The Maldives may be textbook paradise, but don’t let the cookie-cutter postcard pictures fool you – this is a paradise unlike any other on Earth. The crème de la crème that land here every year in winter will tell you they come in search of brilliant white sands and glass-clear waters, balmier climes and splendid isolation. The truth, however, is a secret they don’t want to share. They come here for what truly sets the Maldives apart from other equally idyllic destinations: the incredible resorts.

And Hilton offers some of the best.

Dine and Unwind at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

There’s no shortage of indulgence on the Maldivian archipelago, but, true to its famed name, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi elevates the experience by adding pedigree to the pampering.

The resort, perched on three private islands strung together like pearls by a network of wooden footbridges, is home to one of the most jaw-dropping spas in the Indian Ocean. It was, in fact, selected as Travel+Leisure’s best spa in the Maldives this year, a distinction earned through its carefully considered services (the country’s first-ever Wellness Concierge), treatments (detoxifying scrubs, hydrating wraps, relaxing massages), fitness programmes (yoga, Pilates, meditation, personal training sessions) and facilities (glass floor treatment villas, botanical gardens, a 30m hydrotherapy pool).

The sensory pleasures continue with the impressive culinary programme that encompasses 11 experiential venues, including treetop pod dining at Terra, modern Japanese specialities in overwater izakaya Zuma, intimate pairing menus in cave-like wine cellar The Rock, and Michelin-level cuisine by Dave Pynt at The Ledge.

Soothed and sated, guests retire to their tranquil, sumptuous villas. Whether on the beach, over the water or by the reef, all villas offer a private pool, tablet-controlled creature comforts and a personal butler. Those looking for even more privacy can opt for one of two offshore villas accessible only by boat.

Two Bedroom Reef Villa

Private Island

Live the Aquatic Life at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

A romantic escape à deux on a couples’ only island, or a fun-filled vacation with the whole clan? Thanks to a unique two-island concept, guests at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island can choose the adventure that best suits their holiday style. Whatever the choice, laid-back luxury and full immersion in nature await.

The resort’s advantageous location and thriving house reef ensure that the crystalline waters are teeming with marine life no matter the time of year, from whale sharks to manta rays and a carnival of brightly coloured fish. Guests can, of course, get up close and personal with the local wildlife on snorkelling excursions and guided dives, but when it comes to underwater adventures, Conrad Maldives doesn’t stop there. Among the resort’s 12 culinary options is Ithaa – the world’s very first undersea restaurant, where guests sip fine wine and savour haute cuisine as they watch schools of fish weave among the coral reef five metres below the waves.

Guests who can’t get enough underwater vistas should forego the villas (stunning as they are) and book into The Muraka, a one-of-a-kind residence featuring an infinity pool, private butler, chef, spacious common areas and three bedrooms – one of which is entirely submerged in an acrylic bubble beneath the ocean surface. An aquarium all your own.

Beach and Pool Aerial

Overwater Spa

Have Fun with the Family at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

The newest Maldivian resort in the Hilton family focuses on exactly that: family. Or rather, family-friendly fun at every turn. Located just a 20-minute speedboat zip from Velana International Airport, the adventure at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa begins without delay. Guests can settle into their spacious accommodations, with a choice between a beachfront or overwater villa (all with private pools), before discovering the many options for making the most of their stay in paradise. Tennis, badminton or basketball. Snorkelling, diving or paddling. Sunset painting, coffee art or mixology class. Or luxuriating with a treatment in the Amingiri Spa. It’s all on the menu.

While parents explore their interests and indulgences, children are well taken care of at the Krakengiri kids club, equipped with its own pool as well as games and, of course, attentive staff. Teens, on the other hand, will find their own dedicated hangout space in the rooftop Re:Fuel lounge. And when the family comes together to share a meal at one of the resort’s eight charming dining venues, parents will have peace of mind knowing the cuisine is sourced and prepared with sustainability in mind.

Krakengiri Kids Club

Main Pool and Lounge Area

Explore and Experience at Curio SAii Lagoon Maldives

Also just a hop and a skip from the international airport in Malé, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton is the premier playground for holiday-makers who like to be spoiled for choice – and simply spoiled.

The options at this multi-island resort begin with the room selection, choosing among a number of breezy rooms and suites like overwater villas or beach access family rooms. At mealtime, guests can take their pick of top-notch eateries, including a Mediterranean grill, a seafront Thai restaurant and The Beach Club, with its feet-in-the-sand vibes, casual fare, private beach access and infinity pool with swim-up bar. Leisure time is equally customisable, whether you prefer to snorkel at the shore, lay by the pool or get the VIP treatment at the Len Be Well Spa.

And the possibilities don’t stop at the edge of the resort. SAii Lagoon is part of Crossroads Maldives, the largest lifestyle hub in the country, which offers an array of upscale shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, wellness centres and nightlife locales for guests to take advantage of. A sizable marina – the largest of its kind in the Maldives – hosts a variety of yachts, sailboats and other vessels available to charter for excursions to surrounding reefs and islands. Everything you could want, right at your fingertips, and all in the middle of paradise.

Beach Aerial

Mr Tomyam Terrace