For most people, the Maldives probably epitomise the perfect island paradise. No wonder, because the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives – with its white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue ocean – simply casts a spell over every visitor. The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort – one of the most popular Marriott Brand resorts in the Maldives – is the ideal place to enjoy your dream come true. 

In this review, I would like to introduce you to the St. Regis Maldives Resort in more detail. I hope to give you a good insight that will help you decide whether this resort is the right choice for your very special dream holiday.

My Hotel Review of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Location and transfer

Your flight will first take you to the international airport in the capital Malé. From there, a seaplane will take you south to Dhaalu Atoll. 

In Malé, you will be met by a member of staff from the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort as soon as you land. They will accompany you to your own St. Regis Lounge to shorten the waiting time for your onward flight. I was particularly surprised by the personal welcome via iPad from our butler Akram, who looked after us at the resort.

You can order snacks and drinks à la carte in the lounge, and while you relax and dine on the terrace, you have a fantastic view of the seaplanes taking off and landing. During your flight to the St. Regis Maldives Resort, which takes around 45-60 minutes, you will have a fantastic view over the islands. At the resort, you will receive a warm welcome from your butler. From now on, he will look after you until your departure so that you want for nothing.

The concept of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is located on a small island in the Dhaalu Atoll. You can expect a family atmosphere with a special focus on personal care. You will feel safe and comfortable, as if you have always been here. The design of the resort also exudes pure cosiness – inspired by typical Maldivian themes. The spa area is shaped like a lobster, the water villas look like manta rays, the beach villas are modelled on traditional fishing huts and the bar resembles a giant whale. Opened in 2016, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has lost none of its high standards as it has been regularly renovated and expanded.

The St. Regis Maldives has a special highlight to offer: In the middle of the jungle, in the heart of the island, an activity building has been built, where you will find plenty of variety in the evening or in rainy weather. You can play billiards or table tennis and pass the time with various board games or chess, etc.

Sustainability

Sustainability and the preservation of the environment play a very important role at the St. Regis in the Maldives. This is supported by various initiatives – from not using plastic items, planting corals, recycling and composting techniques that take place in the background of everyday resort life in order to produce as little waste as possible, to the use of local products.

The villas at the St. Regis Maldives

The villas at the St. Regis Maldives, especially the Beach Villas, are more rustic and cosy than modern, but still offer the expected luxury. All villas are equipped with a private pool.

Beach Villa

During our stay, we stayed in a beach villa with a design based on a traditional Maldivian fisherman’s hut with a palm tree roof. I immediately felt at home in it. The beach villas have a large room with a high ceiling. In the centre of the room is a wide bed from which you can enjoy a great view of the private terrace and the beach and where you can fall asleep to the sound of the sea. There is also a desk, a cosy sofa and a minibar. Behind the bed, a large sliding door leads you into the spacious bathroom with two washbasins, rain shower and bathtub. Part of the bathroom is located outside with additional showers and plenty of space to relax. A morning shower under the canopy is simply fantastic and highly recommended.

The terrace is equipped with a pool and has a dining table with a lounge sofa. The entire area around the terrace is covered in lush greenery and therefore offers plenty of privacy. A path leads directly to the beach with sun loungers and a fantastic opportunity to swim in the sea.

Water Villas

As already mentioned, the shape of the water villas is reminiscent of manta rays. They offer plenty of space and have a fantastic bathroom with a bathtub and a view over the lagoon. The terrace is also very spacious, with a pool and hammocks over the water.

The design of the water villas is more modern than that of the beach villas. Nevertheless, the beach villas remain my favorite as they are more cozy and offer more privacy, but that is of course a matter of taste.

The Iridium Spa

The iconic Iridium Spa at the St. Regis is one of the best in the Maldives, and not just because of its special design, which resembles a lobster. A wide range of offers ensure that you will find absolute relaxation here. The treatment rooms are located above the water. While you enjoy your massage, you can hear the gentle lapping of the water in the lagoon when the door is open. At the heart of the spa is the ‘Blue Hole’ overwater hydrotherapy pool. It is filled with salt water and has various jet and massage functions. You can book it free of charge before a treatment and use it privately.

Its relaxed flair makes the spa one of my favourite spots at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. We spent several hours here and enjoyed a great couple’s massage.

The Breakfast and restaurants at the St. Regis in the Maldives

Whale Bar

As its name suggests, the shape of the bar is reminiscent of a whale. It is located above the water and is the best spot at the St. Regis in the Maldives at sunset. A ceremonial champagne sabrage ritual takes place every evening at sunset. The champagne bottle is opened with a special sabre. It’s worth arriving early to get one of the front seats with a direct view of the water and the ceremony.

Main Restaurant ALBA

A very sumptuous buffet with international and typical Maldivian dishes awaits you here for breakfast. There is also an à la carte menu, which is the most varied I have ever seen in a hotel. You can choose from five different options for waffles alone. While you enjoy a relaxed breakfast, you can sit right on the beach. This is the perfect start to the day – with mimosas or Bloody Mary (the signature drink of the St. Regis brand) if you like

Fun fact: The Bloody Mary recipe as we know it today was created in 1934 at the St. Regis New York by the famous bartender Fernand Petiot. It is still the signature cocktail of the St. Regis brand today. In every hotel you will find the classic as well as an interpretation of a Bloody Mary that matches the destination, such as the ‘Island Mary’ in the Maldives. 

At ALBA, you can also dine in the evening for dinner and lunch. The menu is divided into two sections: Italian and Indian.

Beach Restaurant Crust & Craft

The restaurant is located directly on the beach and exudes Caribbean flair. Here you can enjoy delicious pizza from the pizza oven as well as tacos and special salads in a relaxed beach atmosphere with your feet in the sand. It is only open for lunch.

Beach BBQ

Once a week, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort hosts a special Maldivian Beach BBQ under the stars. The loving design of the various live cooking stations with a great selection is fascinating in itself. Don’t miss out on the unique atmosphere on the beach with live music and tasty food.

Asian restaurant T.Pan

T.Pan opens for dinner and is my favourite restaurant at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Here you can book a private dinner at the teppanyaki grill with a maximum of 6 guests. It consists of several courses of mainly Japanese dishes. The menu is fixed, but personal wishes can be easily realised: As we wanted a menu without fish and seafood, the chef came up with creative and delicious alternatives.

Live cooking at T.Pan is a great experience and therefore a dinner event for a special occasion, but also an opportunity to treat yourself to something special. 

Adjacent to the T.Pan is the à la carte restaurant Orientale with sushi bar and mixed Asian menu.

Parasailing – Must Do activity during your stay at the St. Regis Maldives

You should definitely crown your stay at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort with a special highlight: paragliding around the island. This unique experience gives you the opportunity to see the special shapes of the buildings from the air. The ‘Lobster Spa’ and the Whale Bar really come into their own from this perspective. It was my first time paragliding, so I had a queasy feeling at first. But this was quickly surpassed by excitement and amazement when I saw the island and the amazing colours from above. I felt infinitely free.

Résumé of my Review of the St. Regis Maldives

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive hotels in the world. With its focus on first-class service, we felt like special guests from the very first minute. At all times, we enjoyed the complete attention of the always friendly staff, and individual wishes were easily fulfilled. We often had the feeling that we were on a private island, as there were rarely any other guests around. The St. Regis in the Maldives also impressed us with its culinary delights.

Last but not least, we were impressed by the picturesque nature on the comparatively small but densely overgrown island. We enjoyed the tropical atmosphere and the beautiful beach to the full.

I hope my review has given you a little impression of the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and perhaps I have even been able to convince you to treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday at this outstanding hotel.

We had a sponsored stay at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, which does not bias my opinion and review of the resort.

The Maldives – almost 2000 islands south of India in the Indian Ocean, arranged like pearls on a necklace – represent the perfect destination for many people to fulfill their longing for a paradise getway. At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, this dream comes true. Pure luxury, outstanding service and modern design await you here from the very first moment and blend with the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives.

In this hotel review of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, I would like to give you a detailed insight into our stay and help you decide whether this luxury hotel is the right choice for you.

Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Location & Transfer

As part of the Fari Islands, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives is a 500-meter-long resort consisting of three interconnected artificial islands in the Kaafu Atoll. It is located just 45 minutes by speedboat from the international airport of the capital Malé. As soon as you land, you will be greeted by a Ritz-Carlton Maldives staff member and escorted to the speedboat. It is a real bonus not to have to wait for a seaplane after landing, but to start the transfer directly to the resort. This also gives you more flexibility before your return flight and allows you to maximize your time at the hotel. As with all resorts, the speedboat transfer is not included and costs $900 for two people each way.

The concept of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

The name The Ritz-Carlton stands for outstanding service and luxury in a class of its own. This can also be felt at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Every guest has a personal butler who can be reached at any time via WhatsApp and takes care of all requests.

Combined with impressive architecture, the resort’s motto is: “Embrace the circle of island life”. That’s why you’ll find circles everywhere in the resort and the overall design. Starting with the pool and the shape of many buildings, through to the interior design. The artistic and modern design of the island and the villas is unique, but may seem a little cool to some. I usually prefer a cozy, typical Maldivian design of the villas – made of wood with palm leaf roofs, but the Ritz-Carlton deliberately wants to stand out with its modern design.

As already mentioned, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives is located on an artificially constructed island. Three small islands were created and then connected with jetties to form a resort. As you can imagine, the vegetation was still rather sparse when the resort opened in 2021. But now, after only three years, the islands are already well vegetated, which not only creates a dreamlike tropical ambience, but also provides privacy around the beach villas. Even native animals such as birds, flying foxes and lizards have found a new home here.

Fari Islands

Why is the Ritz-Carlton Maldives called Fari Islands? The reason is the combination of different resorts, each on its own island. Together they form the “Fari Islands”. To date, there is Patina Maldives, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives and Fari Marina Island – an island with a bar, restaurants and pool for guests of all resorts. Another luxury resort is expected to be added in 2026/27. A free boat shuttle takes guests back and forth between the resorts – so you can make your stay more varied and also try out the restaurants at the other islands.

The villas at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

One Bedroom Water Villas

According to the island motto “Embrace the circle of island life”, the one-bedroom water villas are round and all have a curved pool. From the outside, they remind me a little of a spaceship.

The interior includes a large room with a seating area and bed, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the outside. There is also a large window front that can be opened, giving you direct access to the terrace. At the back of the villa, you enter the open bathroom – with two washbasins, open closet, bathtub, separate toilet and indoor and outdoor showers.

The Beach Villas are identical in design, but are located on the beach. They also each have their own pool.

Two Bedroom Beach Villas

 The two-bedroom villas are the only ones that are not circular, but rectangular. As you enter the villa, you arrive in the spacious living room with dining table, sofa area and a large fully equipped bar. The glass front is facing the sea and private terrrace. It can be fully opened and leads onto the terrace, where you will find sun loungers and a seating area with table. The pool is significantly larger than in the round one-bedroom villas. Behind it, you have direct access to the beach and the lagoon.

The two bedrooms are located to the left and right of the living room and have the same layout as the One Bedroom Villas – each with its own spacious bathroom. This makes it to the perfect villa category at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives for families.

Pool and Beach at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

As all villas at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives have their own pool, there is only one additonal main pool. This round pool, surrounded by a blue lagoon, is located on the middle island of the resort. It is usually very quiet here, as only a few guests use it during the day. In the evening, however, it becomes a popular spot at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands to enjoy the sunset (read more about the Eau Bar under “Breakfast and Restaurants”).

There are some beautiful stretches of beach around the island and in front of the beach villas to enjoy peace and relaxation. Those who prefer chilled Ibiza vibe will love the beach at the Beach Shack – more on this further below…

Snorkeling and Diving at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Snorkeling is an option, but compared to natural islands, it is less spectacular here. As the islands are man-made, there is no large house reef surrounding the resort. However, there are many great snorkeling and diving spots nearby to see sharks, turtles and other marine life. We have been diving at the reef edge in front of the water villas several times and were impressed by the variety of corals, fish and even stingrays.

Nearby, you can also snorkel with turtles or dive with sharks. However, you will need to book a tour in advance. The local provider is: Dive Butler Fari Kandu, where you can find numerous offers and tours. We spontaneously decided to complete our advanced diving license on site (the PADI Advanced Open Water) so that we could visit one of the advanced shark diving spots. The team is super friendly and takes care of everything – I highly recommend them for beginners and advanced divers, both for diving and snorkeling.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

I was particularly impressed by the unique architecture of the circular Ritz-Carlton spa, which is built over the water. There is a round opening in the roof and floor right in the middle, so that sunlight falls on the lagoon and illuminates it. As soon as you enter, the spa area exudes a deep sense of tranquillity. You will find cozy treatment rooms for couples with lots of wooden elements. We enjoyed a relaxing couple’s massage here.

Breakfast and Restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

There are seven restaurants in total, five of which are located directly in the resort and two on Marina Island.

La Locanda

This authentic Italian restaurant, whose chef comes from Italy, serves the best Carbonara Pasta and pizza I have ever eaten outside of Italy. It is open for lunch and later again for dinner. In the morning there is a breakfast buffet with an additional à la carte menu. If you like, you can even toast with a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa free of charge to welcome the new day.

Summer Pavilion

Cantonese cuisine awaits you here in a wonderful ambience. The restaurant is located above the water, decorated with lots of cute lanterns that immerse everything in an enchanting light. There is also a pond in which colorful koi swim. It feels like you’ve actually traveled to China. The cuisine is absolutely authentic – with delicious dim sum. But beware: the spiciness of the dishes is also authentically Asian. I accidentally ordered the spiciest dish on the menu.

The Summer Pavilion is only open for dinner.

Beach Shack

Here you will find a restaurant and bar in one. With your feet in the sand and sitting under palm trees, you can enjoy a delicious meal , but also relax on one of the loungers or in a cabana at the beach. A DJ usually plays the perfect music, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Ibiza or Tulum. The menu is Mediterranean – with tapas, paella and a selection of delicious burgers.

Eau Bar

The Eau Bar is located by the main pool and offers you a fantastic view of the sunset when you visit in the evening. You will be served a Japanese menu, primarily consisting of homemade sushi and vegan bowls. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. The adjoining cocktail bar is perfect for relaxing in the evening, with a DJ often playing after sunset. There is also a sunset ceremony every evening: Drummers in traditional Maldivian dress say goodbye to the sun and ignite a ring over the pool. Unfortunately, we were a bit unlucky with the weather during our stay and therefore didn’t see a beautiful sunset for the ceremony.

IWAU

This restaurant, with a very private atmosphere, invites you to a Japanese live BBQ, just around the corner from the Eau Bar. During the live multi-course menu, up to eight people are seated directly around the teppanyaki hotplate. The menu includes plenty of fresh fish and seafood, but there is also high-quality A5 Wagyu beef from Japan and vegetarian options. You can also order Japanese sake or opt for a wine pairing.

More Restaurants at the Patina and Fari Marina Island

The restaurants in the resort Patina and on Fari Marina Island can be reached by the free boat shuttle. My favorite outside The Ritz-Carlton was Arabesque, with a cuisine from Lebanon to North India. The lentil soup in particular was incredible. I would never have thought that such a simple dish could be created so perfectly that it would cause such a huge explosion of flavor. The soup was so good that I even asked the chef for the recipe so I could try to recreate it at home.

My Conclusion

The restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives and on the Fari Islands were all consistently very good, with outstanding service. Thanks to the diverse selection of dishes, it never gets boring. However, the prices in the restaurants are very high, which is typical for resorts in the Maldives, but particularly noticeable here.

The Kids Club at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

This great Kids Club is located in the center of the resort. Also with a circular design, the entrance is reminiscent of a hobbit’s house, immersing children in a fantasy world. The outdoor area includes a water slide and a climbing playground. Indoors, children can choose from a wide range of activities and are cared for at the same time. Special mention should be made of the interactive activities that bring children into contact with nature and the importance of sustainability.

Résumé of my hotel review of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives clearly stands out for its luxury and first-class service. Without exception, we met friendly and attentive staff who responded promptly to all inquiries or requests. Everyone always had a smile on their face! The guest is always the focus and comes first. 

The unique villas with their round shape and extravagant furnishing concept are particularly eye-catching. You won’t see them like this a second time in the Maldives. I was particularly impressed by the design of the spa area. At one point or another, I found that the villas lacked a little of the quaintness and coziness that I had previously found on the traditional islands. But as the architectural focus of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is on art and modernity, this has been perfectly implemented and is of course also a matter of taste. 

In culinary terms, I was impressed by the wide selection of authentic international cuisine and its excellent quality. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is one of the most luxurious but also most expensive resorts in the Maldives, which is reflected in the prices of the food and drinks. For snorkeling enthusiasts, it is not as exciting on site, as the artificial islands are not surrounded by their own house reef.

I hope my hotel review of the Ritz-Carlton Maldives has given you an impression of the quality and location of this luxury resort and helped you plan your own dream Maldives vacation.

Wir hatten einen gesponserten Aufenthalt im The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, was meine Meinung und Bewertung des Resorts nicht beeinflusst.

A brand new addition to the Six Senses portfolio and a new eco-luxury hotspot in the Maldives: welcome to Six Senses Kanuhura! In this hotel review, I’ll tell you what sets this resort apart from other islands in the Maldives and whether it’s the right choice for you!

My review of Six Senses Kanuhura Maldives

Location & accessibility

Six Senses Kanuhura is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, north of the capital Male, and is therefore a short seaplane flight from Male International Airport. After landing your international flight, you will be greeted directly by the Six Senses team and escorted to the lounge while the staff arrange your transfer flight to the resort. Although the seaplane flight is slightly more expensive than a boat transfer, the view over the atolls is unique.

The concept behind Six Senses Kanuhura

Six Senses Kanuhura only opened at the end of 2023. A former resort was taken over and completely renovated. Some of the restaurants, villas and other facilities were newly built, while many others were renovated in the familiar Six Senses eco-luxury style. For this reason, the outdoor areas of the new Beach Retreat Villas in particular still need to gain some vegetation before they reach their full charm. Fortunately, in a climate like the Maldives, this happens very quickly.

Six Senses is our favourite hotel brand because the connection to nature and our environment flows through every vein of the concept. At the same time, the resorts are very luxurious, designed for wellness and incorporate local traditions and special features. It is an ‘all-inclusive package’ that guests can also experience at Six Senses Kanuhura. Starting with the barefoot concept and a personal welcome for each guest, to your own butler, the so-called GEM, and unique cuisine and wellness treatments.

The villas at Six Senses Kanuhura

We tested various room categories during our stay, and these were our favourites:

Beach Retreat with Pool

The newest villas are the so-called Beach Retreats on the beach with their own pool. They can be booked for couples as well as small families, as they comprise two separate buildings.

Each Beach Retreat is unique and slightly different in layout, but they all have the same features: the first villa has a large living room with bathroom and an open-plan kitchen, where a large selection of snacks, fruit, coffee, tea and other refreshments, and a bottle of sparkling wine awaited us. A staircase leads up to a small TV lounge, which can be converted into an additional bedroom.

The second villa mainly comprises the cosy bedroom and the open-plan bathroom with a bathtub, rain shower and access to the outdoor shower.

Outdoor showers are usually my favourite. However, at our beach retreat, the newly planted vegetation still needed to grow a little before we could enjoy complete privacy. Thanks to the weather in the Maldives, this happens very quickly.

The private outdoor area is not only incredibly large, but also flows seamlessly into the quiet beach in front of the villa. It overlooks the blue lagoon and a private island belonging to Six Senses Kanuhura (more on that in a moment) and is usually deserted.

There is also a covered terrace, sun loungers and a large pool. However, we mostly spent our time swimming in the warm waters of the lagoon.

For large families and friends travelling together, there are beach retreats with up to three separate bedrooms and plenty of space!

Water villa with pool

Of course, we also tested one of the popular water villas and were surprised at how much space they offer. All water villas have their own pool and a spacious terrace. However, I found the terraces to be relatively close to the neighbours. Therefore, the water villa furthest to the left was my favourite, as it overlooks only the water and the island from the pool.

