Kagi Maldives Spa Island

Kagi Maldives Spa Island is a boutique property in the North Male Atoll, reachable by a 50-minute speedboat or a short seaplane transfer from the airport. The partially reclaimed but beautifully landscaped island centres around two striking organic-shaped buildings: the over-water Baani Spa and the main hub housing the restaurants, bar, wine cellar, main pool and a chef's herb garden. It deserves a name, but we will keep calling it the hub.

With only 50 villas, all with private plunge pools, the resort feels genuinely exclusive. The interiors follow familiar Crown and Champa floor plans and are modern and well-finished, with open-plan bathrooms and direct lagoon access from over-water rooms. Nothing groundbreaking is on offer here, but Kagi is not priced in the ultra-luxury bracket and most guests will be out on the water, in the spa, or exploring the island. One point to note: some over-water villa categories have been reallocated, and not all Beach Villas have the best aspect, so speak to us about your preferred location.

Dining punches above its weight for a resort this size. Noo Faru delivers a well-executed international buffet for breakfast and dinner with generous table spacing and ocean views. Nonna upstairs serves Italian in a space that feels too large for its covers, and Ke-Un offers Pacific Rim flavours with a local twist as the signature restaurant. The Spa Corner provides light, healthy lunches, and Uffa bar works well during the day overlooking the pool, though like Nonna it loses intimacy after dark with its high ceiling and bright lighting. Minor things that could be resolved with better interior design. Meal plans range from B&B through to Premium All Inclusive.

The Baani Spa (meaning Ocean Swell) is genuinely impressive, offering a full wellness and fitness journey built around Release, Restore and Regain, with curated massages, reflexology and sound chakra balancing. But the house reef is equally compelling. Kagi could easily call itself Kagi Maldives Reef Island, with a reef among the best in the Male atolls, rich in coral and marine life. The Euro-Divers team impressed us and guided snorkelling was excellent, both during the day where we spotted more Regal Angelfish than anywhere else, and at night swimming among nurse sharks and rays near the arrival jetty.

Non-motorised watersports, excursions, a games room and low-key entertainment round things out, along with a boutique, medical clinic and comfortable departure lounge. Originally adults-only, Kagi now welcomes children, though it is not designed for little ones and we would recommend other resorts for family holidays.

If you want a modern, boutique resort close to Male with a superb house reef and a serious wellness ethos, Kagi is your sweet spot.

Kagi Maldives Spa Island sits in the North Male Atoll, a charming and unpretentious island that follows the classic One Island, One Resort concept. Guests can reach the resort by a 60-minute scenic speedboat ride or a 15-minute seaplane transfer.

The Baani Spa is the heart of the island, an over-water wellness sanctuary inspired by Epicurean lifestyle philosophy and Maldivian island spirit. It offers a holistic approach to wellness through nature, sound, nutrition, bodywork, beauty, mindfulness and movement, with facilities including steam rooms, a gym, hair and beauty salon, and four over-water treatment rooms with vast ocean views.

Dining options are varied. Noo Faru is the main restaurant, providing extensive breakfast and dinner buffets with views over the pool and Indian Ocean. Ufaa serves quick bites and refreshing drinks poolside throughout the day. Ke-Un offers innovative Pacific Rim fusion cuisine, while Nonna brings intimate Italian dining with panoramic views and a fine wine selection.