Located on a small island 35 minutes from Male, this luxury resort has 33 high-end water bungalows and a peaceful, all-natural vibe. Cocoa Island is primarily geared towards couples, and children’s facilities are sparse. Property highlights include gorgeous beaches, an infinity pool, on-site reef, excellent a la carte restaurant, and a pricey spa with a hydrotherapy pool and free daily yoga classes. Rooms come at a fair price for this caliber of property, but food and extras can add up fast. Still, it's a popular and less expensive alternative to Gili Lankanfushi. 

The most luxurious of the Maldives’ five Adaaran resorts, Prestige Vadoo has 50 top-notch water villas, a beautiful reef, great a la carte food, and a convenient location just 15 minutes from Male Airport by speedboat. The tiny island is frequented by honeymooners and feels especially cozy, however it falls behind on sports facilities compared to other resorts. Rooms are a good value, but food and extras can add up fast.

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. 

It’s hard to top Taj Exotica when it comes to food, romantic atmosphere, and convenience. Located on a private island just 15 minutes from the airport, this 65-room resort is one of the most luxurious destinations in the Maldives. Highlights include personal butlers, spacious guest rooms with private pools, gorgeous beaches, and two gourmet restaurants. Rooms and food are among the priciest in the Maldives (for good reason). Those looking for a cheaper but still upscale alternative should try Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, also 15 minutes from the airport; those comfortable with this price range may also want to consider the decadent Gili Lankanfushi.

Located on a private island, the five-pearl Jumeirah Vittaveli marries traditional Maldivian architecture, stunning ocean views, and elegant interiors. There are 89 unforgettable over-the-ocean suites or on-land villas with private pools. The resort is jam-packed with activities, a necessity since the closest island is a 20-minute boat ride away. Guests can make use of the diving center, spa, fitness center, yoga classes, four restaurants, a bar, and a gorgeous outdoor pool. Hot breakfasts and Wi-Fi are free, but boat transfers cost extra. The hotel looks like a romantic escape, but it does allow for families with children. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is a similar property also on a private island, but it lacks kid-friendly amenities and attracts mostly couples. 

Built in the mid-90s, this tropical resort island has all the necessities for a Maldives vacation -- stunning white-sand beaches, warm turquoise water, water sports, all-you-can-eat buffets, and comfortable rooms on the beach or over the water. There are far more luxurious (and expensive) resorts around, but relatively easy access to the airport and reasonable prices make Adaaran Club Rannalhi a solid value for the Maldives. However, it's worth comparing rates with the Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, which has nicer rooms and two chic infinity pools.

It may not be luxurious, but Embudu Village is one of the most affordable and convenient resorts in the Maldives. Visitors don’t come here for the rooms or the food (though neither are bad) -- they come for the picture-perfect beaches and water sports, which are on par with the top resorts in the area. Travelers who want to experience flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has better facilities and similar off-peak rates.

With plenty of on-site activities, beautiful beaches, and above-average food, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is a solid value for the Maldives. Its 164 rooms range from basic beachside units to upscale water villas, and connecting rooms are available for families. Those interested in flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has even more amenities and free in-room Wi-Fi.

Fun Island is one of the most affordable resorts in the Maldives -- but you get what you pay for. The property is dated and the food is mediocre. Still, a nice coral reef and reasonable rates make this resort is a solid choice for water sports, excursions, and beach-going. Visitors should also consider Embudu Village, which has similar prices and more impressive (and cleaner) beaches.

Built in the 1980s, Rihiveli is a solid mid-range choice with all the essentials for a Maldives vacation -- white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, plenty of free water sports, worthwhile excursions, clean rooms, and decent food -- but not much else. Rooms are bare-bones, there’s only one restaurant (half- and full-board dining upgrades are available), and the resort is lacking in land-based amenities such as a pool and fitness center. Travelers who want to experience flying in a seaplane should also consider Kuredu Island Resort, which has far better facilities and similar off-peak rates (taking meal plans into account).