Peace and quiet is the name of the game at this 45-villa resort from Singapore-based Banyan Tree, one of the world's most luxurious hotel brands. It's run by a thoughtful staff sporting colorful uniforms, as well as an omnipresent General Manager. Guests have access to one of the best house reefs in the Maldives' — literally just a few feet of shore — for snorkeling (free!), as well as scuba diving (there's a PADI center on-site). Two categories of stylish, modern thatched-roof villas include one with jetted tubs in huge open-air bathrooms, and one without; all villas have bathrobes, sandals, and thoroughly stocked minibars. Quality food and drink are served at the restaurant, and guests should expect light pressure to book appointments at the excellent Thai-themed spa. To mix it up, a free ferry runs to the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru next door for use of the restaurant, bar, and spa there, as well.
Peace and quiet is the name of the game at this 45-villa resort from Singapore-based Banyan Tree, one of the world's most luxurious hotel brands. It's run by a thoughtful staff sporting colorful uniforms, as well as an omnipresent General Manager. Guests have access to one of the best house reefs in the Maldives' — literally just a few feet of shore — for snorkeling (free!), as well as scuba diving (there's a PADI center on-site). Two categories of stylish, modern thatched-roof villas include one with jetted tubs in huge open-air bathrooms, and one without; all villas have bathrobes, sandals, and thoroughly stocked minibars. Quality food and drink are served at the restaurant, and guests should expect light pressure to book appointments at the excellent Thai-themed spa. To mix it up, a free ferry runs to the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru next door for use of the restaurant, bar, and spa there, as well.
Built in 1998, this resort stands out for its reasonable rates (among the lowest for this caliber in the Maldives), above-average food, and plentiful restaurants and amenities. The rooms are a bit basic (with no minibars and a fee for Wi-Fi), and the additional flight from Male can be inconvenient, but Reethi Beach is an excellent upper-middle-range choice overall. Rooms here are nicer than at the similarly priced Sun Island Resort, but those seeking a good all-inclusive value might consider the pricier and more upscale Kuredu Island Resort.
Built in 1998, this resort stands out for its reasonable rates (among the lowest for this caliber in the Maldives), above-average food, and plentiful restaurants and amenities. The rooms are a bit basic (with no minibars and a fee for Wi-Fi), and the additional flight from Male can be inconvenient, but Reethi Beach is an excellent upper-middle-range choice overall. Rooms here are nicer than at the similarly priced Sun Island Resort, but those seeking a good all-inclusive value might consider the pricier and more upscale Kuredu Island Resort.
Built in 2001, Royal Island is a good upper-middle-range value for the Maldives -- but “royal” is a stretch. The rooms are dated, the food is average, and the decor is underwhelming. Also, there are no overwater rooms, and the inconvenient location means reaching the property requires a pricey domestic flight. On the upside, Royal Island has a nice beachfront pool with a swim-up bar, sports courts, a fitness center, 24-hour bar, above-average nightlife, and plenty of water sports. Guests will likely get more bang for their buck (and free in-room Wi-Fi) at Kuredu Island Resort or Kihaad Maldives.
Built in 2001, Royal Island is a good upper-middle-range value for the Maldives -- but “royal” is a stretch. The rooms are dated, the food is average, and the decor is underwhelming. Also, there are no overwater rooms, and the inconvenient location means reaching the property requires a pricey domestic flight. On the upside, Royal Island has a nice beachfront pool with a swim-up bar, sports courts, a fitness center, 24-hour bar, above-average nightlife, and plenty of water sports. Guests will likely get more bang for their buck (and free in-room Wi-Fi) at Kuredu Island Resort or Kihaad Maldives.
Plenty of on-site activities, rich marine life, and above-average food make Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu a solid upper-middle-range value for the Maldives. Most of its 98 rooms are spacious but basic, with no Internet or TV, and the remote island takes 30 minutes to reach by seaplane from Male Airport. The snorkeling is terrific and the property offers a number of fun excursions, but there's no pool. It may also be worth considering Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi (accessible by speedboat) or Kuredu Island Resort (which has more amenities and in-room Wi-Fi).
