Alila Kothaifaru

Alila translates to 'Surprise' in Sanskrit, and the brand was acquired by Hyatt in 2018. Large hotel groups often miss the mark in the Maldives, but Alila Kothaifaru is a clear exception. Despite a Covid-delayed opening in 2022 — four years after the acquisition — the resort feels true to the independent Indonesian brand's original ethos, with minimal influence from its corporate parent.

The first impression on arrival is how remarkably lush and established the island vegetation feels. The island's interior continues this theme, with clever architecture and hanging plants weaving modern geometric lines into the natural landscape. Each beach villa reads like a small tribute to Geoffrey Bawa's work at Heritance Kandalama.

The 80 villas offer spacious, comfortable interiors with muted colours and generous proportions. Beds are huge with crisp white linens, storage is ample, and dressing tables are well-lit. The outdoor bathrooms behind the bed in the island villas feature large dark grey tiles and feel luxurious. Separate living areas are genuinely roomy, accommodating two to twelve people. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a garden with pool, with steps leading to sun loungers and the beach. Water villas deliver stunning ocean panoramas with pools and hammocks on deck, though the more compact footprint means some compromises: beds face the TV rather than the view, wardrobes sit in the bathroom, and the lagoon ladders can be steep at low tide.

The snorkelling reef is productive, with easiest access in front of Yakitori bar and the drop-off running toward the arrival harbour. More experienced swimmers will appreciate the varied reef on the far side of the harbour, though currents need checking with the dive team. Raa and Baa atolls offer plenty of dive sites, with excursions well-organised from a smart dive centre. Water sports are limited to non-motorised activities to protect the reef and lagoon.

Service is outstanding. An enthusiastic island host and a well-trained team across every outlet are attentive and efficient without being pushy. Visible management keeps standards high, and the overall service level puts some more expensive properties to shame.

Dining is excellent. Seasalter offers varied menus with genuinely accommodating chefs, while Umami serves superb Asian cuisine with a Teppanyaki counter — both relaxed and stylish. Snacks at the Yakitori bar, perched over the water at the beach edge, come with sun lounger service. The Mirus Bar works well for daytime drinks and evening cocktails. We do wonder whether the unused reception area might work well as a casual grill outlet for those who prefer alternatives to Asian dining.

The standout is The Shack — the Maldives' first sandbank restaurant, complete with grill, bar, hammock, shower and toilets. A sunset dinner here is genuinely unique and the kind of experience that creates lasting memories.

Alila Kothaifaru is one of the best new resorts we have visited in recent years and earns a well-deserved spot on our highly recommended list.

Alila Kothaifaru occupies an 11.2-hectare private island in the Raa Atoll, among the deeper atolls of the Maldives, where the seclusion and unspoilt surroundings create a tranquil escape. The rich underwater world offers abundant snorkelling and diving opportunities right from the island.

The resort's architecture is a study in thoughtful integration — terraced pavilions and villas are set into the landscape, balancing privacy with openness in a style of understated minimalist elegance. Natural vegetation was preserved wherever possible, and the buildings sit lightly within their tropical surroundings.

Accommodation spans 44 beachfront villas and 36 overwater villas, each with a private pool. Interiors are contemporary, using soothing colours and natural textures, and each villa is positioned for privacy and comfort.

Sustainability runs deep at Alila Kothaifaru, with EarthCheck certification as a core goal. Green initiatives include architecture that conserved up to 70% of existing vegetation, elimination of single-use plastics, sustainable water management, renewable energy integration, and comprehensive waste management including on-site composting and bottle crushing.