17 Most Expensive Maldives Resorts (Best Bucket List Hotels in 2024)
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Want to know which resorts in the Maldives are the most expensive? I don’t blame you because I wanted to know this too!
The Maldives is one of the world’s BEST luxury destinations and has countless incredible resorts. There’s a ridiculous number of five-star options with many that take luxury to a whole other level.
Obviously with that comes a price tag… So if you have the budget and you’re looking for a bucket list stay …or if you simply want to dream – this post is for you!
I’ve trawled through, reviewed and compiled all the very best options, so here are the most expensive Maldives resorts for a once-in-a-lifetime escape..
The most expensive Maldives resorts in 2024
Prices in the Maldives vary depending on the season, whether you have a package and who you book with – the prices I’ve listed below are a guide based on what I could find for dates in September. Most include breakfast and are shown with tax & fees included (they’re mighty in the Maldives!!). Transfer costs are not included – so the final figures are actually WAY higher 😶
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Luxury Maldives resorts – ranked
1 The Nautilus Maldives
(Photo: Expedia)The most expensive resort on this list is The Nautilus Maldives, which is an ultra-luxury option in the Baa Atoll (which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve). It’s a gorgeous Maldives resort and had to be first!
With only 26 expansive beach and overwater houses (each with its own private pool and direct beach or ocean access), the resort blends into its surroundings and is spacious, private and so SO pretty.
This is a super romantic resort where you can expect all the bespoke experiences (obviously because you’re paying top dollar!) It’s a place where it’s all about you so the staff and butlers go above and beyond to give extra-special, personalised service.
You’ll also get amazing dining with bespoke culinary journeys – it’s posh but laid-back. There’s also a dream spa with treatments and wellness programs, plus you can join unique experiences like snorkelling with manta rays and cruising the area on your own private yacht.
📍Where: Thiladhoo Island, Baa Atoll | 35-minute seaplane from Velana International Airport in Malé
Prices from: $4,179 per night on a half board basis for a One Bedroom Ocean House with Private Pool (including taxes and fees but not transfers)
2 Soneva Secret
(Photo: Stevie Mann for Soneva)Second on the list of most expensive Maldives resorts is Soneva Secret. This new resort is at the pinnacle of barefoot luxury and has one of the highest price tags… but boy is it worth it!
Soneva Secret opened in 2024 and it’s a paradise destination. With just 14 villas, including secret hideaways which are accessible only by boat, this is a Maldives resort that’s all about exclusivity with next-level, bespoke hospitality.
It goes without saying that this resort is dreamy.. Each villa comes with a dedicated staff of three (including a chef) who cater to your every whim. You can expect exceptional, personalised service, ultimate privacy and the most beautiful, remote surroundings.
📍Where: Dhipparufushi Island, Makunudhoo Atoll | 75-minute seaplane from Malé Airport
Prices from: $4,073 per night for an Overwater Hideaway with full board (including taxes and fees but not transfer charges)
3 Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
(Photo: Kudadoo Maldives Private Island)Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is all-inclusive, eco luxury at its best. It’s an amazing choice if you want everything taken care of …and if you’re paying $$$ I’m guessing that’s what you’d want!
With only 15 overwater villas Kudadoo is an incredibly exclusive Maldives resort and is all about privacy and the best and most personalised service. Obviously, every villa comes with a dedicated butler who is available 24/7.
As well as amazing eco credentials (the island is 100% solar-powered), the hotel has an ‘anything, anytime, anywhere’ concept so its all-inclusive offer is next level. You can get unlimited spa treatments, private dining, private excursions, water sports and even a personal trainer included!
📍Where: Kudadoo Island, Lhaviyani Atoll | 40-minute seaplane from Malé
Prices from: $3,863 per night for an Ocean Residence on an all-inclusive rate (including taxes and fees but not transfers)
4 Velaa Private Island
(Photo: Velaa Private Island)Want unparalleled exclusivity, incredible accommodation and world-class dining (with the most exclusive wine collection in the Indian Ocean)? Velaa Private Island is the luxury Maldives resort for you!
This resort distinguishes itself as an ultra-luxury option so it has the price tag to match. Luckily, you get a lot for your money with this gorgeous private island resort – you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself.
The resort has beautiful villas with private pools, spacious living areas and luxury amenities. There are also gourmet dining options, a brilliant spa and service that goes to the next level.
