Milaidhoo Island Resort, Maldives

Milaidhoo Island, a luxury resort concept from the esteemed Universal Resorts, continues to solidify its reputation as one of the Maldives’ most enchanting retreats.

From the moment you arrive at this lush, manicured island and receive a warm welcome accompanied by a glass of Champagne from your butler, a tone of understated elegance and hospitality is set for an unforgettable stay.


The villas, as ever, are a triumph: spacious, airy, organically curved and impeccably maintained. Those on the island blend indoor-outdoor living with expansive double-aspect folding doors, and seamless flow to the deck, generous private pool and beach. Foliage introduced to the water villa jetties has now matured and offers a pleasing natural fragmentation to the monochrome structures.

While most villas are largely unchanged since opening, the enormous Ocean Residence has been transformed into a breathtaking 2-bedroom villa, adding an enticing option for families or groups seeking unparalleled space and luxury.

Dining continues to impress at Milaidhoo with its diverse, high-quality offerings. Breakfast at Ocean restaurant is a daily joy, particularly the Maldivian breakfast—a flavourful nod to local cuisine. The Shoreline Grill offers delectable seafood with a feet-in-the-sand dining experience, along with an entertaining Teppanyaki Chef’s Table and refined tastings with fine wine pairings in the Wine Room. The signature Ba’theli restaurant remains a must-visit, blending Spice Route-inspired precision gourmet dishes in a magical overwater setting, where nurse and blacktip sharks glide beneath the decks at sunset.

For a light lunch, the Compass Bar delights guests with offerings such as the standout ‘Impossible Chilli Tacos,’ a must-try for plant-based diners, and don’t miss Lucky’s excellent rendition of the Angelfish Cocktail, available complimentary for Angelfish guests.

A short paddle from Milaidhoo’s beautiful sunrise shoreline leads to the island’s vibrant house reef, which remains in good condition. Snorkelling here is an absolute delight; easy access via the channels reveals a kaleidoscope of tropical fish along with larger marine species such as turtles and reef sharks. The lack of motorised water sports leaves the reef, its inhabitants and its observers undisturbed.

On an island of just 50 villas, other facilities are proportional. The resort’s charming overwater spa may be modest in size and lacking in overt glitz compared to some competitors, but its outstanding treatments—especially the signature massage—more than make up for it. Meanwhile, the small gym, with its glorious tropical views over the lagoon, is rarely busy and offers all the essentials for keeping active.

Service remains impeccable throughout Milaidhoo. Whether it’s your ever-attentive butler or the overall team who seem to anticipate your every need, the commitment to high standards is evident at every turn.

All said and done, there is very little to fault at Milaidhoo. It flawlessly blends 5 star luxury with authentic Maldivian charm—no bling, just brilliance. While prices reflect its premium status, the resort’s unwavering quality and soulful ambiance make it a top contender for our favourite resort, and one we’d return to in a heartbeat.