One&Only Reethi Rah: Best of the Best

A closer look at why this resort is one of the world’s best-kept secrets.

Nov 17, 2024

I just got back from the Maldives three days ago, but this trip had actually been booked six months before. Originally, it was planned to celebrate my mum’s birthday in October. However, with both of us having conflicting schedules that month, we decided to postpone it to November.

There were a few reasons why I chose One&Only Reethi Rah for our getaway. First, during my internship at Marriott International Asia Pacific in 2019, I worked as the assistant to the Area Vice President for Singapore, Malaysia, and the Maldives. At the time, my boss was conducting market research in the Maldives to study the competition, and OO Reethi Rah happened to be on the list. She even stayed there during the trip. When she returned, she told me the resort was truly exceptional.

Adding to this, one of my closest friends, who’s also the founder and editor-in-chief of Luxury Executive, once said that OO Reethi Rah is the best resort he’s ever been to. And to keep in mind, he visited as a child with his family, yet it’s still his favourite to this day. These two trusted opinions—both from hospitality experts—made me incredibly curious about the resort.

But here’s the thing: it’s 2024, and the Maldives now boasts a slew of new luxury resorts. Naturally, I started researching alternatives, including Patina, Ritz-Carlton, Joali, and Waldorf Astoria. These are newer resorts with stunning designs that really caught my eye. However, from my experience, newer resorts often come with challenges: staff who are still adapting from diverse backgrounds, island vegetation that hasn’t fully matured, and, for some properties, the need for a seaplane transfer.

Seaplane transfers, while scenic, come with a hefty price tag—typically around USD 1,600 per person for a 30–40 minute ride. They are also not complimentary, and you share the plane with others heading to different resorts (It’s like a school bus). On top of that, there are strict baggage limits, which can be inconvenient when traveling with older family members.

In the end, I proposed One&Only Reethi Rah to mum for her birthday celebration, influenced by two hospitality experts who both vouched for its exceptional quality and service. On top of that, the resort offered complimentary yacht transfers, which take about 50 minutes—a stress-free alternative to seaplanes.

In this post, I’ll review everything—from my interactions with their guest information team to the amenities we enjoyed, the island activities, and the variety of food they offer. I hope this gives you a glimpse into the best resort I’ve ever been to. So, sit back and enjoy!

Hotel Insights

Opened in 2005, One&Only Reethi Rah established itself as a pioneer in Maldivian luxury, setting the benchmark for resorts that followed. Situated on on octopus-shaped island in the North Malé Atoll, the property offers an impressive 6 km (3.7 mi) - of pristine coastline, dotted with secluded white-sand coves and tranquil turquoise bays. Its 128 villas are thoughtfully positioned to ensure privacy.

The resort is the creation of celebrated architect Jean-Michel Gathy, who designed one of his earliest masterpieces here. Tasked with embodying the name Reethi Rah, meaning “Beautiful Island” in Dhivehi, Gathy crafted a design that seamlessly balances luxury, space, and privacy. His work encompassed everything from the architecture, lighting and interiors to the landscaped surroundings of each villa.

Each pavilion and villa reflects a harmonious blend of natural simplicity and bold sophistication. Exteriors are understated, blending into the lush vegetation that surrounds them. Inside, the mood shifts to an opulent aesthetic, with dramatic Asian-inspired interiors that showcase vivid colors and tropical materials. Teak, rattan, mahogany, coconut shell, and silk combine to create textures that feel both indulgent and grounded. The result is an atmosphere that perfectly merges the island’s natural beauty with a refined sense of luxury, making One&Only Reethi Rah a standout in the Maldives’ competitive luxury market.

Pre-Arrival

After booking, the guest information team promptly reached out via email to gather details about our occasion, flight information, and preferences. They asked about everything from pillow types and allergies to specific likes and dislikes, ensuring every detail was tailored to our needs. They also provided valuable information about the resort and the activities offered, and the team was incredibly responsive throughout.

For your reference, prior to arrival, we were required to pay the full amount 30-days in advance before our arrival. They also requested copies of our passports in advance, which made the check-in process smooth and efficient. From the very beginning, I could tell the team was superb, as they thoughtfully anticipated every need.

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, O&O Reethi Rah representatives greeted us with clear signage, then escorted us to their private luxury yacht for the transfer to the resort. The entire experience was seamless, and the airport itself was breathtaking. On board the yacht, the staff introduced themselves and offered a selection of snacks and drinks.

Check-in & Room

Upon arrival at the resort, we were warmly greeted by the management team and staff, who offered us a refreshing welcome drink. Each villa is assigned with a personal host, and ours was great. She escorted us to our Sunset Beach Villa that’s also next to the iconic OO Reethi Rah bridge, which had been thoughtfully selected for us, given that we were celebrating my mum’s 68th birthday. The villa's prime location, close to the main restaurant and central area, was ideal, especially since the island is very large and getting around usually requires a buggy.

The personal touches, like the villa’s location, made us appreciate them even more. Once inside, our butler provided us with a detailed schedule for the next five days, which included everything from spa appointments to dining reservations. Our package included half-board, which covered breakfast and a 3-course dinner at Reethi restaurant or USD102 credit per person, though drinks were not included.

