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The Maldives Power List 2025. Resorts That Lead in Every Category.
From underwater bedrooms to wine caves beneath volcanic stone, the Maldives continues to redefine the meaning of paradise. The 2025 Power List spotlights the resorts that stand out, not just for beauty, but for brilliance in every niche. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a collector of one-of-a-kind moments, here’s your insider guide to the islands that lead the way.
Soneva Jani; The All-Round Icon
Why It Stands Out
Soneva Jani is the benchmark for barefoot luxury, where imagination meets indulgence. From overwater observatories to a Cinema Paradiso under the stars, this resort perfects the art of wonder.
What You’ll Love
o Water Retreats with retractable roofs
o Lagoon slides straight from villa to sea
o Complimentary chocolate, cheese, and ice-cream rooms
o Open-air cinema with wireless headphones
o Observatory with resident astronomers
Untold Story
Ask your butler to arrange a private telescope session on your villa deck. As Jupiter’s moons drift past, you’ll understand why Soneva Jani is called the all-round icon.
Best for: Families craving joy and sophistication, couples seeking playful romance, and dreamers chasing once-in-a-lifetime memories.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island; The Muraka Magic
Why It Stands Out
The Muraka is not just accommodation, it’s a world first. This two-level residence features a master bedroom beneath the ocean, surrounded by coral life that dances in the blue twilight.
What You’ll Love
o The world’s first underwater villa
o Ithaa, the world’s first undersea restaurant
o Coral nursery and conservation projects
o Expansive underground wine cellar
o Choice of spa, beach, and water villas
Untold Story
Guests who help plant coral receive growth updates for years a small act that anchors you forever to the reef.
Best for: Honeymooners chasing the extraordinary, couples seeking seclusion, and families looking for a “wow” story to tell.
JA Manafaru The Wine Lovers Paradise
Why It Stands Out
Hidden in the northernmost atoll, JA Manafaru is home to the Maldives’ only wine cave built into volcanic stone. With private pools in every villa and dining across seven global cuisines, it’s both indulgent and intimate.
What You’ll Love
o Maldives’ only subterranean wine cellar
o Private pool with every villa
o Seven restaurants across diverse cuisines
o Sandbank picnics with a private chef
o Family-friendly spaces and dedicated kids’ club
Untold Story
Book a secret sandbank dinner followed by a curated wine tasting in the cave an experience few ever discover.
Best for: Couples passionate about gastronomy and wine, families who value privacy, and repeat travelers seeking something different.
Siyam World; The Playground of the Maldives
Why It Stands Out
For those who believe the Maldives is “too quiet,” Siyam World brings energy in waves. Think slides on villas, a waterpark, jet cars, and even a jungle go-kart track all within one island.
What You’ll Love
o Slide-equipped water villas
o Family-friendly waterpark and kids’ club
o Eleven restaurants and ninety wines in the all-inclusive plan
o Jet cars, horse ranch, and football field
o Fun-filled yet family-inclusive atmosphere
Untold Story
Step into their semi-submersible pod to watch reef life glide beneath you without ever getting wet.
Best for: Families with energetic kids, groups of friends, and couples who crave adventure over quietude.
Soneva Fushi; The Eco-Luxury Pioneer
Why It Stands Out
Soneva Fushi invented the “barefoot luxury” concept sustainability before it was a buzzword. Its legendary kids’ club, The Den, remains the largest in South Asia, complemented by glass-blowing studios and stargazing towers.
What You’ll Love
o The Den with pirate ships, Lego rooms, and cooking labs
o Glass-blowing workshops for guests
o Floating breakfasts and villa slides
o Cinema Paradiso under the stars
o Diverse fine-dining and wine experiences
Untold Story
Craft your own glass piece at the island’s studio, a keepsake that carries the island’s spirit home with you.
Best for: Eco-minded families, creative couples, and travelers who believe sustainability can be spectacular.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru; Conservation Meets Comfort
Why It Stands Out
Located in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Landaa balances five-star luxury with real marine science. It’s where guests swim with mantas, release turtles, and dine on Ayurvedic cuisine all in one stay.
What You’ll Love
o Turtle rehabilitation centre and manta excursions
o Ayurvedic spa and wellness cuisine
o Spacious lagoon villas
o Coral restoration with Reefscapers
o Signature Four Seasons warmth and precision
Untold Story
Join marine biologists as they release a rehabilitated turtle, an emotional moment of connection between conservation and luxury.
Best for: Families and couples who want their vacation to leave a lasting positive footprint.
Joali Maldives; Where Art Meets Escape
Why It Stands Out
Joali transforms the resort stay into an art-immersive experience. Each villa is adorned with curated installations, and the resident “jadugars”, meaning magicians bring every story to life.
What You’ll Love
o Ocean Residences with private infinity pools
o Art storytelling tours led by curators
o Gourmet floating breakfasts and design-forward restaurants
o Private in-villa spa and fitness spaces
o Luxury that celebrates creativity and culture
Untold Story
Join your jadugar for a sunset “art walk” each sculpture reveals the soul of its artist and the island that inspired it.
Best for: Art lovers, aesthetic-minded couples, and travelers who collect stories as much as souvenirs.
Which Paradise Fits You?
Each of these resorts wears its crown differently:
o Soneva Jani; the all-rounder
o Conrad Muraka; the underwater icon
o JA Manafaru; the wine paradise
o Joali; the art lover’s dream
o Siyam World; the adventure capital
o Soneva Fushi; eco-luxury reborn
o Four Seasons Landaa; the conservation powerhouse
But the “best” depends on you, your story, your dates, your dreams.
DM us or fill out this form for a free 15-minute consultation with our Ocean Vistas Travel Advisors. We’ll help match you to the perfect island and unlock exclusive perks along the way.
and we'll guide you toward selecting the one that perfectly suits your preferences and maximizes the value of your stay.
and we'll guide you toward selecting the one that perfectly suits your preferences and maximizes the value of your stay.
