There are so many beautiful resorts and exotic restaurants to choose from in this archipelagic country. Explore the best places to stay and eat in the Maldives below. 

Luxury Resorts

The Maldives is filled with some of the most opulent resorts and hotels you could imagine. Contemporary bungalows  that float on top of the sea and incredible beachside villas are included on this list. These remarkable resorts take you far away to a peaceful oasis in the archipelagic region. 

Waldorf Astoria

This modern series of oceanfront villas are designed to provide you with enough seclusion to privately enjoy your vacation, while also remaining friendly and welcoming. Each villa comes with its own pool elegantly placed above the ocean, so you can jump from one to the other – literally. Villas are located on the private island of Ithaafushi, so guests receive an intimate experience that is perfect for couples and family travelers.

Explore Waldorf Astoria here

Niyama Private Islands

Taking luxury to the next level, Niyama Private Islands is all you could dream in a vacation. High-end villas are dispersed among the ocean shore, each with their own distinctive attributes. The website displays each villa separately, and tells if each suite is a sunrise or sunset view. If you can’t book the room that fits your preference, however, there’s no need to stress. Any of the villas you stay boast unworldly panoramic views all around. In addition, Niyama hosts an Explorers Kids Club, so the whole family is welcome here. 

Explore Niyama Private Islands here

Kuramathi Maldives

Private balconies, pools, and sophisticated interior, Kuramathi Maldives is another top resort choice. Step outside your bungalow for a quick dip in the Indian Ocean, and gaze at the endless miles of sea. Kuramathi also provides a list of amenities for guests to enjoy, including a full service spa, resort swimming pools, private beach, babysitting services, complimentary breakfast, and 12 restaurants. 

Explore Kuramathi Maldives here

Hurawalhi Island Resort
 

Hurawalhi Island Resort gives you the option of staying in a beachside or over-water villa. Hurawalhi Resort is also where the world’s largest undersea restaurant resides, which means you can dine and watch schools of exotic fish pass by. You don’t have to go far to experience an authentic Maldives vacation here, as there are plenty of excursions to take advantage of. Fishing trips, luxury sailing tours, snorkeling, and paddleboarding are all offered at the resort, in addition to the various amenities. Hurawalhi even has a large tennis court and fitness area to fulfill some much desired physical activity. 

Explore Hurawalhi Island Resort  here

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Four Seasons are reputable establishments in any country, given their luxurious yet comforting nature. Fashionable, sleek interior decor outlines each villa, with the addition of spacious spa-like bathrooms, plush beddings, and private pools perfectly positioned for the sunset. Unique exclusions like swimming with massive manta rays are accessible at Four Seasons, and the amenities are anything but ordinary. 

Explore Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru here

Restaurants

Dining in the Maldives is anything but typical. From underwater restaurants to those on stilts, eating in this country won’t be your usual experience. Not to mention, the food in the Maldives is fresh, authentic, rich, and delicious. 

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

Five meters into the ocean is where this unconventional eatery resides. For an absolutely aweing, magical dining experience, this is the place to go. The experience in itself is enough to make your jaw drop, but Ithaa also has a delectable array of menu choices. Island chic dress code is required, and reservations should be booked far ahead of time. It’s no wonder people rave about this world famous restaurant, which gives off an exclusive and mysterious vibe. Ithaa is also known for its amazing wines and mid-morning cocktail options. 

See Ithaa undersea restaurant here

Reethi Restaurant

Reethi is reputable for its incredibly magical sunset views and intimate setting. From morning to mid-afternoon, guests can enjoy a series of delicious breakfast options before starting their daily itinerary. When the sun starts to go down, tables are dimly lit as the ocean turns deep blue. What’s so unique about this restaurant? Well, the floor is organized into three different dining experiences: Earth, for French and Asian inspired cuisine, Aqua for authentic Italian, and Fire Grill for the farm, land, and sea. 

See Reethi restaurant here

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Dining at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is guaranteed to give you one of the most glamorous restaurant experiences. Guests can be picked up by speedboat to a remote sandy beach, in which dinner is then prepared by a private chef. Fine food and a candle-lit table sets the tone for this space. 

See Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru here

Mandhoo Restaurant

Mandhoo Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an eccentric establishment that’s propped on  stilts above the sand. Mandhoo whips up some of the most superior seafood plates and organic produce grown directly on the island. Guests can enjoy their fine cuisine while gazing at the ocean below the restaurant’s floor. 

See Mandhoo Restaurant here

Subsix at Niyama Resort 

Another underwater eatery, Supsix at Niyama is immersed 6 meters below the water’s surface at Niyama resort. It’s approachable by speedboat and a descending staircase that leads into the restaurant’s opening. Dining here consists of a four course meal, typically enhanced by fresh seafood and creative sides. The drinks at Subsix are unmatched, and the entire experience is accompanied by elegant, unique decor. 

See Subsix at Niyama Resort here