8 Best Hidden Gems in Maldives for a Luxury Private Vacation

With the Maldives awarded World's Leading Destination for three consecutive years by World Travel Awards, it is no surprise that the island nation takes a spot in every traveller’s bucket list. Its luxury islands and natural beauty attracts almost two million travellers a year. 

While travellers are promised a secluded vacation by all resorts, there are certain private islands that take privacy and seclusion to the next level - allowing you to experience the ultimate secret escape to paradise. These private islands have only a few villas, but offer unlimited experiences that you will remember forever. 

Ithaafushi The Private Island

An extension to the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Ithaafushi The Private Island is the largest private island in Maldives. The exclusive island accommodates only 24 guests across two elegant beach and overwater villas and one four-bedroom residence - each boasting a refined, yet modern style accented with fine art, Maldivian charm and world-class facilities. Ithaafushi also features an overwater spa, world-class dining, five pools, tennis and padel courts.

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah

Nestled in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah is just five-acres of bliss and welcomes 21 guests, who receive their own 19-metre (62-foot) yacht, dive centre, spa, Beach House, seven bedrooms, and resident pod of dolphins. You also have six dining experiences, ranging from Beach House dining to poolside barbeques to theme nights.

Nautilus Maldives

Another gem in Baa Atoll, The Nautilus invites you to discover life’s rarest treasures - time, freedom, and refuge. Its collection of 26 private beach and ocean houses are places where nothing is fixed, and anything is possible. All the restrictions usually associated with a luxury resort in the Maldives, such as set times, rigid menus and services assigned to specific areas, are non-existent. The island also features a spa, a private luxury seaplane, a yacht, a fitness centre, and a multi-purpose sports court.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi

The Maldives’ only fully powered solar island, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island offers a fully all-inclusive experience under the concept “anything, anytime, anywhere”. Unlimited leisure activities, wellness, and delightful culinary experiences are bound to impress even the most discerning travellers. Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the island’s 15 over-water residences, each featuring stunning views and a 44sqm infinity plunge pool.

Naladhu Private Island Maldives

Titled the Best Island Resort in the Indian Ocean four years in a row, Naladhu Private Island features just 20 timelessly elegant houses, each a spacious sanctuary with a private swimming pool. Guests are welcomed as if they were at home, by their personal storyteller, known as a ‘Kuwaanu’. The island, which boasts dozens of indigenous species, offers endless experiences and activities and a no-menu dining concept.

Como Cocoa Island

An intimate resort known for romantic experiences, Como Cocoa Island is one of the smallest islands in Maldives. The luxury resort features 33 overwater villas, which represent gently curved local dhoni fishing boats docked at a wooden boardwalk reaching out over the lagoon. The spacious, elegant design evokes both the open horizon, and a sense of privacy, allowing you to slip into the sea from your terrace. One of the resort’s highlights is the COMO Shambhala Retreat, a two-storey centre with four massage pavilions and one of the only hydrotherapy pools in the Maldives.

Kandolhu Maldives

Home to one of the most colourful house reefs in the Maldives, Kandolhu is a tiny, tranquil island with a lush green interior encircled by glorious white sands. Its 30 villas perfectly combine natural elements of the Maldives with modern architecture and creature-comforts. Despite the size, Kandolhu offers plenty of ways to wine and dine, with a choice of five à la carte restaurants, a bar, beach dining experiences as well as in-villa dining.

Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island

Sprawling across a one-hectare island, Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island houses a 1,000 sqm lavish four-bedroom villa. It is the epitome of luxury and modern island living with exceptional indoor and outdoor spaces, a dedicated team of Ambassadeurs and a vibrant array of tailored services and amenities. Fine crafts, bespoke furniture and artwork enhance the interiors of this unparalleled villa. Outside of the villa are various terraces, tropical gardens, private beaches, an al-fresco dining pergola, and meditation pavilions. To complete the ultimate island stay, guests enjoy a private spa treatment room, fitness centre and screening room.

Experience the ultimate in Maldives luxury with our travel experts. Get in touch here.