What it is

A pristine 28-acre private island resort with its own reef in the Raa Atoll, with 44 villas on the sand and another 36 stilted overwater.

What it isn't

Lacking anything. The resort has six restaurants and bars to choose from, plus an infinity pool, water sports and dive center, treetop spa, and so much more.

What we think

Lazing around on the beach is a perfectly fine activity…blissful, in fact…but if you’re hankering for the unexpected, this is the spot. Guests of Alila can book a breakfast on a dhoni boat, snorkel their lagoon, and even perfect their massage skills in a guided Art of Touch workshop. Each villa (there are no standard guest rooms here) is as luxurious and serene as a page from Architectural Digest, most with indoor and outdoor showers, private pools and floor to ceiling glass walls. If you’re coming all this way, it’s worth booking a 1,345-square-foot Lagoon Water Villa; you won’t be able to tell where your infinity pool ends and the turquoise lagoon water begins. Don’t miss the spa; treatments include coconut honey scrubs and turmeric facials that will leave you even more glowing than a day on the sand.

You're here because

The resort is as sustainable as possible, having preserved 70% of existing vegetation and kick-started eco programs for water, waste and even alternatives to single-use plastic.

The Moment

The only thing more fun than the resort’s restaurants might just be their private sand island, The Shack—where they offer sunset barbecues via a four hour evening trip (on an authentic Maldivian dhoni boat, natch) nightly. The pink skies reflected in your cocktail are so stunning, you may just have to pinch yourself.

Restaurants & Bars

Seasalt - Seasalt Savour a creative medley of international flavours in a relaxed beachside setting housing an all-day dining restaurant and bar.

Umami - Treat your palate to a vibrant mix of epicurean experiences at Umami, offering modern Japanese-inspired cuisine and drinks.

Mirus Bar - Cosy up at our Mirus Bar offering an extensive and creative menu of drinks and light bites.

Pibati - This chilled beachside café satisfies your daytime cravings with comfort food ranging from pressed sandwiches to hand-pulled Roma-style pizzettes, organic salads, cakes and pastries, gelato and more, along with freshly brewed barista coffees, forest-friendly teas, juices and wellness concoctions.

Yakitori Bar - Yakitori Bar is the place to be to indulge in sundowners, including Asian-inspired creative cocktails and mocktails crafted by our team of mixologists alongside fine Japanese sakes and spirits.

The Shack - A true island escape experience, The Shack is our own private sand cay (giri). Two distinct trips to The Shack are available daily – a 4-hour day trip including a picnic-style lunch, and a 4-hour evening trip with a private chef to cook up a sunset BBQ.

Location

A fast 45 minute seaplane ride from Malé.