Noku Maldives

Noku Maldives first opened its doors in 2018 after a full rebrand and refurbishment of the former Zithali Kudafunafaru. It became part of IHG's Vignette Collection at the end of 2024.

The resort sits in Noonu Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane ride from Male. It feels wonderfully distant from the busier atolls closer to the capital. A few local islands can be seen on the horizon but the dominant feeling is one of peaceful remoteness. The beach on the north-east side (where you arrive) is genuinely outstanding: one of the widest and finest we have encountered.

There are 50 villas in total: 20 on the beach and 30 overwater. Some have private pools and all benefit from a shared villa host. Even the entry-level villas measure a spacious 175 square metres, rising to 220 square metres for the largest one-bedroom options. The interiors feature high vaulted ceilings and generous bathrooms, with organic KLUR toiletries. A complimentary minibar is restocked daily with soft drinks, house-made iced teas, tea, coffee and sweet treats, regardless of meal plan.

Palms restaurant and Palm Bar sit on the main beach side, while Thari Bar and restaurant anchor the southern end beside the infinity pool. There is plenty of space here and scope for further development. The executive chef, an award-winning Malaysian with three decades of international experience, leads the culinary offering.

The land-based spa includes a yoga pavilion overlooking the beach to the west. It is calm and beautifully planted, with a serenity of its own. The gym is compact but well appointed and more centrally located.

Being a small island, Noku keeps its facilities intentionally limited, which reinforces its boutique character. A hydroponic garden is planned and a padel court is being discussed.

The house reef's main drop-off runs behind the overwater villas on the western side where currents can be strong. The dive centre recommends the coral gardens near those same overwater villas, easily reached from the beach, plus the area off the southern tip. A detailed snorkelling map marks the best spots and the team are happy to advise. We saw a whip-tailed stingray, blacktip reef shark, emperor angelfish and plenty more during our snorkels.

Remarkably, Noku is one of only a few Maldivian resorts where the endangered white-tailed tropic bird nests, alongside Amilla and Six Senses Laamu. The resort is rightly proud of this and we have urged them to share more with guests.

As a Vignette Collection property, Noku emphasises local culture, environmental responsibility and authentic experiences. Island Echoes is a storytelling evening with lanterns, a bonfire and bodu beru drumming, staged around a full-scale traditional Maldivian house. Local fishermen also visit weekly to talk about their work and sell their catch, which the kitchen then prepares.

For anyone looking for a small, quiet island with large villas, a superb beach and genuine Maldivian character, Noku is a wonderful boutique choice.

Noku Maldives sits within Noonu Atoll, a quieter corner of the Maldives that feels a comfortable distance from the busier central atolls. The resort is reached by a 45-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport.

There are 50 villas in total: 20 beach villas with direct beach access and private outdoor space, 11 of which include their own pool, and 30 overwater villas set above the lagoon, 20 with private pools. Every villa balances clean contemporary design with natural surroundings.

Guests have two restaurants and two bars to choose from. Palms offers open-air buffet and a la carte dining overlooking the ocean, with a bar serving East-meets-West cocktails. Thari serves Maldivian, Thai, Japanese and Singaporean cuisine beside the infinity pool, with its own bar for drinks and light refreshments.

The house reef is a short swim from the sunset side of the island and there are several good dive sites nearby.