With a limited number of villas and residences, the resort offers space, privacy and seclusion so guests can enjoy island life to the full.
📍Where: Velaa Private Island, Noonu Atoll | 45-minute seaplane transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $3,787 per night for a Sunrise Water Pool Villa on a bed & breakfast rate (including taxes and fees but not transfers)
5 One&Only Reethi Rah
(Photo: Expedia)One&Only Reethi Rah is an ultra-luxury, all-villa resort. It’s a bucket list choice and one that’s family-friendly so it’s amazing for all kinds of getaways.
I absolutely love this island – it’s so beautiful and definitely one for the vision board.. The resort has 122 luxury villas including beach villas and water villas (and no less than twelve white-sand beaches to enjoy while you’re there!)
The water villas are heavenly but the ‘more affordable’ beach villas (with a $2,012 price tag..) are also incredible at this resort. It’s tropical living at its best!
📍Where: Reethi Rah Island, North Malé Atoll | 50-minute boat transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $3,524 per night for a Water Villa King with Pool (as part of a package including taxes and fees, boat transfers and daily breakfast & dinner)
6 Cheval Blanc Randheli
Another of the most expensive Maldives resorts is Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Noonu Atoll. This is a top-tier resort that’s all about elegance and refined luxury.
As a contemporary and expensive Maldives resort, Cheval Blanc Randheli has an emphasis on sleek design and high-end finishes. The villas are so beautiful and there’s a choice of overwater and island options, each with a private swimming pool.
Cheval Blanc Randheli also offers gourmet and signature fine dining in exclusive settings. Plus, you’ll get discreet and personalised service with a dedicated butler.
📍Where: Randheli Island, Noonu Atoll | 40-minute seaplane transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $3,163 per night for a One Bedroom Water Villa (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
7 Soneva Jani
(Photo: Soneva Jani)Another Soneva resort that’s deserving of being on your bucket list is Soneva Jani. It’s cheaper than Soneva Secret but it still has so much luxury, as well as a big focus on sustainability.
You might have seen this resort on socials. It has iconic and spacious overwater villas with private water slides! The resort is absolutely beautiful – both in design and the fact that it’s surrounded by a pristine, crystal-clear lagoon.
As you can probably expect, each villa comes with a dedicated butler. You’ll also find diverse dining options (including bespoke and romantic dining), two wellness complexes and an overwater open-air cinema.
📍Where: Medhufaru Island, Noonu Atoll | 45-minute seaplane transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $3,130 per night for a One Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
8 Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is the epitome of luxury island living. The resort is spread across three private islands so it’s perfect if you want your space!
Exceptional, personalised service comes as standard, as does gorgeous accommodation with luxury beach, reef and overwater villas with private pools and Indian Ocean views.
You’ll also find an amazing spa as well as activities and excursions you can join. The dining options are also world-class at this Maldives resort with 11 restaurants including a Michelin-star option and a romantic treetop venue where you can have a bespoke 7-course menu.
📍Where: Ithaafushi Island South Malé Atoll | 40-minute yacht journey from Malé Airport
Prices from: $3,042 per night for a King Overwater Villa with Pool (including breakfast as well as taxes and fees but not transfers)
9 Joali Maldives
(Photo: JOALI Maldives)JOALI Maldives is one of my favourite luxury resorts in the Maldives. It’s a stylish and sustainable, art-immersive resort that’s a true slice of paradise.
The resort is located on the small private island of Muravandhoo and is one of those places that feels like a dream – it could easily have 6 or 7-star status!
I particularly love that Joali is an independent, female-owned hotel. It’s also one that sets a high standard in the Maldives. It’s an incredibly beautiful choice with spacious beach villas, overwater villas and expansive residences – all of which come with a dedicated jadugar butler.
📍Where: Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll | 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé Airport
Prices from: $2,762 per night for a Water Villa with Pool (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
10 Soneva Fushi
(Photo: Julia Neeson @julesandbeyond for Soneva)I couldn’t leave the other Soneva resort off this list because Soneva Fushi is a DREAM hotel. The resort is completely perfect – it spans a private island surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation and crystal-clear water.
Like Soneva Jani, Soneva Fushi has luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining (including the world’s first fine-dining zipline experience!) and a wealth of activities you can join.