Inside, there is of course a comfortable bed with a view of the ocean, as well as a lounge area, a small work area and a walk-in wardrobe. My favourite feature is the spacious and bright bathroom with its own completely secluded outdoor area, which not only has an outdoor shower but also a hammock suspended above the blue water. The perfect place for a morning shower.

→ Click here to book your stay at Six Senses Kanuhura

Wellness & Spa at Six Senses Kanuhura

Wellness naturally plays a major role in the Six Senses concept. Six Senses Kanuhura offers not only ‘classic’ massages and treatments, but also special treatments with various holistic or scientific influences. These include singing bowl healing, guided meditations, biohacking for rapid recovery of the body, and much more. If we had had more time, I would definitely have tried one of their wellness programmes, which last several days and include the right treatments, massages, therapies, meals, etc. to achieve a specific goal such as detox, fitness, better sleep or something else. As you can see, everyone can tailor their wellness experience to their own needs

These are the features of the large spa facility:

Eight cosy treatment rooms – one of which is a couples’ suite

a water treatment area – separate for ladies and gentlemen – with a hot and cold swimming pool

a spacious yoga and meditation studio for guided sessions

a well-equipped gym

a nail salon

the Alchemy Bar for DIY workshops

an extensive shop with various wellness gadgets and accessories

Pools

In addition to the best pool in the world – the Indian Ocean – there are two additional pools on the island of Six Senses Kanuhura. The second of the two absolutely blew us away!

Sip & Sand Pool

First, there is a ‘simple’ but very beautiful pool on the beach, which is perfect for lounging and is particularly suitable for families with children. It is surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants, which makes it very cosy. It is located directly next to the Sip & Sand bar and snack restaurant.

Sunset Point

But the second pool is the absolute highlight and has been completely rebuilt. The circular infinity pool at Sunset Point is located at a lofty height and is an architectural masterpiece! As the name suggests, it is the ideal place to enjoy the sunset and sip a cocktail from the bar. The water turns into a mirror and reflects the different colours of the sky. But even during the day, it is an incredibly impressive spot to look out over the endless blue lagoon.

The private islands of Six Senses Kanuhura

Six Senses Kanuhura consists of not just one, but three private islands. The resort is located on the largest island, while the others can be visited during the day.

A small water taxi transports guests from the jetty on the main island to Drift. A tropical island with a beach that is perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling, as well as the cute Drift barbecue restaurant. Here you can sit under palm trees with your feet in the sand, listen to the gentle sound of the waves, enjoy a fresh meal and feel like a luxurious Robinson Crusoe! Lunch at Drift is an absolute must during a stay at Six Senses Kanuhura!

In addition, there is another small island behind the Drift that can be booked for a private picnic. A setup is erected under a protective canopy of leaves, and you have the entire island to yourself – for as long as you like. You can’t get more privacy than that! Accordingly, the picnic excursion is a bit pricey at USD 500, while a visit to Drift Island is free of charge.

Sustainability

Sustainability is one of the core values of the Six Senses concept – and not just since it became ‘trendy’, but since the brand was founded. That’s why the idea of sustainability runs through every fibre of Six Senses Kanuhura. Starting with a ‘no plastic’ policy, it extends to its own garden, a recycling station, the Earth Lab, where something new is created from waste, a turtle conservation programme and much more.

Breakfast & Restaurants

Six Senses Kanuhura offers a wide range of culinary options, so we had the chance to try a new restaurant at every meal during our stay! Here are my highlights:

Scoops

Scoops is undoubtedly in first place. We already know and love this café from other Six Senses hotels, because it offers free ice cream all day long! Homemade and as much as you want! How awesome is that?

Bottega

I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that this was the best Italian food we’ve ever had in the Maldives. We were particularly impressed by the homemade pasta and ravioli. The pizza was only okay, but everything else was top notch!

The Market

The Market is the main restaurant at Six Senses Kanuhura! Not only is breakfast served here, but dinner is also available. Once a week, The Market even transforms into an Asian food market in the evening!

As in every Six Senses resort, breakfast at The Market is incredibly good! I am always delighted. It consists of a large buffet and many à la carte options, including lots of healthy food choices, but also some ‘sinful treats’. There is something for everyone here!

The Point

Directly below the legendary infinity pool, The Sunset Point, is the Spanish restaurant The Point. (The name givers were particularly creative here ) As the restaurant is run by a genuine Spanish chef, the tapas are authentic and just as delicious as in Barcelona. Whether croquetas de jamon, pimientos de padron or crema catalana – here you will find all the classic tapas as well as special variations!

The Drift

As mentioned above, The Drift is a small restaurant on a private island off the coast of Six Senses Kanuhura. It is only open for lunch and offers a delicious menu of freshly grilled dishes. With just a few tables set up on the sand right by the water, it has a rustic, romantic atmosphere and serves incredibly delicious food!

Other restaurants at Six Senses Kanuhura:

Sip & Sand – A snack restaurant and bar by the main pool, perfect for a light lunch or a cocktail in the sun.
The Sunset Point Bar – The Sunset Point infinity pool also has a great bar for sundowner drinks. Every evening, a DJ plays music here at sunset and there is a great atmosphere!
Private Beach Dinner – Private dinners on the beach can be organised for special occasions. With candles in the sand, a private chef and a glowing starry sky. Pure romance!

Summary of our stay at Six Senses Kanuhura

As Six Senses fans, we were incredibly excited to try out the new Six Senses Kanuhura, and it exceeded all our expectations! We were absolutely thrilled with the service, the food, the huge range of wellness options and the size of the island. It is the ideal luxury resort for couples, and thanks to the great kids’ club and various villa categories with multiple bedrooms, Six Senses Kanuhura is also perfect for families!

I have already been asked whether the new Six Senses Kanuhura is better than Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, which opened in 2011. And the answer is no. But it is different. While Six Senses Laamu is a small island with a rustic luxury ambience, Six Senses Kanuhura is more modern and a larger island with numerous activities. For me, both resorts have their own special charm and are an ideal choice for a luxury resort in the Maldives.

→ Click here to book your stay at Six Senses Kanuhura

We had a sponsored stay at Six Senses Kanuhura, which does not influence my opinion and rating of the resort.

A resort within a resort. This is the best way to describe the brand new Signature Collection by Hideaway Beach Resort. It exists for special luxury as well as lots of space and privacy. In this post you will find my hotel review of the Signature Collection by Hideaway in the Maldives.

My hotel review of the Signature Collection by Hideaway Resort Maldives

Location & Transfer

The resort is located as part of the Hideaway Beach Resort on a huge island in Haa Alifu Atoll far to the north of the Maldives. This part of the country is known for densely vegetated islands dotted with palm trees. It is also far more pristine than the atolls near the capital Male. For this reason, there is hardly any boat or plane traffic but a thriving ecosystem.

From the international airport, we took a 1.5 hour seaplane flight directly to the resort. Upon arrival at the airport, we were met by Signature Collection staff, checked in for our subsequent flight and were airborne shortly thereafter. The view over the atolls is most impressive from a seaplane, as the planes fly much lower than those of the domestic flights.

The concept of the Signature Collection by Hideway Resort Maldives

“A resort within a resort” – this may sound strange at first, but it is a well thought-out and brand new concept at Hideaway Beach Resort in the Maldives. The villas of the Signature Collection are located on the same island as the Hideaway Beach Resort, but in a separate area, at the quiet tip of the island with huge sandy beaches.
Here you will find not only the luxurious Signature Collection Villas and private beaches, but also a restaurant and lounge with pool for Signature Collection guests. In addition, each villa has its own butler, which takes care of all concerns, reservations, wishes & Co.
At the same time Signature Collection guests have full access to the rest of the resort. Thus, the Signature Collection is the ideal choice for guests who enjoy special luxury, privacy and plenty of space.

The villas of the Signature Collection

Part of the Signature Collection are only nine villas, which are all located on the beach. Between them, however, there is dense greenery and enough space that we had the feeling of being all alone on the island.

Signature Beach Residence

We stayed in a villa of the category ‘Signature Beach Residence’. The interior style is very elegant and oriental. Enter the villa through a large living room with sofa and an enormous chandelier. Here a huge fruit basket was already waiting for us, as well as welcome drinks.

The Signature Beach Residences have only one bedroom, with a large bed with very high quality bedding, which invites you to dream. Behind it is a hallway with closets, as well as the very well-stocked minibar, which is included for guests.

However, the highlight was the bathroom, which is reminiscent of a Turkish hammam. A large whirlpool, indirect lighting, and a shower as large as a private bathroom invite you to relax and enjoy. Unfortunately, the bathroom amenities, such as shampoo and lotion, were only offered in small plastic bottles, which in most resorts in the Maldives, due to sustainability, has been abolished for some time.

Both living room and bedroom have direct access to the private terrace, which is partially covered and offers sun loungers and a large pool. A walkway, which winds between the plants that grow around the villa, leads to the private beach area with a cabana.

Not only have I never seen an island this large in the Maldives, but I have never seen a stretch of beach as wide as the one at the Signature Collection. When we relaxed in our cabana or walked to the water, we didn’t encounter a soul. So in terms of privacy, Signature Collection is unbeatable!

Villas for friends & family

Of course, there are also multi-bedroom villas as part of the Signature Collection, which are ideal for families and friends. The largest is the Sultan Beach Residence. It offers the maximum luxury that the Signature Collection has to offer. Four bedrooms on two floors, a private sauna and steam room, kitchen, dining room, gym and so much more! It is a fully equipped villa that you could move right into. However, the centerpiece of the Sultan Beach Residence is the large outdoor area with a lounge set into the ground, a huge pool with waterslide, and plenty of sun loungers. Private barbecues can be held here and the whole family or friends can get together. Of course, this villa category also has private beach access on the sunset side of the island, where the beach is a bit narrower though.

Pool & Beach

This includes a total of three pools: The first is located at the Meeru Bar & Grill restaurant, near the best snorkeling spot on the island and is ideal for relaxing during the day.

The second pool is part of the Sunset Pool Café and a nice spot to enjoy the sunset with cocktails. In the evening, the lounge then transforms into a restaurant.

Another pool is located in the Oasis Lounge & Restaurant, as part of the Signature Collection area and offers plenty of tranquility.

