Though most of the beach is dwindled and much of the property feels worn out, things are looking up for Ellaidhoo Maldives (formerly the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo). Acquired by the Sri Lankan luxury brand, Cinnamon, this 112-room, upper-middle-range, family-friendly resort is undergoing renovations to some facilities and may get an overall facelift in 2016. Until then, guests still have plenty of (sometimes well-worn) features to choose from, including a full-service spa, squash and tennis courts, kids' play area, infinity pool, and excursions. The newer Water Villas are the brightest and most appealing rooms, but other categories can be a good value for families, and adventurous snorkelers and divers should jump at the chance to explore underneath the convex-shaped island. The Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is a little closer to Male and has better beaches, so it may be worth comparing rates.
Though most of the beach is dwindled and much of the property feels worn out, things are looking up for Ellaidhoo Maldives (formerly the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo). Acquired by the Sri Lankan luxury brand, Cinnamon, this 112-room, upper-middle-range, family-friendly resort is undergoing renovations to some facilities and may get an overall facelift in 2016. Until then, guests still have plenty of (sometimes well-worn) features to choose from, including a full-service spa, squash and tennis courts, kids' play area, infinity pool, and excursions. The newer Water Villas are the brightest and most appealing rooms, but other categories can be a good value for families, and adventurous snorkelers and divers should jump at the chance to explore underneath the convex-shaped island. The Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is a little closer to Male and has better beaches, so it may be worth comparing rates.
Fun Island is one of the most affordable resorts in the Maldives -- but you get what you pay for. The property is dated and the food is mediocre. Still, a nice coral reef and reasonable rates make this resort is a solid choice for water sports, excursions, and beach-going. Visitors should also consider Embudu Village, which has similar prices and more impressive (and cleaner) beaches.
Fun Island is one of the most affordable resorts in the Maldives -- but you get what you pay for. The property is dated and the food is mediocre. Still, a nice coral reef and reasonable rates make this resort is a solid choice for water sports, excursions, and beach-going. Visitors should also consider Embudu Village, which has similar prices and more impressive (and cleaner) beaches.
This upper-middle-range, 282-room resort is one of the largest in the Maldives. Inconsistent service, aging rooms, and extra fees for snorkel gear and Wi-Fi may leave some with a sour taste in their mouths. Under the umbrella of Villa Hotels, the property opened in 1994 and is located in North Male Atoll, about a 30-minute boat ride from the airport (transportation is paid upon arrival). The incredible white-sand beaches surrounding the island are the main draw, and the there are also expansive grounds (expect to walk), excursions, a dive center, and a la carte restaurants, though most will be eating at the buffet with assigned tables and bland food. If the budget allows, couples should consider upgrading to the overwater units for contemporary decor and a slight spike in service. For the price, it's also worth considering Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
This upper-middle-range, 282-room resort is one of the largest in the Maldives. Inconsistent service, aging rooms, and extra fees for snorkel gear and Wi-Fi may leave some with a sour taste in their mouths. Under the umbrella of Villa Hotels, the property opened in 1994 and is located in North Male Atoll, about a 30-minute boat ride from the airport (transportation is paid upon arrival). The incredible white-sand beaches surrounding the island are the main draw, and the there are also expansive grounds (expect to walk), excursions, a dive center, and a la carte restaurants, though most will be eating at the buffet with assigned tables and bland food. If the budget allows, couples should consider upgrading to the overwater units for contemporary decor and a slight spike in service. For the price, it's also worth considering Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.
Situated on its own private island in the southern part of the North Male Atoll, Baros Maldives is a romantic, luxury property offering 75 swish villas, many with their own private pools and/or direct access to the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Extensive property features include multiple restaurants with an emphasis on seafood, a beautiful infinity pool, and a white sand beach that stretches all around the island. There's also a lovely spa with wellness and beauty treatments, in addition to a well-equipped fitness center and a host of activities, from yoga to diving to marine biologist tours. Overall, it's a wonderful place to stay, especially due to how close it is to Male and its airport. Although all-inclusive packages are available, travelers wanting a value-packed all-inclusive resort should consider Kuredu Island Resort & Spa.
