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.
Gili Lankanfushi is widely considered to be the top resort in the Maldives, and for good reason. This stunning, 45-villa, eco-friendly resort just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport succeeds in delivering truly unpretentious, relaxed luxury. Bare feet are encouraged (shoes are removed as soon as guests get on the boat from the airport), and each guest is taken care of by a personal butler with the title Mr. Friday. The spacious, charmingly simple overwater bungalows are made of several types of wood, and have outdoor (and rooftop) decks with views that might induce tears of joy. Also standard are freestanding tubs, Nespresso machines, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. On land, the beautiful island with 683 palm trees offers a beachfront swimming pool, small spa, range of activities such as yoga, and well-regarded restaurants and bars. This special gem in the Maldives has more authenticity than other brand-name resorts of the same price point — just ask tennis pro Novak Djokovic, practically a regular here. While there are meal plans here, they don’t include alcohol, so travelers seeking an all-inclusive Maldives vacation should consider Constance Moofushi.
Gili Lankanfushi is widely considered to be the top resort in the Maldives, and for good reason. This stunning, 45-villa, eco-friendly resort just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport succeeds in delivering truly unpretentious, relaxed luxury. Bare feet are encouraged (shoes are removed as soon as guests get on the boat from the airport), and each guest is taken care of by a personal butler with the title Mr. Friday. The spacious, charmingly simple overwater bungalows are made of several types of wood, and have outdoor (and rooftop) decks with views that might induce tears of joy. Also standard are freestanding tubs, Nespresso machines, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi. On land, the beautiful island with 683 palm trees offers a beachfront swimming pool, small spa, range of activities such as yoga, and well-regarded restaurants and bars. This special gem in the Maldives has more authenticity than other brand-name resorts of the same price point — just ask tennis pro Novak Djokovic, practically a regular here. While there are meal plans here, they don’t include alcohol, so travelers seeking an all-inclusive Maldives vacation should consider Constance Moofushi.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is an upscale, 148-room property that's an easy 30-minute speedboat ride from Male. Rooms are spacious and mostly contemporary, but are dim, showing wear, and often littered with dead ants. Interconnecting rooms, a kids' club, and kiddy pool area make the resort suited for families, while a world-famous surf spot makes it an enticing challenge for surfers. Wear and tear aside, the resort's value is in the wide array of activities and features on offer, from a spa and pool, to bars, entertainment, and water sports. The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is more luxurious and also close to the airport, and often not much pricier, so it's worth comparing rates.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is an upscale, 148-room property that's an easy 30-minute speedboat ride from Male. Rooms are spacious and mostly contemporary, but are dim, showing wear, and often littered with dead ants. Interconnecting rooms, a kids' club, and kiddy pool area make the resort suited for families, while a world-famous surf spot makes it an enticing challenge for surfers. Wear and tear aside, the resort's value is in the wide array of activities and features on offer, from a spa and pool, to bars, entertainment, and water sports. The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is more luxurious and also close to the airport, and often not much pricier, so it's worth comparing rates.
The upper-middle-range Bandos Island was the second resort in the Maldives, and opened in 1972. Its 215 rustic-chic rooms were last renovated in 2005 and have patios with garden or beach views; some higher-tier options have living rooms and outdoor hot tubs. Guests opt for dining packages that include average buffet food, or pay extra for three a la carte restaurants (one that is open 24 hours). The highlights here are the impressive PADI Dive Centre with trips to over 40 dive sites, and the kids’ club. The hotel also has an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, live entertainment at Sand Bar, and massage treatments at the pretty spa. The service and grounds are unmemorable, however, the beaches are crowded in spots, and the tennis courts have seen better days.
The upper-middle-range Bandos Island was the second resort in the Maldives, and opened in 1972. Its 215 rustic-chic rooms were last renovated in 2005 and have patios with garden or beach views; some higher-tier options have living rooms and outdoor hot tubs. Guests opt for dining packages that include average buffet food, or pay extra for three a la carte restaurants (one that is open 24 hours). The highlights here are the impressive PADI Dive Centre with trips to over 40 dive sites, and the kids’ club. The hotel also has an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, live entertainment at Sand Bar, and massage treatments at the pretty spa. The service and grounds are unmemorable, however, the beaches are crowded in spots, and the tennis courts have seen better days.
Robinson Club Maldives is an adult-only, all-inclusive resort offering an upscale, relaxing experience in a remote part of the Maldives. The property occupies its own private island and features 121 beach bungalows and overwater villas with living areas and terraces. Most have big outdoor bathrooms with separate soaking tubs, while others come with private infinity pools offering panoramic sea views. Food gets excellent reviews from guests, and Sundowner Bar is a favorite for afternoon drinks on bean bags placed along the sand. Surrounded by greenery and a big wooden deck offering sea views, the pool is another property highlight. This is a great all-inclusive pick for couples, but bear in mind that getting there requires a 70-minute flight and a half-hour speedboat ride from Male. For true luxury at a competitive price, consider The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives.
Robinson Club Maldives is an adult-only, all-inclusive resort offering an upscale, relaxing experience in a remote part of the Maldives. The property occupies its own private island and features 121 beach bungalows and overwater villas with living areas and terraces. Most have big outdoor bathrooms with separate soaking tubs, while others come with private infinity pools offering panoramic sea views. Food gets excellent reviews from guests, and Sundowner Bar is a favorite for afternoon drinks on bean bags placed along the sand. Surrounded by greenery and a big wooden deck offering sea views, the pool is another property highlight. This is a great all-inclusive pick for couples, but bear in mind that getting there requires a 70-minute flight and a half-hour speedboat ride from Male. For true luxury at a competitive price, consider The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives.