Niva Velassaru

Niva Velassaru sits in a beautiful lagoon in the South Male Atoll, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport. It belongs to the Universal Resorts group and stands out for its genuinely lovely beaches - soft white sand, open shoreline with no groynes or sea walls, and a layout that makes the whole island a pleasure to explore on foot.

The accommodation and dining are well above par, with a broad range of options across both. The resort also packs in an impressive array of facilities and watersports, which gives it huge appeal for couples, families, and mixed-age groups alike. It is a well-rounded choice that covers most bases without really putting a foot wrong.

One thing worth noting: part of the island faces Thilafushi, and the resort's relative closeness to Male does take the edge off that remote desert-island feeling for some guests. Worth knowing, but it does not stop this being a very strong all-rounder.

Niva Velassaru Maldives is a contemporary resort in the South Male Atoll, reachable by a 25-minute speedboat transfer from Male International Airport. The resort combines understated elegance with a relaxed island atmosphere, offering five restaurants, two bars, and an extensive range of recreational facilities.

Accommodation spans both beachfront and overwater villas and bungalows, all designed with modern interiors, natural tones, and generous indoor-outdoor living spaces. Options range from compact hideaways to expansive suites, each featuring Apple TV, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, air conditioning, luxury bath products, and thoughtful touches throughout. Beach options include Deluxe Villas with direct beach access, Beach Villas with Pool, and secluded Deluxe Pool Villas. For larger groups, Two Bedroom Deluxe Villas offer interconnecting spaces. Overwater choices include minimalist Water Villas, Water Villas with Pool, Water Bungalows with Pool, and the top-tier Water Suite with its own infinity pool, private bar, home theatre, and butler service.

Dining covers five restaurants and two bars. Turquoise serves international cuisine with Asian influences in a shaded beachfront setting. Sand offers a world-cuisine buffet. Etesian delivers refined Mediterranean dishes in a tranquil space. Teppanyaki presents Japanese cooking with theatrical live performances and ocean views. Vela specialises in Pan-Indian Ocean fare in a dramatic oceanfront setting. Fen Bar is a modern beachfront spot for drinks and light bites, while Chill Bar sits over the lagoon with cocktails and sunset views.

The Spa features ten overwater treatment rooms, a lagoon-side hydropool, steam room, and wellness programmes. Facilities include an infinity pool, gym, tennis court, a lounge, and a PADI dive centre. Complimentary activities cover guided snorkelling, morning cruises, sunset yoga, and equipment hire. Paid options include jet skiing, flyboarding, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, wake sports, and excursions such as dolphin discovery, fishing, turtle and shark snorkelling, and marine biology talks.