Maldives “No shoes” hotels: 7 luxurious places to truly relax

“No shoes, no news...” While traveling in the Maldives, you will surely hear this phrase many times. What does this concept mean and how is it being implemented in the Maldives is discussed further in this article.

Being in captivity of the everyday hustle and being dependent on various technological devices, not every one of us can afford the luxury of living in the slow life style. Contemplating the beauty of the world around us and finding pleasure in simple things, such as a touch of snow-white sand flowing through our fingers water and unity with nature.

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In an effort to provide travelers with the perfect vacation, some Maldivian resorts are fully or partially implementing this philosophy, inviting their guests to temporarily leave aside anything that could burden them in any way during their vacation, including shoes and gadgets, and enjoy a measured and completely carefree rest on the ocean.

Maldivian sand contributes to this format of relaxation, which, unlike quartz sand, does not heat up much and is comfortable for barefoot walks even in the hottest weather.

We offer you a selection of hotels that support a no-shoe policy and give guests the opportunity to have an unforgettable vacation experience.

1. Gili Lankanfushi

Upon arrival on the island, guests will be offered to put their shoes in a fabric bag with a drawstring with the inscription “no shoes, no news” and plunge into the atmosphere of absolute relaxation and comfort.

Mister Friday, your personal assistant on the island, named after Robinson Crusoe, will help make your stay at the resort as memorable as possible. Mister Friday is ready to fulfill any request of guests around the clock from unpacking luggage and entertaining children to organizing excursions and culinary trips.

In restaurant establishments of the resort, guests can not only enjoy delicious dishes, but also feel the aromas and flavors during the “Dine in the Dark” - a blindfolded dinner.

The island has its own organic garden with fruit trees, fresh greenery and exotic herbs. Moreover, skilled chefs combine the daily harvest from the local garden with the freshest seafood to create unique dishes.

Gili Lankanfushi

The resort's underground wine cellar deserves special attention, where more than 500 varieties of wines from various regions of the world are presented.

In addition to the extensive wine list, this cellar is distinguished by its unique decor. For example, the basement was designed around a huge tree trunk washed ashore during the 2004 tsunami. Now this fin serves as a one-of-a-kind table for original tastings of a variety of alcoholic beverages, cheeses and chocolate, accompanied by an experienced sommelier.

Internet access, as well as TV with satellite channels are available to guests on request, which is as close as possible to the concept of a carefree holiday.

Gili Lankanfushi was voted the # 1 hotel in the Maldives and was named one of the Top 5 Hotels in the World by the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards.

Gili Lankanfushi

2. Six Senses Laamu

It is the only resort on the remote Laamu Atoll, located in the southern part of the central Maldives. Barefoot serenity is the concept of this secluded resort.

Housed in one of 97 luxury villas, guests can fully enjoy the pristine beaches surrounded by lush vegetation and turquoise ocean waters.

Supporters of a more active lifestyle will not be bored either, because the resort offers its guests about 30 types of all kinds of activities from various excursions around the island and its surroundings to gazing at the stars, accompanied by a local astronomer.

On the territory of the resort there are

• club for young guests;
• open-air cinema;
• library;
• boutique;
• a well-equipped medical clinic with a 24-hour doctor call;
• dive center;
• Spa.

Guests who visit Six Senses Laamu between May and August have the rare opportunity to watch the birth of turtles on the hotel beach and accompany them on their own in the ocean waters.

Six Senses Laamu

3. Soneva Fushi

Soneva Fushi is considered the first luxury sandal resort in the Maldives.

However, luxury in Soneva's understanding is not only chic spacious villas with thoughtful design to the smallest detail, restaurants with gourmet cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs and exclusive events, but also the opportunity to find harmony with yourself and the natural world.

Guests are offered to take off their shoes upon arrival, and are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the philosophy of slow life, slowly enjoying every moment of relaxation.

In addition to trips on popular excursions, beach picnics, participation in various water activities and acquaintance with the underwater world during an unforgettable snorkeling, vacationers can:

• create your own masterpiece of glass at Art & Glass Studio Soneva Fushi;
• go on a trip for 3 days and 2 nights in Baa Atoll on the luxury yacht Soneva in Aqua;
• take an educational excursion to the eco-center and organic gardens of the resort;
• End the day with dinner in a restaurant high above the treetops, breathing in the aromas of garden herbs.

