One & Only Reethi Rah is still king of the Maldivian resorts. There may be resorts that cost more, but none have surpassed this extraordinary and ambitiously designed place, which is all about glamour and style, and shamelessly so. Indeed, if you aren’t comfortable with almost mind-boggling pampering and luxury, this probably isn’t the place for you.
The palatial Balinese-influenced rooms are some of the most enormous in the country, with high ceilings and beautifully furnished interiors. Some – but far from all – have their own pools, but those that don’t enjoy direct access to the lagoon or beach. Though you would never guess it, much of the vast island is the result of land reclamation and has been landscaped for optimum beach space. The island's atypical geography is clearly apparent from the air, where you can see an unusual number of perfect crescent beaches around the island. From its original 15.8 hectares, the island now stands at an incredible (for Maldives, at least) 44 hectares, which gives the island a spread-out feel, meaning plenty of privacy, empty beaches and guaranteed tranquillity.
The island is too large to be covered comfortably on foot, so guests get around by bicycle, though club cars can be called from reception as well. Other unique features include a canal that was built for the sea to flow through the island (a unique example of this in Maldives), a sumptuous black slate lap pool built out over the ocean and a reception unsurpassed in grandeur anywhere else in the country. Vegetation is thick and the spotless white-sand beaches are truly alluring.
There are now six restaurants on the island, including Tapasake for Japanese cuisine, Fanditha for Middle Eastern cooking and two recent additions: Botanica for outdoor organic meals and Rabarbaro for divine Italian. There's a huge ESPA-run spa that focuses on Asian treatments, including Balinese and Thai massage, a gym, two tennis courts and a pro-tennis trainer, a superb diving school, a kids club and a full water-sports program. All in all, if you can afford it, One & Only Reethi Rah is easily one of Maldives' most impressive and sumptuous private island experiences.
