Top 10 best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives

With its tropical beaches, turquoise waters, phenomenal underwater life, and insanely luxurious resorts, the Maldives is known as one the best – but also most expensive – travel destinations on the planet. Going all-inclusive is one of the more affordable ways to take the hassle out of a holiday in the Malvides: when everything’s covered in the cost, you can eat, drink and play to your heart’s content without spending an extra penny. But while many of the top-rated resorts in the Maldives offer “half board” or “full board” options, there are surprisingly few true all-inclusive in the archipelago, and even fewer that offer packages inclusive of high-end spirits, spa treatments, and memorable activities. To help you sort through the options, here’s my selection of the 10 best all-inclusive luxury resorts in the Maldives.

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite all-inclusive resort in the Maldives in the comments section!

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*** Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to the Maldives with my online Maldives travel guide ***

10. PULLMAN MALDIVES MAAMUTAA

Located in the South of Maldives, Maamutaa Island in Gaafu Alifu Atoll is home to Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. Set amidst 18 hectares of lush vegetation and surrounding a natural lake, the resort features a total of 122 modern villas, including two exclusively designed Aqua Villas with underwater bedrooms, where you can have an intimate encounter with marine life from the comfort of your bed. From tennis and golf to water sports and beach activities, there’s plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. Also, with a variety of dining locales and cuisines available, you’ll never be at a loss for what to eat. The resort’s 3 restaurants and 3 bars also offer exquisite views over the gorgeous beaches and water, with every meal set against the breathtaking Maldives vistas.

Hotel website: Pullman Maldives Maamutaa

9. ANGSANA VELAVERU

Perched on an expansive private lagoon in the virtually untouched South Nilandhe Atoll in the Maldives, and just a 40-minute seaplane journey from Velana International Airport, Angsana Velavaru (the island known as “Turtle Island” in the local Dhivehi language) is surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters and ocean views as far as the eye can see. This luxurious tropical getaway offers 79 private villas, all with beach frontage, and a cluster of 34 InOcean Villas, the first standalone collection of water villas in the Maldives perched 1 km (0.6 mi) from the main island. With 4 outlets serving international, Mediterranean with Mexican twist, Asian or Maldivian cuisine, the resort offers several all-inclusive packages, designed to cater for different characters of holiday makers in the Maldives (from gourmet foodies and family travelers to spa lovers and experienced divers).

Hotel website: Angsana Velavaru

8. THE RESIDENCE MALDIVES

Surrounded by the wonders of the Indian Ocean, The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi and Dhigurah makes its home in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, just 20 km (12 mi) north of the Equator. Together the two islands make up one of the largest resort offerings in the Maldives. A jewel among a string of coral atolls, lagoons and white sands, this marine sanctuary boasts unspoilt coral reefs and spectacular marine life. Marvel at nature’s magnificence on a sunset stroll along the stunning 1 km (0.6 mi) bridge connecting the islands as you spot turtles, colourful fishes and eagle rays. Snorkeling and diving is particularly good around the island’s reef, as is the resort’s luxurious Clarins spa, the first of its kind in the Maldives. Most guests stay on an all-inclusive package, which allows use of restaurants, beach clubs and bars across the island on the two resorts.

Hotel website: The Residence

**7. LUX* NORTH MALÉ ATOLL**

A short transfer from Male by luxury speedboat, the intimate LUX* North Male Atoll resort disrupts the Maldivian mould by replacing traditional thatched villas with over-sized, penthouse residences. A visual feast of nautical forms and tones, the resort is elegantly styled in a scheme that blends superyacht panache with a vibrant South Beach pulse. Each of the 60 double storey residences sits either on the beach or over water. Each residence is crowned with a fully-featured reef terrace – a magnificent private deck elevated above the giant house lagoon – from which guests will be able to marvel at a unique perspective on the planet’s flattest country. All-inclusive rates are available at this resort (some restrictions may apply for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes).

Hotel website: LUX* North Malé Atoll

6. ANANTARA VELI

Located a short 35-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport, the white sand and azure waters of Anantara Veli Resort will provide the perfect setting for a romantic holiday. The resort’s 67 luxurious bungalows combine dazzling views with modern amenities for a blissful stay; you can choose from rooms types poised over the water with sweeping lagoon views or set on the tranquil cliff edge with the lapping ocean soothing you to sleep. To maintain the serenity of this island, Anantara Veli caters exclusively to adults, one of the Maldives’ few adults-only Maldives resorts. The property offers several meal plans including half-board, full-board and full-board with the option of dining at the restaurants on its neighboring island in the same lagoon, Anantara Dhigu (the latter opens the dining options to eight choices).

Hotel website: Anantara Veli

5. TAJ-CORAL REEF RESORT & SPA

Taj-Coral Reef Resort & Spa, Maldives has all the exotic ocean views and dramatic sunsets you need for the perfect tropical holiday. Located on the beautiful, heart-shaped Hembadhu Island, and surrounded by corals and turquoise waters, the resort is a haven of beauty and luxury. The resort offers beautifully designed premium villas with private decks overlooking the lagoon, modern amenities, and superior facilities for a luxurious and comfortable stay. The well-trained multilingual staff take care of every need, and offer impeccable Taj hospitality. The resort’s all-inclusive package offers breakfast, lunch and dinner at all restaurants – from world cuisine at Bokkura and yummy Italian pies at Pizzeria to sizzling South American barbecue at the Grill – all accompanied by branded wines, spirits, beers, liquors, shooters, aperitifs, specialty cocktails and mocktails.

Hotel website: Taj-Coral Reef Resort & Spa

4. EMERALD MALDIVES RESORT & SPA

Located on one of the best atolls in the Maldives, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, a collection of private beach villas and overwater bungalows, many with their own pools and Jacuzzis, combines contemporary creature comforts with warm tropical flourishes. a member of Leading Hotels of the World, the all-inclusive resort offers guests pristine white sand beaches leading to clear blue ocean water. The resort’s four restaurants, ranging from Mediterranean, to Asian and South American cuisine, as well as wellness offerings like the spa, diving center, and sports facility invite guests to relax and recharge amid crystalline blue waters and unspoiled nature in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Managed by Rome-headquartered hotel chain Emerald Collection, the resort is set on the island of Fasmendhoo which is accessible by a scenic 45-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives’ main airport.

Hotel website: Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

3. CONSTANCE MOOFUSHI, MALDIVES

From ecological thatch roofing to crystal clear water, Constance Moofushi is a unique resort with a soul set right at the heart of South Ari Atoll. All 110 villas – which come in three categories – are decorated with wondrous tones of nature with a hint of Constance chic, and either built on the dazzling white sands or on stilts that float above the turquoise waters. The resort lies on the migration route of various kinds of marine life, like whale sharks, dolphins, mantas, and sea eagles, offering superb snorkeling and diving. But the best feature for families is that Constance Moofushi Maldives is one of the few luxury resorts in the Maldives that offers an all-inclusive package – from premium drinks and exquisite cuisine to luxurious overwater accommodations. So, growing teens can eat and drink endlessly without their parents having to worry about the bill.

Hotel website: Constance Moofushi

2. FOUR SEASONS PRIVATE ISLAND AT VOAVAH

While the Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah doesn’t bill itself as an “all-inclusive”, for $36,000 USD a night, you’ll have the island all to yourself (and whomever you decide to invite to the Maldives). “Entirely yours” from the moment of booking, the island’s seven bedrooms, dive center, spa and 62-ft (18.9 m) yacht extend the spoils of the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to up to 22 guests on an exclusive basis. Many experiences – from year-round manta ray sightings to mind-expanding kids’ activities – focus on the surrounding UNESCO territory, guided by a team that has already spent a decade protecting it. As are all aspects of Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, dining on the island is tailored to the mood of island guests, meal by meal, from poolside to The Beach House dining room, at the water’s edge or on a sandbank.

Hotel website: Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah

1. SONEVA JANI

Located on an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll, the Maldives’ most exclusive resort is fringed by pristine beaches, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views (the largest lagoon in the archipelago). Each one of the phenomenal water villas has a private lap pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze.

In 2020, Soneva Jani added Chapter Two to its portfolio of luxurious water villas, and introduced a whole new all-inclusive way in the Maldives to experience the best of the resort with Soneva Unlimited. The latter includes dining at all restaurants; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at all bars and restaurants; visiting Michelin-starred chef dinners and experiences; wines from the Soneva Unlimited list; experiences, diving, and children’s experiences; and spa treatments. Also included under Soneva Unlimited is a dedicated Barefoot Butler, return shared seaplane transfers from Malé, daily laundry service, and daily replenishment of the in-villa minibar. The full Soneva Unlimited menu can be viewed here.

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Jani (e.g. resort credit, and two personalized Soneva experiences).