One&Only Reethi Rah

There are resorts where you can relax without being noticed, and Reethi Rah is firmly in that category. It draws a well-heeled crowd and handles them with considerable style.

The island earns its Dhivehi name: 'beautiful island'. It is actually two islands joined by a bridge, making it one of the largest landmasses in the Maldives, and the resort uses that space thoughtfully. Just 130 villas are spread around 12 distinct sandy coves, with the smallest measuring a substantial 135sqm. The result is an unusually spacious feel, and a level of privacy that is hard to match anywhere in the archipelago.

The trade-off is that Reethi Rah is heavily sculpted. It is manicured to a degree that strips away some of the natural Maldivian character found at other premium resorts. But this is precisely what its clientele expects, and the resort delivers it consistently.

The infinity pool is the natural congregation point and deserves its reputation as one of the finest in the Maldives. Beside it sits Fanditha, a beach restaurant and bar with low sofas, hammocks and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere: the best spot on the island for a slow afternoon or a sociable evening.

Activities are plentiful, and the scale of the island makes cycling and jogging a real pleasure. A courtesy buggy is always on hand for the journey to dinner. The kids club is genuinely impressive, with enough variety to keep younger guests and teenagers happily occupied throughout the stay.

One thing worth knowing: in-resort spending can escalate quickly. Extras are offered at every opportunity (one service will advise on the optimal moment to reapply sunscreen, for $80++ per session), so the bill at checkout tends to be considerably higher than the room rate alone suggests. Budget generously.

One&Only Reethi Rah is set in the North Male Atoll, among a chain of coral atolls and crystal-clear lagoons. The resort has 122 private villas and residences arranged along the shoreline: some nestled on the beach behind lush tropical greenery, others positioned above the calm waters of the lagoon. All are finished in an elegant, contemporary style with generous proportions throughout.

Facilities & Activities

Dive Centre

The Dive Centre holds PADI Gold Palm Resort certification and is a 100% Project Aware member, one of very few such accreditations in the Maldives. Courses range from introductory scuba sessions for complete beginners through to professional Dive Master qualifications, all led by qualified PADI Instructors. Snorkelling equipment is available to hire.

KidsOnly & OneTribe

KidsOnly and OneTribe deliver a full programme of complimentary activities for children and teenagers. The dedicated team provides a personal service and runs a varied daily schedule, giving younger guests the chance to make friends from around the world.

Swimming Pools

Three pools serve different groups of guests. The main pool is a gently sweeping family-friendly infinity pool, complete with small hammock-strewn atolls. The adults-only lap pool extends out over the lagoon and incorporates a built-in Jacuzzi. A separate pool at KidsOnly has its own lifeguards and child-sized sun loungers.

One&Only Spa

The award-winning One&Only Spa offers a comprehensive wellness experience tailored to individual needs. Facilities include:

• 14 treatment villas and rooms


• WatSu pool


• Chi pavilion for yoga and meditation


• Spa courtyards with steam room, sauna and vitality pool


• State-of-the-art fitness centre with outdoor Queenax training area and Raw Fitness circuit


• Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez


• One&Only Hair Salon and Barber&Blade

Water & Land Sports

Water sports include canoes, pedal boats, windsurfing, jet skis, water skiing, flyboard and seabob. Non-motorised activities (excluding catamarans and kites) are complimentary for all guests. On land, the island has two floodlit tennis courts, a climbing wall and a FIFA-approved professional synthetic grass football pitch.

Restaurants & Bars

Reethi

A theatrical dining experience with spectacular surroundings, offering a creative blend of French, Asian and Japanese cuisine.

Tapasake

An over-water restaurant focused on contemporary Japanese cooking, with interactive teppanyaki stations at the heart of the experience.

Fanditha

A relaxed beachside restaurant and bar serving authentic Middle Eastern flavours, with some of the finest sunset views on the island.

Botanica

Garden-to-fork dining using entirely natural produce, served in the atmospheric setting of the chef's own garden.

Beach Club

Fresh salads and grills served steps from the beach, ideal for a light lunch between swims.

Rabarbaro

Casual Italian cooking in one of the most scenic spots the island has to offer.

Rah Bar

A relaxed daytime bar with a light menu that shifts into cocktail mode as the evening gets going.

Private Dining

A personalised dining experience arranged on the sand, beneath the open Maldivian sky.