Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 reveals our readers’ picks of the best hotels, pools, spas and even general managers in the Maldives. The hits just keep on coming in this dream destination.
SILKY WHITE SANDS AND crystal-clear cerulean lagoons have drawn vacationers to the Maldives’ castaway islands for 50 years. But, with nearly a dozen new resorts joining the already stacked roster each year, it’s not easy to stand out. So in 2023, unique design is taking center stage for newcomers looking to make a statement, while more emphasis is being put on family-friendly activities and outlets. And an Ayurvedic focus continues to emerge in the Maldives’ spectacular new spas. But one Maldives mainstay has really stolen our readers’ hearts, with the recently revamped Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas winning Best Resort and its Baa Atoll locale taking Best House Reef.
In a destination synonymous with total rest and relaxation, it should come as no surprise that the archipelago’s first total wellness retreat, JOALI Being, has taken the No. 1 one spot in the Best Hotel Spas category, with design-centric The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, trailing behind. Although gentle turquoise waters epitomize the Maldives, resort pools are just as important, with the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi earning the top prize for the longest infinity pool in the country.
And if you’re not in the water in the Maldives, you’re undoubtedly in your sprawling villa. The multi-level Stella Maris Ocean Villa at Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi won our Most Outrageous Villas category, followed by the dreamy Raffles Maldives’ Royal Residence and the all-waterslide Soneva Jani. Often considered a couple’s escape, the Maldives is more family-friendly than ever before, and the new Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, stole the top spot for its hands-on kids’ club and numerous food outlets that aim to please.
In the nearby North Ari Atoll, the W Maldives, charming Idu Ribeiro is raising a coconut after being crowned the Best General Manager in the country.
Best Resorts in the Maldives
1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
2. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
3. Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives
4. Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
5. Soneva Fushi
6. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
8. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
10. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Best Resort Spas in the Maldives
1. Joali Being
2. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
3. The Residence – Spa by Clarins
4. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
5. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
6. Niyama Private Islands Maldives
7. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
8. Villa Park
9. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
10. Six Senses Laamu
Best Resort Pools in the Maldives
1. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
5. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
8. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Best House Reefs in the Maldives
1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas – Baa Atoll
2. Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa – South Ari Atoll
3. W Maldives – North Ari Atoll
4. The Standard Maldives, Huruvalhi – Raa Atoll
5. Mirihi Island Resort – South Ari Atoll
7. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa – Huvadhoo Atoll
8. Amari Havodda Maldives – Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
9. Six Senses Laamu – Laamu Atoll
10. OBLU NATURE Helengeli – North Male Atoll
Most Outrageous Villas in the Maldives
1. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – Stella Maris Ocean Villa
2. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo – Raffles Royal Residence
3. Soneva Jani
4. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – John Jacob Astor Estate
5. Gili Lankanfushi‚ A Private Reserve
6. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
8. COMO Cocoa Island – COMO Sunset Villa
9. OZEN Reserve Bolifushi – Royal Reserve Villa
10. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives
4. Soneva Fushi
5. JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
6. Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi
7. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
10. Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
Best General Manager in the Maldives
1. Idu Ribeiro, W Maldives
2. Marc Gussing, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
3. Andrew Jansson, Kurumba Maldives
4. Coetzer Deysal, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
5. Antonio Saponara, Patina Maldives
Read on for the full lists of our readers’ picks of the Best Hotels, Pools, Spas, Villas and more in the Maldives for 2023. And for all of this year’s Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific winners, click here.
Lede image courtesy of MMPRC.
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