Vibe
Thatched villas cluster over a turquoise lagoon in the Baa Atoll, where an overwater observatory and underwater dining bookend the day.
“Astronomical reef sanctuary”
Expansive island campus featuring an underwater dining room, rooftop astronomical observatory, water sports, and open-air cinema.
All-villa sanctuaries feature private infinity pools, glass-bottom bathtubs, dedicated villa hosts, and customized island dining.
Overwater treatment suites feature glass viewing floors, complemented by Ayurvedic therapies and a dedicated Muay Thai ring.
On a private island in the Baa Atoll, surrounded by a coral lagoon and house reef.
“A magical mélange of 80 design-rich accommodations–some floating, some rooted in the sand–… is exactly what tropical dreams are made of.”
Rooms
Every villa includes a private infinity pool, with overwater options featuring glass-bottom bathtubs and hammock netting suspended above the lagoon.
Wellness
Overwater treatment suites feature glass floor panels beneath massage tables, complemented by Ayurvedic rituals, an outdoor tennis court, and a Muay Thai ring.
Backstory
Built in 2011 within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island resort was engineered so that not a single tree was moved during construction.
Eat & drink
Dine alongside reef sharks at underwater restaurant SEA, then head up to SKY bar to view constellations through a research-grade telescope.
The neighborhood
Kihavah Huravalhi Island sits within the Baa Atoll, circled by a thriving house reef with seasonal manta rays in nearby Hanifaru Bay.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.