Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa

Emerald Faarufushi has settled into its role as a polished, easy-to-like all-inclusive in the Raa Atoll. There is still plenty of space around the island, but the atmosphere feels more sociable than secluded, with the resort clearly appealing to families as well as couples who want a relaxed five-star stay.

The villas are a genuine strength. The Water Villas with Pool are a particularly good fit for the setting, with smart layouts, generous decks and bathrooms that feel impressively spacious. The Beach Villas, especially the family options, are also well judged, combining comfort, privacy and enough room to make longer stays feel easy.

Dining has improved noticeably since opening. The resort now feels much more confident in this area, with Aqua delivering strong breakfasts and lively themed evenings, and Carnivorous offering one of the more memorable dinner options thanks to its seafood and steak focus. The bars also do an important amount of the heavy lifting, with Eclipse and the Sunset Pool Bar helping to keep the all-inclusive formula feeling generous and enjoyable.

Where Emerald really shines is in its facilities. The treetop spa is a standout, the kids’ club and dive centre are both very well put together, and the bikes make it easy to get around without any fuss. The gym is not the resort’s greatest strength, but for most guests that will be a minor point rather than a deal-breaker.

Snorkelling is another major plus. The reef is excellent and easy to access, and it rewards both casual and confident snorkellers with a satisfying amount of marine life. That adds real substance to the island experience, particularly for guests who want more than just a nice beach and good food.

Service is warm, attentive and clearly invested in making the stay work well. That sense of care matters here, because it helps the resort feel relaxed rather than formulaic.

Overall, Emerald Faarufushi is a high-quality, well-balanced resort that combines space, strong dining, good facilities and a very appealing reef. It is especially well suited to families and couples looking for an all-inclusive island that feels polished without being overly serious.

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort in the Raa Atoll, opened in 2022 and part of The Leading Hotels of the World. Set on a 7-hectare private island with 1.2 km of beach and a large surrounding lagoon, it combines a natural setting with a contemporary barefoot-luxury style.

Accommodation

The resort has 80 villas in a mix of beach and overwater categories, including pool villas, family villas and a two-bedroom presidential beach villa. Interiors are designed in a refined, minimalist style using natural materials such as wood and stone, with all villas offering modern comforts including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a minibar, tea and coffee facilities, outdoor showers and spacious bathrooms.

Dining

The resort offers a strong range of dining options across beach, lagoon and overwater settings. Aqua is the main restaurant with buffet meals and live cooking stations. Le Asiatique & Teppanyaki Grill serves Asian cuisine and live teppanyaki. Mediterraneo is the overwater restaurant for evening dining. Beach Club Grill offers relaxed lunches and grilled dishes by the beach, while Carnivorous focuses on South American-inspired meats and grilled specialities.

Facilities & Activities

The Emerald Spa sits in the island’s tropical heart and offers treatment rooms, a steam room, a yoga pavilion and beauty facilities. There is also a well-equipped water sports centre, a dive centre, a gym, tennis and padel courts, and a Dolphin Kids Club for younger guests. The resort is designed for guests who want a polished, sociable island stay with strong dining and easy access to the reef.