The best new hotels in the Maldives

There's a flurry of new openings on the Indian Ocean archipelago - but where to choose?

Dipal Acharya26 January 2017

The Maldives are hotter than ever. The Indian Ocean archipelago has 10 major openings, from the Four Seasons’ Private Island at Voavah, which opened late last year and boasts its own 19-metre yacht for island-hopping, to Kandima island, home to the Maldives’ longest pool and an on-site dive school, which opens in February. But where to lay your sunlounger?

Soneva Jani

Splash out on serenity at Soneva Jani, with a focus on environmental sustainability and wellness. The rooms’ boast vaulted ceilings, bamboo floors and white rattan furniture, while oval windows peek out at lapping crystalline waters. Follow the wooden bridge to the observatory for a night with the stars. From £1,531 per night (soneva.com)

Milaidhoo Island

Set within the Unesco Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, this has a laid-back, barefoot ethos. Bask in the infinity pool of your hut on stilts, watching dolphins and manta rays in the clear sea. From £1,318 per night (milaidhoo.com)

Finolhu

Poppy Delevingne christened the newly opened resort with a cavalcade of Instagram snaps — proof that good times are here to be had: acrobats, mermaids and stilt-walkers are on the schedule along with the best DJs, live acts and party crowd. From £695 per night (finolhu.com)

The Delevingne crew on Finolhu

Kanuhura

A bohemian ‘gypset’ spirit (gypsy meets jet-set) makes these pristine shores rich pickings for travellers seeking laid-back living (Erin Wasson is a fan). Try a sunset cruise aboard a dhoni or visit the private isle’s jungle retreat. From £505 per night (kanuhura.com)