One & Only Reethi Rah
Country: Maldives
Our stay at One&Only Reethi Rah was a long-awaited return to the Maldives — a destination that has set the bar for barefoot luxury and drawn everyone from discerning travellers to A-list regulars. This time, we were seeking something different: a place that could balance indulgence with ease, where our young boys could explore freely, and where we could reconnect as a family without compromise.
The short speedboat ride from Malé already felt like the start of something special. When we arrived, the welcome team and our butler, Camilla, were waiting with warm smiles and cool towels — the kind of thoughtful touch that makes you instantly feel you’ve arrived somewhere that cares. From then on, it was all about slowing down and simply enjoying time together.
The Setting
One & Only Reethi Rah sits in the North Malé Atoll — conveniently close to the airport. We reached in just 45 minutes by luxury speedboat, meaning there was no need to wait for a seaplane transfer. The speedboat was well stocked with refreshments and extremely comfortable, turning the ride into a mini adventure for the kids.
Unlike many Maldivian islands, this one is expansive — twelve stretches of soft white beach, hidden coves, and cycling paths under palms give it a sense of discovery and freedom. It’s a man-made island, which some may see as a drawback, but we found it beautiful and immaculately designed. We all had bikes to get around, though I loved walking and soaking in the island’s natural sights and sounds.
For us, waking up in our Beach Villa with Pool and sliding open the doors to the turquoise lagoon was a moment etched in memory. The island balances barefoot calm with a refined elegance — a place where space and nature set the rhythm of your stay.
The Villa
Our Beach Villa with Pool was the epitome of understated Maldivian luxury. Nestled directly on the sand, it blended airy interiors with natural textures of wood and stone, making it feel both luxurious and in harmony with its surroundings. It is probably in need of a refresh soon, though it felt luxurious, you couldn’t help but notice the odd tired looking pieces of furniture and fittings at times.
The shaded terrace came with a dining area, sofa seating, and loungers and just in front of our bedroom was the beautiful plunge pool. Just look at that morning view! The boys spent hours in the water, whilst we could lounge nearby with the lagoon always in sight. Inside, high ceilings, an oversized bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, and thoughtful details like the hammock outside added layers of comfort. Bathroom amenities were from Diptique, my wife’s favourite – on par with other luxury resorts.
The key element of the villa, like with all Beach Villas in Maldives is that we had direct access to a quiet beach and the lagoon. Etched in my memory is the excitement of Nitai (my eldest) when we were shown to our villa. As soon as he saw the lagoon, he proceeded to run straight into the warm lagoon forgetting all of us behind, such was the appeal.
This was more than a villa—it was a retreat where mornings blurred into afternoons, and you never felt the need to be anywhere else.
Pleasure Seeker Secret
If you’re coming to this property then I’d highly recommend the Villa with Pool. It really was a highlight, and a stunning scene when we woke up.
Pleasure Seeker Secret
The resort has many beaches, and as with most islands in the Maldives, conditions change with the seasons. Some beaches can be a little shelly at times, while others are soft and velvety. I usually check ahead — and once on the island, I like to explore each area to find my favourite stretch of sand.
The resort
Reethi Rah is a resort of possibilities. From the moment you arrive, the scale of the island becomes part of the experience — you’re never crowded, yet always close to something worth discovering: one of its many beaches, restaurants, or pools.
Dining here deserves its own spotlight — each restaurant offers something distinct:
- Reethi serves Mediterranean-inspired menus, where chefs gladly adapt pastas, risottos, and fresh salads to be vegetarian and egg-free.
- Tapasake, a stunning overwater Japanese venue, was closed during our stay, though the team assured us they could tailor dishes for our dietary needs in the future.
- Botanica was our favourite — garden-to-table dining surrounded by banyan trees, with much of the produce grown on the island. It felt the most naturally aligned to our vegetarian lifestyle.
- Fanditha, barefoot and bohemian on the beach, served mezze-style plates, grilled vegetables, and warm breads — easy, relaxed, and perfect with children.
Beyond dining, the resort opens up a world of leisure. Whether you’re seeking activity or serenity, there’s something for every mood:
- Pools: a dramatic adults-only infinity pool overlooking the lagoon, and a shaded family pool perfect for children.
- Water adventures: kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, jet skiing, and private yacht charters.
- Land activities: tennis courts, a padel court, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and cycling paths through palm groves.
