, with DJs and weekly traditional dancing.
Read the full review: Constance Moofushi
The Residence Maldives Dhigurah, Gaafu Alifu Atoll
The Residence at Dhigurah has a spellbinding edge-of-the-world location, just 40 miles north of the equator in the barely developed Gaafu Alifu Atoll, with horizons that go on forever. It's one of the top options for a Maldives honeymoon, and linked to its older sister island The Residence Falhuumafushi by a wondrous kilometre-long wooden bridge stretching across the atoll (you can spot some epic marine life below). All of the beach villas are spaced well apart, cocooned and with their own patch of cottony white sands. The overwater villas are packed a little tighter together but come with wide decks and ladders leading straight into the Indian Ocean.
Read the full review: The Residence Maldives Dhigurah
Milaidhoo, Baa Atoll
Grounding, down-to-earth luxury is on offer at this bijoux Baa Atoll resort, where guests are greeted with big smiles and a bottle of Ruinart champagne. Aimed squarely at grown-ups, the atmosphere is louche and low-key, with large pool villas you won't want to leave, a superb spa and an emphasis on gastronomy. The Gourmet Plan offers an upmarket take on the all-inclusive package: three pleasing meals per day as well as a large selection of alcholic and non-alcoholic drinks (including a very nice choice of old and new world wines). Guests can dine at all four of the resort's restaurants, including the laid-back Compass Pool Bar, where you can order salads, wraps, burgers and antipasto to your lounger.
Read the full review: MIilaidhoo Maldives.
Heritance Aarah, Raa Atoll
Dotted with beautiful wooden bungalows with thatched roofs, Heritance Aarah sticks to the tried and tested ‘Robinson Crusoe’ formula, and it works. It’s smart without being overly fussy and blends perfectly with every tropical island fantasy, with sand-in-your-toes restaurants, open-air bars and and an exceptional spa that has its own 'hangover clinic'. There are 150 rooms – from overwater ocean villas to beach and family villas – spread over the island and split into an array of categories. Some have private pools and beach access and most give you a private 24-hour butler service. Six excellent restaurants, five of which are included in the package, offer a range of culinary experiences.
Read the full review: Heritance Aarah
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, South Malé Atoll
This relaxed adults-only resort is fresh from a multi-million pound refurbishment and offers a mesmerising setting, pretty villas and a wealth of health and wellness activities. Inside the villas, the décor is kept simple – combining dark woods with crisp white walls, vaulted ceilings and pops of teal and turquoise to allow the brilliant white beaches and glassy waters to take centre stage, though some of the larger villas have their own private dipping pools. The staff here are old hands when it comes to knowing their guests, offering friendly chat or peace and quiet when needed, and the hotel offers a variety of different board options but the all-inclusive package is the obvious way to go.
Read the full review: Anantara Veli Resort Maldives.
Meeru Island Resort and Spa, North Malé Atoll
This laidback stay is one of the largest all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, with a mood that's more barefoot than bling. The all-inclusive package here is particularly great, allowing families and adults to enjoy talcum white beaches, Tiffany-blue waters, a plethora of activities and a lively after-dark scene on a budget. Guests can avail of the all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner at either Farivalhu or adults-only Maalan, as well as selected alcoholic drinks round the clock, and light bites at both Dhoni Bar and Uthuru Bar. The beach villas – standalone wooden bungalows with colourful décor – come with al fresco bathrooms and private wooden sundecks out the back, while the water villas offer direct acess to the crystalline shallows.
Read the full review: Meeru Island Resort and Spa.
Contributions by Adrian Neville, Belinda Maude, Charlotte Johnstone, Chloe Sachdev, Deborah Cicurel, Jenny Johnson, Lauren Ho, Natalie Paris and Tina Walsh.
Rates above are guide prices per person per night; please note that all-inclusive packages can differ across hotels. Check the hotel's websites for further information on what's included.
