Amilla

Amilla Maldives makes a confident impression: striking contemporary architecture set against the Baa Atoll's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with sustainability and genuine inclusivity woven into everything they do. It's a distinctive take on Maldivian luxury that works for a wide cross-section of travellers.

The arrival sets the tone — bold, clean-lined design meeting dense tropical greenery. The island is lush and generously planted, with winding jungle paths and a vibrant house reef that wraps around it. Snorkellers will find plenty to explore. The villas are minimalist in style with sharp geometric lines, giving them a fresh, contemporary feel. Not every guest will fall for the architecture, but the interiors are smartly laid out and among the most spacious you'll find in the Maldives.

Accommodation covers a broad range — couples, families, and larger groups are all well served. Villas begin at a generous 100sqm of interior space, rising all the way to a substantial eight-bedroom residence. Space and privacy are constant throughout.

Our pick is the Reef Water Pool Villa, set on the jetty closest to the reef. Stepping straight off the deck into the water for a snorkel along the dramatic drop-off is genuinely memorable. For something different, the Tree Top Villas — suspended in the canopy with their own pools — offer an entirely different perspective of island living.

Dining impresses across the board. Breakfast at Fresh balances à la carte and buffet in a relaxed indoor-outdoor space. Tessera serves excellent Greek and Mediterranean dishes at lunch, while Emperor Beach Club brings a chic beachside energy. Joe's Pizza is a solid casual option anytime. East delivers standout Indian dishes including excellent fish tikka, and overwater Feeling Koi does beautifully prepared sushi and sashimi. Wine lovers should book The Cellar Door for a guided tasting through an impressive selection.

Meal plans range from Bed & Breakfast to Full Board, with optional non-alcoholic or premium drinks packages that can be added to any plan. The dietary menus are notably thorough — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, keto and paleo are all thoughtfully catered for.

Service is seamless, led by GM Morgan with dedicated Katheebs (villa hosts) assigned to each residence. The approach is attentive without being overbearing.

The spa offers a tranquil retreat, while active guests will find indoor and jungle gyms, tennis courts, watersports and a Dive Butler centre providing access to Baa Atoll's exceptional marine life, including Hanifaru Bay. The kids' club is comprehensive and engaging.

The house reef is a genuine highlight. Coral gardens on the sunset side are rich with marine life, while the sunrise side features a dramatic drop-off for confident snorkellers. It's a rewarding underwater environment whether you explore independently or with guidance.

Sustainability here runs deep — much of the produce is grown on-island in organic gardens, reducing food miles and connecting guests to their surroundings. The island is home to maakanaa (herons), Maldivian water hens, fruit bats, and chameleons, plus the white-tailed tropic bird — an endangered species for which Amilla is one of only three known resort nesting sites in the Maldives. Amilla initiated and spearheaded research and conservation of this species over five years ago, securing government backing for ongoing monitoring. The guided Tropic Bird walk with the resident marine biologist is well worth joining.

Amilla's broad appeal is one of its real strengths. It suits couples wanting privacy, families needing space and activities, and groups seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. It strikes an impressive balance between barefoot luxury and purposeful environmental stewardship — living out its In Harmony With Purpose ethos with genuine conviction.

Situated on a large island within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Amilla opened in 2014 and offers 59 villas and 8 residences spread across a landscape where dense jungle covers the majority of the island. Accommodation choices range across overwater, treetop, and beachfront settings.

Villa styles include the Sunset Water Pool Villa with far-reaching ocean views, the generously proportioned Lagoon Water Pool Villa, and the Reef Water Pool Villa with direct access to the house reef. On land, the Beach Pool Villa provides a secluded tropical setting with a lap pool and open-air dining. The Two Bedroom Treetop Pool Villa and Family Water Pool Villa offer additional space and freshwater pools. For larger parties, the resort's residences deliver expansive layouts — the Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa and Four Bedroom Beach Residence each come with private pools and full kitchens, while the Great Beach Residence adds multiple pools and generous living spaces. At the top end, the Amilla Estate features a 20-metre pool, rooftop bar, cinema room, gym, spa room, and extensive living and dining areas.

Dining options are varied and wide-reaching. Breakfast at Fresh offers à la carte and buffet selections. Barolo serves Italian cuisine using homegrown ingredients, while East presents Southern Indian tandoor dishes and curries. Feeling Koi delivers Japanese cuisine — sushi and sashimi — overwater with views of the currents below. Tessera offers Greek flavours with lunchtime international options, and Joe's Pizza provides handcrafted pizzas using fresh herbs. Emperor Beach Club is a relaxed beachside dining spot, while Baa Bar and Sunset Bar cater to drinks and evening relaxation. The Cellar Door houses an extensive wine collection for private tastings.

Facilities include the Javvu Spa with eight treatment pods, a wellness area, and a yoga pavilion. Diving is managed by Dive Butler International, offering luxury scuba experiences for all levels including children's programmes. Watersports range from kayaking and paddleboarding to jet skis, Seabobs, and parasailing. An indoor gym and Jungle Gym are available, along with floodlit tennis courts and a football pitch. The Sultan's Village Kids Club combines learning with play, and the Amilla Glamping experience offers an immersive nature stay in a climate-controlled inflatable pod.

Amilla holds EarthCheck Silver certification and runs its own organic gardens, chicken and duck farm, and coconut processing facility. It is also the world's first Inclucare-certified resort, with accessibility features including ramps, lifts, and complimentary beach and swimming wheelchairs.