Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

bethanymoore2
Sep 20, 2024
2 min read

Updated: May 29

I stayed at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and can honestly say it’s one of the most peaceful, luxurious places I’ve ever been. The resort is located in the remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll, far south of Malé, which gives it a level of privacy and serenity that’s hard to find elsewhere in the Maldives. Getting there takes a bit of time - a domestic flight followed by a speedboat - but it’s absolutely worth it.

The villas are stunning. I stayed in one of the beach villas, and it felt like I had the beach entirely to myself. There’s also the option of over water villas if you prefer.. Each villa has its own private pool, oversized bathrooms, direct access to the water, and the interiors are beautifully designed - lots of navy and soft neutrals with elegant colonial-style touches.

Dining was a highlight. Thari is their main restaurant and has a laid-back vibe right on the beach - great for breakfast and casual lunches. For something more elevated, Yuzu serves Nikkei cuisine, which is a Japanese-Peruvian fusion. It’s creative and fresh, perfect for a special dinner. The Firepit is also a memorable experience - open-air barbecue under the stars. And the Long Bar is where I’d go for a sundown cocktail, especially their signature Maldives Sling.

The marine life around the resort is incredible. There’s a vibrant house reef just steps away from your villa, and snorkeling there feels like swimming in an aquarium - I saw turtles, rays, reef sharks, and endless colorful fish. For anyone into diving, the resort offers guided excursions and the dive sites are world-class.

I also spent a lot of time at their overwater spa. It’s quiet, scenic, and the treatments are top-notch - highly recommend the traditional Maldivian massage. Even the gym is overwater, which makes workouts surprisingly enjoyable when you're surrounded by views like that. I did yoga in the mornings each day with a private instructor.

Service was what you’d expect from Raffles - seamless, personal, and discreet. Each villa gets a dedicated butler who takes care of everything from booking dinners to organizing excursions, so you never really have to think about logistics.

In short, if you’re looking for luxury, peace, and privacy, Raffles Maldives delivers on every level. It’s not a party island - it’s about switching off, enjoying the natural beauty, and being taken care of completely. Perfect for a honeymoon, a retreat, or just treating yourself to something exceptional.

Location: Remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll, very private and quiet

Arrival: 55-minute domestic flight from Malé + 15-minute speedboat ride

Villas: 38 total – beachfront and overwater, all with private pools and ocean views

Design: Elegant, calm interiors with soft colors and colonial-style touches

Dining:

Thari: Casual all-day beachfront dining

Yuzu: Japanese-Peruvian fusion (Nikkei), creative and high-end

The Firepit: Open-air BBQ experience under the stars

Long Bar: Great cocktails, especially their Maldives Sling

Activities:

Amazing house reef for snorkeling

Guided diving trips available