The Maldives is renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, but its architectural marvels are equally captivating.
This tropical paradise offers a blend of traditional Maldivian designs and modern architectural innovation, making it a fascinating destination for architecture enthusiasts.
This article explores the 20 best architectural buildings in the Maldives, showcasing the unique styles and impressive structures that dot the islands.
From historic monuments to contemporary resorts, these buildings illustrate the rich cultural heritage and forward-thinking design that define Maldivian architecture.
1. St. Regis Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Vommuli Resort in the Maldives is known for its blend of luxury and eco-friendly design.
Situated on Vommuli Island in the Dhaalu Atoll, it features beachfront villas with private pools and ocean views.
Guests can enjoy spacious accommodations with top-notch amenities.
Each villa includes a butler service, ensuring personalized attention throughout the stay.
The resort also offers diverse dining options and a spa.
The architecture of the resort is both modern and respectful of its natural surroundings.
The design uses sustainable materials and practices, balancing luxury with environmental awareness.
The resort emphasizes harmony between built structures and the island’s natural beauty.
For more details, visit the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort.
2. Fari Islands
The Fari Islands are located in the Maldives and are home to several luxury resorts.
One notable resort is the Patina Maldives, designed by Studio MK27. This resort features cabins standing on stilts over the water, providing stunning views of the ocean.
The design of Patina Maldives incorporates sustainable and modern elements.
It uses materials like wood, rattan, and stone to blend naturally with the surroundings.
The resort also includes a 100% solar-powered kids’ club and an organic permaculture garden.
Another highlight of the Fari Islands is their commitment to sustainability.
All drinking water on the island is produced and bottled in-house. This eco-friendly approach makes the Fari Islands a unique destination for travelers seeking both luxury and environmental consciousness.
For more information, visit Studio MK27 creates Patina Maldives resort on Fari Islands.
3. Moodhu Inn
Moodhu Inn is a well-regarded hotel in the Maldives, known for its pristine beaches and lush tropical setting.
It features an exotic house reef just a few meters from the shore, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Located on Ukulhas Island, Moodhu Inn provides a tranquil environment that allows guests to unwind and fully experience the natural beauty of the Maldives.
The inn’s services have received positive reviews, with many visitors praising its value and friendly service.
Moodhu Inn combines comfort and natural surroundings, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
4. LUX* South Ari Atoll
LUX* South Ari Atoll sits on Dhidhoofinolhu, a 2km long and narrow island. The resort is known for its stunning overwater villas that provide panoramic views and direct access to the ocean.
The resort offers various amenities including several restaurants and bars.
Guests can indulge in an all-inclusive experience with meals, drinks, and activities included.
Unique architecture and intricate design make this resort stand out.
The buildings blend modern luxury with natural beauty, creating a serene and sophisticated environment.
Visit their official website for more details.
5. Sun Island Resort & Spa
Sun Island Resort & Spa is situated in the South Ari Atoll. This resort is known for its sprawling layout.
It covers about 1.6 km in length and 500 meters in width, making it one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives.
The resort offers various accommodations, from beach bungalows to water villas. It provides guests with direct access to the beach or the lagoon.
Sun Island Resort & Spa boasts lush tropical gardens and pristine beaches.
It’s a true paradise for travelers looking to relax.
The proximity to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) makes this resort an excellent choice for marine life enthusiasts.
Whale shark sightings are common throughout the year.
6. Meeru Island Resort & Spa
Meeru Island Resort & Spa is on the island of Meerufenfushi in the North Malé Atoll. The island measures 1200 meters long and 350 meters wide, offering plenty of space for guests to explore.
The resort is known for its turquoise lagoon and long white sandy beaches.
Visitors can enjoy the abundant vegetation and fringing coconut palm trees. The colorful coral reefs surrounding the island are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Meeru is the only resort on the island, providing a tranquil and exclusive experience.
It’s equipped with family-friendly facilities and personalized service, making it ideal for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.
The resort has received multiple awards for its amenities and services.
7. Cheval Blanc Randheli
Cheval Blanc Randheli is a luxurious resort located in the Maldives, known for its sleek modernist design.
This resort is built on a cluster of six islands, two of which have natural beaches with powdery white sands and crystal-clear lagoons. The other islands and beaches are man-made.
The resort was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy from Denniston, a cutting-edge architectural firm.
The design is inspired by a loft spirit, offering spectacular living spaces adorned with exquisite works of art. It combines elegance and comfort effortlessly.
Cheval Blanc Randheli also features a unique spa island, providing visitors with a tranquil retreat.
Owned by LVMH, the property attracts design enthusiasts and travelers seeking luxury.
The attention to detail and commitment to high-quality experiences makes Cheval Blanc Randheli an architectural gem in the Maldives.
For more detailed information, visit their official site.
8. Dhigu Resort
Dhigu Resort, located on Dhigufinolhu Island in the South Malé Atoll, is a stunning example of Maldivian architecture.
It offers some of the most spacious luxury villas in the Maldives, with many featuring private plunge pools.
A short 35-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Dhigu Resort is easily accessible for travelers seeking a quick escape.
The resort boasts a beautiful tropical lagoon setting.
Guests can enjoy various water sports or relax at the overwater spa.
For those who prefer dining experiences, Dhigu Resort provides multiple restaurants scattered throughout the island, offering diverse gastronomic options.
Family-friendly amenities, such as a kids’ club and family-oriented activities, make it a great destination for all ages.
Learn more about the Anantara Dhigu Resort and its features.
9. Baros Maldives
Baros Maldives opened in December 1973, making it one of the earliest resorts in the Maldives.
Located in the North Malé Atoll, it is only a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé Airport.
Baros is renowned for its blend of traditional Maldivian architecture and contemporary luxury.
The villas feature semi-open-air bathrooms with waterfall showers, merging indoor comfort with natural beauty.
Baros is uniquely Maldivian, as it is owned by Universal Enterprises.
The resort’s design uses coral sandstone masonry and thatch roofs, showcasing local building techniques.
Additionally, Baros Maldives boasts world-class coral house reefs, making it a popular choice for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
The private island setting is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway.
In 1985, the resort expanded to include detached beach rooms, and later, water bungalows were introduced in the lagoon area.
10. Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi is a standout architectural marvel in the Maldives.
This resort features 45 villas and residences, each designed with a focus on rustic luxury. The villas offer areas for lounging, sleeping, and bathing, all with breathtaking views.
The resort is located on a private island in the North Malé Atoll. It is easily accessible, just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé Airport.
A highlight of Gili Lankanfushi is the Private Reserve, the world’s largest overwater villa.
Spanning two tiered levels, it offers unmatched privacy and luxury.
Each villa emphasizes a barefoot luxury experience, keeping the design natural and eco-friendly.
Overwater structures and jetties thread across the lagoon, enhancing its beauty.
11. Constance Halaveli
Constance Halaveli is a luxurious 5-star beach resort located on a private island in the Maldives’ North Ari Atoll.
It’s accessible via a 25-minute seaplane ride from Male International Airport, offering seclusion and peace for its guests.
The resort features stunning architectural design, with lavish water villas that stand on stilts above the lagoon. These villas provide direct access to the water and come with private pools.
Families will appreciate the Constance Kids Club, which offers themed programs and activities for children aged 4 to 11, such as pizza and ice cream making.
For those seeking relaxation and wellness, the resort boasts an expansive spa that uses exclusive products and offers a range of treatments.
Fine dining options are also available, with several restaurants and bars serving international cuisine and beverages.
This blend of luxury, comfort, and design makes Constance Halaveli a standout choice in the Maldives.
12. Velaa Private Island
Velaa Private Island is a luxurious resort in the Maldives. It is part of one of the nineteen coral atolls in the region.
The island was developed by a Czech investor and designed with the help of architects Petr Kolář and Aleš Lapka from the ADR architectural studio.
The resort features stunning interiors created by renowned designers like Patricia Urquiola, Mimolimit, and Labor13. These collaborations have made the resort a standout destination.
Architecturally, Velaa Private Island combines elegance and functionality.
Visitors to the island can enjoy exclusive and well-designed spaces, making it a prime example of high-end resort architecture in the Maldives.
The buildings and spaces are designed to blend with the natural beauty of the island, offering guests both comfort and immersion in their surroundings.
Visitors can find more information about the island here.
13. The St. Regis Maldives
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is located in Dhaalu Atoll. Designed by WOW Architects, this resort combines luxury with eco-friendly design. The villas feature private pools and stunning ocean views.
Opened in 2016, the resort showcases modern and fresh designs. Visitors experience high-end hospitality with staff from elite hotel chains worldwide.
The St. Regis Maldives impresses with its imaginative architecture.
Inspired by nature, it blends seamlessly with the island’s jungle and coastal areas. This balance is key to its appeal.
Learn more about the architectural elegance at St. Regis Maldives.
14. One&Only Reethi Rah
One&Only Reethi Rah is a top-tier luxury resort in the Maldives. It offers a 45-minute yacht transfer from Velana International Airport, or a 15-minute seaplane ride, ensuring easy access.
The resort features 130 spacious villas, each with its own secluded piece of sandy shore or private deck. These accommodations are among the largest resort villas worldwide with a minimum area of 135m².
Guests enjoy high airy ceilings and generous exterior spaces. The resort is known for its outstanding service, stunning scenery, and top-notch amenities, making it a standout destination in the Maldives.
Visit One&Only Reethi Rah for more details.
15. Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani is a luxurious resort located in the Noonu Atoll in the Maldives. Arriving by seaplane, guests first see a series of buildings that appear to float on the turquoise waters. These structures, with their elliptical roofs, mimic natural forms, blending seamlessly with the environment.
Boasting 58 overwater and island residences, Soneva Jani offers some of the most spacious and lavish villas in the Maldives. Each villa is designed with eco-friendly materials and features private pools, direct access to the lagoon, and open-air living spaces.
Soneva Jani is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The resort implements various green initiatives, including recycling programs and marine conservation efforts. This focus on sustainability makes it a standout destination for eco-conscious travelers.
For more details, visit Soneva Jani for additional information.
16. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a stunning architectural marvel located on Kihavah Huravalhi, one of the most pristine islands in the Maldives. The resort is a 30-minute seaplane flight from Malé.
The property features 80 luxurious villas that are either set over the water with sweeping ocean views or along a private beach.
Each villa boasts its own infinity pool, adding a touch of exclusivity. The resort is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, ensuring a unique and protected environment.
Guests can enjoy award-winning underwater dining and the Maldives’ only overwater observatory for stargazing experiences. The design focuses on blending natural beauty with modern comforts.
17. Coco Privé Kuda Hithi
Coco Privé Kuda Hithi is one of the Maldives’ most exclusive private islands. It features six contemporary villas set on 1.4 hectares of lush tropical land. The private island offers complete privacy and personalized service for up to 12 guests, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking luxury and seclusion.
The design of the villas showcases a blend of modern and natural materials. The architecture reflects the surrounding beauty, creating an elegant yet intimate atmosphere. Renowned architect Guz Wilson played a key role in crafting this remarkable space.
Guests are welcomed with traditional Maldivian music and refreshing drinks, adding to the island’s unique charm. The names of the villas, such as Palm, Starfish, and Manta, hint at the diverse marine life around the island, adding a special touch to the experience.
For more information, visit their official site.
18. Jumeirah Vittaveli
Jumeirah Vittaveli is located on Bolifushi Island, only a 20-minute boat ride from Malé. The architecture blends traditional Maldivian elements with modern design.
The resort features 89 luxurious villas and suites, each with private pools. Some villas are over-the-water, providing stunning ocean views.
Guests can enjoy various activities. These include snorkeling, diving, and dining at multiple on-site restaurants. The attention to detail in the design enhances the overall experience.