My absolute highlight of the resort, is the beach area in front of Meeru Bar & Grill. It is the perfect snorkeling spot and has a unique feature, which I have not seen in this form in any other resort. Already after a few steps the reef edge begins, where the underwater life is just flourishing. Therefore, snorkeling at the resort is ideal even for beginners. I could have swam along the reef for hours because there is so much to discover: Colorful fish of all kinds, impressive corals, rays, turtles as well as small reef sharks.

Near the site, a fish feeding takes place every evening at sunset, which has the advantage of attracting numerous stingrays and reef sharks, which can be observed directly from the beach. But unfortunately the feeding is not very sustainable, as it impacts the balance of the ecosystem in the reef.

Wellness & Sport

Spa

The spa area is centrally located in the heart of the Hideaway Beach Resort and therefore has a very “jungle” atmosphere. Many treatment rooms include a private outdoor area with a hot tub for enjoying flower baths and other pampering. The treatment rooms are not particularly spectacular, but the massages were very good and relaxing.

Fitness

The resort’s fitness area is huge and offers a variety of sporting activities. A highlight is the authentic golf simulator, where you can train together with a pro golfer. There is also an outdoor putting area.

There are also tennis and paddle tennis courts, which can be used free of charge or booked for training. Here we tested paddle tennis for the first time and were thrilled to see how much fun this sport is.
Of course, a classic, well-equipped gym is also offered!

Restaurants & Breakfast 

Thanks to the size of the island, there are numerous culinary choices at the resort:

Let’s start with the Signature Collection’s exclusive restaurant: the …
Here Signature Collection guests can enjoy an exclusive breakfast, relax in the lounge with pool during the day and enjoy an exclusive dinner in the evening, which exceeded all our expectations. The dishes were a true explosion of flavor.

These are other restaurants at Hideaway Beach Resort that Signature Collection guests can also enjoy:

• The Oasis: the Signature Collection’s exclusive restaurant. Here, breakfast can be enjoyed in a private setting. The lounge also invites you to relax during the day, has its own pool and offers special wines and champagnes. We especially enjoyed dinner at The Oasis – it was one of the best meals we’ve ever had in the Maldives.
• Meeru Bar & Grill: Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes that are sure to satisfy any taste. You can sit on the sun deck directly at the lagoon to watch small sharks and stingrays.
• Matheefaru: The Hideaway’s buffet restaurant, where breakfast is served in addition to dinner.
• Sunset Pool Café: The perfect spot to relax in the pool and sip cocktails during the day, and in the evening it transforms into a restaurant serving Asian and European dishes.
• Samsara Asian Fusion: My favorite restaurant at Hideaway Beach Resorts: Delicious Asian dishes from different regions of the continent.

Private Beach Dining

For a special occasion, a private beach barbecue can be booked. For this, a beautiful setup is arranged in the sand, with flowers and lanterns.
Sitting in this romantic ambience, under the open starry sky, is something very special. The four course meal, is prepared by a private chef on the grill. The food selection was good, but the amount of food was way too much for two to manage! Lunch is therefore better skipped before this special evening

Résumé of our stay at the Signature Collection by Hideaway Malediven

To have an all-round good time, forget any worries and enjoy a “private island” feeling, the Signature Collection of the Beach Resort in the Maldives is the ideal choice. Rarely have I experienced being able to enjoy so much private space and undisturbed tranquility as a guest. Access to the entire island is another big plus, because while many resorts in the Maldives can be circumnavigated within 10 minutes, there is an incredible amount to discover on the island of the Hideaway Beach Resort. The snorkeling is also beautiful, which is an important factor for me when evaluating a resort.
The Signature Collection is therefore a great choice for couples as well as families and friends who want to be undisturbed during their vacation, but at the same time enjoy a wide range of activities and restaurants.

→ Click here to book your stay at the Signature Collection by Hideaway

We had a sponsored stay at the Signature Collection Maldives, which does not influence my opinion and rating about the hotel.

Luxury meets sustainability! The hotel group Six Senses, stands for the harmony of humans with nature and appeal to all senses of the guests to provide a unique experience.

The Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives absolutely lives up to this concept. In this hotel review you will find all the details about our stay at the Six Senses Laamu.

My Hotel Review of the Six Senses Laamu

Location & Transfer

Six Senses Laamu is located in one of the quietest areas in Maldives, the Laamu Atoll in the south of the country. It is the only resort in the entire atoll, where otherwise only local islands are located. Around the island live numerous dolphins, there are lonely sandbanks, lots of turtles and great snorkeling spots.

Due to the rather remote location, we took a domestic flight from the international airport in Male to a local island in the Laamu Atoll. The Six Senses staff on site took care of the check in process and we were able to relax in the airport lounge until departure.

Arrived at the tiny airport Kadhdhoo we took a speedboat to the resort. On the way, the first dolphins can often be spotted.

The Six Senses Laamu has a “No Shoes. No News.” Concept, which is why we packed our shoes on the boat in a cloth bag and were barefoot throughout our stay at the resort. It’s a nice feeling of freedom to feel the warm sand under your feet.

The villas at the Six Senses Laamu

Water Villas

Most of the villas at the Six Senses Laamu are located above the water. The water villas all have the same design, but are available with or without a pool.

All villas are designed in a Robinson Crusoe style: they are made of natural materials, which is primarily wood. Inside there is a large main room with a bed, desk and sofa. There is also a separate toilet in a small room and the sinks with mirrors are located just behind the bed. Next to the bed, a door leads to the unique outdoor bathroom, which for me is the highlight of the villa. Here you will find a glass bathtub through which you can see the blue water below you, a rain shower over the lagoon, direct access to the sea and a staircase leading to a small terrace on the roof of the villa.

The water villas with pool have a door at the shower, through which you can directly access the sun terrace. Here you will find the pool, sun loungers, a dining area, a roofed lounge area and direct access to the sea. The simple water villas, have an overwater hammock in compensation to the pool.

Currently, there is no water villa at Six Senses Laamu, which has multiple bedrooms. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for couples or small families with up to a maximum of two children (the seating area next to the desk can be converted into a bed).

water villas with pool

interior of all water villas

terrace of the water villas without pool

Beach Villas

For larger families or friends traveling together, the beach villas are ideal. However, they are also suitable for couples, as they are available in different sizes and designs at the Six Senses Laamu.

All beach villas have their own pool, while the interior of the one bedroom villas is similar to the water villas.

However, there are also beach villas with two or three bedrooms. The largest villa at Six Senses Laamu is the ‘Three Bedroom Ocean Beach Ville with Pool’ which is more like a complex with a main building and adjoining smaller villas where the other bedrooms and bathrooms are located. In the main building there is a large living room, as well as a roof terrace overlooking the ocean. From the pool a path leads to the beach with sunbeds.

The concept of the Six Senses Laamu Maldives

As already mentioned, sustainability plays a major role at Six Senses Laamu. And these are not just nice words, but in this resort the harmony with nature is integrated in every idea. But wellness and the deep relaxation of the guests are also central to the concept. The goal is to throw off any stress and immerse yourself in a relaxed world.

Earth Lab & Garden

In the heart of the island is a large garden where vegetables, fruits and herbs are grown, which are used for the restaurants and in the spa! There is even a Mushroom Hut to be found: a cool wooden hut which has the ideal climate for edible mushrooms. You can’t get homegrown mushrooms fresher anywhere in the Maldives!

In the heart of the island, but well hidden from the green jungle, is the Earth Lab located, in which everything on the island is either newly created or recycled. Here, for example, furniture and decorative items are created from glass waste, new items is created from broken interior elements and fresh eggs come from the chicken farm. The Earth Lab also provides drinking water for all guests at the resort, which is filled into glass bottles. All water here is purified, made drinkable, mineralized and checked daily.

Even any textiles in the resort, such as pillowcases or the uniforms of the employees come from the island, because the Six Senses has its own tailor shop.

During your stay, be sure to ask for a tour of the Earth Lab for an interesting and inspiring behind-the-scenes look. In addition, courses are also offered at the Earth Lab, where you can f.e. learn how to make your own soap and much more!

Pool & Beach

As it is typical for the Maldives, the island is surrounded by a fine sandy beach, where there are many quiet and idyllic spots to swim or snorkel.

There is also a main pool at the resort. It is located on the beach, right next to the SipSip bar. Here you can survive the midday heat with cool cocktails and a delicious lunch menu. Unfortunately, the ravages of time have already gnawed at some of the furniture in the pool and bar area. One or the other table could use a new coat of varnish, as the protective layer is already peeling off the wood due to rain, salt and sun.

water sport & snorkeling

Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will be thrilled! The Six Senses Laamu is located in the middle of a thriving ecosystem. Already the house reef is impressive. Numerous colorful fish species and sea turtles are at home here. This is partly due to the fact that the Six Senses Laamu is one of the few resorts in the Maldives that does not remove its sea grass meadows for “aesthetic reasons”, but even protects them! The underwater fields are an important habitat for young fish, sharks and serve as the most important food source for turtles. The sea grass is in no way disturbing, but rather offers a great new experience for snorkeling. The marine biologists on the island offer free guided snorkeling tours several times a week: Alternating between the house reef and the seagrass beds.

Divers don’t miss out either! The Ocean Center “Deep Blue Divers” offers a variety of dives to different spots. Marine biologists are always present. They educate the guests about the marine life and teach them about the harmonious interaction between humans and animals.

We decided to do a Manta Speciality course during our stay as the Six Senses Laamu as it is close to several Manta Points. It was incredibly interesting to learn more about the gentle giants and to marvel at them while diving and even identify them using a database.

Kids Club

Although we only travel as a couple ourselves, we check out the Kids Club at every resort we visit, as it usually plays a central role in the vacation experience for families. Compared to other kids clubs, the one at Six Senses Laamu is not particularly large, but well equipped with indoor and outdoor areas where kids can get creative. But here’s the special part: Childcare at Six Senses isn’t all about keeping the kids busy with toys, but there is a daily varying schedule of age-appropriate activities that take place on the island. So the little ones are active and creative and learn more about nature and sustainability through play.

Spa & Wellness

Six Senses Spas are wold famous – for a good reason! They not only combine traditional methods with modern technology and medicine but als offer “different” therapies and treatments which I’ve never seen anywhere else before.

The Spa Area is located in the lush and jungly heart of the island while the treatment rooms are open and located in rooms which remind me of huge nests. It is a very cozy and most of all relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a massage. But the wellness area also includes a alchemy bar, where you learn how to create your own sustainable beauty products, yoga pavilion with yoga curses, a well equipped gym and much more! You can fully immerse into wellness throughout you whole stay!

Breakfast & Restaurants

Longitude

The main restaurant at Six Senses is Longitude, where breakfast is served every morning. Normally we are not big breakfast fans, but at Six Senses Laamu we never missed it on any day! The selection is huge and top notch. Starting with a buffet with numerous homemade dishes, cereals, fruits, juices, etc…. In addition, it is possible to order from a versatile menu, on which both sweet, classic, healthy, vegan and hearty variants can be found! Here everyone is guaranteed to find his “wow dish”! In addition, there are daily new daily specials! 10/10 points for the breakfast at Six Senses Laamu!

Once a week, a themed dinner takes place at Longitude. The theme always changes and there are numerous live cooking stations and a buffet. During our stay at Six Senses Laamu, the motto was “Asian Street Market” and we were absolutely thrilled to try many of our favorite Asian dishes!

Chill Bar

As the name suggests, the Chill Bar is the perfect place for a drink and a meal in a relaxed atmosphere from midday to evening. Since the bar is located above the water, you can also relax in hammocks over the lagoon.

Sip Sip Bar

As mentioned earlier, the SipSip Bar is located at the resort’s main pool. It is a great choice for lunch with an international á la carte menu and great cocktails. In the late afternoon there is a daily happy hour with 2 for 1 drinks, which is very popular with all guests (us included )! In the evening the bar closes, but several times a week there is an open air cinema on the beach in front of the bar.

Ice & Chocolate Studio

My favorite place in the Six Senses Resort was probably the ice cream bar, which offers free homemade ice cream daily from noon to night! There are more than 40 varieties to test

Right next door is the chocolate studio, where homemade chocolates are made and courses are offered for guests.

Speciality Restaurants

At Six Senses Laamu, indulgence is written large and the food is guaranteed never to be boring or monotonous. One reason for this are the two specialty restaurants with different themes:

Leaf

The Leaf is located in a tree house in the garden of the resort. It is entered via a hanging bridge, while guests sit directly at the open kitchen and can watch the preparation of the dishes live. The menu is small, but changes daily, depending on the season and the available ingredients. These are either from the hotel’s own garden or locally sourced. Overall, the Six Senses tries to import as little as possible and if it must be, then primarily from neighboring islands or from within the Maldives.

Zen

Zen celebrates Japanese cuisine in a traditional style. As a guest, you sit relaxed in the high restaurant above the water and enjoy great food. Especially recommended are the tasting menus with different courses, which are available as classic and vegetarian options.

Résumé of our stay at the Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses resorts are among our absolute favorites, because they surprise us again and again and inspire us with their sustainability and individuality. Not only the wellness offer is first class, but also the food options: The selection is huge and first-class.

All in all, we enjoyed an incomparable and relaxing stay at Six Senses Laamu, which is simply incomparable to any other place! The resort is the perfect choice for couples and families who are looking for a very special experience and love to enjoy casual luxury and feel connected to nature at the same time.

→ Click here to book your stay at the Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses Laamu is part of my Hotel Collection with A Small World. Book your stay through the Collection and you’ll receive unique benefits like free breakfast, an upgrade to your booked room, up to $100 hotel credit and more! Plus, you’ll find the best available rate for each hotel. Signing up for my Hotel Collection is completely free – and best of all, you can use it for any of your future hotel bookings and ALWAYS enjoy the free benefits!

→ Click here to sign up for my Hotel Collection and book your next stay!

We had a sponsored stay at Six Senses Laamu, which does not influence my opinion and rating of the hotel.

With almost 150 resorts from all price ranges and with different benefits, it can be hard to find the best resort in the Maldives for your own holiday.
During the last few years we had the chance to visit a lot of different resorts and realized that every island and hotel is unique in its own way. That’s why the question “What is the best resort in the Maldives?” has a different answer for every traveler – it all depends on your personal preferences and budget:

The best resorts in the Maldives

Every resort in the Maldives is unique in its own way. The choice for your perfect stay depends on your own taste, what you want to experience during your holiday, with which budget you are planning and which aspects of a hotel are most important to you.
In this post I matched our favorite resorts with different categories to make it easier to find your personal best resort in the Maldives.

Category I: Sustainability meets luxury

Most people think that it is not possible to spend a holiday in the Maldives which is eco-friendly and luxurious at the same time. But the rising importance of sustainability for travelers, made hotels in the Maldives adapting this aspect to their concepts. Over the last years, some resorts took their responsibility and the ingenuity to save the environment to the next level:

Soneva Fushi & Soneva Jani

price: $$$ – $$$$

Soneva stands for the epitome of sustainability in combination with luxury. The two resorts Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani not only try to be as eco friendly as possible but rather immerse with nature to give back more to the environment than what they took. The resorts have their own recycling stations, where every single produced trash will be reused. They even invented a natural procedure of water purification, support local communities, build all villas out of recycled wood, harvest their own veggies and fruits, … and so much more. Experiencing the Soneva spirit clearly showed us that it is absolutely possible to be one with nature and experience luxury at the same time!

• My Hotel Review about the Soneva Fushi
• My Hotel Review about the Soneva Jani
• Book Your Stay at the Soneva Fushi
• Book your Stay at the Soneva Jani

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

price: $$$

The Park Hyatt is a small island in the south of the Maldives and the Management of the resort takes it incredibly serious to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives. They not only work all the time on new ideas to save energy, waste and resources but also teach their guests about the importance of being one with nature. Their creativity and eco-friendly spirit blew us away!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Six Senses Laamu

price: $$$

Six Senses Resorts hold a special place in my heart! And the Six Senses Laamu is the perfect choice for everyone who loves to enjoy luxury without loosing sustainability out of sight! The Eco Lab on the island is the biggest one we’ve ever seen in a resort. Almost everything you see in the resort is made from the scratch at this place: From the furniture to the uniforms for the employees to their own drinking water and soap.

• My Hotel Review is coming soon
• Book Your Stay

Category II: Snorkeling Paradises

One of the main reasons why we fell in love with the Maldives is the unique maritime life. Especially the Baa Atoll and the South of the Maldives have vivid reefs with colorful fish, turtles, rays and sharks. But not all resorts are situated next to their own house reef. From all the islands we visited so far, these three have been the best resorts in the Maldives to go snorkeling:

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

price: $$$

Sustainability plays a big role for the health of a reef as well! Some resorts do a daily “fish & shark feeding” several times a day, but unfortunately feeding the fish disturbs their natural feeding behavior which has a big impact to the overall natural balance in the reef. Luckily many resorts stopped the fish feeding to safe their maritime life and the Park Hyatt Maldives is one of them! They have an incredibly vivid house reef all around the whole island and guests can join a guided snorkeling tour with the maritime biologist of the Park Hyatt! Snorkeling fans will love this resort just as luxury and sustainability lovers.

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Dusit Thani

price: $$ – $$$

The Baa Atoll is great for snorkeling – not only because of the great reef health but also thanks to the fact that it is located close to the UNESCO biosphere reserve Hanifaru Bay – the home of thousands of Mantas from June until November.
The Dusit Thani has one of the best house reefs we’ve ever seen! You can literally jump out of your water villa and will instantly feel like you’re in an aquarium with colorful corals, fish and turtles!

• My Hotel Review 
• Book Your Stay

Dusit Thani Maldives

Ayada Maldives

price: $$ – $$$

Another resort which we found great for snorkeling is the Ayada Maldives. Especially the reef drop in front of the water villas is extremely vivid. There was one particular spot where we always met a curious turtle and a different part of the reef with a high chance to see reef sharks.

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Ayada Maldives

Category III: Ultra Luxury Havens

Due to the high competition among the resorts in the Maldives, new hotels have to come up with creative concepts, ideas and facets of hospitality to stand out from rest. That’s why the level of luxury has absolutely no limit in the Maldives! These resorts have been the most opulent ones we visited:

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

price: $$$$

Generous villas with private pools, as big as proper swimming pools, eleven different restaurants, a Michelin starred chef and a private island for the ultimative seclusion: The Waldorf Astoria is a new and ultra luxurious hideaway in the Maldives. The special treatment begins from the second you arrive at the airport, followed by a transfer with their private yacht, the next level service, a private butler and so many more details which make the stay unforgettable!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

The Waldorf Astoria

Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani

price: $$$ – $$$$

The Soneva Resorts not only stand for the epitome of sustainability in the Maldives but also for ultra luxury and privacy. Every single villa is unique in its own way and incredibly spacious. The complete resort offers an atmosphere of exclusivity and the feeling of being united with likeminded people can be found nowhere else but here! Combined with creative restaurants, insane water villas and lots of activities, Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani are the ultimate bucket list resorts in the Maldives!

• My Hotel Review about the Soneva Fushi
• Book Your Stay at the Soneva Fushi
• My Hotel Review about the Soneva Jani
• Book your Stay at the Soneva Jani

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

price: $$$$

Far in the South of the Maldives, the Raffles offers a small intimate hideaway for a maximum of privacy, an incredible overwater spa and one of the best cuisines we ever experienced in the Maldives. The Beach Villas are proper apartments with a private pool and garden. The water villas are separated from the main island and can only be reached by boat! The Raffles is one of the smallest islands we’ve ever been to but at the same time one of our favorites as well.

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Patina Maldives

price: $$$$

One of the latest resort openings in the Maldives is the Patina – a new luxury hotel brand. The island is connected with the Ritz-Carlton and soon Capella Maldives to a concept called Fari Islands.
The resort is built on an artificial island with a main focus on art. Guests can find art pieces all around the resort – some of them even in the villas and others are interactive to set foot in them. But what really blew us away is the ultra luxurious breakfast and the incredible water villas of the Patina which are one of a kind, sustainably built and spacious!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Category IV: Budget friendly choices

There are countless resorts in the Maldives and the prices per night only have the sky as the limit. But beside the many luxury islands there are a handful of affordable hotels in the Maldives which offer the same paradisiac scenery as the luxury resorts.

If you’re interested in booking a budget friendly Maldives trip, I can highly recommend you to check out the small local company Maldives Secrets! They offer holidays on local islands, affordable resorts and boat safaris in the Maldives!

SAii Lagoon Maldives

price: $ – $$

The SAii Lagoon is a nice and cozy resort, not far from Male. Beside Beach and Water Villas you can also stay in  Beach apartments which are an even more affordable option. The island offers paradise beaches with lush palm trees and blue waters and thanks to the connection with the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, you have a big selection of activities and restaurants.

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

LUX* South Ari

price: $$

One resort with the best price value ratio in the Maldives is the LUX* South Ari. The amount of experiences and activities on the islands, the beautiful villas and the great choices of restaurants are incredible for the price you pay per night! The LUX* South Ari definitely belongs to our Top 5 Resorts in the Maldives!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Local Islands

price: $

The most budget friendly and authentic way to experience the Maldives, is staying in a hotel or guest house on a local island. These islands are clearly something else than the resorts, but I was surprised to see that it is in fact possible to experience the “Maldives Feeling” without the need to spend a fortune. The beaches, lush palm trees and endless blue water is just as amazing as on the resort islands.
In 2021 we visited the local island Dharavandhoo in the South of the Maldives where we stayed at the Kiha Beach Hotel. We absolutely loved this experience and did wonderful snorkeling & sand bank tours!

• Book Your Stay

Category V: Party & Fun

People often associated the Maldives with being a “honey moon destination” just for couples. But while it is indeed one of the most romantic places you could travel to, there are a few resorts which are great for friends or couples traveling together which like to enjoy a little party in paradise and meet others.

Finolhu

price: $$

The Finolhu is probably THE resort in the Maldives for young adults and party lovers. With the legendary One Oak Beach Club and daily shows, live music or DJ’s you won’t have the chance to feel bored. Of course you can always draw back to your private Beach or Water Villa but as soon as you step put of it you will meet likeminded and fun people!

• Book Your Stay

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

price: $$

YES! There is a Hard Rock Hotel in the Maldives and it is exactly the way you imagine it to be: Fun and Easy Going! I’m talking about Pool Parties, Casual Beach BBQ’s, Sunset Cocktail Sessions and Live Music in the Evening. The Resort is part of the Crossroads, a multi island concept, which offers the possibility to cruise between three different islands during your stay and use all facilities and restaurants!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

best-resorts-finlohu-maldives

sunset-hard-rock-hotel-maldives

Pullman Maldives

price: $$$

Do you want to have the best of both worlds? Relaxing beach vibes and a lonely island feeling combined with get togethers at the pool and cocktail bar with other guests? Then you will love the Pullman Maldives with an Ultra Luxury All Inclusive concept: Enjoy the finest Champagne, Fresh Cocktails and amazing food all day long and meet great people!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Category VI: Family Friendly Resorts

Traveling to the Maldives with kids is a great idea – but not all resorts are suitable for families since some of them are Adult Only properties. But the local people in the Maldives are extremely kids friendly and you will find amazing resorts which are great for families:

LUX* South Ari

price: $$

One of our favorite resorts in the Maldives is the LUX* South Ari. No matter if you’re traveling with friends, as a couple or family with small kids or teenagers: This resort will make everyone happy! The kids club looked amazing and offers lots of activities, like coconut painting at the beach. Every few times a week the LUX* South Ari sets up an outdoor cinema at the beach after dinner where they show a family friendly movie first followed by a second one for adults. Different Pools, lots of space, an amazing spa and a large number of restaurants make it easy to find a suiting spot for everyones preferences!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Soneva Fushi

price: $$$ – $$$$

Soneva is not only a playground for adults but very family oriented as well. They have one of the biggest kids clubs in the Maldives with a kids pool, a cocktail bar for the little ones (where they serve healthy juices), lots of outdoor and indoor activities and the kind staff brings the kids closer to nature and sustainability!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Emerald Maldives

price: $$ – $$$

Staying at an All Inclusive Resort is a great idea if you’re traveling with a bigger family cause otherwise the costs for food and drinks can quickly sum up! The Emerald Maldives is a lovely All Inclusive Resort with lots of things to experience. Their concept not only includes different dining options but also experiences like dolphin cruises and water sport activities. Additionally the resort has a great kids club with a huge outdoor area where you can find a water park, play ground and trampolines for the little ones!

• My Hotel Review
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Category VII: The Allrounder

You can’t really decide what you want or don’t like to lean towards a specific direction to decide for your personal best resort in the Maldives? Then the following resorts are a great choice for you. They offer lots of activities, different dining choices, the right villa category for all preferences and of course the luxurious tropical feeling you’re looking for in the Maldives:

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

price: $$ – $$$

The best beach we’ve ever seen in the Maldives can be found at the Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island! The island is rather small but surely will give you the ultimate paradise feeling! Combined with amazing dining options, unique villas and the quiet location, the Jumeirah easily belongs to the best resorts in the Maldives!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Conrad Maldives

price: $$$

You can’t go wrong with booking a stay at the Conrad Maldives! It is a lovely resort which connects two different islands via a jetty and is in fact the first resort we ever visited in the Maldives. I love their Beach Villas just as much as the newly renovated Water Villas and no matter if you like to dine casual at the beach or want to experience an exclusive dinner under the sea – you can find it all at the Conrad Maldives.

• Book Your Stay

Conrad Maldives

Constance Halaveli

price: $$

Heavenly Beaches, photogenic swings and wonderful water or beach villas with pool: The Constance Halaveli is a cozy and laid back resort for couples. You will love the overwater spa and restaurant! The only thing we missed during our stay have been bicycles since the Constance Halaveli has one of the longest overwater jetties in the Maldives! But walking through paradise or taking the buggy isn’t so bad either..

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

Ayada Maldives

price: $$ – $$$

One of the very few resorts we visited twice already is the Ayada Maldives! The island offers a great amount of activities and places to relax that we still found new ones during our second visit. Additionally the Ayada has amazing water villas with pool and outdoor relaxing areas where you can instantly jump in the water to go snorkeling along the beautiful reef drop!

• My Hotel Review
• Book Your Stay

No matter which category you’re deciding for – we loved all the resorts above for different reasons! If you still have questions about a certain one of them, make sure to check out my hotel reviews for more infos and pictures or send me a message via Instagram!

disclaimer: If you book your stay via the booking links of this post, we’ll get a little commission from the hotel – without any extra charges for you! So thank you for supporting our small business

Imagine to enjoy the heavenly island life in the Maldives but having the freedom of hopping between multiple resorts, visiting different restaurants each night or meet new people. Sounds like it’s not possible? Well, it actually is at the SAii Lagoon which is part of the Crossroads – the first multi-island concept in the Maldives. Find out in this Hotel Review what makes the SAii Lagoon so different from all other resorts in the Maldives!

The SAii Lagoon, Curio Collection by Hilton

LOCATION & TRANSFER

The SAii Lagoon is nestled in the South Male Atoll so after arriving at the international Velana Airport in Male you just have to jump on a boat for a quick 15-minutes transfer to the Crossroads Marina Island. This is extremely convenient cause other than waiting for another one or two hours at the airport for a seaplane transfer you can directly check in to your villa and jump into the blue lagoon just a few moments after arriving to the Maldives!

The Rooms & Villas

During our stay we stayed in an Overwater Villa which we absolutely loved and checked out different room categories to have a better overview of which room categories the SAii Lagoon has to offer:

Overwater Villa

The Overwater Villas are located at a jetty over the lagoon. They all have a view over the endless blue ocean without anything blocking your view! Bicycles make it easy to get around the island or to ride to the Marina Island. They are based on a share system so everyone is free to grab any bicycle.

The interior of the villas is bright with playful color decorations and many art pieces which lets stepping into your villa feeling like arriving at home. I loved the great view over the lagoon right from the bed which is the best feeling when you wake up in the morning. Through a sliding door you enter the bathroom with a wardrobe, separate toilet and a rain shower with ocean view.

The best part is definitely the terrace with sun beds, private ocean access via a staircase, a hammock to relax right over the blue water and even a free standing bathtub – how cool is that!? In the morning I loved to make myself a cup of tea, sit in the hammock and simply enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere.

other room categories:

Beach Villas

For everyone who loves to have the beach just one step away from your bedroom the Beach Villas are the best choice. My favorite part was the bathroom which is partly inside but also outdoors in a private patio where you can enjoy a bubble bath in the open air. From there a wooden door leads to your private beach area with sun beds and a hammock hanging between palm trees which are swinging in the sunshine, for the the ultimate “lonely island” vibes. Some of the Beach Villas also come with a private pool!

Sky & Beach Rooms

Beside the Villas, the SAii Lagoon also has two-storey beach houses with rooms. These are the most affordable categories of the SAii and also a great choice for families or friends which like to stay close together but having their private spaces.

Both room categories are basically the same but the Sky Rooms are located upstairs with a balcony and the Beach rooms are – as the name already implies – downstairs with a terrace and direct beach access.

2-Bedroom Overwater Villa

The biggest room category of the SAii Lagoon is the huge 2-Bedroom Overwater Villa with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms with a living room in between. Outdoors is a big terrace with a lot of space to chill in the sunshine with friends or the whole family and a private pool right over the lagoon.

Specials of the SAii Lagoon Maldives

Crossroads

The SAii Lagoon is part of the first multi-island concept with two resorts and a “Marina Island” with different restaurants, shops, spa, water sport activities and much more! The three islands are connected and all guests can move around freely to use all facilities. It’s a super unique concept in the Maldives. Find out more about the concept in my Crossroads Maldives blog post!

The Pool, Beach & Water Sports

A lovely sandy beach is located all around the resort. One side of the island is facing the open sea which is where the beach villas are located and on the other side you overlook the beautiful turquoise lagoon with the second resort behind it. Here you find several sun beds and many hidden hammocks which are the best spots to relax and enjoy a good book while listening to the waves.