Situated on its own private island in the southern part of the North Male Atoll, Baros Maldives is a romantic, luxury property offering 75 swish villas, many with their own private pools and/or direct access to the surrounding turquoise lagoon. Extensive property features include multiple restaurants with an emphasis on seafood, a beautiful infinity pool, and a white sand beach that stretches all around the island. There's also a lovely spa with wellness and beauty treatments, in addition to a well-equipped fitness center and a host of activities, from yoga to diving to marine biologist tours. Overall, it's a wonderful place to stay, especially due to how close it is to Male and its airport. Although all-inclusive packages are available, travelers wanting a value-packed all-inclusive resort should consider Kuredu Island Resort & Spa.
This small, upscale resort with lower prices (and less luxury) than sister property Exotica draws couples of many nationalities. The naturally heart-shaped island has narrow but pretty beaches as well as free snorkel access to a shipwreck and 1,000-year-old coral. The 62 thatched-roof rooms (which include Beach Villas, Water Villas, and two-bedroom suites with private pools) have understated, contemporary decor and private outdoor space; there may be minor maintenance issues (usually fixed promptly by an efficient and friendly staff). For the small size, there is a great food and beverage program (a Taj trademark) with four distinct dining options and a modern bar, open until midnight. Though grounds are not the prettiest in the Maldives, the vibe turns romantic at night, especially with candlelit tables along the beach, where a chef prepares fresh seafood on an open grill. Everyone has access to the main infinity pool, dive center, and spa.
This small, upscale resort with lower prices (and less luxury) than sister property Exotica draws couples of many nationalities. The naturally heart-shaped island has narrow but pretty beaches as well as free snorkel access to a shipwreck and 1,000-year-old coral. The 62 thatched-roof rooms (which include Beach Villas, Water Villas, and two-bedroom suites with private pools) have understated, contemporary decor and private outdoor space; there may be minor maintenance issues (usually fixed promptly by an efficient and friendly staff). For the small size, there is a great food and beverage program (a Taj trademark) with four distinct dining options and a modern bar, open until midnight. Though grounds are not the prettiest in the Maldives, the vibe turns romantic at night, especially with candlelit tables along the beach, where a chef prepares fresh seafood on an open grill. Everyone has access to the main infinity pool, dive center, and spa.
This luxury boutique resort from Thailand's Banyan Tree is slightly bigger and more expensive than sister property Angsana next door. Each of the 48 spa-like villas offers direct water access from the front (beach privacy varies), and in the rear, the pièce de résistance: a walled-in plunge pool and jetted tub area. Large bathrooms that have indoor and outdoor showers, which helps compensate for the slightly cramped bedrooms dressed in neutral decor. The walkable island has plenty of white sand and free non-motorized water sports; scuba divers have access to a shipwreck nearby. Spa lovers will adore the large Thai treatment rooms and professional staff, all of whom are trained heavily at Banyan Tree Spa Academy. In the evenings, couples -- and yes, a few families -- stroll down the long jetty to spot reef sharks after dining on contemporary cuisine. The resort provides 24-hour boat transfers from the airport, a 25-minute speedboat ride away, as well as free Wi-Fi.
This luxury boutique resort from Thailand's Banyan Tree is slightly bigger and more expensive than sister property Angsana next door. Each of the 48 spa-like villas offers direct water access from the front (beach privacy varies), and in the rear, the pièce de résistance: a walled-in plunge pool and jetted tub area. Large bathrooms that have indoor and outdoor showers, which helps compensate for the slightly cramped bedrooms dressed in neutral decor. The walkable island has plenty of white sand and free non-motorized water sports; scuba divers have access to a shipwreck nearby. Spa lovers will adore the large Thai treatment rooms and professional staff, all of whom are trained heavily at Banyan Tree Spa Academy. In the evenings, couples -- and yes, a few families -- stroll down the long jetty to spot reef sharks after dining on contemporary cuisine. The resort provides 24-hour boat transfers from the airport, a 25-minute speedboat ride away, as well as free Wi-Fi.
