I’ve just returned from a week in the Maldives, spending three nights at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and two at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Both resorts were incredible — everything you expect from the Maldives: crystal-clear waters, top-level service, delicious food, and excellent amenities. However, these resorts belong to different tiers. While nearly every resort in the Maldives is considered as luxury, a select few are truly ultra-luxury. In this post, I’ll explore the difference between the two. At first glance, there may be little to separate them, but it’s the small, thoughtful touches — and the noticeable jump in price — that elevate some properties to that next level of luxury.

*Both stays were kindly hosted as part of a press visit with Marriott Maldives.

First Impressions

At The Westin, we were greeted straight from Velana International Airport and taken to the resort’s dedicated seaplane lounge. Overlooking the water runway, we were offered drinks, snacks, and plush seating while we waited for our flight. From the moment we arrived, the service was seamless, and our luggage was carefully handled and delivered directly to our villa.

At The Ritz-Carlton, the arrival felt even more elevated. We were met at the airport and escorted onto a private, air-conditioned yacht with drinks and a personalised snack box for the journey. On arrival, we were welcomed by the resort manager and our Aris Meeha (private butler), setting the tone for an ultra-personalised stay. A staff member playing a conch shell added a memorable, traditional touch to the welcome.

Villas and In-Room Experience

Both resorts offer stunning villas with private pools and beach access, but the differences lie in the finer details. At The Westin, our beachfront villa felt private and thoughtfully designed, with an indoor and outdoor shower and an oversized bathtub. The bed was the biggest and most comfortable we’ve ever experienced, and thoughtful touches like evening deliveries of cookies and chocolates made each day feel special. The bathroom was stocked with complimentary White Tea Aloe Bath & Body products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath salts, and all the high-end amenities you'd expect from a luxury stay.

The Ritz-Carlton villas take luxury to another level. The sleek, modern interiors feature smart technology — from blackout curtains at the touch of a button to pocket doors that open fully, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow from the bed to the beach. There was plenty of space for our three suitcases, which made a huge difference. The bathroom was stocked daily with Bamford products, adding a luxurious, eco-conscious touch. Our fridge and snack bar were also refilled every day with complimentary drinks and treats, and we had direct access to a wide stretch of beach complete with sunbeds and shaded seating just for us. The villas also come with complimentary bicycles, so we could explore the island freely at our own pace.

Personalised Service

The service at The Westin is warm and polished, and felt like coming home. We were given a curated itinerary on arrival, with activities like sunrise yoga, body scrub making, island games, and a boat trip to the UNESCO-listed Hanifaru Bay to swim with manta rays. A complimentary 30-minute massage at the spa — set above the ocean with panoramic views — was easily one of the best I’ve had.

At The Ritz-Carlton, our Aris Meeha communicated with us via WhatsApp and responded promptly at all hours — whether we needed a buggy, restaurant reservations, or anything in between. When we returned to our villa after dinner on our final night, we were greeted with a bubble bath, red wine and chocolate cake, and the TV set to a crackling fireplace. It was the perfect farewell. We were greeted by our first names across the resort, and our villa attendant left personalised sand messages on our doorstep daily. These subtle, deeply personal gestures are what truly define ultra-luxury.

Dining and Wellness

Dining is excellent at both resorts. The Westin offers a solid variety of restaurants and curated reservations, with healthy and delicious options that reflect the resort’s wellness focus. We even enjoyed a floating breakfast in our private pool on the final morning — a fun and memorable way to end the stay. At The Ritz-Carlton, dining is more elevated, with restaurants floating over the water, exceptional presentation, and tailored vegetarian dishes that go above and beyond what was on the menu.

Both spas are beautifully designed and set over the water. The Ritz’s spa space feels more architectural and refined, while The Westin’s spa stands out for its unbeatable ocean views during treatments — a 180-degree panorama that is unforgettable.

The Verdict

Both The Westin and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives deliver outstanding experiences — they’re just designed for slightly different types of travellers. The Westin is an ideal choice for those seeking a high-end, wellness-focused stay with curated activities and thoughtful touches throughout. The Ritz-Carlton is for those wanting complete privacy, seamless service, and a deeply personalised, elevated stay where no request is too small.

In the Maldives, luxury is a given. But ultra-luxury? That’s where the little details make a big difference.