If what you want is utter seclusion and perfect peace, in a location off-limits to everyone but the resort staff and a few other guests, then a private island is the only place to go.
Here we bring you our favorite 10 incredible private islands from Maldives to splurge on post COVID-19.
1. Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Find a very private setting for intimate, one-of-a-kind experiences. Niyama offers a resort within a resort: The Crescent. It is a an over-water seclusion for up to 14 adults and 8 children. A playground of 5 ultrachic villas, all with private pools. Features private chef, 2 dedicated Thakurus (butlers), a housekeeper and complimentary diversions, including sunset cruise, private barbecue and movie under the stars, and island drumming night.
2. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island
Kudadoo’s 15 Japanese-style overwater villas are situated along a horseshoe-shaped boardwalk that originates on the resort’s small, main island. Each features an open floor plan; a zen-like al fresco bathroom area with a shower and bathtub; and a large, outdoor living area with a private swimming pool and slip-right-in access to the turquoise water below. Thoughtful, in-room touches include fresh herbs and citrus for DIY cocktails; yoga mats; and sketch kits, in case the Maldives’ sherbet-colored sunsets inspire guests to preserve the setting on paper.
3. Hurawalhi Island Resort
At adults-only Hurawalhi you can roll out of bed, put on snorkeling fins and slip right into the ocean from the deck of your over-water villa. Hurawalhi is home to the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant, located 5.8 meters below the lagoon. The resort masterpiece wows its guests with breathtaking surroundings, top-notch facilities, amazing diving and snorkeling, and a myriad of relaxation options.
4. Nautilus Maldives
Located in the Baa Atoll, The Nautilus is home to 26 beach and ocean abodes situated like private residences in one of the Maldives’ most picturesque locales. You don’t need to occupy every one of them; just luxuriate in knowing that you and your guests are the only ones allowed to do so. You’ll be attended to by a private butler—there is one assigned to each ocean dwelling—while the property’s five-star dining is described as “unscripted” and “about liberating the palate;” even the menus are mere suggestions, offered as “inspiration only.”
5. Waldorf Astoria Maldives
Located at Ithaafushi island, Waldorf Astoria is part of the Hilton portfolio. The resort features 122 villas, each compromising of a pool and a view of the Indian Ocean. The highlights of the resort include the two-bedroom overwater villa and three-bedroom beach villa for those seeking exclusivity and the 11 dining venues and bars including Terra, an elevated treetop restaurant, and The Ledge by Dave Pynt. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi was also listed among the 10 sexiest private island resorts of 2020 by brides.com.
6. Velaa Private Island
Named among the decades best new luxury hotels’, Velaa Private Island is comprised of 18 overwater villas, 25 beach villas, houses and 4 four-bedroom residences. Each dwelling is serviced by a personal butler, ready to accommodate any desire that guests might have in mind. The private residences on at each villa covers a 1,350sqm space, capable of housing up to 10 people.
7. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The Private Island Experience at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort grants premier access to the resort’s portfolio of 77 transcendent signature villas including the illustrious John Jacob Astor Estate, the most expansive overwater villa in the Maldives. Accommodating up to 154 guests, the experience includes daily breakfast at Alba, the resort’s signature restaurant, along with a daily food and beverage credit to use at any of the six unique restaurants and bars. For the active-minded, guests will have unlimited use of non-motorized watersports (excluding diving) offered at the Watersports Center, and 24-hour access to the state-of-the-art fitness center for workouts including anti-gravity yoga and meditation practice.
8. Naladhu Private Island
Naladhu Private Island Maldives’ exclusive retreat with just 19 elegant houses and one two-bedroom residence – is a home away from home. The resort is so exclusive that even at full occupancy, it accommodates only 42 guests in its 19 dual-occupancy villas and single split-level two-bedroom mansion. It’s no wonder A-list celebrities, Arab princes and many on Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List make annual pilgrimages here.
9. COMO Maalifushi
COMO Maalifushi, recently listed among the best private beach vacations for post-lockdown luxury travel, stands apart with its understated style, encapsulating the spirit of the Indian Ocean and the barefoot chic of a COMO private island resort. The luxuries are all there, with a COMO Shambhala spa, world-class yoga facilities and exceptional cuisine along with the Maldives’ vibrant marine life.
10. Soneva Jani
With the popularity of Instagram, world-famous Soneva Jani has become a resort for luxury travelers as it offers unrivaled photo opportunities. Located on an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll, the Maldives’ most exclusive and game-changing hotel 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. Soneva Jani is also among A-list celebrities’ private vacation getaway spot in Maldives.