Where Do Celebrities Stay in the Maldives? The Ultimate A-List Guide

If you’ve ever scrolled through social media and seen a Hollywood star or a Bollywood icon lounging in a hammock over neon-blue water, chances are they were in the Maldives. This archipelago of over 1,000 islands has become the definitive playground for the rich and famous, offering a level of privacy and "barefoot luxury" that is hard to find anywhere else on Earth.

But with hundreds of high-end resorts to choose from, where exactly does the elite crowd drop anchor? Here is the definitive list of where celebrities stay in the Maldives.

1. One&Only Reethi Rah: The Hollywood Favorite

Commonly cited as the #1 celebrity hotspot in the Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah is a massive, ultra-glamorous island that offers total seclusion. Its sheer size allows for 12 private beaches, meaning stars can sunbathe without a single paparazzi lens in sight.

• Famous Guests: David and Victoria Beckham, Gordon Ramsay, Tom Cruise, Idris Elba, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

• The Draw: Massive "Grand Residences" with private beach access and a dedicated fleet of luxury yachts for guest transfers.

2. Soneva Fushi & Soneva Jani: The "No News, No Shoes" Retreat

For celebrities who want to disconnect from the world, the Soneva properties are the go-to. Known for their "barefoot luxury" philosophy, guests are encouraged to take off their shoes the moment they arrive. Soneva Jani is world-famous for its villas featuring retractable roofs for stargazing and private water slides that lead directly into the lagoon.

• Famous Guests: Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, and Brad Pitt.

• The Draw: Eco-chic villas tucked deep into tropical foliage and a strict privacy policy that keeps other guests at a distance.

3. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi: The New Era of Luxury

Since its opening in 2019, the Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi has quickly become a magnet for influencers and A-listers. It boasts the "Ithaafushi Private Island," the largest private estate in the Maldives, which can only be reached by yacht.

• Famous Guests: Paris Hilton (who spent her honeymoon here), Serena Williams, and Emily Ratajkowski.

• The Draw: 11 world-class dining venues, including "Terra," where guests dine in bamboo pods nestled in the treetops.

4. Cheval Blanc Randheli: LVMH Elegance

Owned by the luxury conglomerate LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), Cheval Blanc Randheli is the epitome of French sophistication. It is often described as "quiet luxury," attracting those who want the finest things in life without the loud fanfare.

• Famous Guests: Prince William and Kate Middleton (The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) and Roger Federer.

• The Draw: Personalized "Alchemists" (butlers) who design bespoke experiences and a dedicated Guerlain Spa island.

5. Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences: The Cool Crowd

Amilla Maldives broke the mold of traditional Maldivian architecture by introducing sleek, white, modern "Miami-style" villas. It’s a favorite for stars who want a more contemporary, social vibe while maintaining high-end security.

• Famous Guests: Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Kate Moss, and the Bachchan family (Bollywood royalty).

• The Draw: Multi-bedroom residences that are perfect for celebrity families traveling with a full entourage.

Comparison of Top Celebrity Resorts

Why Do Celebrities Choose the Maldives?

Beyond the obvious beauty, the Maldives offers three things fame-weary stars crave:

1. One Island, One Resort: Because each resort is on its own private island, access is strictly controlled. You cannot simply "walk onto" the property; you must arrive via a pre-booked seaplane or speedboat.

2. No Drone Policies: Most luxury resorts have strict "No Drone" rules to ensure guests aren't being filmed from the air.

3. Personalized Service: The staff-to-guest ratio is often 3:1 or higher, ensuring that every whim is met by a private butler who acts as a personal gatekeeper.