What it is

An 81-room retreat with beachfront and overwater options, a lagoon-side pool and overwater spa, plus five restaurants and two bars (one of them a swim-up).

What it isn't

Just for adults. Kids are pampered with a Planet Trekkers kids club (ages 4-12) where they can learn about marine biology, have crafternoons, and enjoy a pool-meets-playground, designed just for them.

What we think

The crystalline turquoise seas you envision when you think of the Maldives are omnipresent here, and unfurl all the way to the horizon. In such an aesthetically beautiful place, hotels have a lot to live up to—and InterContinental delivers. Modernist guest rooms are nothing less than lavish, but also very locally inspired, from their cloud-white sofas and soaking tubs to their outdoor showers. The ultimate stay might just be their Overwater Pool Villa, which has its own infinity pool, egg-shaped soaking tub, and private terrace, all of which is set on stilts over the glass clear waters of the lagoon. While you’re here, be sure to take at least one meal in their Lighthouse restaurant—which was built like a Grecian lighthouse set over the water with 360 degree views and has incredibly fresh local seafood.

You're here because

The service offerings are topnotch, including butlers, sports trainers, nannies, drycleaning, and an on-call doctor.

The Moment

You snorkeled, blissfully, among the hulking but happy-go-lucky manta rays all morning. And now there’s nothing that sounds better to you than swimming up to the pool bar. The manta rays don’t know what they’re missing.

Restaurants & Bars

LIGHTHOUSE - Fresh, locally sourced seafood with a 360-degree view of the resort and the Indian Ocean on top of the lighthouse. Private tables on the terrace or candle-lit tables on the beach are available by request.

FISH MARKET - Blending the freshest Maldivian seafood with aromatic flavours from South East Asia, Fish Market is a unique sea-to-table, interactive kitchen concept where guests select their own seafood with the culinary team

CAFÉ UMI - Breakfast consisting of traditional favorites, authentic Asian selections, cooked-to-order dishes and pastries. Casual lunch and dinner as well.

THE COLLECTIVE - a casual option located adjacent to the main pool. "The Deli" serves fresh juices, pastries and healthy wraps, while "Pizzeria" serves wood-fired pizza, and the "Gelato Bar" offers frozen treats

THE RETREAT - An adults-only, poolside venue serving cocktails, light bites and coffee.

SUNSET BAR + POOL BAR - additional options on the property serving cocktails, and spirits

Location

Near a manta ray sanctuary on a private island, a 35 minute speedboat and 20 minute flight from Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport.