Here are the top luxury hotel brands that operate (or recently announced properties) in the Maldives, with a flagship example and a short note on what makes each stand out:

• Four Seasons — Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru (Baa Atoll). Renowned for top-tier service, conservation/dive programs (UNESCO biosphere area) and consistently high standards. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Aman — Aman Maldives (newly announced private‑island resort in Vaavu Atoll). Aman brings its minimalist, ultra‑private wellness focus and boutique scale to the destination. (connectingtravel.com)
• One&Only — One&Only Reethi Rah. Iconic large private‑island resort known for expansive villas, extensive dining options and activities. (oneandonlyresorts.com)
• Cheval Blanc (LVMH) — Cheval Blanc Randheli. Ultra‑luxury maison experience with high‑end design, Guerlain spa and couture service. (chevalblanc.com)
• The Ritz‑Carlton — The Ritz‑Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Luxury residences and villas with Ritz‑Carlton service and large resort facilities. (marriott.com)
• St. Regis — The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Famous for dramatic villas (e.g., John Jacob Astor Estate) and bespoke butler service. (marriott.com)
• Soneva — Soneva Fushi / Soneva Jani. Pioneering Maldives ultra‑luxury brand focused on barefoot luxury, large private villas and strong sustainability programs. (widely covered brand presence)
• Joali / Joali Being — Joali Maldives / Joali Being. Contemporary luxury design, strong art and experiential wellness focus.
• Patina / Capella — Patina Maldives (Fari Islands) and Capella Maldives (Fari Islands). Newer luxury entries known for modern design, strong culinary programs and high service levels. (thetimes.co.uk)
• COMO / Aman‑style wellness brands — COMO Maalifushi, (and other wellness‑led luxury brands such as Six Senses and Velaa Private Island). COMO is known for wellness and understated design; Velaa and Six Senses are other standout ultra‑luxury independents.
• Gili Lankanfushi — An independent, highly regarded boutique brand celebrated for intimate service, sustainability and its overwater villas (“no news, just paradise” style).

Notes:

• “Top” can mean different things (service, villas, dining, exclusivity, sustainability). The list above mixes global luxury groups (Four Seasons, Aman, Cheval Blanc, Ritz‑Carlton, St. Regis, One&Only) with celebrated independent luxury resorts (Soneva, Velaa, Gili, Joali).
• Aman’s Maldives resort was publicly announced in 2024–25 and several brands (Patina/Capella, Ritz‑Carlton Fari Islands, etc.) have opened recent high‑profile properties or collections in the Fari Islands and other atolls — useful to check current opening/status if you plan to book. (connectingtravel.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow this to the top 6 by service/dining/sustainability.
• Compare villa types, price ranges and the best atolls for diving vs. calm lagoons.
• Find current rates and availability for specific travel dates.