- Ocean exploration: a PADI-certified dive centre offering guided dives and snorkelling safaris. One morning, we joined a guided snorkel and were struck by how alive the reef was — schools of colourful fish darting through coral, a turtle grazing nearby, and a small reef shark gliding quietly in the distance.
- Wellness and creativity: art classes, open-air yoga, and nature trails for quiet reflection, along with the soul-restoring spa.
It’s the kind of resort where you can fill each day with something different to do — or simply let time drift by, doing nothing at all.
The Service
Service at Reethi Rah is personal and seamless. Every villa comes with a dedicated butler, and ours, Camilla, was outstanding. She took the time to understand our preferences — especially around food — and worked closely with the chefs to ensure our vegetarian requests were always met with creativity and care.
Her thoughtfulness went far beyond meals. From helping with little day-to-day needs with the kids to orchestrating our 10th-anniversary surprise — a romantic beach dinner followed by an outdoor movie — she made the stay feel effortless. Across the island, the service carried that same ethos: attentive, thoughtful, and genuinely warm.
Given the island’s size, service can occasionally take a little time depending on where staff are based, but the “nothing is impossible” attitude shines through in every interaction.
The Family
Reethi Rah welcomes families wholeheartedly, yet never compromises its refined edge. The KidsOnly Club quickly became a second home for our boys — a lively mix of water play, imagination, and creativity. The outdoor splash pool felt like a mini kids’ club in itself, with a pirate ship and playground that kept them entertained for hours.
From cooking classes adapted for little hands to treasure hunts and arts and crafts, the days passed easily and joyfully. It’s largely based outdoors, which suits the tropical climate, though the indoor areas are relatively small if it rains all day. That said, some outdoor zones are covered, so play doesn’t have to stop completely.
The staff were warm and patient, remembering the boys’ names and gently encouraging them to join in, which made the whole experience feel personal and safe. Nitai’s favourite moment was designing and printing his own T-shirt — a keepsake he wore proudly for the rest of the trip. For older children, OneTribe offers more adventurous activities, while teenagers have their own social space.
It’s a resort that truly understands families — giving children freedom to play while parents enjoy the calm, polished atmosphere that makes Reethi Rah special. For you couples, worried that you are going to get disturbed by kids running around everywhere, don’t worry, the island is big enough to find your quiet piece of paradise.
The Food
The quality of food was excellent, and we never felt like “just vegetarians” on a seafood-focused island. The chefs listened carefully, made thoughtful adjustments, and ensured we always had satisfying options.
Breakfasts were a highlight — from eggless pastries and avocado toast to saffron-topped porridge that felt indulgent and special. The buffet wasn’t the largest, but it was beautifully curated, and I loved the concept of the chilled room, where fresh fruits, yoghurts, and cheeses stayed perfectly fresh rather than wilting in the heat.
Lunches and dinners continued the same thoughtful approach — with burgers, wraps, pastas, and soups all adapted to our preferences. It kept things interesting, and we never had to repeat the same dishes.
With toddlers, dinners in the main restaurants could feel a bit formal, so in-villa dining became our sanctuary — same quality, more peace. Our 10th-anniversary evening — a tapas-style vegetarian feast followed by a private beach movie — was the pinnacle of the trip. Truly unforgettable.
The Spa
Set within tropical gardens, the One&Only Spa is a sanctuary of calm. I loved how it offered a genuine spa experience rather than just a treatment space. Although it lacked a cold plunge, its open-air layout — with a jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna framed by lush greenery — made it feel truly immersive.
Treatment villas are tucked discreetly among the gardens, with overwater suites, a serene Watsu pool, and spaces for yoga and meditation. My massage was perfectly balanced — rejuvenating yet calming — with the scent of essential oils and the sound of the lagoon beside me.
Wellness here goes beyond treatments: sunrise yoga, a state-of-the-art gym, and outdoor fitness trails mean there’s always a way to move, breathe, and reconnect.
The Verdict
One & Only Reethi Rah is more than a Maldivian escape — it’s a resort that blends world-class luxury with genuine family warmth. Our Beach Villa with Pool offered privacy and unforgettable lagoon views; service was personal and heartfelt; and the food — so often a challenge for vegetarians — was consistently adapted with creativity and care.
This is a resort where families feel truly welcome. Reethi Rah delivered calm mornings, playful afternoons, indulgent evenings, and memories that will stay with us for years to come — and that view from the villa…
