10 Luxury Resorts with most Beautiful Lagoon in Maldives

Maldives Best Luxury Hotels


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Updated September, 2024

Not every island in Maldives is blessed with the fine sand and turquoise lagoon worthy of postcard — but those that are, are as beautiful as the luxury hotels that line their beaches.

Dreaming of a holiday stone's throw away of crystal-clear waters? Don’t want to deal with choppy sea or surf? It's good to know that, calm, deep sandy and beautiful lagoons in the Maldives always go hand in hand with fine beaches. The symbol of heavenly vacations in luxury over-water villa resorts, an atoll lagoons are the natural wonders where the azure of the water merges with the blue of the sky. At the center of the ring is a body of water with a vast expanse of white sand that is often deep. The perfect playground for water sports, swimming and snorkelling – lagoons are the best way to experience an aqua adventure in an idyllic setting.

A perfect lagoon is also important if you choose a water villa to stay. Like the ideal island for snorkelling, the ideal lagoon for a water villas is not that common. What can happen is the lagoon never gets above knee height, or the seabed is covered with broken coral, or it is featureless and lifeless. Sometimes the house reef's drop-off is miles away or the current is worryingly strong when the tides turn. Any one island resort is unlikely to have all these disadvantages, but one or two of these things could affect your holiday experience.

Ideally you walk down the wooden steps from your water villa's sun deck into a sunlit lagoon that is a good depth for swimming and standing around in, say waist to chest deep. The sea floor is softest sand but coral spots are here and there delighting with their colour and fish life. A short swim then takes you to the reef drop-off, either over the corals at high tide or down a cut through. As for family holiday with little kids you always have the safe splashing area of the lagoon at hand – perfect for water babies of all ages.

In our list below the 10 of the most beautiful lagoons in the Maldives You would like to check out when choosing a best resort for your next luxurious holiday.

1 Huvafen Fushi

Huvafen Fushi water villa
Booking.com

Best Experience:   Overwater Bungalows, Undewater Spa, Beaches, House Reef Snorkelling. Gourmet Dining, diving

Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from the main airport, Huvafen Fushi ideally mixes Maldivian style with hip and chic features; thatched villas on the outside and on the inside, unique amenities, sophisticated design, contemporary furniture, high-tech equipment, and last but not least cool events which all contribute to make Huvafen Fushi a truly dreamy island. Encircled by one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, this private island paradise is home to the world’s first and only underwater spa, and with only 44 rooms it is the ultimate in luxurious privacy and intimacy.

Ocean as far as the eye can see the stuff that dreams are made of, Huvafen Fushi blurs the boundaries between sea and sky. The reef is big, natural and, despite the loss of corals that has affected so much of this part of the world due to global warming, is alive with fish, sting rays, turtles and nurse sharks. Let someone else take the wheel on board the hotel’s Princess 54 motoryacht, with a chance to spot manta rays seasonally around the Huvafen Lagoon, or whale sharks on a trip to the deep blue. Then there’s wakeboarding, parasailing, seabobbing, kayaking and paddleboarding to master at this breath-taking Maldives island hideaway.

Whether it’s an Ocean Bungalow or Lagoon Bungalow, you’ll have your own freshwater pool and a staircase into the sea. The Ocean Bungalows have a better location for house reef snorkeling and much more private. But the ocean side during the summer months is the windy, so depending on the weather the sea could be more or les more or les choppy. Read Full Review

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2 Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa – Deluxe All inclusive

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa – Deluxe All inclusive
Booking.com

Best Experience:  Couples, Families, All Inclusive, diving

Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa - Deluxe All Inclusive is an unforgettable getaway for people who dream to beach experience the beautiful white sands, tropical nature and blue ocean of a Maldivian island, with luxurious ambience. All inclusive 5-stars resort is located in Raa Atoll and was opened on August 2019. Emerald Maldives is the perfect destination for your luxury holiday in the Maldives, whether you are looking for adventure, exploring the underwater wonders, or simply relaxation, enjoying the modern facilities, in-house dining venues and comfort of your villa.

The resort extends over a luxurious private island of 20 hectares, surrounded by 100 hectares of a splendid crystal blue lagoon, where it is possible to admire the extraordinary landscapes of the Maldives. Extending westward, the Emerald's lagoon is idyllic playground suitable for swimming and water sports. Deep and with sandy seabed, the lagoon offering the ideal setting for guests to build new and memorable experiences. PADI certified instructors are ready to assist you during your water excursions or, alternatively, watersport, for those that want to try kayaks, jet skiing and many other activities, by being above the crystal clear water of the lagoon. Manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, dolphins and over 2,000 species of fish are ready to greet you into their home! Read Full Review

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3 InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Booking.com

Best Experience:   New luxurious resort, Couples, Family vacation, Beaches, Diving

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau is the first InterContinental Resort in the Maldives and one of the most exclusive InterContinental hotels in the world, welcomed its first guests in september 2019. Accessible by 35-minute seaplane jorney from the Male airport, InterContinental Maldives has 81 Villas and Residences designed to seamlessly blend with the breath-taking natural environment with a unique emphasis on sustainability and wellness. The luxurious resort promises delights of all kinds, with detailed interiors, chic vibes and moments to cherish including exclusive and personalised butler services as well as many aqua and thrilling adventures.

Also worth mentioning is the picture-perfect lagoon of Maamunagau - pure tropical bliss, holiday heaven, corals and such beautiful sea creatures from baby sharks to rays and countless multicoloured fish....Fabulous. Best spot to house reef snorkel at the back of the spa area towards the back of gym. Oh and the sand is of course, pure white and so fine. Read Full Review

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4 Seaside Finolhu

Seaside Finolhu Resort Maldives sand bank
Booking.com

Best Experience:    Couples, Family, Beaches, Activities, Nightlife

Located in the UNESCO world biosphere reserve of Baa Atoll, Seaside Finolhu is one of the newest resorts in the Maldives.The exclusive Design Hotels member, Seaside Finolhu offers a new barefoot chic experience on the self-styled island playground, and the longest sand bank in Maldives. Throughout the resort, the bold new design concept unleashes a kaleidoscope of colours inspired by the vibrant natural hues of the island’s stunning flora, fauna, sunsets and seascapes. From the style and comfort of the resort’s 125 villas, 76 of which have their own pool, and the culinary journey served up by the eclectic selection of international dining options, to the sheer indulgence of the spa and the sense of tropical island adventure provided by the many water sports on offer, every detail has been carefully crafted to create a lifestyle resort that caters to the discerning affluent traveller of today.

The color of the water in the immense, ring shaped lagoon surrounding the overwater villas contained an overwhelming amount of shades of blue and green and it looks better than on any picture. The view this amazing lagoon is something you’ll never tire of. The wide-range of water activities available for all ages are as engaging as the stunning scenery of the coral reefs beneath the waves. Read Full Review

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5 Baglioni Resort Maldives

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Best Experience: for Couples and Families, Beaches, House Reef Snorkeling, Diving, Quiet and Private

Surrounded by shimmering sapphire waters with a powder soft sands, Baglioni Resort Maldives is an idyllic retreat for honeymooners and families alike in the Dhaalu Atoll. Located on the island of Maagau this exclusive newest resort of 96 villas is located on the one of the most spectacular Maldivian islands, allows guests to experience a bespoke stay in the heart of the Indian Ocean with the unique Italian hospitality of Baglioni Hotels. Opened on March 2019, Baglioni Resort Maldives sits on a private island surrounded by clear water teeming with vibrant marine life and a thriving reef system. Its comprehensive comforts offer an unforgettable stay with a blend of sport, relaxation and prestigious gourmet dining to suit its exclusive international clientele.

The turquoise lagoon is beautiful, surrounded by nice beaches and many palm trees. The highlight of Baglioni is still the amazing beach. The Maldives does never disappoint with this but this property has the most amazing beach in the Maldives with white fine sand which is cleaned from small stones twice a day by a special team! Read Full Review

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6 The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

Booking.com

Best Experience:  Water Villas, Couples, Family, Beaches, House Reef snorkelling, Diving

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives offers a unique blend of relaxation and social life, perfect for a romantic escape or a getaway with everyone you know. Bespoke and signature dining choices, a contemporary Spa, and an overwater tapas and sunset club with a transparent dance floor combine with a myriad water sports experiences to create a truly unique, forward-thinking resort. Regardless of whether you travel a romantic duet, alone or with a family, you will find here an experience that suits your needs. With the emphasis on an activity-driven atmosphere, the resort’s tagline ‘Social by Nature’ reflects an easy-going travellers’ finesse against the backdrop of a healthy house reef, a significantly large lagoon and the amazing beaches

When you get off the seaplane at the floating jetty, your breath is taken away by the beauty of the water. Turquoise waters at every vantage point and a healthy house reef become the backdrop for your social retreat. Playtime for adults and kids alike as you slip n’ slide around on the 82 sq. m. of the resort's inflatable water park fun.

Sheltered by reefs, the waters surrounding The Standard are a boardrider’s dream. Enjoy the calm interior atoll location with a leisurely stand up paddle board cruise around the resort or if that’s too tame, get high with a kite surfing class. Read Full Review

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7 Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Booking.com

Best Experience:   Ultimate Luxury, Over Water Villas, Privacy and Tranquillity, spa, beaches, swimming with mantas

Discover Anantara Kihavah, a boutique hotel with all the advantages of a paradise island of dreams you can imagine - white beaches with fringed palm trees, turquoise waters, dedicated butlers, fine dining and luxurious Over Water Villas - and you will not be disappointed. In fact, the reality will surpass all your fantasies with an underwater wine cellar, six over water spa suites, and a 49-meter long, one of the longest in the Maldives, infinity swimming pool. Anantara Kihavah is just 35 minutes by seaplane from the main Velana International Airport.

Voted most Instagrammable hotel in the world, staying in Anantara Kihavan Maldives Villas is much more than just enjoying the luxury of your private area. With a sandy bottom, the beautiful lagoon is free of corals, and is ideal for swimming and water sports. The 'drop off' is an exciting abyss in deep blue water, with overhangs, caves and many other things. Strong swimmers can go for snorkeling around the edge outside the house reef. Beach areas and Over-Water Villas that face south to the channel are sometimes subject to strong currents, and snorkeling here is not recommended unless you are a good swimmer. Read Full Review

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8 Anantara Veli Maldives Resort

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Best Experience:   for Couples (only), Privacy and Tranquillity, Fine Dining, Activities

For an unforgettable beach experience, like anywhere else, go to Anantara Veli Maldives - quite simply because the 5-star resort ticks all the boxes and brings the best of both worlds together. The hotel 'for adults only' is ideal for couples who prefer not to force children to interrupt their hard earned vacation. Not one, but two magnificent islands to relax with the healing properties of massage, facial and Ayurveda. A total of seven restaurants share your meals between them. The beautiful sandy lagoon allows to make the most of the water surroundings with swimming, surfing, and sailing. And, of course, there are ideal pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters and iconic water bungalows, that makes the Maldives so desirable destination - all encompassed by five-star hospitality and luxury. And the last reason to book is an exellent location. Anantara Veli is 30 minutes by speedboat from Male airport.

The one of the huge bonuses in Veli - all accommodation over the water (there are no beach villas here), and for those who first time in Maldives, this will undoubtedly become one of the most exciting prospects. With Veli, there is an intimacy with beautiful views of the sapphire lagoon that really gets the status of a tropical paradise. The first timers can just wake up in the morning, grab a mask and a snorkel in dive center, and go down the stairs from their private veranda to the warm waters of the lagoon, for snorkeling. The lagoon is great for swimming, deep even at low tide. Live reef with fish, rays and turtles. Read Full Review

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9 Hurawalhi Island Resort

undersea fine dining
Booking.com

Best Experience: Adults only; a magnificent large overwater villas with stunning views of the lagoon; Superb house reef snorkeling, a fantastic '5.8 Undersea' restaurant

Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives - this is incomparable, extraordinary and absolutely original. Ecologically innovative, the 5*-star resort, the world's largest 5.8 Undersea restaurant, tropical champagne pavilion, stylish villas and politics just over 15 years old, and with no other resorts in the neighborhood as far as the eye can see - Hurawalhi Island Resort offers its own look at paradise. Officially inaugurated in January 2016, Hurawalhi resort is accessible by a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight from the main airport, and offers 90 villas, including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas, for grown-ups who are seeking luxury and innovation.

Hurawalhi is surrounded by boundless stretches of azure water that provide an excellent playground for guest looking to experience more than sunbathe. With the perfect lagoon to explore, the private island sits between two channels and as a result is home to an abundance of marine life. Snorkelling with sea turtles and manta rays right on our doorstep, water sport activities for everyone are on offer. All overwater accommodation offer direct access from your sundeck into the emerald lagoon and an undisturbed views of the Indian Ocean. Welcome the dawn with a swim in the lagoon and set the course for yet another blissful day in this heavenly retreat. Read Full Review

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10 One & Only Reethi Rah

oorr
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Best Experience:   Couples, Water Villas, families, beaches, spa, activities

Set on one of the largest artificial islands in North Male Atoll, the all-villa ultra-luxury One&Only Reethi Rah resort offers an unparalleled array of luxurious options to create an unforgettable holiday. Sleek and spectacular, with unprecedented privacy, One&Only Reethi Rah inspires extraordinary journeys for the soul. From extensive outdoor adventure options, including snorkelling and diving in the exotic underwater world, to the mesmerising One&Only Spa, guests are spoilt for choice. Perhaps no other luxury resort in the Maldives, does not give its guests so much space and privacy - and so manythings to do and see. You can stay at Reethi Rah for a month and not get bored.

The ocean meets every expectation on your list for a great resort. Pure fine sands are on either side of the villas, and also stretched all around the island – great for walking, and the calm sandy lagoon is so blue, crystal clear and warm. At Reethi Rah, there is little to no waves, and the ocean is relatively shallow. Not only is the water beautiful, but aquatic, sea-life is abundant. Comfortable swimming though but if you seek good snorkilng the island's east side is better place. Read Full Review

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