Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Best hotels in the Maldives accessible by speedboat

Together with the Seychelles, the Maldives is my favorite beach destination on earth. Sugar white sands, crystal clear lagoons, lush tropical islands, a sensational underwater world, amazing overwater villas and unrivaled luxury make the Indian Ocean archipelago the ultimate desert-island paradise for everyone. The most phenomenal resorts in the country are located further away from Malé International Airport and can only be reached by a seaplane transfer. Although flying on board a seaplane in Maldives and admiring the picture-perfect archipelago from a bird’s eye perspective is one of the ultimate experiences that the destination has to offer, this may problematic for some travelers:

• Travelers with a fear of flying.
• Travelers with a limited amount of holiday time, let’s say less than 4 days (since getting to and from the resort by seaplane can take a large chunk of your holiday time on the day of your arrival and departure, including several waiting hours at the airport).
• Travelers arriving in the Maldives after sunset (since seaplanes only operate during daylight hours).

If you find yourself in one of these scenarios, you’re better off staying in a resort in the North or South Male Atoll, which can be reached by a speedboat transfer varying in duration between 15 minutes and one hour.  Due to the proximity to the airport, these resorts experience more boat traffic and noise levels as compared the more remotely located resorts in other atolls, although it is nothing too bad. Also, several of these resorts are located on artificial, man-made islands and often lack the charm of the archipelago’s natural islands further away. To help you plan your next Maldivian getaway, I have compiled a list of the 10 most exclusive hotels in the Maldives that can be reached by speedboat from the airport (and thus do not require seaplane transfers).

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in the North or South Male Atoll in the comments section.

Click to view slideshow.

*** Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to the Maldives with my online Maldives travel guide ***

9. COMO COCOA ISLAND

COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate private Maldives island resort with 33 overwater suites allowing you to slip right into the turquoise lagoon to explore an exceptional house reef. Encircled with powder white sand, the carefree, understated luxury experience includes holistic wellness treatments at COMO Shambhala Retreat, South Indian-influenced cuisine and worldclass diving. From its personalized service and sophisticated cuisine to its distinctive design, authentic culture and calming spa, this Maldivian luxury resort works hard to tailor the experience to their guest’s needs. The hotel can orchestrate customized cruises to neighboring islands and beaches; plan private dinners at secluded locations; arrange yoga, diving or snorkeling; and create adventures for families travelling together.

• Hotel website: COMO Cocoa Island

8. FOUR SEASONS RESORT KUDA HURAA

Gently rising from a sheet of turquoise, Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa is an enchanting garden island hotel – a half-hour speedboat ride from the Maldives’ capital Malé – that offers a sophisticated and innovative choice of recreation, escapism and conservation. The resort has four superb restaurants, a sunset lounge and a bar, as well as a huge fresh water infinity edged swimming pool. It also comes with and Island Spa sea sanctuary, Tropicsurf coaches and guides, and waves that host the annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. Its sister property, Landaa Giraavaru, lies to the north in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The luxury catamaran, Four Seasons Explorer connects the two via 3-, 4- and 7-night cruises, plus private leisure, surf and manta ray charters.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Four Seasons Preferred Guest (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).

7. TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA

Away from the sparkling lights of Male, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa is located on Emboodhu Finolhu island in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in Maldives. Renowned for its rich flora and fauna, this tropical isle, also known as the Three Coconu Isle, is situated amidst beautiful coral reefs and the hotel is only a 15 minute speedboat ride from the Maldives’ main airport. Each of the 58 villas and 6 suites is blessed with warm wood accents, floral scents, soft lamplight, and expansive ocean views – as well as modern touches, of course, including a DVD/CD player, satellite television, and Wi-Fi. Romantics love the Jiva Grande Spa for its authentic Indian wellness experience with yoga and meditation; the eclectic gourmet dining options (in every atmosphere, from casual to formal); and the myriad water sports, including scuba diving, sea kayaking, and catamaran sailing.

• Hotel website: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).

6. JUMEIRAH MALDIVES OLHAHALI ISLAND

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island – previously known as LUX*North Male – is tucked away in the crystalline turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll, easily reachable by speedboat from Malé Airport. The resort’s unique architecture is the work of Singaporean design studio, Miaja, who have created an elegant contemporary ethos in harmony with the natural environment. The property offers 67 beach and overwater villas, each one featuring a private infinity pool and a roof-top terrace with a dedicated dining area to take in the sensational views while indulging in delicious dishes. Dining experiences include two of Jumeirah’s award-winning signature restaurants, Shimmers and Kayto. The Talise Spa, with its six overwater treatment rooms, offers unfettered access to wellness and relaxation with a range of therapeutic and re-energizing treatments.

• Hotel website: Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).

5. THE RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS