Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Best hotels in the Maldives accessible by speedboat
The Maldives, alongside the Seychelles, is one of my absolute favorite beach destinations in the world. With sugar-white sands, crystal-clear lagoons, lush tropical islands, stunning underwater life, incredible overwater villas, and unmatched luxury, this Indian Ocean paradise truly feels like a dream come true. Most of the Maldives’ most breathtaking ultra-luxury resorts are located far from Malé International Airport and can only be reached by seaplane. Flying over the islands in a seaplane is an unforgettable experience, offering a bird’s-eye view of the picture-perfect archipelago. But for some travelers, this mode of transfer can be challenging:
- If you’re afraid of flying.
- If your holiday is short—less than 4 days—since seaplane transfers and airport wait times can take up a significant portion of your trip.
- If you arrive after sunset, as seaplanes only operate during daylight hours.
If any of these apply to you, it’s better to choose a resort in the North or South Malé Atoll. These resorts are reachable by speedboat, with transfer times ranging from 15 minutes to about an hour. While these resorts are closer to the airport and may have more boat traffic and noise compared to more remote locations, the difference is usually minor. However, keep in mind that some resorts in these atolls are built on artificial islands, which may lack some of the natural charm found on the farther islands.
To help you plan your next trip, I’ve put together a list of the 10 most exclusive resorts in the Maldives accessible by speedboat—meaning no seaplane required.
Think I missed a favorite? Share your top picks in the North or South Malé Atoll in the comments!
10. NALADHU PRIVATE ISLAND
Long cherished by locals for its stunning beauty, Naladhu is a small private island that invites guests to relax in peaceful seclusion. Its name means “beautiful island” in Dhivehi, and Naladhu lives up to that with its tranquil sapphire lagoon, shared with sister resorts Dhigu and Veli. The resort features 20 elegantly designed villas, each a spacious retreat with its own private swimming pool. From personalized dining experiences and lazy beach days to exciting water sports and rejuvenating spa treatments, Naladhu offers a variety of unforgettable moments. Every guest gets to create their own unique story in this special place. Naladhu Private Island Maldives has been honored as the best resort in the Indian Ocean for four consecutive years and was ranked among the Top 10 Best Resorts in the World in the 2021 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
9. COMO COCOA ISLAND
COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate, private resort in the Maldives featuring 33 overwater suites that let you step directly into the stunning turquoise lagoon to explore an exceptional house reef. Surrounded by powder-white sand, this resort offers a relaxed yet refined luxury experience with holistic wellness treatments at COMO Shambhala Retreat, South Indian-inspired cuisine, and world-class diving. From personalized service and sophisticated dining to unique design, authentic culture, and a soothing spa, COMO Cocoa Island is dedicated to tailoring every detail to your needs. The resort can arrange customized island cruises, private dinners in secluded spots, yoga sessions, diving and snorkeling adventures, and special experiences for families traveling together.
- Hotel website: COMO Cocoa Island
8. TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA
Tucked away from the sparkling lights of Malé, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa sits on Emboodhu Finolhu Island, nestled in one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. Known as the “Three Coconut Isle,” this tropical paradise is rich in vibrant flora and fauna and surrounded by stunning coral reefs. The resort is just a 15-minute speedboat ride from the main airport. The property features 58 villas and 6 suites, each beautifully designed with warm wood accents, gentle floral scents, soft lighting, and breathtaking ocean views. Modern comforts like DVD/CD players, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi ensure a seamless stay. Couples especially love the Jiva Grande Spa, offering authentic Indian wellness treatments along with yoga and meditation sessions. Dining here is a delight, with a variety of gourmet options ranging from casual to formal settings. For adventure seekers, there’s an exciting range of water sports, including scuba diving, sea kayaking, and catamaran sailing.
- Hotel website: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
7. GILI LANKANFUSHI
Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in North Malé Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi (formerly Soneva Gili) is a charming coral island nestled in a sparkling lagoon. Three wooden jetties stretch across the water, leading to spacious, luxurious villas. Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport in Malé, this intimate resort offers 45 beautifully crafted overwater villas made from natural wood and glass, blending rustic charm with sustainable design. Gili Lankanfushi feels like a peaceful personal sanctuary—a place to create lasting memories. The island’s vibrant marine life surrounds you, and the resort boasts a fully equipped PADI diving school along with a wide range of water sports for every adventure seeker.
- Hotel website: Gili Lankanfushi
- Tip: get complimentary VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Gili Lankanfushi here.
6. FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT KUDA HURAA
Rising gracefully from turquoise waters, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is a beautiful garden island retreat just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the Maldives’ capital. This sophisticated resort offers a perfect blend of recreation, relaxation, and conservation. Guests can enjoy four outstanding restaurants, a sunset lounge, a stylish bar, and a large freshwater infinity pool. The resort also features the serene Island Spa sea sanctuary, expert Tropicsurf coaches and guides, and hosts the annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy on its world-class waves. Its sister property, Landaa Giraavaru, is located to the north in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The luxury catamaran Four Seasons Explorer links the two resorts with 3-, 4-, and 7-night cruises, as well as private charters for leisure, surfing, and manta ray encounters.
- Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Four Seasons Preferred Guest (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
- Review: read my review of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa here.
5. PATINA MALDIVES
Designed by the acclaimed Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives features 90 beautifully crafted beach and water pool villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Located in the heart of the Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll, the resort is a 50-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives’ main international airport. Guests at Patina Maldives can also explore its two neighboring hotels—the Ritz-Carlton and the soon-to-open Capella—enjoying a vibrant social scene centered around Fari Marina Village and the Beach Club. With nine restaurants and bars, plus three on-site food trucks, there’s no shortage of sustainable dining options from sunrise to sunset. Even the resort’s activities embrace eco-consciousness, offering guests the chance to participate in coral reef seeding, adopt injured sea turtles, and watch wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Hotel website: Patina Maldives
- Other accolades: Patina Maldives also features in my list of the best new hotels of 2021.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
- Review: read my review of Patina Maldives here.
4. THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, offers a truly luxurious Maldivian escape with pristine white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and the exceptional service the Ritz-Carlton is famous for. Located in the North Malé Atoll, the resort is just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. As the first Ritz-Carlton property in the region, it’s set on the stunning Fari Islands—an exclusive but completely man-made archipelago that also hosts three other luxury resorts and the lively Fari Marina. This communal hub features a vibrant Beach Club, charming boutiques, and a variety of dining options. The resort’s three islands and overwater quay make the perfect base to explore everything this beautiful archipelago has to offer.
- Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
- Other accolades: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands also features in my list of the best new hotels of 2021.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
- Review: read my review of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands here.
3. JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND
Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island—formerly known as LUX* North Male—is nestled in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll and is easily accessible by speedboat from Malé Airport. Designed by the Singaporean studio Miaja, the resort blends elegant, contemporary architecture with the natural surroundings for a truly harmonious vibe. The property features 67 beach and overwater villas, each with a private infinity pool and a rooftop terrace complete with a dedicated dining area—perfect for enjoying stunning views while savoring delicious meals. Dining options include two of Jumeirah’s award-winning signature restaurants: Shimmers and Kayto. For ultimate relaxation, the Talise Spa offers six overwater treatment rooms and a range of therapeutic and revitalizing treatments, providing guests with seamless access to wellness and tranquility.
- Hotel website: Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
- Review: read my review of Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island here.
2. WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES ITHAAFUSHI
At Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, alfresco pavilions, swaying hammocks, and breathtaking ocean views come as standard. This luxurious resort is set across three completely artificial islands in the South Malé Atoll, offering 119 beach and overwater villas carefully positioned to ensure privacy while showcasing stunning ocean panoramas. Each villa features a private pool, jacuzzi, and a spacious lounge deck. Though the thatched-roof villas may look simple from the outside, inside they are elegantly furnished with luxurious interiors and premium branded amenities. Guests can unwind at the palatial spa and enjoy a variety of dining options to suit every palate. A standout experience is Terra, where you can dine among the treetops in one of seven unique bamboo nests.
- Hotel website: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- Other accolades: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi also features in my list of the best new hotels of 2019.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $150 USD resort credit, early check-in, and late check-out).
1. ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH
One&Only Reethi Rah is a vibrant Maldivian paradise where joy comes alive and unforgettable stories are made. This stunning resort sits on a large, private island—partly man-made—and features 130 spacious villas spread along the shore. You can choose from secluded beach villas surrounded by lush tropical greenery or overwater villas perched above the calm, crystal-clear lagoon. Dining here is a global journey, with five distinct restaurants to choose from: Reethi Restaurant serves international cuisine; Tapasake offers authentic Japanese dishes; Botanica focuses on natural, healthy fare; Rabarbaro delights with Italian specialties; and Fanditha brings Middle Eastern flavors to the table. The spa offers personalized treatments in a peaceful private pavilion, while guests can enjoy a wide range of activities including water sports, tennis, football, snorkeling, swimming pools, an art studio, plus dedicated KidsOnly and teen clubs.
- Hotel website: One&Only Reethi Rah
- Other accolades: One&Only Reethi Rah also features in my top 10 list of luxury hotels loved by celebrities.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).
- Review: read my review of One&Only Reethi Rah here.
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Very noticeably missing is huvafen fushi- without a doubt the best island reachable by speed boat.
I was just wandering if you’ve actually stayed at all of these hotels since you have reviews for some and not for others? I am in love with your website great work!
Your blog is the only thing I have found so far that offers a proper comparison between resorts and good recommendations! Thank you.
Thank you, Hussam, I appreciate your comment a lot!
Love your blogs, extremely useful!
Which ones have the best house reefs ?
Hey, thank you for sharing a blog About best resort in maldives thanks you for awaking the people to explore new places
Hey, this article is very useful for me. Your suggestions are very great but my fiends told me about The Hulhule Hotels that are very near to male airport in Maldives. This hotels rooms are available for family or couple, activities or meetings, sea views etc. and also very hygiene with reasonable price .
Thanks for sharing the wonderful blog with us with useful information about the tips for choosing top 10 best hotels in the maldives closee the airport. You also visit hulhule island hotel in the Maldives for your wonderful experience.