Undersea lagoon haven
A secluded adults-only retreat where solar-powered timber pavilions meet coral reefs, reached by a forty-minute seaplane flight from Male.
“All are bright, spacious and airy, with splashes of bold colours calmed by polished timber floors.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Diligent villa hosts, bespoke arrival coordination, and anticipatory service across private oceanfront and overwater residences.
Remarkable
PADI dive center excursions to fifty atoll sites, house-reef snorkeling, and dining in an all-glass undersea pavilion.
Notable
Minimalist timber architecture by Yuji Yamazaki, featuring extensive solar roof arrays and a submerged glass dining structure.
What they say
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Tatler.
Every villa exudes a laid-back elegance that manages to be both beach-friendly and luxurious.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set across a private island in Lhaviyani Atoll, the house reef brings manta rays and sea turtles right to the piers.
The rooms
Standalone beach and overwater villas feature bleached timber floors and sun decks, with select categories adding private infinity plunge pools.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The freshwater infinity pool stretches toward the ocean horizon, lined with timber sundecks and cushioned loungers.
The spa
Overwater treatment rooms have glass floor panels beneath the massage beds and open decks overlooking the turquoise ocean.
The gym and yoga
Cardio machines look straight out at the lagoon, and yoga sessions take place inside the submerged glass pavilion.
5.8 Undersea Restaurant
Submerged nearly six meters below the lagoon surface, the all-glass dining room looks directly into the surrounding coral reef.
At the table
Open-air timber pavilions serve meals beside indoor reflecting pools, and thatched beachfront bars mix cocktails into the evening.
How it began
Architect Yuji Yamazaki integrated thousands of square meters of solar panels directly into the resort rooflines to power the island.
Good to know
Stay here
Hurawalhi Island Resort
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.