The ‘Maldivisation’ of luxury holidays. Six contenders for the ultimate tourism throne, from Greece to Saudi Arabia

Resorts around the world are trying to emulate the standard of luxury in the Maldives, considered a model in elite tourism. With idyllic landscapes and a rich history, these islands are not only a holiday destination, but also a symbol of romantic getaways, fascinating with their exotic charm.

The Maldives is a true tropical paradise, characterized by idyllic landscapes with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, which create a perfect setting for romance and relaxation. Offering bungalows suspended over the water, they provide an intimate experience, ideal for honeymooners and romantic getaways. Famous for its marine biodiversity and coral reefs, the Maldives offers a unique combination of exquisite hospitality and wild nature, making it an unforgettable luxury destination unlike anywhere else on the globe.

With such conditions, it is no wonder that more and more luxury destinations around the world aspire to replicate the charm and high standard of hospitality of the Maldives. From overwater bungalows to personalized service, they seek to offer visitors a similar experience, combining comfort with natural beauty. Thus, the Maldives not only remains a benchmark in elite tourism, but also inspires other locations to embrace this vision of tropical luxury.

The standard of luxury in holidays

From Greece to Saudi Arabia, resorts are increasingly striving to emulate the standard of luxury perfected in the Maldives. Marlon Brando fell in love with French Polynesia while filming “Mutiny on the Bounty”in the 1960s, when three entrepreneurs from California moved to Tahiti.

They bought a small hotel and built the world’s first overwater bungalows, inspired by Polynesian fishing huts, to give guests direct access to the stunning coral reef below.

Today, the Maldives is famous for accommodation on the water, although this concept appeared here only in the late 80s. After four decades of perfecting the idea, the Maldivian approach to luxury vacations has become a benchmark that many other destinations aspire to achieve.

Barefoot luxury – the concept originating in the Maldives

Luxury resorts “barefoot”like Soneva Fushi – an unparalleled paradise of luxury “barefoot”, set in a sustainable ecosystem of lush jungle with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters – were opened in 1995 by Sonu Shivdasani and his wife, former model Eva, who were among the pioneers. Experiences in the 1980s highlighted to Eva and Sonu the shortcomings of Maldivian tourism, such as poor food and a lack of activities. When they decided to launch a resort there, they prioritized exactly these two aspects, thus managing to raise the standards of hospitality.

It’s not hard to see why so many resorts around the world are trying to emulate the Maldives, especially now that their standard of hospitality is so high. Of course, there is the extraordinary setting of the Indian Ocean, with its electrifying blue waters – the sound of which lulls you to sleep at night – dotted with 1,200 atolls, each surrounded by powder-white sand and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Emotional Disconnection – The Psychology Behind Luxury Vacations

But there is also an important psychological aspect at play, as Geoffrey Kent, founder of the luxury travel agency Abercrombie & Kent, admits: “In a tumultuous and overwhelming world, the idea of ​​escaping to an idyllic haven like the Maldives becomes extremely appealing. This place offers a perfect sanctuary to disconnect from everyday chaos and find peace in the middle of nature.”

While a growing number of Maldives resorts attract families and groups of friends, it will always remain a destination for couples – what could be more romantic than an overwater villa for two?

However, hoteliers admit that not all customers like the idea “barefoot luxury”and many are uncomfortable with the prospect of being restricted to a private island, consuming only expensive resort fare. This diversity in expectations underscores the complexity of vacation experiences.

So while the Maldives offers an ideal retreat for disconnection, emotional baggage doesn’t simply disappear in front of idyllic landscapes. The experience of a perfect vacation depends on the connection with loved ones, but also on personal comfort. As hoteliers point out, even in the most idyllic destinations, individual expectations and preferences can profoundly influence the vacation experience. Exploring a new style of vacation can, however, bring pleasant surprises and unforgettable moments.

