Newest Maldives resorts

Why the newest resorts stand out

Most Maldives resorts follow a formula: overwater villas, a spa, and a house reef. The newest properties break it. Soneva Jani’s Chapter Two, which opened in 2021, introduced villas with retractable roofs and slides that empty into the lagoon—features that feel playful but also deeply private. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, which debuted in 2016 but feels brand-new thanks to constant upgrades, sits in the Dhaalu Atoll, where the diving is among the least explored in the country. And Maalifushi by COMO, which launched in 2014 but remains one of the freshest designs, proves that a resort can be both minimalist and warm. What ties them together is a focus on experiences over amenities. I’ve had clients spend an entire afternoon in Soneva Jani’s observatory, watching Jupiter’s moons through a telescope, or kayak at dawn in Maalifushi’s lagoon, where the water is so clear you can see the reef thirty feet below.

The villas: bigger, smarter, more private

The newest resorts have redefined villa size. Soneva Jani’s overwater retreats start at 2,500 square feet—nearly double the Maldives averageand include private pools, slides, and retractable roofs. The St. Regis Vommuli’s John Jacob Astor Estate, the largest overwater villa in the country, spans 17,000 square feet and sleeps twelve. Even smaller properties like Maalifushi by COMO prioritize space, with villas that feel more like private homes than hotel rooms. The layouts are smarter, too. Many now include separate living areas, outdoor showers, and terraces that wrap around the entire villa, so you can chase the sunrise or sunset without leaving your deck.

Dining: more than just another buffet

The newest resorts treat dining as an event. Soneva Jani’s So Primitive restaurant cooks everything over an open fire, from salt-crusted fish to slow-roasted meats. The St. Regis Vommuli offers a ‘Tree of Life’ dining experience, where guests eat in a private pod suspended above the lagoon. And Maalifushi by COMO’s Ufaa restaurant serves Maldivian seafood with a modern twist — tuna tartare with coconut and lime. The best part? Many of these experiences are included in half-board or all-inclusive packages, so you’re not nickel-and-dimed for every meal.

The house reef: what you need to know

Most of the newest resorts have direct access to house reefs, but the quality varies. Soneva Jani’s reef is concentrated with marine life—clients have spotted manta rays and reef sharks just steps from their villas. The St. Regis Vommuli’s reef is part of a protected marine area, so the coral is vibrant and the fish are plentiful. Maalifushi by COMO’s reef is shallower, making it well-suited to snorkeling at high tide. If the reef is a priority, ask me about the best spots for your travel dates. Some resorts, like those in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, require boat trips to reach the best snorkeling sites.

Transfers: the journey is part of the experience

Getting to the newest resorts is half the adventure. Soneva Jani and Soneva Fushi operate their own seaplanes, which means no waiting at the terminal in Malé. The St. Regis Vommuli is a 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé, while Maalifushi by COMO requires a 50-minute seaplane flight followed by a 30-minute speedboat. For resorts in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, like Dhevanafushi, you’ll take a domestic flight to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a 20-minute speedboat. I always recommend arriving in Malé by mid-afternoon to catch the last seaplane—otherwise, you’ll need to overnight in the city.

Who Fede guides to each resort

Soneva Jani is my pick for honeymooners. The retractable roofs and private slides make it feel like a fantasy, and the all-inclusive Soneva Unlimited package means you can order champagne at midnight without checking the bill. The St. Regis Vommuli is well-suited to families—the John Jacob Astor Estate sleeps twelve, and the kids’ club is one of the best in the Maldives. Maalifushi by COMO is well suited to couples who want a quieter, more design-focused stay. And for divers, Dhevanafushi in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll offers some of the most untouched reefs in the country.

The honest bit

No resort is perfect. Soneva Jani’s seaplane transfers are expensive—$1,100 per adult in high seasonand the resort’s remote location means you’re committing to a full week. The St. Regis Vommuli’s villas are spread out, so you’ll need a buggy to get around. Maalifushi by COMO’s lagoon is shallow at low tide, which can limit swimming. And Dhevanafushi’s transfer requires a domestic flight, which adds time and cost. But these are small trade-offs for the privacy and innovation you get in return. If you’re unsure which resort fits your travel style, message me—I’ll ask the right questions to narrow it down.

What I’d actually book

If I were planning a trip today, Fede would book Soneva Jani’s Chapter Two. The new villas with water slides are unlike anything else in the Maldives, and the all-inclusive package means I can focus on enjoying the experience rather than tracking expenses. The retractable roofs are a real difference for stargazing, and the resort’s location in the Noonu Atoll offers a mix of seclusion and accessibility. Plus, the new Maafaru International Airport means I can fly private and avoid the seaplane altogether if I’m short on time. For a family trip, I’d choose the St. Regis Vommuli—the John Jacob Astor Estate is the top-tier private retreat, and the kids’ club keeps the children engaged while the adults relax.