27 best Maldives hotels for the ultimate bucket list holiday in 2024
There’s a reason the Maldives, a group of picturesque atolls scattered around the South Indian Ocean, is still one of the most coveted destinations in 2024. Thanks to the sun-drenched beach landscapes, breath-taking marine life and an incredible roster of luxury hotels and beach resorts, you can be assured you’ll have the holiday of a lifetime in the Maldives.
While overwater villas and palm-tree lined white-sand beaches may come as a standard in the Maldives – as do turquoise waters, ocean views and all-inclusive dining – you want to make sure that you’re booking the crème de la crème. After all, if you’re going to splash out on a once-on-a-lifetime Maldivian holiday, then you certainly want to get a bang for your buck. The very best Maldives resorts know that they need to take it to the next level by offering experiences that are unique and truly unforgettable.
When we say next level, we mean that the spa has to be one of the best spas in the world. An overwater spa dangling above a lagoon in the Indian Ocean with glass-bottomed floors, preferably. Ideally, it would have an underwater restaurant, a tree-top private dining spot and a flurry of incredible experiences like sushi-making classes and sunset dolphin cruises. Most Maldives beach hotels have also made admirable strides towards sustainability (perhaps even owning their own biosphere reserve or coral programme), which is a must-have for today’s conscious travellers.
For those who aren’t huge fans of the fly-and-flop holiday, the best Maldives hotels should also have an inspiring wellness programme that has everything from snorkelling and sound baths to sunset yoga classes.
As a travel writer, lucky enough to have been to the Maldives more times than should be allowed, I'm well-placed to give you the lowdown on the best resorts from across the country. As such, I've curated a definitive guide to the best hotels in the Maldives, from the Haa Alif Atoll to the Haa Dhaalu Atoll and everywhere in between. With British Airways running direct flights from London to Malé three times a week, 2024 might just be the year you finally throw caution to the wind and book the dream Maldives holiday you’ve been waiting for.
SKIP TO: Which part of the Maldives is the best to stay? | Which Maldives hotel is best for couples? | How we chose the best hotels in the Maldives? | Which Maldives hotel is best for families? | Extra tips for booking your holiday in the Maldives. | The best Maldives hotels: full reviews.
The best hotels in the Maldives 2024, at a glance:
- The Nautilus Maldives
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- Amilla Maldives Resort
- Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
- One&Only Reethi Rah
- LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas
- Velassaru Maldives
- Six Senses Laamu
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is heaven.
How we chose the best hotels in the Maldives
With demand ever-increasing, the quality of luxury resorts and hotels in the Maldives continues to be unrivalled anywhere else in the world. So, selecting the very best Maldives hotel on this list isn’t just a matter of research, but a matter of first-hand experience.
Having had the rare opportunity to stay in some of the Maldives' most luxurious resorts over the years, I know that the best Maldives hotels and affordable hotels in the Maldives elevate themselves by going a step further and offering truly bespoke experiences and faultless service. I was looking for hotels suited to a variety of experiences – be that a honeymoon, your next girl’s getaway, a trip with the fam or solo time – as well as warm services, sustainability credentials, impeccable design, location, food and facilities.
Which part of Maldives is the best to stay?
Hulhumale? Baros? Dhaalu Atoll? Fonimagoodhoo? Raa Atoll? The South or North Ari Atoll? Olhuveli Male? Landaagiraavaru? Re-frame your question to which hotel in the Maldives is best, because most islands are home to just one mega luxury resort.
Want a wellness focused retreat? Then Joali Being and Six Senses Laamu have great wellness programmes. Looking for a resort for your next girls’ trip? We think the Millennial-targeted Cora Cora Maldives and Avani+ Fares Maldives are perfect. If you’re on a budget, consider a hotel that’s a speedboat ride, rather than a sea plane ride, away from Malé, where the international airport is. That’ll save a few pennies.
Which Maldives hotel is best for couples?
Romance is big business in the Maldives – in fact, it’s generally considered to be honeymoon central. And for good reason. If you’ve got your heart set on a romantic post-wedding fortnight in tropical heaven — then there’s nowhere better. We’ve spotlighted some of the most romantic Maldives hotels for honeymoons below, but particular highlights include the One&Only Reethi Rah, Amilla Maldives Resort and the Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.
Which Maldives hotel is best for families?
As well as the Maldives being epic for a romantic holiday or honeymoon, it’s a wonderful holiday destination for families, too. There are lots of family-friendly hotels in the Maldives with kids clubs, space and privacy. JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa is our top pick for families. We also love: Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi.
