The new magnificent Maldives resorts

Many bucket lists feature a trip to the Maldives. With floating villas, coral reefs gleaming beneath translucent waters, and sand the texture of flour, there’s plenty to admire. But for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, picking the optimal spot to stay can be quite a conundrum. Whether you’re looking for flawless food, an eco-friendly retreat, or somewhere to quaff cocktails while the kids are catered for, we’ve picked the best new openings in the Maldives to help you on your way.

The Residence Maldives 
Best for: Secluded luxury seekers
Why you should go: If you’re keen to properly get away from it all, The Residence Maldives is a perfect private hideaway, nestled in the southern Maldives in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll — the largest and deepest atoll in the world. Named by National Geographic Traveller as one of the World's Best New Hotels in 2021, this palm-fringed paradise offers ultimate relaxation: be cocooned in turquoise lagoons and a lush natural wilderness of over 2500 coconut palm trees. 

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi 
Best for: Private pool villa fans
Why you should go: If you’re looking to splash out on a bucket-list trip, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. There are 11 eateries to pick from — including a treetop restaurant and a Michelin-starred-chef's barbecue venue, a resident tennis pro, and a wellness sanctuary. All villas come with private pools and can only be accessed by private yacht transfer, so you’ll be sure to arrive in style. 

Baglioni Resort Maldives
Best for: European vibe lovers
Why you should go: Europe meets Asia at Baglioni Resort Maldives, with all the turquoise waters and luxe villas that you would expect of a Maldives resort, seamlessly blended with some elegant Italian touches. Expect sumptuous décor, tasty Italian specialties at the three onsite restaurants, and special events such as cooking classes at this Leading Hotel of the World. The resort also won the Best Wine Selection category in the 2021 World Luxury Hotel Awards, so be sure to hunt down the sommelier for some tips. 

Kagi Maldives
Best for: Wellness worshippers
Why you should go: Kagi Maldives is the ultimate in wellness resorts, with a health hub that features an open-air yoga pavilion, steam rooms, outdoor baths, sound-healing rooms, and a relaxation lounge with a detox juice bar. For another level, they even offer underwater scuba meditation sessions. After a day of open-water kayaking or sweating it out in the top-notch gym, fuel up on nutritious fine-dining fare, and maybe allow yourself a tipple from the wine cellar — you are on holiday after all. 

The Standard
Best for: Social butterflies 
Why you should go: If partying tops pampering on your holiday to-do list, The Standard should be your go-to. Afternoons see DJs pump up the volume at the beach-club-style poolside hub, while evenings end beneath the disco ball on overwater Beru Bar's glass dance floor. There’s also an overwater spa for hangover-alleviating treatments, a floating aquapark assault course, and twice-weekly moonlight cinema screenings.

Patina Maldives 
Best for: Luxe sustainability seekers
Why you should go: Patina Maldives is an eco-warrior paradise: the buildings are made of natural and renewable materials, all planted trees are rescued from other islands, there’s no single-use plastic, and drinking water is filtered on the island. While basking in eco bliss (and admiring the stunning architecture), you can shop in artisanal boutiques, soak up the art installations dotted around the resort, or indulge in a tasting menu created by 2-Michelin-starred chef Nick Bril.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives
Best for: Foodies 
Why you should go: Set on the Fari Islands, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives comprises 100 swish minimalist villas, a Bamford spa, and the option to dine at three resorts connected across a lagoon. There are 30 dining options, with something to suit all tastebuds: from the freshest sushi and Italian fine dining to Middle Eastern fare in a Bedouin tent and street truck bao buns. The sleek resort (designed by the renowned Kerry Hill Architects) has been awarded 10/10 from The Daily Telegraph, which praised the “phenomenally good” service and “excellent” facilities. 

Kuda Villingili Resort
Best for: Active adventurers
Why you should go: Boasting the biggest swimming pool in the Maldives, and with prime access to Chickens (one of the most popular surfing spots in the Maldives, if not the world), Kuda Villingili is a squarely perfect pick for water babies. Once your fingertips are suitably shrivelled, retreat to the elevated yoga pavilion, or kick back at one of the sunset DJ sessions to unwind. Rooms are decked out in natural materials, with eco-friendly touches such as carpets made from recycled water bottles, and offer uninterrupted views of the insanely blue sea beyond. 

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa
Best for: Spa lovers
Why you should go: If you're keen for an abundance of pampering, Emerald Faarufushi is a spa-lovers' haven. Set to open in October, 2022, This new Leading Hotel of the World's spa is dotted across a series of raised tree houses, with treatments ranging from Thai massages to red coral facials. As you hop from plunge pools to yoga pavilion, try watersports, and unwind on over a kilometre of private white, sandy beach, it's easy to get on board with the "barefoot elegance" vibe. 

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort
Best for: Families
Why you should go: Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort has plenty to keep the small people occupied so you can maximise your holiday downtime. The resort features a teens-only zone including a rooftop deck with a specially curated teens menu, an action-packed kids' club, and 6-bedroom villas for maximum sprawling space for all the family. It's due to open in late 2022, so get an advance booking in quick!