Best of the best: Cora Cora Maldives is the bucket-list island escape that’s (just about) within reach
There are dream holidays, and then there’s this. If you’ve ever idly Googled “Maldives luxury resort” while nursing a flat white at your desk, you’ll know the kind of fantasy we’re talking about: powder-white sand, turquoise waters, and the sort of overwater villa that looks like it was designed by someone with an unlimited spa budget and a deep appreciation for hammocks.
Most of us can only daydream about it, but every now and then, a resort comes along that’s not only gobsmackingly gorgeous, but just about attainable. Enter: Cora Cora Maldives.
Tucked away in the pristine Raa Atoll and reached by seaplane or speedboat (that’s right, you can forget about direct flights to the island), this all-inclusive resort has just landed a serious accolade. It’s been named in Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ — a category reserved for the top 1% of hotels in the world. That’s right, not just in the Maldives, but globally. It’s the highest honour Tripadvisor
gives, and it’s all based on glowing reviews from real travellers.
This isn’t the first time Cora Cora’s hit the awards list. It’s the fourth year running the resort has picked up a Traveller’s Choice Award, but 2025 is the first time it’s made the elite shortlist. For a relatively new resort, that’s a big deal, and it’s a reflection of just how much people love what Cora Cora has to offer.
What makes the Cora Cora Maldives so special?
Cora Cora isn’t your typical five-star resort where everything feels a bit too polished and precious. It’s all about what they call Freedom Time — a relaxed vibe that blends barefoot luxury with wellness, culture, and a good dose of joy. That means you can sip a cocktail by the pool in your flip-flops, take a paddleboard out at sunrise, catch a film under the stars at the open-air cinema, or unwind with yoga over the water as stingrays cruise past underneath.
It’s the kind of place where every guest is made to feel like a VIP, largely thanks to the staff, affectionately known as ‘Freedom Fighters‘. From the moment you arrive, they’re on hand to make your stay unforgettable, whether by organising an impromptu snorkelling trip or simply remembering how you take your morning coffee.
What’s on offer?
There are 100 villas, spread across the beach and the water, each designed with serious style and plenty of space. The food’s all included (and genuinely good), the drinks are free-flowing, and the vibe is relaxed but elevated. Think poolside DJs, fresh sashimi, and spa treatments that smell better than your most expensive candle.
There’s a fully equipped gym if you’re one of those people who wants to work out on holiday, a water sports and diving centre for the more adventurous types, and a tranquil overwater yoga pavilion for the rest of us. Whether you want to fill your days with activity or spend them horizontal on a lounger, the island works around you.
How much?
Here’s the bit you’ve been waiting for. It’s not cheap. We’ve found rates from £600 a night at coracoraresorts.com, which is only twice the price of a peak-time Premier Inn in central London, but they can soon creep into four-figure territory. And yes, it’s going to be expensive to get there in the first place. But before you close the tab, remember: that’s for two people, and it’s all-inclusive. So no hidden bar tabs, no £30 G&Ts, no resort tax surprises when you check out. Just sunshine, serenity, and maybe the best sleep of your life in a sea-breeze-soaked villa.
We’re not saying you’ll book it tomorrow. But if you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary blowout, or just feel like treating yourself to a once-in-a-decade adventure, Cora Cora Maldives could be the kind of splurge that’s worth every penny — at least according to TripAdvisor.