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Scroll for our full edit of the best hotels in the Maldives in 2024 that are well worth travelling to.
Diamonds Athuruga Maldives Resort
Best for: Snorkelling and scuba diving in the archipelago.
Address: South Ari Atoll, Athuruga Island 00130, Maldives.Why we love it: There's something particularly elegant about the pristine white villas at Diamonds Athuruga Maldives Resort, sitting bright against the sparkling azure-blue sea. With a coral reef on your doorstep, this hotel offers some of the best snorkeling around. And, since it sits in the South Ari Atoll, you can easily head out on trips to see manta rays and whale sharks. Choose from either the beach bungalows, planted right on the beach, or opt for a water villa featuring your very own private terrace leading straight to the Indian Ocean.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Best for: family-friendly activities.
Address: Raa Atoll, 0000 Raa Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: While the Maldives is known as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, plenty of resorts offer some awesome family-friendly packages too. The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort for example has a Maldives Family Adventure package that includes everything from seaplane transfers, in-villa chocolate fountains to a photoshoot session so families can treasure their Maldivian memories for a lifetime (if the kids manage to stay still that is!)
The package also has plenty of culturally rich experiences too including a visit to a nearby island where families can meet the local community and try the local cuisine. Now if that isn’t wholesome family fun, I don’t know what is.
Best for: A bespoke luxury stay.
Address: The Nautilus Maldives, 20066 Baa Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: Situated in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll and just a quick boat ride away from the famous Hanifaru Bay, The Nautilus is our top pick for an intimate and luxurious bohemian escape in the Maldives.
The chic island resort only has 26 beach and ocean residences, making it a lot more intimate than other hotels on our list. But just because it is small, certainly doesn't mean that it is any less luxurious. Each residence has full butler services and a dedicated House Master who curates your stay at the Nautilus. Your itinerary will be crafted to suit your specific tastes and can include anything from bespoke culinary adventures, snorkelling excursions and even private yacht cruises. The Nautilus is the only resort in the Maldives that offers a private island experience without you having the need to buy out the full resort – now that’s bougie.
Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Best for: getting up close and personal with marine life.
Address: PO Box No 2111, Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives, 10330 Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: Situated in a remote, 16 hectare island, Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi, whose name translates literally to ‘secret water island’ is a veritable island paradise in the Indian Ocean. At Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi, the concept of luxury travel is wholly elevated. It is home to an alluring lagoon, the Maldives’ largest infinity pool, and a submerged art installation. A muted colour palette, natural textiles and every luxury amenity you could ever need can be found in the 120 villas and suites, while a spa and fitness centre offers everything from sunrise yoga and relaxing massages. Beyond the beach, hotel guests can go on sailing excursions to meet Manta Rays, sharks, dolphins and even sea turtles.
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Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
Best for: Glitz and glam.
Why we love it: Part of the inimitable Jumeirah Group of hotels, the Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island is bringing glamorous Middle Eastern hospitality to the sunny North Malé atoll. This chic, impossibly luxurious all-villa resort has some of the most spacious villas in the North Malé Atoll with each one boasting incredible panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. In the villas you can expect, private infinity pools, large rooftop terraces and a dedicated dining area, perfect for when your very own private chef comes to dazzle you with Michelin-star level culinary creations.
Outside of your villa, there are six incredible restaurants and bars, while the acclaimed overwater spa, Talise, is the perfect place to wind down after a day in the sun.
Address: North Male Atoll, 20339 North Male Atoll, Maldives
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Best for: a girls' holiday.
Address: Fares Island, PO Box 20077, 20066 Baa Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: Part of Minor Hotels (which also operates the excellent Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort not too far away) Avani+ Fares Maldives is our top choice for your next girl’s holiday. The vibes are fun, lowkey and the service is warm, friendly and approachable in line with the resort’s ‘Haharu’ hospitality. (Haharu means heart in Maldivian). So much so that the staff would even organise an impromptu beachside karaoke party for you and your mates if you so desire.
There are two restaurants, one of each end of the island, the poolside Skip Jack Bar and the buffet-style Ocean Terrace, led by the enigmatic Chef Walter. There’s plenty of activities in Avani+ Fares for you and your girlfriends too, from dolphin sunset cruises, snorkelling with Manta Rays, and even e-surfing on the hotel’s pristine bay. All the makings of a bucket-list girl’s trip you won’t soon forget.
Best for: water sports.
Address: Male city, North Male Atoll, 08300 Male, 08300 Male City, Maldives.Why we love it: Described as having one of the best house reefs in the world, avid divers and snorkellers will have plenty to explore in Dhawa Ihuru; an idyllic island escape located in the North Malé Atoll. Just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé, this is a particularly great choice if you are on a budget and want to avoid splurging on a seaplane. Part of the Banyan Tree Group, Dhawa Ihuru has 45 gorgeous villas and a bevy of relaxed bars and restaurants all centred on the theme of celebrating local, nature-inspired flavours. Sea lovers will also enjoy all the water sports on offer which include windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing and even private sailing excursions onboard the Kahan’bu Catamaran.
Best for: a wellness-boosting break.
Address: Bodufushi Island, Maldives.Why we love it: Since opening in December 2021 as the first Maldives' luxury retreat completely dedicated to wellbeing, Joali Being has been compared to some of the best retreats in the world –from Chiva Som to Six Senses Douro Valley. And it's no surprise. The experience and service you can expect is second to none (and reflective of the hefty price-per-night) – from the consultation with a practitioner in Chinese medicine or ayurveda that you'll receive before arrival (in order to help the team draw up a tailored programme for the duration of your stay based on the pillars of skin, mind, energy and microbiome) to the healthy and delicious meals you'll eat and the largest gym in the Maldives you'll get to experience. A stay at Joali Being is nothing less than life changing.
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Best hotel in the Maldives for wellbeing buffs
Best for: pool-side villas.
Address: Male City, North Male Atoll, 08110 Male, 08110 Male City, Maldives.Why we love it: This barefoot tropical paradise sits at the heart of the North Male Atoll is just a quick 25-minute speedboat ride from Male Velana International Airport but feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Maldivian capital. While there are no overwater bungalows here, there are 48 gorgeous pool villas throughout the island for you to relax in. Wellness enthusiasts will love what’s on offer here as guests can take Sunset Yoga, Ocean Breath, Gratitude Meditation and Acupressure workshops at the wellness centre. (There is even a Family Bonding Yoga class).
Foodies can master the art of Japanese Yakitori at Madi Hiyaa, Banyan Tree’s newest gastronomic gem and architectural marvel, while thrill seekers can get their hearts racing with a wide range of water sports, including jet skiing, kayaking and windsurfing, on-site.
Best for: underwater dining.
Address: Olhuveli, 20219 Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: This impossibly chic resort is spread across two islands, Play and Chill, which determine what kind of holiday you will get. Both islands — connected by a footbridge — boast incredible white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and blue waters and are home to sea turtles, bottlenose and spinner dolphins. Play is more family-friendly, while Chill has activities and experiences that are geared for couples and honeymooners. Every villa offers personal butler services to make your stay truly bespoke. The underwater restaurant, Subsix, is a bucket-list experience in itself and turns into a nightclub in the evenings. No matter which island you choose in Niyama, we’re sure that you’ll have a truly unforgettable stay.
Best for: millennials.
Address: Raa Maamigilli, 05161 Raa Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: ‘It’s Freedom Time’ at Cora Cora Maldives, which is one of our favourite new-ish openings in the Maldives. This joyful, colourful and effortlessly luxe all-inclusive resort in the Raa Maamigilli embraces a barefoot luxe approach to delivering the perfect Maldivian holiday. Pharrell William’s hit ‘Freedom’ plays on arrival, while a cute café serving coconut lattes and healthy snacks serves as the perfect pick me up after swimming in the sea. Cora Cora is decidedly geared towards a younger generation of luxury travellers, and we totally dig it.
The house reef in Cora Cora is home to rich marine life and you can easily swim the whole circumference of the atoll during a morning snorkel (if the tides are in your favour). There are four restaurants from buffet-style Tazäa to poolside Italian Acquapazza. Whatever you do – don’t skip on the Coconut Crush, which is probably our favourite cocktail ever.
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Best for: low-key luxury.
Address: Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Malé 08440, Maldives.Why we love it: With 122 sleek villas, an abundance of world-class dining options, designer fashion boutiques, sports and wellness facilities aplenty and a sublimely relaxing spa, One&Only Reethi Rah is one of the most dazzling hotels in the Maldives. It's located on one of the largest islands in the North Malé Atoll which benefits from a year-round breeze and balmy temperatures – and can be reached by a 50-minute yacht ride or 15-minute sea plane ride once landing at the international airport.
Despite the opulence which this luxurious address exudes, it feels impressively casual and low-key. Not too flashy, which we found pleasing. This is, in part, thanks to the designer behind the resort: Jean-Michel Gathy, who has done a good job at bringing the surrounding tropical vegetation inside.
