Editor’s Choice – 6 Best All-Inclusive Maldives Water-Villa Resorts

• Water villas: 56
• Total rooms/suites: 119

One of the highest-rated of all Maldives resorts, the Lily Beach Resort & Spa is definitely the highest rated of those that operate on an all-inclusive basis. The whole resort was totally refurbished and reopened in 2009 as a deluxe 5-star property. There are 3 different room categories, with even the smallest of the 3 being very large.

The all-inclusive villa resort deal here is called the Platinum Plan, and it’s one of the most generous in the Maldives. All meals are obviously included, and here premium liquor is also part of the deal, as are cigarettes. The normal rates at Lily Beach put it into the super-luxury category, and during the peak season months of December and January, it’s hard to find any availability at all in the water villas.

• Low season online specials from US$1,233 per night
• High season online specials from US$1,314 per night

• Water villas: 64
• Total rooms/suites: 76

Absolutely the best of the inexpensive all-inclusive Maldives holiday resorts, the Veligandu Island is very highly rated and gets many repeat customers every year. It’s a medium-sized private island with lots of dining and activity options, with prices similar to some of the much-larger resorts where personal service is harder to come by.

At the Veligandu they offer very affordable “full board” plans that include 3 meals per day, but for a small extra fee, you can opt for the “all-inclusive” plan that includes meals as well as all drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, plus extras like a sunset cruise, snorkeling lesson, and use of the fitness center and kayaks.

• Low season online specials from US$703 per night
• High season online specials from US$842 per night

• Water villas: 86
• Total rooms/suites: 110

Only open since late 2010, the Constance Moofushi Resort is one of the newest and most modern 5-star private-island resorts in the Maldives. The whole island operates on an all-inclusive basis, with a very generous package of things included, like 3 meals a day, premium liquor, a stocked minibar in your room, cigarettes, afternoon tea, and a long list of activities and water sports.

The Constance Moofushi is getting excellent reviews so far and prices you’ll see are often higher than the online special prices quoted below, so you have to get lucky to get the best deals. Still, even at higher prices, this is a resort to consider because it compares favorably to many others that charge much more.

• Low season online specials from US$1,097 per night
• High season online specials from US$1,244 per night

• Water villas: 129
• Total rooms/suites: 360

One of the largest private islands in the Maldives, the Kuramathi Maldives resort is a 4-star property that has 360 rooms, 129 of which are water villas that come in two classes. On the surface, this all-inclusive Maldives holiday resort might not seem an obvious choice at these rates, but it gets excellent reviews and many return visitors, so they are obviously doing things right. In fact, the rooms impress with Wi-Fi, an entertainment system, a semi-open bathroom and a rain shower alongside many other great amenities.

The plans here are called “full board” which means that all meals are included, as are most activities, but alcohol and other premium things cost extra. You can opt for the all-inclusive plans here, which do include wine with meals, for only a little more. This is a very good choice for those looking for a larger all-inclusive resort and who aren’t necessarily big drinkers.

• Low season online specials from US$1,037 per night
• High season online specials from US$1,208 per night

• Water villas: 62
• Total rooms/suites: 104

A luxurious 4-star all-inclusive villa resort, the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa has 62 water villas in 3 different styles and sizes in addition to its 42 island rooms. The basic all-inclusive package comes with food and most drinks, but the resort also offers a premium Island Club level that also includes an additional restaurant and other features.

The Centara Grand Maldives isn’t one of the cheaper all-inclusive resort islands, but it is well worth it for many guests looking for something special. All the water villas here are large and well-appointed, and almost all of them feature a Jacuzzi spa and a heavenly rain shower on the deck. Reviews of this resort are very good so it’s a popular choice in the mid-range market already.

• Low season online specials from US$887 per night
• High season online specials from US$888 per night

• Water villas: 25
• Total rooms/suites: 75

A very popular and traditional Maldives private-island hotel, the Vakarufalhi Island Resort added 25 water villas to its 50 beach villas only in 2009, so the water villas still have a very modern feel. This is also a smaller all-inclusive resort where most guests go barefoot for days at a time, so it’s a favorite for the casual crowd. There are a “full board” plan and a “full board plus” plan, which also includes drinks and a massage, among other things.

The water villas are loaded with amenities, including a semi open-air bathroom and garden plus a 42″ plasma TV and DVD player. The restaurant is known for its high quality and good variety, and there are many water sports and other daytime activities to choose from. Vakarufalhi Island gets described as “paradise” by many past guests so they are obviously doing something right.

• Low season online specials from US$544 per night
• High season online specials from US$705 per night