This 50-villa luxury resort has some of the largest standard rooms (which include massive standalone soaking tubs and outdoor decks) we've seen in Maldives -- but the Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort & Spa still may not be the best bang for your buck, as many units show some wear and tear, and the property has a slightly abandoned feel. However, you can still expect to find contemporary chic decor, brand-name minibar items, a luxe spa, shops, a gym with a tennis court, and tons of activities -- and the airport lounge is a huge plus. Its garden grounds are ideal for couples seeking privacy, though some guests may be disappointed with the unequipped (but nonetheless large) beach.
This 50-villa luxury resort has some of the largest standard rooms (which include massive standalone soaking tubs and outdoor decks) we've seen in Maldives -- but the Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort & Spa still may not be the best bang for your buck, as many units show some wear and tear, and the property has a slightly abandoned feel. However, you can still expect to find contemporary chic decor, brand-name minibar items, a luxe spa, shops, a gym with a tennis court, and tons of activities -- and the airport lounge is a huge plus. Its garden grounds are ideal for couples seeking privacy, though some guests may be disappointed with the unequipped (but nonetheless large) beach.
One of the older resorts in the Maldives, the upscale (and pricey) Veligandu Island Resort does well to keep itself modern and stylish. Just 15 minutes from Male, this resort has spacious villas with contemporary decor, stuffed minibars, private outdoor decks (some with whirlpools), iPod systems, and big flat-screen TVs; however, some are more dated than others and some have visible wear and tear. You'll also find an airport lounge, tasty main buffet, infinity and kids pools, tons of activities for on land and in the water, popular staff-on-staff soccer games, and a relaxing overwater spa. The on-site clinic, game room, and beach bar are all open all day. guests
One of the older resorts in the Maldives, the upscale (and pricey) Veligandu Island Resort does well to keep itself modern and stylish. Just 15 minutes from Male, this resort has spacious villas with contemporary decor, stuffed minibars, private outdoor decks (some with whirlpools), iPod systems, and big flat-screen TVs; however, some are more dated than others and some have visible wear and tear. You'll also find an airport lounge, tasty main buffet, infinity and kids pools, tons of activities for on land and in the water, popular staff-on-staff soccer games, and a relaxing overwater spa. The on-site clinic, game room, and beach bar are all open all day. guests
Open since 2005, this modern, romantic luxury resort is sure to impress couples with its picture-perfect island setting. There are 100 individual villas (44 on sand; 66 over water), and each comes with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower, not to mention designer in-room tubs and Nespresso machines. The diverse mix of guests spend time at the six restaurants, two open-air lounges for drinks, spa and fitness center (with water views!), uncrowded infinity pool, and partaking in activities like scuba diving or snorkeling in the lagoon. Despite all these amenities, guests -- especially at night -- tend to sink into the seclusion of their private hideaway, perhaps with a bottle from the Wine Loft. The resort is about an hour-long speedboat ride from the airport; those who prefer to be closer might consider the Taj Exotica, just a 15-minute ride away.
Open since 2005, this modern, romantic luxury resort is sure to impress couples with its picture-perfect island setting. There are 100 individual villas (44 on sand; 66 over water), and each comes with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower, not to mention designer in-room tubs and Nespresso machines. The diverse mix of guests spend time at the six restaurants, two open-air lounges for drinks, spa and fitness center (with water views!), uncrowded infinity pool, and partaking in activities like scuba diving or snorkeling in the lagoon. Despite all these amenities, guests -- especially at night -- tend to sink into the seclusion of their private hideaway, perhaps with a bottle from the Wine Loft. The resort is about an hour-long speedboat ride from the airport; those who prefer to be closer might consider the Taj Exotica, just a 15-minute ride away.
This 215-room, mid-range resort provides all the essentials for a Maldives vacation: white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, swimming pool, all-inclusive buffet, water sports, and decent rooms next to the beach. There are far more luxurious (and expensive) resorts around, but relatively easy access to the airport and a great surf break make Adaaran Select Huhuranfushi a solid value for the area.
This 215-room, mid-range resort provides all the essentials for a Maldives vacation: white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, swimming pool, all-inclusive buffet, water sports, and decent rooms next to the beach. There are far more luxurious (and expensive) resorts around, but relatively easy access to the airport and a great surf break make Adaaran Select Huhuranfushi a solid value for the area.