As for the facilities? Start the day with a spin class to a backdrop of the ocean, tuck into a Japanese teppanyaki lunch beside the lagoon, stop by the turtle rehabilitation centre and indulge in a treatment or three at the on-site spa. All while being waited on, hand and foot, by your dedicated butler - who will be on-call 24/7.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Best for: a private dining experience.
Address: Ithaafushi Island,20009 South Male Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: With 11, distinctive dining concepts, you will literally be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. You can dine at the treetops in jungle restaurant Terra, indulge in farm-to-table delicacies at Glow or taste Arabian flavours at Yasmeen.
To burn off all those holiday calories, check out the Aqua Wellness Centre; an overwater facility that hosts a variety of visiting practitioners from all over the world that specialise in everything from acupuncture and herbal medicine to Pilates. The pièce de résistance however is the Ithaafushi Private Island, a separate and exclusive resort that can house only up to 24 guests, which has its own spa, gym and private chef. It doesn’t get more exclusive than this.
Best for: nature lovers.
Address: Milaidhoo Island Maldives Atoll, Maldives, 20215 Baa Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: Set across 13 gorgeous acres of Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Milaidhoo Maldives is just the resort for nature lovers looking to leave the world behind and embrace all things Maldivian. All the villas in Milaidhoo Maldives are just a quick stroll away from all the facilities that include the wellness centre, water sports, dive centre and the resort’s three restaurants. Plus, the Ba’theli restaurant is the only fine dining restaurant in the Maldives – so foodies will have plenty to feast on here.
Divers will love exploring the house reef in Hanifaru Bay, which is well-known as the home of the biggest seasonal groupings of Manta Rays in the world.
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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Best for: space.
Address: Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives, Landaa Giraavaru island, 20215 Baa Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: One of the most sprawling hotels in the Maldives, Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru serves up space in bucketloads. Need proof? Each of the 103 villas are, for want of a better word, enormous, and its home to the Maldives' only Olympic-sized pool. Elsewhere, there's a fitness centre and spa, as well as a marine research centre with a manta-on-call service – where wildlife lovers can watch on as injured turtles are nursed back to health. It makes for a welcome pitstop.
Of course, no Maldives hotel would be complete without indulgent dining options aplenty, and Landaa Giraavaru delivers. Café Landaa serves up made-to-order eggs and pancakes, Blu supplies the Italian goods (burrata salads, pizzas etc. etc.) and Seabar crafts some of the most exquisite cocktails around. You certainly won't go hungry.
Best for: destination weddings.
Address: Baa Atoll Island, 20215 Finolhus, Maldives.Why we love it: If you've ever dreamt of exchanging vows amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives – wether you chose to elope or gather a village of loved ones – then Amilla should be your celestial destination of choice. Nestled in the heart of paradise, this charming haven's offering features an idyllic setting for romantic private wedding dinners on the beach to super luxe wedding packages. With outdoor venues that accommodate up to 12 guests, Amilla specialises in crafting picture-perfect memories. This includes wedding cakes, canapés, photographers and all. They got you covered.
Beyond the wedding festivities, Amilla Maldives is a gateway to unforgettable island experiences. You can unwind with rejuvenating spa treatments, embark on a romantic sunset cruise, and no celebration is complete without indulgence, and best believe the varied types of cuisine available will have your entire wedding party drooling. True paradise on earth.
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Best for: eco-luxe.
Address: Laamu Atoll 15090, Maldives.Why we love it: Six Senses Laamu is located on the Laamu Atoll which can be reached via a 60 minute domestic flight transfer south of Malé and is almost entirely undeveloped. As such, those in search of a particularly remote resort should absolutely consider. The heart of the resort is a building called “The Den” which, crafted from bamboo and wood, is one of the largest solid structures in The Maldives. It acts as a resort hub, and boasts an impressive glass floor - serving up the opportunity to admire the fish below. The service which is nothing short of impeccable. In fact, your resort butler will go as far as making a phone call to your room during the night (between May and August) to inform you that baby turtles are hatching on the beach.
Best for: a remote escape.
Address: Gaafu Alifu Atoll Meradhoo Island, 17100, Maldives.Why we love it: Offering complete isolation and privacy (this resort is so remote it's actually too far for the seaplanes, so you must get on a separate domestic flight), Raffles is styled after its sister hotel in Singapore – expect breezy verandas and chequered tiling with dreamy cream and duck-egg blue hue styling.
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Best for: couples.
Address: Makunufushi South Malé Atoll, 20109, Maldives.Why we love it: COMO Cocoa Island's wellness hideaway, with its simple – yet totally charming – aesthetic, is ideal for anyone looking for total peace and quiet. Not particularly family-friendly, this resort features the only hydrotherapy pool in the Maldives, a pilates studio, yoga pavilion and a well-equipped gym and spa.
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The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Best for: exceptional service.
Address: Fari Islands North, Male 20013, Maldives.Best for: This new 100-villa resort (one of the four that make up the man-made Fari Islands) is a 50-minute boat ride from Malé. The idea? That you can move freely between each resort, with over 30 restaurants to choose from between them. The hardest thing you'll have to decide is which style villa to stay in – it's not just a question of 'Beach or overwater villa?', you've also got to decide whether you'd prefer an ocean or lagoon view (which is essentially like choosing between sunrise or sunset).
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Best for: design.
Address: North Malé Atoll, 20026, The Republic of Maldives.Why we love it: With earthy colours and Brazilian-Modernist design, Patina Maldives is the epitome of eco-conscious luxury thanks to its zero-waste, energy-positive practices. The main restaurant is plant-based – and you can bank on there being vitamins left on your pillows before bed. Check out the sunset water pool villa (sleeps two) if you're a honeymooner or ‘flop ‘n’ dropper’.
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JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Best for: stargazing.
Address: Van'gaaru Island, Atoll 40880, Maldives.Why we love it: What makes this resort great is how secluded it is – there's zero light pollution from other islands in the remote Shaviyani Atoll. The kids' club for those aged between three and 12 (with its very own 13-metre-long pirate ship) and the varied dining options – five restaurants and three bars overlooking the Indian Ocean – are two of the biggest draws to this family-friendly resort.
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Best for: barefoot luxury.
Address: Lankanfushi Island, North Malé Atoll Republic of Maldives, Maldives.Why we love it: With rustic-chic style and a eco-friendly ethos, it's easy to see why Gili Lankanfushi is an award-winning Maldivian resort. It has its very own pro-active marine conservation programme, all the food comes from organic gardens and local fishermen – it's even built with sustainable materials like coconut, teak and bamboo. All of the villas at Gili Lankanfushi are overwater villas, but there are seven special Robinson Crusoe residences which are completely cast out at sea – perfect for living out your dream desert-island escape.
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Best for: boho vibes.
Address: Medhufaru Island, Manadhoo, Maldives.Why we love it: Sister property to Soneva Fushi, the vibe at Soneva Jani is bohemian, where famous actresses and creatives collide to snorkel, relax in overwater villas, magical architecture, ocean access and an open-air cinema. The resort's sustainability credentials are noteworthy.
Best for: party vibes.
Address: 2X63+G6G, Kanufushi Island Baa Atoll, Hithaadhoo, Maldives.Why we love it: This fresh, funky – and fun – resort is among the Maldives’ more playful islands. Featuring a swim-up bar and nightly entertainment (think: fire dancers on the beach), tennis courts and a lively pool filled with bright inflatables, this island getaway rips up the rulebook and breaks away from the stereotype of ‘honeymooners only Maldives’. Check out the two-bedroomed Rock Star Villa with the most amazing aquamarine infinity pool.
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Best hotel in the Maldives for: packages
LUX* South Ari Atoll Resort & Villas
Best for: package deals.
Address: South Atoll, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives.Why we love it: Set along a four-kilometre stretch coastline, Tui's LUX* South Air Atoll Resort – on the island of Dhidhoofinolhu – offers a range of accommodation options. Think: over-water villas, thatched beachside cottages and villas with outdoor showers. From the airport, take a seaplane transfer to the hotel before checking in at the 24/7 reception. Check into your bedroom, which will come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a TV, minibar, slippers and a dressing gown by default – before checking out the eight restaurants, five bars, beachside cinema screenings and spa treatments.
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Best for: epic overwater villas.
Address: Kothaifaru Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives.Why we love it: Nestled amidst the breathtaking reed of Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers an unparalleled private island retreat with the best things nature has to offer – a thriving and rich marine life, soft and powdery sand and palm trees galore. In this 11.2 acres of sanctuary you will find ultimate relaxation in the form of beach villas, overwater villas, starlight cinema, watersports, and much more. The overwater villas are pretty glorious. The sunrise and are sunset villas are perfectly placed as the names suggests so you have the most unforgettable sunrise or sunset views while floating in luxurious comfort above the turquoise lagoon.