The resort has won numerous awards, including the "Best Luxury Island Villa Resort Worldwide" in 2020.

Soneva Fushi

4. Summer Island Maldives

This resort harmoniously combines the island lifestyle of barefoot with the elements of excellent resort service.

In the main hotel restaurant Samuga, guests can not only eat delicious food, but also watch the preparation of various dishes. And at Hiya Overwater Restaurant, which caters to premium beach villas as well as water villas, diners can enjoy exclusive fusion cuisine.

In addition, Summer Island guests can:

• take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool;
• use the services of the spa and gym;
• hone your skills in a variety of water sports;
• scuba dive and place a specially engraved lock on the world's first underwater wall of love;
• take part in various excursions and other entertainment.

Summer Island Maldives

5. Coco Palm Dhuni Colhu

Situated in the vibrant waters of Baa Atoll, this wonderful sandal resort is striking in its laid-back sophistication from the outset. Thatched-roof villas blend seamlessly with the natural landscape and offer elegant luxury with interiors.

Here travelers can feel as close to nature as possible. After all, local experts have developed a number of activities, adventures and excursions aimed at respecting natural resources.

So, while relaxing at Coco Palm, you can:

• visit the garden where fresh basil, rosemary, eggplant, chili peppers and a number of other herbs and vegetables are grown, then dine in the garden and get acquainted with the peculiarities of traditional Maldivian cuisine;
• go on an individual educational excursion with a marine biologist, during which you can observe the various inhabitants of the underwater world;
• have a cup of tea with a Maldivian family and get acquainted with the life of local residents in a relaxed atmosphere;
• take part in the restoration of coral nurseries;
• dive into the ocean waters under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Coco Palm Dhuni Colhu

6. The Nautilus

Made up of 26 beach and oceanfront homes and residences, this exclusive private resort in Baa Atoll offers a completely personalized experience. Thus, travelers who have opted for a vacation at The Nautilus Maldives do not even have to go to the airport lounge. From the first seconds after your landing at Male airport, you will be met by a representative of the resort and taken by limousine to the private VIP lounge, where you can relax in comfort while immigration procedures are carried out on your behalf.

There is no dress code, no timetable or time limit at the resort. The resort's restaurants have flexible working hours and take into account all the culinary wishes of the guests. And Solasta Spa specialists develop for each guest individual wellness programs and offers that clients can use at any time of the day both in one of the three pavilions of the salon and in their room.

The Nautilus Maldives

The resort is surrounded by white, feather-soft sands, allowing guests to enjoy the beach lifestyle wherever they are.

The Nautilus is the only resort in the Maldives that is a member of the French Relais & Châteaux, which ensures that the hospitality industry meets the highest quality standards.

In addition, the resort was ranked among the top 3 resorts in the world and was voted the best resort in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Travelers Readers' Choice Awards 2020.

The Nautilus Maldives

7. Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, this lively resort and spa is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and long white sandy beaches.

The resort invites its guests to follow the unofficial motto "no shoes, no news" as much as possible. Some of the hotel's restaurants, as well as the wine cellar, have sandy floors, so you can visit these establishments barefoot. However, at times you will find it more comfortable to wear flip-flops or flat sandals, as individual surfaces such as wooden decks and paths around the island are heated by the sun.

In general, the resort adheres to a "tropical casual" dress code, which means a choice of light and loose clothing both during the day and in the evening.

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

Guests of Kuredu Island Resort & Spa can enjoy a variety of restaurants and bars, or reserve a table at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant located in Hurawalhi Maldives.

By the way, the Kuredu wine cellar contains over 1,100 exclusive premium wines from all over the world. A qualified sommelier will be happy to help guests make the best choice.

In addition to classic resort activities and excursions, guests can learn the basics of golf or improve their skills at the first golf course in the Maldives.

The hotel has 387 rooms, ranging from cozy beach bungalows to romantic overwater villas.

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa