Great — here are top private‑island luxury resorts in the Maldives, with what makes each special, who they suit best, and transfer notes. I’ve picked properties consistently recommended by major travel publications and industry reviewers.

1. Velaa Private Island — for ultra‑private, activity‑packed luxury

• Why: Extremely high‑end, strong service, private‑island feel, lots of bespoke experiences (golf academy, coral‑restoration program, extensive water sports). Great for couples and active luxury travelers who want both privacy and many on‑island activities.
• Transfer: Seaplane (time varies by location, usually 30–50 minutes from Malé). (Forbes.com)

2. Soneva Jani — for dramatic over‑water villas and eco‑luxury

• Why: Iconic large overwater pool villas (some with slides and retractable roofs), strong sustainability credentials and playful, family‑friendly facilities (open‑air cinema, observatory). Best for families or couples who want spacious villas and eco‑conscious luxury.
• Transfer: Seaplane from Malé (about 35–50 minutes depending on runway/route). (theresortscollection.com)

3. Soneva Fushi / Soneva Secret (Soneva group private islands) — for Robinson‑Crusoe luxury and privacy

• Why: Lush, private‑island jungle villas, barefoot luxury, family amenities and bespoke experiences. Ideal for guests wanting a resort‑on‑its‑own private island vibe with high sustainability standards.
• Transfer: Seaplane. (Scramblyn.com)

4. Cheval Blanc Randheli — for French‑house refinement and gastronomy

• Why: Superb design, Michelin‑level culinary offerings (highly curated dining), Guerlain spa on a dedicated island — ultra‑luxury, extremely service‑oriented. Great for honeymooners, foodies, and luxury connoisseurs.
• Transfer: 30–40 minute seaplane from Malé (Cheval Blanc operates branded transfer services). (Forbes.com)

5. Gili Lankanfushi — for castaway privacy and eco‑chic

• Why: “Robinson Crusoe” villas, intimate island with a strong eco focus and an excellent house reef; service model emphasizes privacy (butler/“Mr. Friday” concept). Excellent for couples seeking romantic seclusion and for serious snorkelers.
• Transfer: Speedboat from Malé (around 20–30 minutes) or seaplane depending on property operations. (cntraveler.com)

6. JOALI Maldives / Joali Being — for contemporary art, design and wellness

• Why: Strong design/art focus, sophisticated villas and a dedicated wellness/“Being” concept; good for design‑minded couples and wellness seekers.
• Transfer: Seaplane (transfer times vary by atoll). (See major travel reviews/brand pages for details.) (thetimes.co.uk)

7. The Nautilus Maldives — for absolute privacy and small‑island exclusivity

• Why: Very small resort with a few ocean and beach houses, highly personalized service, “do‑what‑you‑want” philosophy and the option to hire the whole island for groups. Ideal for ultra‑private honeymoons and celebrity discretion.
• Transfer: Seaplane (timings depend on location). (maldives.net.mv)

8. One&Only Reethi Rah — for large private‑island resort with broad facilities

• Why: One of the Maldives’ larger single‑island luxury properties with expansive villas, excellent kids/family facilities, premium restaurants and many activities — gives privacy while offering lots to do on one private island.
• Transfer: Speedboat or seaplane depending on package. (Frequently recommended in major “best of Maldives” lists.) (thetimes.co.uk)

How to choose (quick):

• Absolute seclusion & small island: Nautilus, Velaa (private‑island feel).
• Best over‑water villa drama & family options: Soneva Jani / Soneva Fushi.
• Top gastronomy & refined design: Cheval Blanc Randheli, JOALI.
• Strong reef & dive options close to Malé: Gili Lankanfushi.
• Big‑island facilities + privacy: One&Only Reethi Rah.

Notes on cost and transfers

• These are premium properties — expect nightly rates from several hundred to several thousand USD per night; top villas/residences frequently exceed $3–10k+/night. Transfers are commonly by seaplane (30–60 minutes) or speedboat (20–60 minutes) depending on the resort’s atoll; some resorts operate branded transfers or private charters. For exact nightly rates and current transfer schedules, check each resort’s official site or contact a luxury travel specialist. (Forbes.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow this to the absolute top 3 for honeymoons, families, or diving; or
• Check current rates and transfer logistics for specific dates (I’ll look up live availability/prices).