The difference is more to do with the location and vibe. Soneva Fushi is set on a lush island with verdant jungle and incredible palm-fringed beaches so it’s more about tropical island life. It’s a luxury Maldives resort that feels more barefoot and laid-back with a focus on reconnecting with nature.
Even though Soneva Fushi does have overwater villas, it’s known for its luxurious beach villas. They are heavenly with a rustic-luxe Robinson Crusoe feel, direct beach access and private pools.
📍Where: Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll | 30-minute seaplane from Malé
Prices from: $2,610 per night for a One Bedroom Villa Crusoe Suite with Pool (including taxes and fees but not transfers)
11 JOALI Being
(Photo: Expedia)I looove a wellness retreat so if you’re like me, then you need to know about JOALI Being. Nestled on the secluded island of Bodufushi in the Raa Atoll, this Maldives resort is the wellness sister to the original JOALI Maldives.
In that respect, this resort has similar amenities and luxuries that make it dreamy. There’s a big focus on sustainability as well as 68 beautiful villas, each with its own private pool and butler.
What makes it stand out is that Joali Being is the first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives. The philosophy centres on bespoke wellness experiences. You’ll find 39(!) treatment rooms scattered across the island as well as a series of ‘transformational spaces’ and a high-tech fitness complex.
The resort also has expertly curated dining with an ‘earth-to-table’ experience that uses healthy, fresh and locally-harvested and sustainable foods.
📍Where: Bodufushi Island, Raa Atoll | 40-minute seaplane from Malé Airport
Prices from: $2,511 per night for an Ocean Pool Villa (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
12 Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
(Photo: Expedia)Everyone knows Four Seasons is at the top of the luxury travel game. It’s a company with SO many gorgeous resorts and Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is no exception.
As one of the most expensive Maldives resorts, Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru is all kinds of perfect with what it offers.
You’ll find supersized villas and suites with private pools and outdoor lounges overlooking UNESCO Biosphere Reserve waters. The hotel also has an award-winning spa (it’s one of the best in the Maldives!) as well as incredible dining options ranging from fine dining to more casual beachfront experiences.
I love the romantic options that are perfect for a honeymoon – like candlelit dinners and private meals on a secluded sandbank or on a floating platform over the ocean.
📍Where: Landaa Giraavaru Island, Baa Atoll | 35-minute seaplane transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $2,309 per night for a Premier Oceanfront Bungalow with Pool (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
13 Patina Maldives
(Photo: Expedia)Patina Maldives is a relatively new resort in the Maldives and one that’s already establishing itself as one of the more expensive.
The resort is part of the exclusive Fari archipelago, which comprises four islands and three upscale hotels. It’s where you’ll also find Fari Marina Village which is a beach club-style social hub with high-end shopping and diverse dining – access is available to guests at each of the three local resorts.
There’s definitely a cool vibe at Patina Maldives. It’s a resort with a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic with beautiful accommodation options. In total, the resort has 90 beach and water villas, as well as 20 Fari Studios (which are a more ‘affordable’ option at $1,288 per night).
📍Where: Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll | 45-minute speedboat transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $2,245 per night for a One Bedroom Water Pool Villa King (including breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
14 Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Another dream Maldives resort in the UNESCO Baa Atoll is Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. This private island resort is exceptionally pretty with sophisticated and spacious beach and overwater villas.
Each villa has a private infinity pool, the latest tech and extra touches like pillow and soap menus, yoga mats, beach bags and a stocked wine fridge. What I also love about these expensive Maldives resorts is the privacy and space that they offer guests – so obviously Anantara Kihavah is no exception!
Another key highlight of this resort is its award-winning underwater fine-dining restaurant – it’s a bucket list experience! The resort also has an overwater observatory for stargazing, an amazing holistic spa and personalised wellness programs, too.
📍Where: Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa Atoll | 35-minute seaplane transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $2,245 per night for an Over Water Pool Villa (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
15 Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
(Photo: Expedia)Raffles is a prestigious hotel chain so you can bet the Maldives resort is a good one! Raffles Maldives Meradhoo exemplifies the company’s luxury ethos and goes all-out to provide guests with exclusivity, comfort and impeccable hospitality.
The resort is made up of two parts – a main private island with palm-fringed floury sands, and an overwater island where you’ll find the water villas. As you can probably guess, the accommodations are meticulously designed and so, SO beautiful – and also come with butler service.
