What it is

An incredibly luxe Maldivian playground.

What it isn't

A sleepy adults-only property.

What we think

This resort, made up of neighboring islands, challenges the idea that a private island vacation has a time limit—one based on how long you can relax without itching for something to do. Don’t get us wrong, a lot of attention is paid to sybarites here thanks to oceanfront and overwater bungalows, most of which have private pools, not to mention the lagoon-facing spa and a ring of white-sand beaches dotted with umbrellas and lounges. But travelers who are looking to pick up the pace can stroll across an overwater pedestrian bridge to Niyama Private Islands' Play Island, which has an activities menu fit for a theme park. Families can sign up for group yoga classes, or parents can drop the 12 and under set at a kid’s club that has cooking classes, a splash pad and a trampoline. There are also tennis courts, a soccer pitch and surfing lessons. Four restaurants serve up cuisines that span the globe: At signature restaurant Tribal, diners are greeted by a Maasai warrior and a dawa, made with honey and lime, welcome drink. Afterwards, travelers can dance in the underwater club.

You're here because

You’re traveling with a group or family that has different interests: Some want to relax on an Indian Ocean beach while others want an adventure-filled itinerary.

The Moment

Toweling off after a snorkel trip, where you saw tropical fish and colorful corals, to head to a cooking class. Here, you make your own chili after picking herbs from the resort’s hydroponic spice garden.

Restaurants & Bars

Epicure - All-day dining on Chill. International cusine in a casual chic setting by the infinity pool.

Tribal - African, Central and South American tribal cuisines amidst blazing fires.

Edge - Modern fine dining, set half-a-kilometre out in the ocean and accessible only by boat.

The Deli - Foodie snacks and grab-and-go deli delights.

Nest - Asian avant-garde cuisines in a surreal treetop setting. Modern teppanyaki, Thai, Chinese and Indonesian.

Blu - All-day dining family-style restaurant with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and ice cream parlour.

Subsix - Underwater playground for Champagne breakfasts, sub-aquatic lunches, weekly glow parties, wine tastings and destination dining.

Fahrenheit - Rooftop bar with clear views of the Indian Ocean, live music by night.

Dune - Al fresco lounge bar and beach club.

Location

The Maldives’ south western atoll of Dhaalu, a 45-minute seaplane ride from Male.