The Best of Luxury Vacations in the Maldives
The Maldives are one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world; atolls surrounded by turquoise lagoons teeming with marine life and swoon-worthy overwater villas. It’s the best of the best for those seeking the ultimate luxury escape.
- Curated collection of 5-star accommodation
- World-class food, spas and hospitality
- 24/7 support from award-winning travel experts
- Private escapes tailored to you
The Maldives has become a byword for indulgence because it offers something utterly unique: total seclusion combined with relaxed sophistication. Resorts occupy their own private islands, creating a sense of sanctuary from the world. Villas are designed with an understated elegance that blends with the setting, whether perched above turquoise lagoons or hidden among palms. Service is intuitive yet discreet, with private butlers anticipating every detail.
Here, luxury feels natural, flowing seamlessly from the environment itself. With Scott Dunn, we ensure every sunrise, every swim, every dining experience is designed to immerse you in beauty and tranquility.
Best Things to Do in the Maldives
Whether sailing into the sunset aboard a traditional dhoni, enjoying cinema under the stars with champagne in hand, or sharing a candlelit dinner on a secluded sandbank, expect once-in-a-lifetime romance with the best things to do in the Maldives.
Embrace Wellness & Wildlife
The Maldives redefines the spa experience. Treatments take place in pavilions suspended over the water, where the soundtrack is the ebb and flow of the tide. Couples can indulge in holistic rituals together, where ancient therapies are blended with ocean-inspired techniques. From sunrise yoga on the sand to sound healing under the stars, wellness here is immersive and transformative.
The wildlife here is as nourishing as the spas themselves. Swim with manta rays gliding gracefully through Hanifaru Bay, snorkel alongside whale sharks or discover coral gardens alive with color. Join the resorts dedicated marine biologists for the chance to take part in guided dives or contribute to coral restoration projects, bringing you not just exploration, but connection.
Dine in Unforgettable Spots
Dining in the Maldives is never just about the food; it’s about the setting and the creativity behind its experimental cuisine. Among the treetops at Nest in Niyama, couples can savor bold Asian flavors while gazing out across the lush canopy, an experience that feels both adventurous and intimate. For something truly extraordinary, descend beneath the waves to SEA at Anantara Kihavah, where panoramic windows reveal a vibrant reef just beyond your table, making every course part of a surreal underwater performance. At Soneva properties, indulgence takes on a playful, almost secretive quality, with dedicated chocolate and cheese rooms inviting you to graze on handcrafted truffles, rare vintages and artisanal cheeses. And at Gili Lankanfushi, even breakfast becomes an occasion, with a generous spread served right on the sand, bathed in sunny warmth.
Pair the Maldives with a Multi-Destination Itinerary for Bucket List Escapes
If you’re seeking to make the most of your time this side of the world, we highly recommend pairing the Maldives with neighboring countries for a culturally rich journey. Just a short flight away, Sri Lanka offers a striking contrast with its cultural treasures, emerald tea plantations, and national parks where leopards roam free. For those seeking even more variety, India adds a vibrant layer of color and history, from the palaces of Rajasthan to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. And sometimes, the best pairing is within the Maldives itself. A twin-center stay allows you to experience two very different islands or atolls in one trip, perhaps starting with an adventurous, marine-life-rich atoll before retreating to a quieter, barefoot luxury resort. No matter the destinations, we’ll create a journey that feels deeply personal and unique to you.
Best Atolls to Visit in the Maldives
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North Malé Atoll
The North Malé atoll is often recommended to first-time visitors to the Maldives. As the most accessible and vibrant atoll, it makes for easy travel after the long flights and promises all the quintessential ingredients that make the Maldives so desirable.
You’ll find iconic resorts, excellent diving and thrilling surf, and is ideal for couples who want convenience without compromise.
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Baa Atoll
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa atoll is where wildlife enthusiasts thrive. Home to manta rays in their hundreds at Hanifaru Bay, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle getting to swim amongst these majestic creatures.
Perfect for nature-loving couples craving extraordinary encounters, expect insights on cutting-edge conservation work and an island escape that embraces meaningful travel.
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Lhaviyani Atoll
If you’ve been to the Maldives before or have your sights set on true solitude, look no further than Lhaviyani atoll.
Quieter and more remote, this is where pristine reefs and untouched sands create a sense of discovery and seclusion. You won’t find a more private or exclusive atoll to unwind on your getaway.
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Thaa Atoll
Perfect for a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path stay, Thaa atoll showcases an easy-going, authentic setting that feels more “real” compared to its ultraluxe neighbors.
A hidden gem with world-class surf breaks, couples can expect all the same delicious food and world-class hospitality wrapped in authentic off-beat luxury.
- North Malé Atoll
- Baa Atoll
- Lhaviyani Atoll
- Thaa Atoll
FAQs About Vacations in the Maldives
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Depending on where you stay, you’ll arrive at your resort either by seaplane or speedboat.
- Seaplane transfers are the Maldives at its most iconic. As you soar above the atolls, you’ll see a dazzling mosaic of turquoise lagoons and white-sand islands. It’s best for those traveling to atolls further afield and want to make the most of the unique visibility you get of the marine life from a birds-eye view.
- Speedboat transfers provide an equally enchanting start, whisking you directly from Malé’s airport across the water. With the sea spray in the air and the skyline fading behind you, it's a refreshing ride after hours on a plane. This is best for those traveling to closer atolls or who prefer a quicker transfer whilst getting a chance to stretch their legs.
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Choosing between an overwater villa and a beachfront villa is one of the most delightful decisions a couple can make in the Maldives. Overwater villas are perhaps the most iconic experience, suspended above the turquoise lagoon with glass floors that reveal the marine life below. Resorts like Soneva and Gili Lankanfushi elevate the experience further, offering infinity pools, private decks for stargazing, and direct access to the sea, so you can dive in whenever the mood strikes. Every moment feels effortlessly cinematic, as if the ocean itself is part of your villa.
Beachfront villas, on the other hand, provide a grounded intimacy that is equally enchanting. At Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Six Senses Kanuhura, villas sit nestled among palms with soft sand just steps from your door, private pools glinting in the sun, and open-air showers that blend indoor comfort with outdoor freedom. Here, the rhythm of the island becomes your own, offering barefoot luxury that feels curated just for you.
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The Maldives enjoys a warm, inviting climate year-round, with temperatures hovering between 77-88°F. It is never uncomfortably hot, and the gentle ocean breeze brings constant comfort. The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for crystal-clear skies and calm seas. From May to October, the islands bloom under tropical showers, and marine life is at its most abundant. Whatever the season, the Maldives promises the perfect backdrop for romance and relaxation.
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