Gili Lankanfushi
"A sanctuary hidden from the world", Gili Lankanfushi is not only one of the most beautiful Maldives hotels. The hotel's luxurious, sprawling rustic-style villas are among the largest in the Maldives. They're built using sustainable materials (including plantation teak and recycled telegraph poles). Each has a thatched roof, private sundeck, and semi open-air bathroom. Some have their own water hammocks, for added relaxation. The most secluded ones are completely standalone and only accessible by boat.
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Cheval Blanc Randheli is sleek, stylish and glamorous -- and it has what are possibly the best villas in the Maldives. They're modern, with natural materials and textures effortlessly blended in. Can't decide if you'd prefer an island or water villa? The Garden Water Villas are built on stilts over the lagoon and open to a lush private garden in the back, so you get the best of both.
Anantara Naladhu
Boutique Naladhu certainly lives up to its name, which means "Beautiful Island". You don't need to take a costly seaplane to find solitude there. Although the hotel is conveniently close to Male, the fact it has only 20 villas on the island ensures exclusivity. The only drawback is that Naladhu doesn't have over-water villas. If that is a must, staying at one of the hotel's sister properties, Anantara Dhigu or Anantara Veli, is recommended.
Six Senses Laamu
The Six Senses Laamu resort has perfected the art of eco-chic, with a Robinson Crusoe castaway feel. The rustic yet hip villas and their furniture have been made from timber grown in sustainable forests. Cushions in vibrantly colored fabric add a modern twist. Highlights in the Water Villas include glass sunken bathtubs and glass-bottomed dining areas.
Soneva Jani
Opened in late 2016, this new hotel has only 25 villas, making it one of the smallest in the Maldives. It's low on density and big on privacy. Like its predecessor Soneva Fushi, the hotel was designed by Eva Shivdasani, one of Soneva’s co-founders. The highlight of each villa is undoubtedly its retractable roof in the master bedroom, so you can stargaze in bed at the touch of a button. Some of the water villas also feature slides from the top deck directly into the sea.