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Where to Stay in the Maldives

With over 100 private islands to choose from, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here are Asia Answers recommendations, and why.

Ultra luxury – Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is a fixture on Top 10 Resort lists with very good reason. For those who have decided to indulge themselves with every possible luxury and hedonistic experience, Jani is the answer. 

Inspired by a word that means ‘wisdom’ in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is actually an atoll, comprising five islands, the largest of which is Medhufaru, which is 150 acres in size. The islands encompass a collection of (Over) Water Villas and Island Sanctuaries set within a lagoon of crystal clear azure waters, fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery.
Accessed from Male by a combination of seaplane and speedboat, Jani is remote and offers uninterrupted ocean views, creating a unique castaway experience. The beautifully designed villas offer the ultimate in privacy and laid back luxury.

Accommodation choices are:
Chapter One Water Retreats are the original overwater villas, and are close to the overwater dining destination called The Gathering. These 24 one to four-bedroom Water Retreats all have private pools, while most have water slides into the lagoon and a retractable roof over the master bed. When staying in one of these Water or Island Retreats, guests benefit from discounted rates on longer stays, complimentary access to the chocolate, ice cream and cheese rooms, Kids Club, gym and tennis court.

Chapter Two Water Reserves are upgrades, being slightly larger than Chapter One, and closer to The Crab Shack and Cinema Paradiso. The 27 one to four-bedroom Reserves have private pools, large pool decks, most have water slides into the lagoon and a retractable roof over the master bed.

Staying in a Chapter Two Water or Island villa allows guests the freedom to experience Soneva Unlimited - unlimited dining, drinks (even wines and Champagne), experiences around the resort, diving and surfing, spa treatments, a personal Barefoot Butler, and more.

Luxury – Soneva Fushi
The original desert island hideaway in the Maldives, most of Soneva Fushi’s spacious luxury villas are hidden among dense foliage on a private island. Overwater Retreats are also available.

Villas at Soneva Fushi are located on the sunset or sunrise side of the island. While both sides have the Maldives’ signature white-sand beaches and crystal clear azure waters, there are a few differences.
The Sunset side is more suited to snorkelers. This side has three house reef access points, and dolphins are more likely to be spotted in the channel. On this side of the island, it is possible to see the neighbouring island, Eydhafushi, approximately 800 yards away.

The Sunrise side is for guests who want more privacy, virtually unimpeded views out to sea, or who are early risers who want to enjoy the morning tranquility as if they were the only people on earth.

Fushi is all about diverse activities, from glass blowing classes to Free diving tutorials. Guests who want a special memory can opt to spend a night camping under Maldivian skies on a private sandbank in a luxurious Bedouin-inspired ensuite tent. Hosts present a candlelit dinner, then depart. Breakfast is delivered at a pre-arranged time.

Affordable luxury – Lily Beach

Winner of Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice award for Best All-Inclusive Resort in 2019 and 2020, Lily Beach is just 25 minutes by seaplane from Male.  Lily Beach offers an optional all-inclusive Platinum package which features premium cuisine and beverages, a choice of three excursions, and sports activities. On the Platinum package, your clients credit card can stay packed in their luggage.
Alternatively, those who want to travel a la carte can pay as they go for only the meals, beverages and amenities they choose.
Lily Beach has a wide range of accommodation to suit various budgets and traveler profiles, from entry level Beach Villa Suites, which offer private outdoor spaces and are good for either couples or families, to Sunset (Over) Water Suites, featuring swimming pools, horizon views, and total privacy.
Tamara Spa – the over water spa at Lily Beach Resort reveals holistic therapies that go far beyond those of a typical spa experience and is not to be missed.
One of Lily Beaches best attributes is the unspoiled house-reef just few yards away from the shore – a snorkelers paradise.
Travelers who seek an adults-only resort should consider Lily Beach’s sister island, Hideaway Beach resort.