Check-in was seamless, and the villa itself was a true embodiment of Maldivian luxury. Although the property has been operating for the past 19 years, the rooms are refurbished every 5 years, and the amenities are excellent, featuring Diptyque toiletries and a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne as a welcome gesture.

Restaurants & Bars

Thankfully here at OO offers plenty of options, from casual to more refined dining. There are six restaurants and bars to choose from, or you can enjoy a private meal in your villa or at one of the quiet outdoor spots around the resort.

Fanditha, located at the tip of the property, is known for its Middle Eastern dishes and is a great spot to watch the sunset. Botanica serves plant-based, farm-to-table food, with many of the ingredients coming from the restaurant's own garden. Reethi Restaurant is where the breakfast takes place. At dinner, they serve a variety of dishes, including pan-Asian flavors and grilled options, all cooked over a charcoal grill. After dinner, you can relax at Rah Bar with cocktails and live music or even DJs playing their set at some nights.

Rabarbaro offers casual Italian dining with views of the resort’s lap pool. The Missoni-Resort Club is a feet-in-the-sand spot where you can enjoy seafood, salads, and grilled dishes. Hoshi, serves Japanese food with a mix of new dishes and classic favorites.

We had the chance to try most of the restaurants, except for Botanica, which was closed on select days. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food across all outlets — where it was good, even compared to other luxury resorts I’ve visited around the world. The dining experience here is top-notch, not just because of the food, but also the attentiveness of the staff. The only downside is that it’s very expensive - the cocktails, food and wine, but I suppose that’s the case with most resorts in the Maldives!

Activities & Spa

Honestly, it’s impossible to get bored on the island with so many activities to choose from. One&Only Reethi Rah offers 12 beautiful beaches, and each week brings something new — from sunset dolphin cruises to spinning class and wellness sessions with world-renowned doctors. The resort even invites world-class athletes to lead special classes, keeping things exciting. For sports enthusiasts, there are two tennis courts, a padel court, a climbing wall, and a FIFA-approved football field with synthetic grass.

The water sports center is packed with options, from canoes and pedal boats to jet skis, windsurfing, flyboarding, and seabobs. For those who prefer land-based activities, Club One offers beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and board games, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Younger guests can enjoy the KidsOnly and One Tribe programs, designed to spark creativity and adventure. Plus, for anyone wanting to explore the Indian Ocean, the dive center offers incredible experiences like Shark Safaris, Turtle expeditions and thrilling snorkeling and diving trips to uncover the vibrant marine life below. I did a turtle expeditions and also had a sunset cruise with mum and it excelled my expectations.

The award-winning One&Only Spa collaborates with ESPA and offers a comprehensive range of treatments focused on beauty, fitness, and wellness. Set in lush gardens on the island's sunrise side, the spa features 14 treatment pavilions, some with ocean views, and is enhanced by visiting global experts. Facilities include vitality pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a studio by renowned French podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez. There’s also a hair and gentlemen’s grooming salon, a yoga pavilion, and a fully equipped gym with both indoor and outdoor spaces, plus a Recharge Bar for post-workout refreshments.

We tried their 90-minute signature One&Only Massage, which was good but not exceptional. In comparison, I found the Six Senses in Kaplankaya, Bodrum, Turkey, to have better spa facilities with a more modern touch. That said, the outdoor spaces at One&Only are wonderful and ideal for relaxation.

Service

This is where One&Only truly excels. Before this, I ranked the service at Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Uxua Trancoso, Brazil and Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay in Bali as the best I’d experienced. However, One&Only Reethi Rah has surpassed all of them. The service here reminded me of One&Only Portonovi, where we stayed in September — but while Portonovi felt a bit “too much,” the service at Reethi Rah strikes the perfect balance: warm, genuine, and never overbearing.

For example, my mum loves yoga, and without us even requesting it, a yoga mat was thoughtfully placed in our villa. Whenever we walked around the property, staff driving unoccupied buggies would always offer us a ride back to our villa or wherever we were headed and other surprises.

Even at the restaurants, they remembered our preferences — an impressive feat given the property was running at 70–80% occupancy during our stay. Despite the busyness, the service remained impeccable. I’ve visited many luxury properties worldwide, but the level of attentiveness and care here is in a league of its own.

This resort has redefined luxury hospitality for me. It’s going to be hard to stay anywhere else after this experience because Reethi Rah has set the bar so high. Their ability to anticipate guest needs, their genuine warmth, and their perfect balance of attentiveness without being intrusive — this is what all luxury hotels should aspire to.

A huge congratulations to the One&Only Reethi Rah team for delivering an unforgettable experience. If you ever have the chance to visit, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

All in all, I have to say this is the best resort I’ve ever experienced! I completely agree with my ex-boss and the founder of Luxury Executive — the facilities, activities, breathtaking island, and consistently impeccable service are truly unmatched. I already find myself counting down the days until I can return to this extraordinary paradise!