Contenders to the “Throne of the Maldives”

1. Rosewood Mayakoba Resort, located in Playa del Carmen, Mexicopromises an exceptional living experience both indoors and outdoors to the highest standards. It features 18 Deluxe one-bedroom suites set on a lagoon surrounded by dense mangroves. Each suite has outdoor decks with heated plunge pools, boat docks, hammocks and garden showers.

The interior design is elegant and minimalistic, with many natural wood elements, wicker baskets and terracotta pots. The rooms also include a mezcal bar, specific to Mexico. However, luxury comes at a price: Overwater Lagoon suites start at €1,100 per night. Although it offers a great experience, it is not possible to swim in the lagoon because of the crocodiles; the nearest beach being 10 minutes away by bike.

2. Sandals Royal Caribbean of Jamaica was the first hotel group to offer luxury overwater bungalows in the Caribbean, debuting them at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 2016. Now all of its Caribbean properties include these options, including Sandals St. Vincent, opened earlier this year. However, the original bungalows offer the most authentic Maldivian experience. These include overwater bungalows and villas accessible via elevated walkways, plus butler service, glass floor panels for marine life viewing, hammocks and decks with daybeds. The bungalows have independent outdoor bathrooms and the villas have small infinity pools.

Only butler honeymoon bungalows on the private island cost from €8,000 for three nights (minimum stay). Every detail of these well-designed bungalows and villas evokes the atmosphere of the Maldives.

3. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, in Saudi Arabia is the first private island resort to open in the Red Sea, part of a vast and ambitious sustainable tourism project in Saudi Arabia’s Ummahat Islands, aiming to change the world’s perception of the country. The resort offers a variety of spacious villas ranging from one to four bedrooms, both on the beach and over the water, each with a private pool, sun deck and outdoor shower.

The clam-shaped water villas are accessible via elevated walkways that span the crystal clear waters and offer direct access to the sea from the terrace. The complex is surrounded by the fourth largest coral reef in the world, offering wonderful opportunities for diving and snorkeling. “Coral on water” villas (designed to look like coral) start at €2,500/night. The atmosphere is very similar to that of the Maldives, only the alcoholic cocktails are missing.

4. La Nayara Bocas del Toro, from Panama, guests can choose from Balinese-style treehouses and water villas, all sustainably designed, in an archipelago where rainforest meets wild beaches. Each option offers a memorable experience. The atmosphere is one of rustic-chic luxury, and the resort’s 18 water villas are connected by extensive walkways. They feature bedrooms with four-poster beds, glass panels for viewing marine life, huge bathrooms, private decks with stairs for direct access to the water, campfires, and private pools, either saltwater or normal.

The price for the water villas starts from 930 euros per night. These villas are truly beautiful and just as fabulous as the ones in the Maldives, but with a more rustic feel.

5. Bawah Reserve, from Indonesia, is an impressive resort located a short seaplane flight away from Singapore. The resort spans six private islands and offers a one-of-a-kind experience “Robinson Crusoe”without compromising on comfort (except for the absence of TVs). It has several categories of rooms on land, but also 11 gorgeous overwater bungalows made of recycled bamboo, equipped with copper bathtubs and terraces with sunbeds, located right on the lagoon.

The price for overwater bungalows starts at 2,400 euros per night. These are just as beautiful and exotic as the ones in the Maldives, but offer a slightly different feel as the bungalows are located closer to the shore instead of further out in the water.

6. Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa, from Analipsi – Crete, is an adults-only resort located on the north coast of Crete. It is one of the few places in Europe that offers overwater bungalows, although they are set over a large lagoon, not on the sea. Each simple and elegant wooden bungalow has an extensive veranda with chairs, tables, deck chairs and a hammock; and the grandest version includes an outdoor Jacuzzi.

The price for overwater bungalows in Crete is the lowest among all destinations competing for the title of “ultimate tourism”. It starts from around 515 euros per night. Although they are not located above the sea and the villas are close to each other, this resort is probably the least “Maldive” in atmosphere. However, if you are young and sociable, this is a great option to enjoy the specific vibe, at a much more affordable price.