Maldives to the max at One&Only Reethi Rah.
One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives lives up to its name: it sprawls across its own island, and has the Maldives’ first PADI National Geographic dive centre, sun spa and climbing wall. Did we mention the eight dining spots, the tennis courts and the 12 beaches? Keep reading.
A palm-fringed island idyll offering an array of facilities, powder-soft beaches and fabulous dining options. This award-winning resort, a favourite among A-listers, is perfect for couples and families in search of privacy and the ultimate in laidback luxury. This is tropical island living at its sublime best.
A pick of 12 beaches; beach club; two championship-grade tennis courts; spa; the Maldives’ first ever sun spa; the Maldives’ only PADI National Geographic dive centre; watersports centre; artists’ studio; the Maldives’ first ever climbing wall; golf simulator; luxury boutique; library; free WiFi throughout. In rooms: TV; DVD player; CD player; minibar.
On an octopus-shaped island edged with white-sand beaches and carpeted in jungle foliage, just 40 minutes by speedboat from the international airport at Malé.
More than 60 per cent of the island is made up of reclaimed land, making it one of the largest in the North Male Atoll.
When Reethi Rah (‘beautiful island’) was first unveiled more than a decade ago, it instantly set the bar for luxury hotels in the Maldives.
The barefoot vibe is unashamedly decadent with design influences from Maldivian, Chinese and Balinese architecture.
Let’s get this straight, you’ll feel spoiled rotten, whichever sleeping quarters you opt for: all the villas are vast, with huge soaring ceilings, and they’re all deliciously secluded – even the lead-in category (the Beach Villa) spans 135sq m and has its own pretty-much-deserted patch of sand.
Beach Villas also have two sun loungers, a white hammock (idyllically swaying between palm trees) and a table and chairs under a shady veranda, perfect for private breakfasts or antisocial dining. The Grand Beach Villas deliver the same wow, with a living room and an extra bedroom. (Grand and Duplex villas come with their own buggy, so you can be carted from beach to bar without breaking a sweat.)
Want to bend it like Beckham? Opt for Grand Beach Villa 142, where the Brit pack like to celebrate Christmas (beats turkey with the in-laws).
Three to choose from: a dazzling infinity pool that cuts into the lagoon and overlooks neighbouring islands; a family-friendly pool shaded by trees and punctuated with mini hammock-toting islets, and a pool attached to the kids club, with a slide, shallow areas and even little sun loungers.
There’s also a vitality pool attached to the impressive Espa spa (which also has steam rooms and saunas and a saltwater Watsu pool), plus 12 immaculate beaches at your disposal (we love pretty Turtle Beach best, which is positioned in the middle of the island, with easy access to all the facilities).
An exceptional level of choice, including romantic Botanica, a lantern-lit spot under the trees with an emphasis on ‘garden-to-fork’ dishes; Reethi, an extraordinary space inspired by Chinese architecture, for Asian, French and Italian cuisine; and Tapasake, a great spot for sunset views – and reef sharks swimming in the water below – for modern Japanese tapas-style.
The Fanditha Bar is the place to be at sunset, with its cabana beds, shisha pipes and chilled-Ibiza vibe. Afternoon tea is available at Fanditha daily.
Reethi is also the setting for breakfast, with views out across the island’s loveliest beach, for an astonishing array of options, including a walk-in cold store stuffed with fruit, fish, pastries (and more besides) and a superfoods area for cleansing juices.
Pack light and treat yourself to some glamorous plunder from Neo boutique.
This boutique sells the most chic treats, including threads by Matthew Williamson and Stella McCartney, the Reethi Rah bikini by Babajaan and espadrille wedges that were designed by Louboutin especially for One&Only. (Your American Express Black Card will probably come in handy.)
LOCATION
It’s one of the resort’s most Instagrammed locations, just 40 minutes by speedboat from the international airport at Malé.
RATES
Double rooms from £1,280, including breakfast. Free Wi-Fi.
ROOMS
A total of 130, including nine suites.
STYLE
Maldives to the max.
FOOD
Fanditha is the only restaurant where you can dine barefoot. it’s an atmospheric setting to enjoy wagyu kebabs with Arabic spices and a selection of chilled rosés and champagnes.
Reethi is perhaps the pinnacle of architect Jean-Michel Gathy’s dramatic design at the resort which offers international cuisine.
Tapasake offers a contemporary Japanese cuisine done with a Peruvian twist. Try the fresh bluefin tuna nigiri with a Honjozo Martini (sake, plum wine, cucumber and mint).
Rah Bar is the spot for light meals and afternoon tea. In the evenings, though, the poolside space transforms into a vibrant cocktail bar with live music, martinis, sparkling champagne and a fine collection of vintage rums from the Indian Ocean and Caribbean islands.
X FACTOR
A celebrity island retreat for everyone.
BOOK TO PACK
“Eat, Drink, Nap: Bringing the House Home” by Soho House.
One&Only Reethi Rah
Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Malé
08440, Maldives
Telephone +960 664-8800
reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com
oneandonlyresorts.com.reethi-rah
Looking for more? Read one of our other hotel reviews by Travel WorldClass.
BOOK NOW
Our guide unlocks the secrets to navigate the stunning Italian coastline with ease. From traffic tips to village insights, be ready for an unforgettable journey. Your key to Amalfi perfection starts here.
&Beyond Mnemba Island is a luxury Tanzania hotel offering elegant interiors, excellent service, rooms with sea views and private verandas, a watersports centre, spa and
Welcome to our comprehensive Le Bristol Paris hotel review. Nestled in the heart of the city, Le Bristol Paris stands as a beacon of luxury and elegance. This historic hotel, with its luxury-chic rooms, world-class dining, and exceptional amenities.
