Natural Island
Resorts on islands that still look like islands. Vegetation, character, life.
Some Maldivian islands have been reshaped so aggressively that they read as resorts first, islands second. We prefer the resorts that have kept the island intact - trees, contours, the natural draw of the place.
These tend to be older properties, restored thoughtfully, with planting that has been there long enough to feel like the landscape rather than the brief.
The shortlist
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Baa Atoll's marine-science flagship.
Gili Lankanfushi
The original barefoot castaway resort.
Here Baa Atoll
Barefoot, bohemian, Baa.
Joali Maldives
An immersive art island.
Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Far south, deep reef, pure quiet.
Six Senses Laamu
Southern surf meets Six Senses sustainability.
Soneva Fushi
The original barefoot luxury island.
Soneva Jani
A village in the lagoon.
Soneva Secret
Fourteen villas at the edge of the atoll.
The Nautilus Maldives
The only rule is no rules.