Across the resort, there’s also a great choice of dining – including romantic bespoke options, fine-dining experiences and speciality beach barbecues under the stars.
📍Where: Meradhoo Island, Gaafu Alifu Atoll | 90-minute seaplane transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $2,162 per night for an Overwater Villa (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
16 The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands
(Photo: Expedia)The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands is another gorgeous choice if you’re looking for a contemporary and expensive, bucket list getaway. It’s a sophisticated hotel that stands out for its modern design with minimalist villas with private pools, amazing views and direct access to the lagoon or beach.
You can expect exceptional personalised service with island butlers, the best treatments at the overwater spa and a diverse choice of dining across seven restaurants and bars.
A big win is the resort’s emphasis on sustainable luxury and its exclusive location. Like Patina Maldives, it’s part of the Fari archipelago so you can expect a paradise setting as well as access to the luxuries of Fari Marina Village.
📍Where: Fari Islands, North Malé Atoll | 50-minute speedboat transfer from Malé Airport
Prices from: $1,964 per night for a One Bedroom Ocean Pool Villa (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
17 Six Senses Laamu
(Photo: Expedia)Six Senses is a luxury hotel brand so you can expect top-tier choices from the company in the Maldives. There are currently two Six Senses Maldives resorts with Six Senses Laamu typically being a little more expensive.
This Maldives luxury resort is all kinds of perfect, offering an exclusive and secluded retreat in the remote Laamu Atoll (it’s the only five-star resort in the area). The resort is a collection of overwater villas and on-land villas, each crafted from local and sustainable materials and offering an idyllic paradise sanctuary.
Wellness is a big part of the Six Senses ethos – as is sustainability. The resort is known for its commitment to eco-friendly practices, supporting local communities and integrating conservation into guest experiences.
📍Where: Olhuveli Island, Laamu Atoll | 65-minute seaplane flight from Malé
Prices from: $1,350 per night for a Lagoon Water Villa (including daily breakfast, taxes and fees but not transfers)
Most expensive Maldives resorts FAQs
How many resorts are there in Maldives?
The Maldives has over 160 resorts with a huge number of these having five-star status.
Do resorts offer free transfers in the Maldives?
Some resorts offer transfers as part of a package or promotional offer. Many add the cost to your final booking fee or will ask you to arrange it through their reservations team. Seaplanes are the most expensive option with shared transfers costing anywhere from $350 to $1,000+ per person!
Where do celebrities stay in Maldives?
There are loads of A-list hotspots in the Maldives with celebrities spotted at resorts including Amilla Fushi Resort, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Anantara Kihavah and One&Only Reethi Rah.
Why is the Maldives so expensive?
The Maldives is a super remote location and has a luxury tourism model. There are large import and transport costs as well as additional government taxes and fees on tourist services. Luxury resorts in the Maldives also have a big focus on exclusivity so this means fewer guests and higher prices! Plus, there’s high demand which drives prices up – especially during peak travel seasons.
What month is the Maldives cheapest?
The Maldives is typically cheaper during the rainy, low season, which is May to November.
Is all-inclusive worth it in the Maldives?
Whether you go all-inclusive or not depends on your preferences. For some, it can be a good option if you don’t want to worry about (expensive) costs adding up during your stay. However, all-inclusive can mean different things at different hotels so it’s worth checking what your money actually gets you. Many resorts have other meal packages too like half- or full-board, which could be better.
Is Maldives worth the hype?
If you love a tropical island vacation with a big focus on luxury and relaxation, then YES, the Maldives is worth it. As an exclusive destination, it’s expensive… but it also offers a ton of bucket list experiences, next-level accommodation and the most incredible paradise scenery.
Luxury Maldives resorts – Final thoughts
There’s a reason why so many people dream of the Maldives – it’s a slice of paradise with some of the world’s most incredible resorts.
This is a destination that’s all about exclusivity so with that comes a higher price tag. For many people the costs are worth it… (and for the wealthiest it’s a no-brainer)!
The resorts I’ve listed in this post are all at the top of the travel game – they’re lavish, they’re luxurious and they’re unbelievably beautiful. So if you’re planning a dream luxury honeymoon or you have the cash for a high-end escape – these expensive Maldives resorts are among the best of the best!
And if it isn’t for you? The Maldives isn’t the world’s only dream option! You might want to check out these Maldives alternatives and head to somewhere like the Caribbean, Fiji or the Philippines instead!
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