A desert island paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives is one of those rare places that manages to feel both impossibly glamorous and deeply soothing at the same time. During my stay, I found myself constantly pausing just to absorb the beauty around me; sleek villas tucked into lush tropical foliage, high-fashion boutiques hidden along winding garden paths and 12 pristine white-sand beaches that look like they were sketched from a daydream. Getting there is an adventure that immediately sets the tone. You can glide across the water on a 50-minute yacht transfer or opt for the swift thrill of a 15-minute seaplane ride—either way, that first sight of the island rising out of turquoise lagoons is unforgettable.
A Style That Breathes Ease and Elegance
Reethi Rah exudes a relaxed confidence that instantly calms the senses. Impressively designed, the resort blends contemporary lines with intimate nooks, overwater spa sanctuaries and vast paths of powdery beach that seem to stretch into eternity. Even as a seasoned traveler, I found myself continually impressed by how seamlessly the architecture melts into nature—the resort feels as though it grew from the island itself.
Life at the Resort: Nature at Every Turn
What struck me most during my stay was how nature is woven into every moment. Start your day with sunrise meditations on the beach and ocean-view workouts that make even the most ambitious fitness intentions feel effortless. Between botanical dining, encounters with green-shelled turtles in the on-site rehabilitation centre and a spa that seems to float on breezes scented with essential oils, the island feels alive in every sense of the word. Then there’s the service… My dedicated butler appeared with a kind of quiet magic- nothing over bearing —anticipating needs I hadn’t yet voiced, smoothing every detail with effortless grace.
Villas That Blur the Line Between Indoors and Out
Each of the resort’s 122 villas feels like a private sanctuary. Some nestle within lush gardens, others hover over the Indian Ocean on stilts, but all are anchored by views that make your heart skip. Inside, warm stone and timber tones create a sophisticated cocoon; outside, expansive decks with oversized daybeds and shaded loungers invite you to slow down and simply exist. I often found myself drifting between indoor and outdoor spaces without noticing the transition—they’re designed to blend as naturally as sky meets sea on the horizon.
A Culinary Playground Spread Across the Island
One&Only Reethi Rah is a joy for anyone who loves food—or simply loves being surprised. My days flowed from fragrant morning coffee enjoyed in bed, to teppanyaki lunches overlooking the lagoon, to candlelit dinners in a timber treehouse where the soft rustle of the palm leaves became part of the ambience.
And I must confess; the breakfast croissants became an obsession. Warm, delicately flaky, and refreshed every 20 minutes, they pair dangerously well with the house-made mango and chilli jam. It’s the kind of indulgence you remember long after you return home.
Finale
In all, One&Only Reethi Rah is the kind of place that lingers with you long after you’ve left — an island where luxury feels effortless, nature is ever-present, and every moment seems crafted to slow the world down. Whether you’re seeking a romantic hideaway, a restorative solo retreat, or a family escape filled with adventure, it delivers an experience that feels both elevated and deeply personal. It’s a destination I return to again and again in my mind and one I can confidently recommend to travellers who want the Maldives at its most magical.
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