Plenty of on-site activities, rich marine life, and above-average food make Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu a solid upper-middle-range value for the Maldives. Most of its 98 rooms are spacious but basic, with no Internet or TV, and the remote island takes 30 minutes to reach by seaplane from Male Airport. The snorkeling is terrific and the property offers a number of fun excursions, but there's no pool. It may also be worth considering Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi (accessible by speedboat) or Kuredu Island Resort (which has more amenities and in-room Wi-Fi).
Renovated in 2015, the all-inclusive Adaaran Prestige offers some of the most affordable water villas near Male. This sub-resort shares a private island with Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, which means guests can take advantage of the larger resort’s amenities -- these include a pool, fitness center, spa, tennis court, and five bars. Those who don’t mind flying in a seaplane should also consider the similar (but less expensive) water villas at Kuredu Island Resort.
Renovated in 2015, the all-inclusive Adaaran Prestige offers some of the most affordable water villas near Male. This sub-resort shares a private island with Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, which means guests can take advantage of the larger resort’s amenities -- these include a pool, fitness center, spa, tennis court, and five bars. Those who don’t mind flying in a seaplane should also consider the similar (but less expensive) water villas at Kuredu Island Resort.
Reopened in 2009 as a five-pearl property, Lily Beach Resort & Spa is a romantic and family-friendly spot with a true all-inclusive plan that covers meals, drinks, and activities. The stylish and spacious rooms have outdoor bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, outdoor decks with direct ocean or beach access, and amenities from suntan lotion and aloe vera to stocked minibars to large flat-screen TVs. Family-friendly features include a kids' buffet, pool, and activity club. Active guests can make use of the land and water sports available, while couples have plenty of romantic options and privacy. The only downside is the narrow beach. Those who don't want a mandatory all-inclusive package could consider the comparable Dusit Thani Maldives, where it's optional.
Reopened in 2009 as a five-pearl property, Lily Beach Resort & Spa is a romantic and family-friendly spot with a true all-inclusive plan that covers meals, drinks, and activities. The stylish and spacious rooms have outdoor bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, outdoor decks with direct ocean or beach access, and amenities from suntan lotion and aloe vera to stocked minibars to large flat-screen TVs. Family-friendly features include a kids' buffet, pool, and activity club. Active guests can make use of the land and water sports available, while couples have plenty of romantic options and privacy. The only downside is the narrow beach. Those who don't want a mandatory all-inclusive package could consider the comparable Dusit Thani Maldives, where it's optional.
With plenty of on-site activities, beautiful beaches,
and decent all-inclusive food, the Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is a solid upper-middle-range value
With plenty of on-site activities, beautiful beaches,
and decent all-inclusive food, the Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is a solid upper-middle-range value
This 20-room sub-resort shares a private island with Adaaran
Select Meedhupparu, which means guests can take advantage of the larger
property’s plentiful amenities. Prestige Water Villas offers nice perks suchas all-inclusive
food and drinks, butler service, a free massage, private beach dinner, snorkeling
excursion, and introductory dive. The Maldives has more luxurious water
bungalows at better prices -- check out the often cheaper Adaaran Prestige Vadoo or Centara Grand
Island -- but few offer as many freebies.
This 20-room sub-resort shares a private island with Adaaran
Select Meedhupparu, which means guests can take advantage of the larger
property’s plentiful amenities. Prestige Water Villas offers nice perks suchas all-inclusive
food and drinks, butler service, a free massage, private beach dinner, snorkeling
excursion, and introductory dive. The Maldives has more luxurious water
bungalows at better prices -- check out the often cheaper Adaaran Prestige Vadoo or Centara Grand
Island -- but few offer as many freebies.