To refresh during the strong midday heat, we loved to jump in the main pool and enjoy our lunch at the pool bar. At the Ms. Olive Oyl pool bar you have casual choices like pizza, sandwiches and salads. The pool and the area around it are a great place to watch the sunset in the evening.

Many activities can be done at the water sports center such as riding jet skis or booking a snorkeling tour. All non-motorized activities like kayaks or paddle boards can be rented for free. You can use these to reach a little snorkeling spot in the lagoon – just five minutes away from the beach. It’s a rock with corals & anemones surrounded by some tuna statues. Unfortunately this is the only snorkeling spot which is directly accessible from the resort since the island has no house reef but you can book a snorkeling trip to explore the nearby reefs.

The Garden

In the center of the island is a little garden where vegetables, herbs and chili is grown to use them in the restaurants. During our second stay at the SAii Lagoon it has been great to see that the garden even has been extended.

Breakfast & Restaurants

Miss Olive Oyl

Beside the Pool Bar and a small café there are two restaurants on the island of the SAii. The first one is a Mediterranean beachfront restaurant with specialities from the grill called Miss Olive Oyl.

Breakfast

The breakfast buffet is served in the Beach Club on the Marina Island which is connected with the SAii Lagoon via small bridge. Beside the buffet which contains warm and cold items, as well as Maldivian and International choices, it is also possible to order additional hot dishes such as Eggs Benedict. I also loved the little Mimosa Station with wich you can start your day with some bubbles.

Mr. TomYam

My favorite dining option on the SAii Lagoon property is the Mr. TomYam Restaurant right at the beach. It’s only open for dinner and has a Thai-Italian fusion kitchen! Sounds strange but it is really tasty and something we’ve never tried before: Like Khao Pad meets risotto or Green Curry meets Pizza! Definitely make sure to try Mr. TomYam during your visit.

Additionally to the two restaurants on the island, all other dining possibilities on the Marina Island and the Hard Rock Hotel can be enjoyed as well.

RÉSUMÉ

The SAii Lagoon is a great & more affordable option in the Maldives for all kind of travelers: No matter if families, friends or couples. The island itself is relatively small and cozy but due to the Crossroads concept you also have the possibility to celebrate at the Beach Club on the Marina Island or visit the Hard Rock Cafe for a Live Music show. The SAii Lagoon offers the best of both worlds, Fun and Relaxation!

Click here to organize your own stay the SAii Lagoon Maldives

We had a sponsored stay at the SAii Lagoon which does not influence my opinion and review about the resort.

Tiny islands in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by turquoise lagoons, vivid reefs and lonely sandbanks. This is the picture we all have in our heads, when we think about the Maldives. And no matter if you’re traveling to this paradise to escape the wintertime or to celebrate a special occasion – the Maldives are a bucket list destination, everyone wants to visit at least once in a lifetime. The Maldives Travel Guide will help you to plan your trip and gives you useful travel tips for the Maldives!

The Maldives Travel Guide

Entry & Exit Requirements for the Maldives

Due to the current situation, a few requirements to travel to the Maldives have changed. This is a checklist of everything you need to enter the Maldives:

• your passport that is still valid from 6 months of estimated departure date
• a negative PCR test result which has been taken not more than 96 hours prior your departure from the first port of embarkation on the way to the Maldives, regardless of your vaccination status.
• your personal QR-Code of the Traveller Health Declaration which has to be filled online within 24 hrs before your flight to the Maldives via IMUGA. This means you can still do it last minute on the way to the airport via your smartphone, in case you forgot it!
• a booking confirmation for your whole stay which has to be presented at the check in counter at the airport

For your return flight make sure to check the entry requirements of the country your traveling to and the requirements your airline might have! When we’ve been to the Maldives at the end of 2021 we met a few travelers on their way back home to Germany which did not have a PCR test. Germany doesn’t require it for fully vaccinated passengers, but the airline Emirates wanted to see a negative PCR test result for all their flights during that time!
You also need to fill the online Traveller Health Declaration again, within 24 hrs before your return flight.

When is the best time to travel to the Maldives?

Yes, there is a wet and dry season in the Maldives which means that you have a high and low season for tourists! Dry season is between November and April. These months are high season in the Maldives since most travelers use the Christmas, New Years and Easter Holidays to flee from the cold weather.
But even after April, when the “wet season” starts, you can still travel to the Maldives and have incredible weather! The weather in the Maldives is very unpredictable due to the changing winds. So far we traveled to the Maldives during all times of the year and mostly had sunny weather – regardless of the month! Rain showers usually happen at night or early in the morning and normally they just last for a short time until the sky clears up again. We also visited the Maldives during dry season a few times already and still experienced rain showers! There is simply no chance for 100% sun or 100% rain in a tropical destination like the Maldives.

Traveling outside of the peak season, during the winter months, also means skipping the highest room rates of the year! Many resorts are fully booked during high season which results in higher prices!
Between May and November you have the once in a lifetime chance to swim with hundreds of wild Manta rays and even whale sharks at Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll.  The best time to visit Hanifaru Bay is between June and early October.

How many days are ideal for the Maldives?

To fully immerse into the island life and recharge your batteries in the warm sunshine, I would recommend to stay at least 7 nights in the Maldives! Since all islands in the Maldives are unique and different from each other, I highly recommend island hopping during your trip. It is ideal to visit two or three different resorts or/and local islands and stay three to four nights on each of them!
To make the transfer between the islands less expensive and time consuming, choose different islands within one atoll for a direct transfer via boat or seaplane.

What are the best resorts and islands in the Maldives?

This question has a different answer for everyone! It all depends on your personal preferences, what you like to do during your stay and with whom you’re traveling to the Maldives. Find the perfect resort for you in my Best Resorts in the Maldives Blog Post!

How to get around in the Maldives?

As a nation with around 1,200 islands, the only way to get around in the Maldives is either by speed boat, sea plane or domestic flight. The mode of transportation varies with the distance you need to travel. Traveling within one atoll usually happens with a speed boat which is normally less expensive than flying. If you’re traveling between several atolls than you will most likely take the most scenic way of traveling: a sea plane flight over the Maldives.
To reach atolls far in the South or North like Gaafu Alifu Atoll, you need to take a longer domestic flight from the international airport in Male to a small domestic airport from where you’ll take an additional speed boat to your final resort or island.

Seaplane flights with TMA

The most beautiful perspective to see the Maldives is from up in the air! Seaplanes fly relatively low which offer the most beautiful view over the islands, reefs and sometimes even Mantas from above!

If your resort requires a seaplane transfer, your hotel representatives will pick you up after landing from your International flight and guide you to the check in of TMA (Trans Maldivian Airlines). Usually you have to wait 30 minutes until max. 2 hours for your flight with the seaplane! But no worries, you can relax in the TMA lounge until boarding. The seaplanes have their own boarding area at the Velana International Airport, with the only difference, that the runway is on the water!

The planes are quite small, with mostly window seats. Passengers don’t get a seat number on their ticket so make sure to board the plane early and save yourself a good spot in the front. The other amazing thing about seaplanes in the Maldives: The cockpit has no door and you’re sitting directly behind the barefoot pilots, watching the flight from their perspective.

When booking your stay with a resort, keep in mind that the price for the transfer is not included in the room rate and will be added during the last step of the booking process. The rate depends on your resort and the mode of transportation. Seaplane transfers cost up to 350,- USD per person and direction. However speed boat transfers are usually less expensive. But you will be surprised that the most expensive transfer in the Maldives is actually by water: The private yacht of the Waldorf Astoria Maldives costs around 800,- USD per person and direction!

What to pack for a trip to the Maldives:

When you’re planning a trip to the Maldives there are a few things you should definitely put on your packing list to make your stay even more memorable:

• Mosquito repellent: At tropical places like the Maldives you will naturally find insects like mosquitos. Especially in the evening and when you’re staying in a Beach Villa. That’s why bringing a mosquito repellent spray will make your evenings on the verandah itch-free!
• Sun blocker: This may sound obvious but packing enough sun blocker for your Maldives vacation is very important! Use a reef friendly SPF50 sun blocker free from Octocrylene to stay safe while snorkeling without harming the wild life and don’t forget to pack a hat and sun glasses as well!
• Universal charger: The Maldives used to be a British Colony so the power plugs and sockets are mostly type G like in the UK. Newer resorts usually have at least one International power outlet in the room or villa but to be sure I would suggest to pack a universal adapter!
• Watersports gear: If you like to snorkel or get active on the water make sure to pack your own gear! Snorkels and goggles can usually be rented for free at the resorts but we prefer to take our own ones with us during our trips. Additionally you might like to pack a GoPro to capture underwater photos, a waterproof bag to keep your belongings dry while kayaking or water shoes for snorkeling.
• Beach cover ups: While staying in the Maldives, you will spend most of your time in bathing suits. But to quickly cover up to go to the pool bar or get some lunch, the easiest way is putting on a loose dress or kimono!

Click here to check out some of my favorite Swimsuits and Cover ups!

Can I bring a drone to the Maldives?

Drones are a great way to capture beautiful photos from the Maldivian islands, seen from above! From this perspective the islands and turquoise lagoons look even more magical. It is allowed to fly your drone in the Maldives but most resorts restrict them on the island to secure the privacy of their guests. But if you ask for permission the resort might allow you to fly it at specific places.
If you take a boat trip to a lonely sandbank or visit a beach on a local island, then flying a drone is no problem at all! Just make sure you’re not close to an airport or in an area where aircrafts are operating. Additionally it is forbidden to fly at biosphere reserve areas like Hanifaru Bay.

We are big fans of our DJI Mavic which is always in our electronics backpack. If your a drone beginner, this much lighter and less expensive drone is a great choice for you!

The Maldives are paradise on earth

The Maldives truly are the ultimate paradise you imagine it to be and a trip to these tiny islands will be romantic, unforgettable and can be adventurous as well! If you plan your trip according to my Maldives travel guide your vacation will surely be unforgettable!

If you have any other questions or need more Maldives travel tips, simply put them in the comments below or send me a direct message via Instagram!

Make sure to check out:

• The best resorts in the Maldives – find the right hotel for your stay!

