Adaaran Select Meedhupparu

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu was the sole resort in Raa Atoll when it first opened roughly two decades ago, but the atoll has since developed considerably. This long-standing favourite has responded with meaningful improvements to its offering, including a substantial refurbishment programme undertaken in summer 2019 that upgraded many of the 211 villa interiors and introduced several new accommodation categories within the existing footprint. A couple of years ago, Meedhupparu also repositioned itself as a Premium All Inclusive product at the 4-star level, featuring a generous drinks selection and the freedom to dine across all four food outlets, two of which operate as à la carte.

The island is beautifully planted, with dense, lush vegetation throughout. The semi-detached rooms are arranged in sweeping crescents facing the shoreline, where the trees and foliage create a natural canopy of dappled shade leading down to the beach. Towards the eastern tip, manicured tropical gardens — open to all guests — sit beside the exclusive water villa section.

The refurbished Beach Villas have been rebranded as Deluxe Beach Villas, with beds oriented towards the ocean and interiors finished in a clean, warm style. Interconnecting units are also available, ideal for families or groups travelling together. A small kids' club near reception is a handy addition for parents who want to explore the reef.

Dining centres on a choice of four venues under the dine-around concept. Jaafaiy, the main buffet restaurant, handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner at scale. Next door, Sufura now serves lunch and dinner specialising in authentic Indian cuisine — the reef fish curry comes particularly recommended. Thavaa offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes for lunch and dinner, while Café Mass provides all-day pizzeria and street food alongside a 24-hour bar; their tuna wrap makes for a perfect post-snorkel refuel.

The house reef is accessible from multiple points around the island. The steps at the arrival jetty on the north side drop you straight onto the reef edge. Snorkelling from the area in front of the main pool, we spotted a turtle, blacktip reef shark, moray eel, squid, and abundant fish life. Snorkelling equipment is complementary but returned daily for cleaning.

For those after affordable, traditional-style comfort, decent snorkelling, lush tropical surroundings, a solid all-inclusive offering, and genuine chill factor, Meedhupparu represents excellent value — something its many long-term repeaters wholeheartedly confirm.

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu was the pioneering resort in Raa Atoll and remains a compelling choice for those seeking natural surroundings with relaxed, well-managed hospitality. Set roughly 154 km north of Malé, the island is reached via a 45-minute seaplane transfer that offers spectacular aerial views of the atolls below. The resort comprises 231 villas, a range of dining venues, organised excursions, and extensive leisure amenities, all operating on a Premium All Inclusive basis with flexible dine-around options, an inclusive drinks selection, complimentary minibar, and attentive service throughout.

Accommodation includes 211 beachside villas, a number of which feature private jacuzzis. Each villa is equipped with air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, mini bar, satellite television, IDD telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee facilities. A separate jetty houses the twenty Prestige Water Villas, designed as an adult-only retreat with exclusive access to a private pool and restaurant.

The resort offers five restaurants and five bars, most open to all guests. Jaafaiy serves international buffets with live cooking stations across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sufura provides authentic Indian cuisine throughout the day. Café Mass offers casual dining and a 24-hour bar. Thavaa focuses on Mediterranean dishes, tapas, and healthy options for lunch and dinner. Prestige Water Villa guests have their own dedicated à la carte fine dining venue and lounge. Albino, the signature beach bar, is noted for its 101-strong cocktail list.

On land, facilities include table tennis, beach volleyball, beach football, tennis, badminton, darts, billiards, a fully equipped gym, and a large swimming pool. Water sports range from water skiing and snorkelling to scuba diving, with easy access to the lagoon and house reef. The Chavana Spa offers a comprehensive treatment menu across double and single treatment rooms, with steam and sauna facilities, a manicure and pedicure area, and a dedicated relaxation space.