To learn more, visit the Jumeirah Vittaveli page.
19. Kandima Maldives
Kandima Maldives is a modern resort located in the Dhaalu Atoll. This resort stands out due to its sleek, contemporary design combined with natural elements. It features 295 rooms, which include studios and villas with stunning views and private pools.
The resort is known for its expansive infinity pool and private overwater decks. Guests can enjoy tech-savvy inclusions, stylish interiors, and spacious living areas.
Kandima Maldives also boasts a wide range of dining options. Guests can choose from six restaurants and three bars. The resort offers various meal plans, providing flexibility and convenience for visitors.
People who stay at Kandima appreciate its mix of modern design and natural beauty. With almost three kilometers of sand and a beautiful lagoon, the resort captures the essence of the Maldives.
20. Waldorf Astoria Maldives
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is a stunning example of modern luxury and design blending with natural beauty. Located in the South Male Atoll, it features over 119 thatch-style reef and overwater villas.
Each villa at Waldorf Astoria Maldives is designed to provide unparalleled comfort. Guests can enjoy private infinity pools and breathtaking ocean views from their rooms.
The resort has 10 dining outlets, offering a variety of culinary experiences. Each restaurant provides not just meals, but unique dining experiences as well.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi has been described as a pinnacle of luxury. The attention to detail and dedication to guest comfort make it a standout architectural marvel in the Maldives.
Architectural Styles in Maldives
Maldives architecture showcases a blend of traditional styles and modern influences. This balance creates unique and captivating buildings that reflect both the culture and contemporary advancements.
Traditional Maldivian Architecture
Traditional Maldivian architecture is deeply linked to the natural environment. Early structures were made from coral stones and coconut palm wood. These materials were abundant and well-suited for the tropical climate.
Homes were often built on stilts, protecting them from flooding and allowing air to circulate underneath. Roofs were typically thatched with palm leaves, providing excellent insulation from heat.
Religious buildings, such as mosques, often featured intricate coral carvings and wooden latticework known as “jali.” The Friday Mosque in Malé is a prime example, with its coral stone walls and finely detailed craftsmanship.
Traditional methods emphasized sustainability and harmony with nature. These techniques not only provided shelter but also kept interiors cool in the hot, humid climate.
Modern Architectural Influences
Modern architecture in the Maldives reflects the nation’s growth and development. High-rise buildings and luxury resorts dominate the skyline, especially in urban centers like Malé.
Contemporary designs often incorporate sleek lines and large glass windows, offering panoramic views of the ocean. Resorts like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi showcase this trend, featuring overwater villas with modern amenities and stylish designs.
Sustainable practices have also become a focus. Many new buildings use eco-friendly materials and technology to lessen environmental impact. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient appliances are now common in modern Maldivian architecture.
The evolution from traditional to modern styles highlights the Maldives’ ability to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing new technologies and design practices.
Sustainable Design Practices
Sustainable design in the Maldives emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies to protect the environment and promote a green lifestyle. These practices help mitigate the island nation’s vulnerability to climate change while maintaining luxurious architectural standards.
Eco-Friendly Materials
In the Maldives, many architectural projects use local and renewable materials to reduce their environmental impact. Resorts like Soneva Fushi employ natural materials such as bamboo, recycled wood, and thatch. These materials are not only sustainable but also help blend the structures seamlessly with their natural surroundings.
Recycling construction waste is another key practice. Architect firms often repurpose materials from old buildings to create new structures, decreasing the demand for new resources. For instance, the Male Water and Sewerage Company building incorporates energy-efficient design with recycled content, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
Energy-Efficient Technologies
Implementing energy-efficient technologies is critical in Maldivian architecture.
Solar panels and wind turbines are increasingly common. For example, in projects like the Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. These technologies reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon footprints.
Another focus is on advanced water management systems.
Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling are standard practices in many resorts. These systems help conserve water resources and ensure a sustainable water supply.
Additionally, efficient insulation and smart ventilation systems are used to minimize energy consumption. They maintain comfort without excessive use of air conditioning.