For those that have the luxury to work from anywhere, why not opt for the perfect paradise destination? The Maldives has long been a dream destination for travellers seeking luxury and serenity.
When it comes to adult-only escapes, the options for tranquillity, romance, and indulgence are truly unmatched.
Travel expert Neela Goyal from Away Holidays has curated the ultimate guide to adults-only Maldivian escapes, spotlighting the best islands whether you’re combining business and leisure, on a romantic retreat or after a wellness break – this guide offers tailored recommendations to inspire your next adventure.
The Maldives is synonymous with luxury, serenity, and exclusivity, making it the perfect haven for adults seeking a peaceful retreat. With secluded villas, pristine beaches, and world-class service, it’s no wonder people flock to these idyllic islands. With over 1,100 islands to choose from, how do you find the perfect adults-only destination?
Romantic Getaways
Best Islands: Baros Maldives, Komandoo Island Resort, Huvafen Fushi.
These islands are meticulously designed for couples who crave intimacy and exclusivity, making them ideal for honeymooners or those celebrating anniversaries, engagements, or any special milestone.
At Baros Maldives, romance begins the moment you arrive, with its elegant overwater villas and secluded beachside accommodations offering breath taking views of the turquoise lagoon. Each villa is designed for ultimate privacy, with features like private infinity pools, personal sun decks, and outdoor rain showers that allow couples to relax without interruption. Baros is also renowned for its overwater dining experience at The Lighthouse, where guests can enjoy candlelit dinners beneath the stars while waves gently lap below.
Komandoo Island Resort is an adults-only paradise, specifically tailored to couples seeking quiet moments together. The island’s small size enhances its intimate vibe, with luxurious villas perched over the water or nestled along the beach. Couples can enjoy a private Jacuzzi, romantic beach picnics, and even an underwater dining experience at the nearby 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. Every detail at Komandoo is curated to create a seamless romantic escape, from the attentive yet unobtrusive service to the island’s tranquil ambience.
Huvafen Fushi, often referred to as a “dream island,” blends romance with unparalleled indulgence. Its bungalows and pavilions are the epitome of luxury, featuring private plunge pools, direct lagoon access, and uninterrupted ocean views. Huvafen Fushi is particularly famous for its unique experiences, such as dining in an underground wine cellar, enjoying a moonlit spa treatment, or sharing a champagne toast on a dhoni (a traditional Maldivian boat) during a private sunset cruise.
Wellness & Spa Retreats
Best Islands: Como Cocoa Island, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort.
These resorts are more than just beautiful retreats – they are holistic sanctuaries designed to restore balance, energise the body, and soothe the mind.
At Como Cocoa Island, wellness is woven into every aspect of the guest experience. The island’s overwater villas are inspired by traditional dhonis, creating a sense of connection with the sea while providing private, tranquil spaces to unwind. The resort is home to the Como Shambhala Retreat, a globally renowned wellness centre offering a blend of Asian-inspired therapies and cutting-edge wellness practices. Guests can partake in daily yoga and meditation sessions overlooking the turquoise lagoon or indulge in bespoke spa treatments using natural, healing ingredients.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island redefines luxury wellness with its fully inclusive concept. Guests are free to design their own wellness journeys, from unlimited spa treatments in the island’s overwater wellness pavilion to private yoga sessions tailored to their needs. Kudadoo specialises in holistic healing, offering therapies such as Reiki, crystal healing, and personalized health consultations. The focus on sustainability extends to wellness, with organic, plant-based cuisine designed to nourish the body and complement detox programs.
At Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, wellness takes a modern and personalized approach. The Balance Wellness Sanctuary provides a serene setting for guests to explore Ayurvedic treatments, customized fitness programs, and mindfulness activities like Tai Chi and meditation. This adults-only retreat combines traditional therapies with contemporary techniques to help guests rejuvenate both physically and mentally. The luxurious spa pavilions, perched over the water, offer a calming backdrop for treatments such as deep tissue massages, detoxifying wraps, and rejuvenating facials.
Ultra-Luxury Indulgence
Best Islands: Velaa Private Island, Cheval Blanc Randheli, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli.
These islands are the pinnacle of exclusivity, offering experiences so bespoke and indulgent that they cater to even the most discerning of travellers. For those who believe in travelling first class in every sense of the word, these islands promise a stay where extravagance is the standard, and every whim is met with effortless precision.
At Velaa Private Island, the word “private” truly comes to life. Owned by a billionaire who envisioned the ultimate escape, Velaa offers unparalleled exclusivity with only 47 villas, many of which are perched over the ocean or nestled along private beaches. The resort is home to the Maldives’ only snow room (a uniquely indulgent spa feature) as well as a nine-hole golf course designed by Ryder Cup captain José María Olazábal. With private butlers at your service and a fleet of yachts for ocean adventures, Velaa ensures every experience is tailored to perfection.
Cheval Blanc Randheli, an LVMH creation, embodies understated elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Every detail of this resort exudes luxury, from its designer interiors to its custom-crafted Guerlain spa treatments. The villas, some accessible only by private dhoni, feature infinity pools, private piers, and expansive outdoor living spaces. Signature experiences include dining in a starlit jungle or enjoying a private snorkelling expedition accompanied by a marine biologist. Cheval Blanc is also renowned for its artful culinary offerings, where Michelin-starred techniques meet local flavours in a stunning waterfront setting.
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli takes extravagance to new heights with its distinctive architectural design and unmatched amenities. The resort is home to the iconic Whale Bar, an overwater lounge designed to resemble a whale shark, where guests can sip on rare vintages while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The Iridium Spa boasts the Maldives’ largest hydrotherapy pool, and its John Jacob Astor Estate, a palatial three-bedroom overwater villa, is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the world. Whether arriving by seaplane or enjoying a helicopter tour arranged by your personal concierge, every moment at St. Regis is infused with grandeur.
Solo or Group Serenity
Best Islands: Huvafen Fushi, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Soneva Fushi.
These islands are perfect for those who value the quiet luxury of adult-only experiences, where every detail is designed to enhance relaxation and provide a serene, rejuvenating atmosphere.
Huvafen Fushi is a secluded paradise with a reputation for unparalleled tranquillity. With its minimalist-chic design and focus on intimate, luxurious spaces, the island is an ideal retreat for solo travellers seeking solitude or friends looking for a shared escape. Each villa offers a private infinity pool, direct ocean access, and a level of privacy that feels like you have the entire island to yourself. Signature experiences include lounging at the resort’s underwater spa (the first of its kind in the world), or enjoying a private stargazing session on the beach.
At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, the focus is on creating moments of connection and relaxation. Solo travellers will appreciate the peaceful environment and access to wellness-focused activities like yoga sessions overlooking the ocean or treatments at the overwater spa. For groups of friends, the resort’s multi-bedroom villas provide the perfect base to enjoy the island together, with options for private dining, group snorkelling excursions, or sunset cruises on a dhoni. The laid-back yet luxurious vibe makes it easy to unwind and recharge.
Soneva Fushi, known for its “barefoot luxury” ethos, is the perfect choice for travellers who want a natural and sustainable retreat without compromising on comfort. Solo travellers can immerse themselves in the resort’s eco-conscious experiences, such as exploring the house reef or participating in a marine conservation project. Groups of friends will love the island’s private residences, which come with personal butlers, pools, and spacious common areas for gathering. Whether it’s sharing a meal prepared by a private chef or watching a movie at the open-air Cinema Paradiso, Soneva Fushi offers unforgettable moments of shared relaxation.
Why Adults Love the Maldives
Neela Goyal shares: “The Maldives is a paradise where adults can truly disconnect and unwind. Whether you’re seeking romance, wellness, or luxury, the peaceful ambience of these islands ensures a rejuvenating experience.
Insider Tip: The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April when the weather is warm and dry – perfect for beach activities and water sports.
For more budget-friendly rates, consider visiting during the wet season (May to October), when the lush surroundings come alive, and the surf is ideal for adventure seekers.