The Standard, Maldives by Hyatt

The Standard is best known for playful boutique city properties, so its arrival in the Maldives raised some eyebrows. The brand took over and rebranded Huruvalhi island in Raa Atoll, and the result sits very comfortably in the mid-priced space. The upside-down logo and bold aesthetic might not scream "luxury resort", but look past that and there is plenty to like.

Huruvalhi itself is a genuinely pretty island. A combination of reef, wide lagoon, and local currents has created excellent beaches without any artificial defences like groynes or wave breakers. The reef comes close to the beach in places, making the drop-off easily accessible from some overwater villas, while the shallow lagoon is broad enough for both swimmers and snorkellers.

The villas are notably spacious for this tier, all with private pools and oversized bathrooms that feel aimed at a younger, fun-loving crowd. Pink inflatable rings, colour-change ambient lighting, and glitter balls all lean into a sense of playfulness. Beyond the standard overwater and beach villas, there are well-designed two-bedroom options that work for families.

The central hub holds Kula, Todis, and Joos Cafe - functional rather than stylish. Kula is a standard buffet with a canteen-ish feel, but Guduguda is the opposite: an exceptional Maldivian overwater restaurant serving delicious local dishes. BBQ Shak delivers a relaxed beach-grill experience, and Onda has replaced the former Beru Bar with a Mediterranean menu and signature cocktails. Todis lacks atmosphere until the evening beach setting with live entertainment kicks in, but the bar at Guduguda is where you will find us.

Facilities include a smart airport lounge at the seaplane terminal, a good-quality overwater spa with a chill-out deck, tennis, gym, kids club, boutique, and medical clinic. Watersports cover motorised and non-motorised kit, plus an inflatable play park in the lagoon.

The Standard, Maldives by Hyatt delivers large, comfortable villas, plenty to do, and some genuinely good dining - all wrapped in a fun, affordable package. It is especially strong on value, particularly with the dine-around All Inclusive plan.

The Standard, Maldives by Hyatt is an all-pool-villa resort set in Raa Atoll, built around a relaxed but sociable atmosphere that balances downtime with energy. The island sits within a turquoise lagoon, with 115 minimalist-meets-playful villas tucked among tropical greenery.

Getting there involves a seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport. The resort suits couples and groups alike.

Each of the 115 villas comes with a private pool, generous sun deck, and either beach or lagoon access. The interiors mix contemporary design with bold colour accents and soft textures, while en-suite bathrooms offer a rain shower, bathtub, and the brand's signature glitter ball. All villas include a 43" 4K TV, high-fidelity sound system, Bluetooth speaker, coffee machine, and artisanal tea-making kit. Categories run from Lagoon and Ocean Overwater Pool Villas (110 sqm) up to Beach Pool Villas (137 sqm), two-bedroom options (221-306 sqm), and a single-bedroom Residence (221 sqm).

Dining options cover a good range. Kula serves all-day international buffet overlooking the lagoon. Guduguda is an overwater restaurant specialising in authentic Maldivian cuisine with traditional low-floor seating. BBQ Shak is a beachfront grill cooking fresh seafood and prime meats over coconut husks. Onda brings Mediterranean flavours with coastal cuisine and artisanal cocktails. Joos Cafe offers coffee, light bites, and pastries in a library-style setting, while Todis Bar is the poolside social hub for cocktails and bar bites.

Facilities include a main infinity pool, beach club, 24-hour fitness centre, tennis and padel courts, and a dive and watersports centre with snorkelling, diving, and motorised options. Subject to conditions, the house reef is accessible from the beach or overwater villas. A Lil' Shark Kids Club, boutique shop, and in-house marine biologist round things out. The Standard Spa takes a social approach with a communal hammam, steam room, plunge pools, hydrotherapy tub, and lagoon-view relaxation area, plus yoga, sound healing, meditation, and personal training.