modern wooden villa on stilts surrounded by turquoise water

The Most Expensive Hotels (and Are They Worth It?)

Wake up to ocean sounds and step onto your private deck. To cool off, dive into the crystal clear water. Doesn’t that sound so relaxing and calming? This is what you get at expensive hotel resorts . You will see indulgences meeting tranquillity. These luxury experiences are available at the world’s most beautiful locations.

Luxury hotel stays in Maldives or Malaysia give gorgeous sea views, private pools, and vibrant marine life. Planning for a honeymoon, romantic holidays or luxury trips? This exclusive hotel experience is the choice for you. Here, we have picked five amazing hotels that every UK traveller should book.

1. Soneva Jani, Maldives: A Sanctuary of Sustainable Luxury

Luxury overwater villa with a pool and slide, surrounded by turquoise

Soneva Jani is located in the Noonu Atoll. gives barefoot luxury intertwined with environmental consciousness. Each expansive villa has a private pool, a retractable roof, and a slide going into the crystal-clear lagoon. The resort’s commitment to sustainability ensures that indulgence harmoniously coexists with nature.

Highlights:

  • Innovative Design: Villas feature retractable roofs and slides, blending fun with luxury.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Emphasis on sustainability without compromising comfort.
  • Gastronomic Delights: Diverse dining options, including an overwater observatory for celestial dining experiences.

At Soneva Jani, you can go snorkelling in vibrant reefs. You get serene spa treatments for a holistic retreat. This way, you get a fusion of adventure and relaxation.

2. Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives: Robinson Crusoe with a Touch of Elegance

Gili Lankanfushi is in the North Malé Atoll. It provides a unique blend of rustic charm and refined luxury. The overwater villas are made out of sustainable materials. They give off a sense of harmony with the surrounding seascape. The resort has a “no shoes, no news” philosophy. They invite guests to disconnect and immerse themselves fully in the island’s tranquillity.

Highlights:

  • Spacious Villas: Each villa includes rooftop terraces and hammocks suspended over the water.
  • Exclusive Residences: Home to the world’s largest overwater villa, “The Private Reserve”. It offers unparalleled privacy.
  • Personalised Service: Dedicated butlers, known as Mr. or Ms. Friday, will cater to your every whim.

You can explore rich marine life or enjoy a sunset cruise. Gili Lankanfushi ensures an intimate connection with nature.

3. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas: Underwater Dining Amidst a Biosphere Reserve

Baa Atoll has a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve called Anantara Kihavah. It offers an exquisite blend of luxury and natural beauty. The overwater villas have a private infinity pool, sundeck, and direct access to the lagoon’s marine life. The resort’s commitment to providing unique experiences is evident in its offerings.

Highlights:

  • Underwater Dining: “SEA” restaurant provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience beneath the ocean’s surface.
  • Stargazing: An overwater observatory with a research-grade telescope. It allows guests to explore the cosmos.
  • Wellness Retreat: A serene spa with many treatments. They draw inspiration from the island’s natural surroundings.

Guests can snorkel alongside manta rays in Hanifaru Bay. You can bask in the serenity of their private villa. All this makes Anantara Kihavah a sanctuary for the soul.

4. Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji: Authentic Fijian Charm Over the Water

Overwater bungalows lined along a wooden walkway

Likuliku Lagoon Resort is Fiji’s first and only resort with overwater Bures. A Bure is a traditional thatched-roof hut. It offers an authentic experience that seamlessly blends with the natural environment. It was designed with local materials and craftsmanship. The resort exudes a genuine sense of place.

Highlights:

  • Traditional Design: Overwater Bures constructed using local timber and materials, reflecting Fijian heritage.
  • Marine Sanctuary: The surrounding lagoon is a protected marine reserve. It is ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts.
  • Cultural Immersion: Guests can engage in Fijian traditions. These include kava ceremonies and village visits.

You will get a culturally enriching experience without compromising luxury. Likuliku Lagoon Resort offers an idyllic escape.

5. Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia: Serenity Amidst Ancient Rainforests

Pangkor Laut Resort is located on a private island off the west coast of Malaysia. It offers overwater villas that hover gracefully above the emerald waters of the Strait of Malacca. A two-million-year-old rainforest surrounds the resort. It provides a unique juxtaposition of lush greenery and serene sea.

Highlights:

  • Secluded Villas: Overwater suites with expansive balconies offering uninterrupted ocean views.
  • Award-Winning Spa: The Spa Village offers treatments inspired by ancient Asian healing traditions.
  • Culinary Diversity: Multiple dining venues serving a fusion of local and international cuisines.

You can trek through ancient rainforests or lounge by the sea. Pangkor Laut Resort provides a harmonious blend of adventure and relaxation.

Planning Your Luxury Hotel Stay: Tips for UK Travellers

Everyone should have these exclusive hotel experiences. It just requires thoughtful planning for a seamless experience. After all, everyone deserves to unplug and relax by the beach.

Travel Logistics:

  • Flights: Most major airlines offer flights from the UK to places like the Maldives, Fiji, and Malaysia. These flights come with layovers in regional hubs.
  • Transfers: Many resorts provide seaplane or speedboat transfers from the nearest international airport. It’s advisable to coordinate these in advance.

Seasonal Considerations:

  • Maldives: The dry season, from November to April, offers the best weather conditions.
  • Fiji: The best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is warm and dry.
  • Malaysia: Pangkor Laut has a tropical climate, drier months from January to March.

Are These Expensive Hotels Worth It?

Beautiful water villas in tropical Maldives island at the sunrise time

Everyone should get a once-in-lifetime escape from reality. The daily grind of the office and home can affect anyone. Everyone needs to recharge their body and mind. Holidays are the solution. If you plan well in advance, you can get the perfect deal.

These luxury hotel stays have comfort, seclusion, and adventure. All in one experience. You can go to Soneva Jani for eco-luxury. Enjoy the rustic charm of Gili Lankanfushi. Immerse yourself in culture at Likuliku Lagoon Resort. Each destination promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

Any traveller from the UK should always plan ahead. Flights, seasonal weather, and resort transfers should be kept in mind. So, are they worth it? Yes, if you want exclusivity, world-class service, and breathtaking surroundings. You deserve a well-rested holiday. These days, life has become so hectic. So, make your next holiday from today for good deals.

Have you ever been to any of these resorts? What did you like? What did you do? Have you been to other luxury resorts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!