Life is full of challenges, but kicking back when you’re in the Maldives shouldn’t be one of them. The archipelagic nation of emerald lagoons and white coral sand scattered across the northern Indian Ocean naturally lends itself to visions of world-class relaxation. And now, a Maldivian national campaign branding 2026 as the “Year of the Ocean Nation” gives rise to more wellness-themed pursuits than ever.

© Soneva Jani

The Maldives, a chain of 26 atolls threaded across 35,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean, attracted a record 2 million travelers in 2024 and shows no signs of ceding its appeal as one of the world’s most magical places. The archipelago welcomed more than a dozen new luxury resorts over the past year, with plenty more underway.

This year’s emphasis on ocean healing and sustainability encourages sustainable travel, from spa menus featuring local healing practices to immersive conservation programs for marine life and coral nurseries.

Comprising two groups of atolls (North and South), the Maldives is the world’s lowest-lying country. Its vantage less than 5 feet above sea level affords ubiquitous access to water sports — snorkeling, riding personal watercraft, windsurfing and the world’s most paradisical scuba diving — as well as unparalleled natural beauty. The low elevation creates the “Lagoon Effect” that gives rise to the islands’ trademark cyan-blue waters, while the low-lying coral structures that create the Maldives’ beaches engender a thriving and equally beautiful world underwater.

Pair your water escapades with world-class R&R. (Pro tip: Call an in-house massage therapist so you don’t need to leave your thatched-roof overwater villa and private plunge pool.) Joali Being, a dedicated wellness retreat on Bodufushi Island in the Raa Atoll, proves a spa connoisseur’s dream, with therapies drawing from Chinese, Thai and Indian techniques. Also active in the country’s conservation efforts, the resort hosts a Reef Restoration Project as well as one of three turtle rehabilitation and conservation sanctuaries in the Maldives in partnership with The Olive Ridley Foundation.

Two-bedroom water retreat with slide © Soneva Jani

If a 5-star resort doesn’t sound secluded enough, venture to the Maldives’ more remote atolls. Travel agents and digital concierge services can guide you in planning a bespoke experience, whether it’s glamping on an uninhabited island; a chef-led tasting on a secluded sandbar; or a bespoke astrology reading under dark, starry skies.

But if you’d rather roam the archipelago without pre-booking a seaplane or speedboat transfer, consider vacationing aboard a yacht, which affords the same sense of privacy as a private island but with far more flexibility, according to Sara Haney, head of travel, Velocity Black.

“You can move between atolls, follow manta and whale shark migrations, surf untouched breaks, and spend time with local island communities, all while enjoying luxury accommodations and dining on board,” she said.

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two-bedroom overwater retreat master bedroom © The Halcyon Private Islands Maldives

LODGING
THE HALCYON PRIVATE ISLES MALDIVES
Opened in 2025 by Marriott International as an Autograph Collection resort, this resort features 38 villas on two private islands in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Fairly remote, the resort is accessible by 90-minute seaplane transfer from Malé.
Meradhoo Island, Gaafu Alifu Atoll
$$$$$

JOALI BEING
This wellness-focused resort on Raa Atoll boasts 68 picture-perfect private villas and remains a favorite among Hollywood’s A-list celebrities.
Bodufushi Island
$$$$$

SONEVA JANI
This family-friendly hotel is home to The Den, a dreamland where you can zip-line among a fantastical waterpark with waterslides, waterfalls and catamaran nets for lounging.
Medhufaru Island, Manadhoo
$$$$$

DINING

© One&Only Reethi RahDINING

ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT
Located 16 feet below sea level, this 14-seat venue at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the Maldives’ original all-glass underwater restaurant.
Rangali Island, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll
$$$$$

REETHI RESTAURANT
Perched over a lagoon at the glamorous One&Only Reethi Rah resort, this eatery hits the trifecta, offering guests a choice of cuisine from the Mediterranean, French Riviera or pan-Asia.
Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Malé
$$$$$

ZUMA
For overwater dining, try this “floating” restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, serving up a range of Japanese dishes from fresh sashimi to wagyu.
Ithaafushi Island, South Malé Atoll
$$$$$

INFO TO GO
Total travel time from U.S. airports to Malé can take up to 20 or 30 hours, depending on the layover. (However, that may change as BeOnd, an all-business-class, Maldives-based airline eyes a U.S. expansion.) Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Cathay Pacific Airways operate direct flights to Velana International Airport (MLE) from Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Hong Kong (HKG), respectively. Upon arrival, you’ll need to take a speedboat or a seaplane to your resort.