Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

"A ring of a gong and an army of smiles signals your arrival at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Reef villas are cathedral-vast and designed with smooth marble floors, taupe sofas, a minibar stocked with ready-made cocktails, and an outdoor space with a pool large enough for laps at dusk when fruit bats swoop overhead. The culinary choices are staggering and may well offer the most diverse choice in the Maldives. For wellness seekers, the spa excels in its roster of visiting practitioners likeChinese acupuncturists and tarot card readers. Children are in Technicolor heaven here, for here is a sand-dusted, turquoise playground paradise for all generations. From $1,920. —Jemima Sissons" - CNT Editors

"Each season, the five-star property levels up the magic and merriment. This year’s theme celebrates '60s glamour — expect larger-than-life blue bows and gift boxes and trimmed trees. It’s not just the jaw-dropping visuals that are guaranteed to fill guests with glee, though. The month of December is jam-packed with enchanting events like a tree lighting, family-oriented beach football and volleyball tournaments, Santa’s arrival by parasailing, beach parties, fireworks displays, and a New Year's Eve gala dinner under the stars." - Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, T

"Voted the best resort in Asia in 2022, featuring 119 palatial villas, an extensive spa, and 11 dining options including a Michelin-starred Australian-style grill." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Resort in South Male Atoll, Maldives, with 11 distinct dining experiences, allowing bespoke menu creation enjoyed from a private terrace." - Brad Japhe

"This Waldorf Astoria resort, located on its own private island, is one of the best in the Maldives, a country known for ultra-luxurious resorts. Each villa has a butler ready to make guests’ culinary dreams come true, but no doubt you’ll want to sample the range offered by the property’s 11 restaurants and bars. A few highlights include the Ledge by Michelin-starred Australian chef Dave Pynt, which serves Australian barbecue in a chic poolside setting; Terra, where guests feast on sophisticated tasting menus in bamboo nests among the trees; and Amber, the place to sip Champagne cocktails while watching the sunset." - Laura Itzkowitz