The Crossroads is the very first multi-island concept in the Maldives – but it’s way more than just a connection of two resorts. It’s a whole new way of experiencing this paradise for all travelers who like to have the best of both worlds: Relaxation at empty beaches and the freedom of hopping between different restaurants & bars, go shopping, dancing at pool parties and so much more! The possibilities are endless

So what exactly can you do at the Crossroads and is it the right concept for everyone? Find the answers below:

The Crossroads Maldives

The Location and how to get there?

The Crossroads islands are just a quick 15-20 minutes speed boat transfer away from the Velana international airport in Male and part of the South Male Atoll. The shuttle is free of charge for resort and day guests.

Which islands belong to the Crossroads?

Right now the Crossroads is a union of three islands:

• The SAii Lagoon – a very laidback resort which is perfect for relaxation
  → Find my Hotel Review about the SAii Lagoon Maldives here!
• The Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – The famous brand is known for fun & parties which is exactly what this resort is about
  → Find my Hotel Review about the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives here!
• The Marina Island – The centerpiece of the Crossroads with all the different activities & amenities

There are plans to open more resorts as part of the Crossroads in the next few years but which hotel brands these will be is still not figured out.

What exactly is the concept?

As the first multi-island concept the Crossroads invented holidays in the Maldives in a new way while still being the paradise you’re expecting during your vacation. All guests of the two resorts can move between all three islands freely to use any amenities. This means that SAii Lagoon Guests can join a pool party at the Hard Rock Hotel and Hard Rock guests relax at the quiet beach of the SAii.

Additionally the Marina Island is open for day guests during normal times. Due to Covid no day guests are allowed but of course this will change again once the pandemic is over. This also makes it to the perfect hideaway if you’re looking for a nice place to relax a few hours before your flight from Male or simply for a day visit.
Additionally the Marina is a fully equipped harbour where Yachts and boats can be moored and maintained during a break on the open sea and to go to the restaurants or chill at the Beach Club.

My favorite places on the Marina Island:

The Beach Club

Just some steps away from the SAii Lagoon is the Beach Club located with a huge and beautiful pool and many sun beds & cabanas at the beach or the pool. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a lazy day in the sunshine with great cocktails, food and music while meeting new people or simply to relax.

Maldives Discovery Center

Normally you don’t get much contact with the traditional culture and the history of the Maldives if you visit one of the luxury resorts. But the Crossroads has its own Maldives Discovery Center which is an interactive exhibition for young and old. Learn about the unique ecosystem of the Maldives & how to protect it, who the first settlers where and way more interesting facts! It’s a great way to see that the Maldives are much more than just a holiday destination with lovely hotels and beaches.

Restaurants

At the Crossroads you find a huge variety of culinary choices from cafés and light lunch snacks to fine dining options. Additionally hotel guests can use all restaurants of the SAii Lagoon and Hardrock Hotel too!

On the Marina Island my favorite restaurant for lunch is the Thai Bistro Kintao which serves authentic Thai food like Pad Thai, spicy soups or curry.
The most famous restaurant on the Marina Island is definitely the Hard Rock Cafe with live music every few days: perfect for some drinks in the evening.

During our last night at the Crossroads we decided to try the “restaurant hopping” culinary journey tour and it has been our favorite dinner experience during the stay! You get picked up at your resort with a fancy Rolls-Royce style buggy and change the restaurant for every course with pairing wines and drinks.
The appetizer is served at the world renowned Ministry of Crab which is one of Asias  50’s best restaurants! Followed by several small plates at the Japanese restaurant Nihonbashi. My personal highlight has been the main course and dessert at the Carne Diem Steakhouse. It has a unique grill which gets up to 750°C which lets every single steak get cooked to perfection! I’ve never had such a good & tasty meat in my life!

Résumé – Is the CROSSROADS Maldives for everyone?

Now that I told you everything about this new concept in the Maldives and what makes it special you probably ask yourself if the Crossroads is the right choice for your Maldives vacation. To answer this question you should ask yourself: How important is it to you to have different activities and dining choices during your trip? Do you like to relax but also to have the possibility to party and meet new people? If the answer is yes then you will love the Crossroads! But if you’re looking for the ultimate lonely island vibe and love to go snorkeling right from the beach the Crossroads might not be your favorite choice to stay at but maybe for a day visit before flying back home from Male?

We definitely enjoyed our time here and one thing is for sure: With all these activities and choices we never felt boring during the entire stay

Click here to plan your stay at the Crossroads

You may also like to read

• My Hotel Review about SAii Lagoon Maldives

• My Hotel Review about the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

All resorts in the Maldives are unique and different. Usually they are either lush and green or have dreamy beaches. They either have shallow lagoons which are perfect for swimming or a vivid reef which is ideal for snorkeling. There are only a handful of resorts which cover all of these points – but the Constance Halaveli is definitely one of them!

Read about our whole stay at this luxury hotel in my hotel review:

Constance Halaveli Maldives

LOCATION & TRANSFER

The Constance Halaveli is located in the North Ari atoll of the Maldives which lies west of the capital Male. That’s why the resort is quickly reached via a 25 minutes seaplane transfer. After arriving at the international airport in Male we got welcomed by the airport staff and escorted to the beautiful Constance Lounge right at the seaplane boarding area. While waiting for our flight we enjoyed some refreshments, watched the seaplanes and did a PCR-Test which is mandatory for all guests.

The Villas

During our stay at the Constance Halaveli we had the chance to test both of their villa categories: A Beach Villa and a Water Villa. This is what we liked the most about both categories:

Beach Villa with Pool

The first nights we stayed in a wonderful Beach Villa with ocean access and a private beach area. All Beach Villas are surrounded by a lush greenery for a maximum of privacy – we felt like we were on a lonely island. Additionally the many palm trees at the beach offer shady spots to hide from the strong midday heat.

Our villa was located on the sunrise side of the island which is perfect for swimming! The water is clear and turquoise and you can walk for hundred meters through the shallow lagoon.

The outdoor area consists of a roofed terrace, two sun beds and a little pool to refresh. But since we’ve been just one step away from the beach we always went into the incredible blue ocean and enjoyed our private paradise beach.

Inside the Beach Villa is one big room with a desk, the huge bed and the TV. Right behind it is the separate toilet and a big wardrobe located.

A double door leads outside into the amazing outdoor bathroom which left us speechless! It reminded us of a zen garden with a shower, two sinks, a roofed bath tub and even two sun beds to enjoy the atmosphere. What could be better than enjoying your morning shower under lush tropical trees with chirping birds all around you!
This insane bathroom and the fact that you’re so close to the beach is one of the biggest advantages of sleeping in a Beach Villa!

Water Villa with Pool

The Water Villas of the Constance Halaveli are very luxurious and beautiful too which makes it hard to decide between both categories.

All Water Villas have a big deck with a beautiful infinity pool and a second lower deck with a staircase which leads into the lagoon to go snorkeling. Just some meters away from your villa you will already see the reef drop with a vivid marine life.

The interior of the water villas is very cozy with a big bedroom on the one side and the luxurious bathroom on the other side. I especially loved the shower with ocean view and the freestanding bathtub which invites you for a bubble bath with pool & lagoon view. The glassed doors of the bathroom can be completely opened which gives you the feeling that it’s located on the terrace. But don’t worry about the privacy! All water villas have a wooden sight protection.

The jetty of the Constance Halaveli with 57 water villas, an overwater spa and another restaurant and shop, is the longest jetty I’ve ever seen in the Maldives. We slept in the last but one villa and really enjoyed the privacy. We just would have loved to have a bicycle to get around the island so we wouldn’t always have to call a buggy or walk along the long jetty before arriving on the island. But beside that we absolutely enjoyed everything about the beautiful water villas!

The Concept of the Constance Halaveli Maldives

The Pool & Beach

All Villas of the Constance Halaveli do have their own private pool but additionally you find a big pool which is surrounded by palm trees right at the main beach, restaurant and bar of the resort. You can either relax in one of the sun beds or the cabanas and change between refreshing in the pool or in the ocean depending on what you’re in the mood for The area is also a nice spot to watch the sunset behind the water villas.

Water sports and snorkeling

All non motorized water sport equipment like snorkels, fins, kayaks, paddle boards etc. can be rented for free during your stay. But you can also rent a jet ski or join one of their many tours for a fair price!

If you wanna go snorkeling I can highly recommend the reef drop behind the water villas which are facing the open sea. The reef and especially the drop are full of colorful reef fish and little sharks. Not all resorts are surrounded by such a vivid marine life so we spent hours exploring the reef

Breakfast & Restaurants

There are three restaurant in total at the Constance Halaveli and two bars. We’ve been positively surprised about the moderate prices for food and beverages in combination with the great quality of the food. In other resorts we would have paid way more. Especially the two à la carte restaurants have been excellent!

Main Restaurant Jahaz

The biggest restaurant Jahaz is opened daily for a breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet while the dinner theme is changing every night.
We were positively surprised by the many options they offer for breakfast with an egg station and another one to order fresh waffles & pancakes. If you’re in the mood for it you can even grab a glass of champagne to start your day with a little extra boost  The staff was always extremely kind and prudent so in case we had a special wish for our breakfast which we couldn’t find on the buffet they made it happen anyway!

Barefoot Grill Restaurant Meeru

The Meeru is only opened for dinner and serves a fresh selection of fish and meat choices from the grill. The restaurant is located right at the beach under the palm trees for a romantic atmosphere. We ordered a beef tenderloin steak and grilled reef fish and really loved both dishes!

Overwater Restaurant Jing

The Jing Restaurant has been my favorite! It’s located over water and you’re sitting right on the jetty with fish and shark swimming right below you. The cuisine is a fusion of Asian delights with European influences. The ingredients of all dishes go really well together and the dishes are served in a beautiful way – for a delicious dinner experience!

RÉSUMÉ

The Constance Halaveli offers all aspects that make a vacation in the Maldives so special: perfect paradise beaches, tropical palm trees, amazing snorkeling conditions and beautiful villas. No matter if you’re traveling as a couple and want a lot of privacy or as a family with kids – you will fall in love with the resort!
The staff of the Constance Halaveli has always been a next level of kind and courteous which made our stay even more memorable.

Click here to organize your own stay the Constance Halaveli

Find more reviews of my favorite hotels around the world here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Constance Halaveli.