The Most Accessible Hotels to Book in the Maldives

Locations simply don’t get any more magical than this. Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru sits on one of the world’s most beautiful islands – a natural Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Start your day by snorkelling with mantas in azure waters, help rehabilitate sea turtles in the Marine Discovery Centre and then take time for yourself at the AyurMa spa and Michelin-starred Blu Beach Club restaurant.

Want to know how celebrities and billionaires unwind? Kanuhura Maldives stretches over not one private island, but three – Kanuhara Island itself and two neighbouring, deserted ones. As you might imagine, the accommodation at the resort is ridiculously lush – bungalows have direct access to the beach and a shimmering lagoon. And getting to this Maldives beach hotel is a breeze. Just jump on a seaplane and transfer to a private vehicle.

Leave your worries behind when checking in at Lhaviyani Atoll’s Kudadoo, home to just 15 exquisite over-water villas. Villas are accessible and step-free, and all come with an infinity pool and personal butler who will take care of everything you need while on the island. Don’t worry about the final bill either: the all-inclusive package includes unlimited spa treatments, a heavenly cheese and wine cellar, a stuffed mini-bar and access to the hotel’s private luxury yacht.

Paradise is accessible to all at this spectacular hotel, just a 30-minute transfer from capital Malé on the hotel’s private yacht. Step-free accessible rooms include wider bedroom and bathroom doors, lowered light and temperature controls and grab bars – and have plenty of wow factor, with huge private infinity pools and oversized bathtubs with ocean views. Restaurants and bars include an elegant champagne bar, garden-to-table eaterie Glow and a beach club with live DJs.

This single-storey guesthouse on Thoddoo Island – ideally located for those who want to experience island life beyond a hotel – is entirely accessible by wheelchair users. Close to the main tourist beach, guests can easily sample delicious Maldivian cuisine at affordable restaurants, while owners are always on hand to arrange unforgettable extras including candlelit beach dinners and tours of the island’s watermelon fields.

No need to deal with awkward seaplanes at this resort in South Malé Atoll. The property is just a 40-minute speedboat ride from the capital’s airport, so you won’t waste a moment of your holiday. Instead, check into one of 34 over-water villas inspired by local dhoni boats with bleached wood and crisp, white cotton. Elsewhere, there’s a 25m (82ft) infinity pool, lending library, two private house reefs, an excellent spa and divine dining including at Ufaa, which focuses on locally caught seafood and organic vegetables.

Relaxation is king at this tiny resort in South Ari Atoll. Just 350m (1,148ft) long and with 39 villas, it is one of the smallest island resorts in the Maldives but means guests are guaranteed a personal touch. There are accessible rooms, two delightful restaurants and a small spa but no televisions, motorised watersports or nightclub for undisturbed peace and quiet.

An easy 40-minute speedboat transfer will whizz you to this chic resort, previously visited by the likes of the Beckhams and Tom Cruise. Check into a wheelchair-accessible room, then relax – the resort’s friendly staff are always near to help. Visit one of 12 idyllic beaches, try pottery at the art studio, book ESPA treatments at the spa or bag a private open-air teppanyaki pavilion at Tapasake restaurant for live cooking and sake sundowners.

This small guesthouse in Rasdhoo Atoll is known for its friendly owners, who will do all they can to guarantee a holiday to remember. Ground-floor rooms are wheelchair accessible and all have air-conditioning, along with their own patio to sit out under the stars on warm evenings. A postcard-perfect beach is just yards away, while the hotel has its own excellent restaurant so guests can easily sample Maldivian dishes without needing to venture further afield.