A Private Island Sanctuary in Shaviyani Atoll
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa occupies the private island of Vagaru in the secluded, pristine Shaviyani Atoll — one of the least-developed atolls in the Maldivian archipelago. Surrounded by undisturbed natural beauty and thriving marine life, this ultra-luxury island retreat opened in October 2019 as the debut of the iconic JW Marriott brand in the Maldives.
Every villa enjoys a private pool, spacious wooden deck, and dedicated Thakuru (personal butler) service — a hallmark of the JW Marriott experience.
Accommodation — 60 Private Pool Villas
Choose from four villa categories, each designed with contemporary interiors, master bathrooms with separate bathtubs, rain showers, and double vanities:
- Overwater Pool Villa — Standing over the lagoon with sunrise or sunset aspects; 234 sqm / 2,519 sqft
- Beach Pool Villa — Wrapped in lush vegetation with direct beach access to the lagoon; 248 sqm / 2,669 sqft
- Duplex Overwater Pool Villa — Two storeys with sweeping Indian Ocean views and an upstairs lounge; 274 sqm / 2,949 sqft
- Duplex Beach Pool Villa — Two-bedroom family villa with 3 bathrooms, secluded garden, pool and beach access; 285 sqm / 3,068 sqft
Dining — 6 Venues
From beachfront all-day dining to intimate private degustation, every meal at JW Marriott Maldives is an experience in itself:
- Aailaa — International all-day dining with live cooking stations and the Wine Room (1,620 bottles, 320 labels)
- Fiamma — Italian poolside with wood-fired brick-oven pizza and pasta
- Kaashi — Thai treetop restaurant with panoramic ocean views
- Hashi — Japanese teppanyaki overwater with sushi and sake
- Shio — Fine-dining overwater grill with prime meats and refined wines
- RIHA — Intimate 6-seat Indian degustation around a live tandoor, by reservation
Spa by JW & Wellness
One of the most complete overwater spa set-ups in the Maldives. The fully overwater wellness complex features 6 couples' treatment rooms, a Deluxe Treatment Suite with private steam room and plunge pool, a 24-hour overwater gym, and an open-air yoga pavilion.
Family — FAMILY by JW · Little Griffins Kids Club
One of the largest kids' clubs in the Maldives, open daily for ages 0–12. Centred on a 13-metre pirate ship, the club offers treasure hunts, pizza making, snorkelling, arts and science experiments. A Teen Lounge and babysitting service are also available. Children under 12 stay free.
Getting There
A scenic 55-minute seaplane journey with Trans Maldivian Airways connects Velana International Airport (Malé) to Vagaru Island — approximately 192 km across the Indian Ocean. A resort Welcome Ambassador escorts guests through seaplane check-in. Advance reservations are required; seaplanes operate in daylight hours only.
Sustainability
Green Globe Certified. The on-island JW Garden supplies restaurants with fresh produce daily, a resident marine biologist manages an active coral-reef restoration programme, and guest-room recycling operates island-wide. Shaviyani Atoll's reefs remain largely untouched by bleaching that has affected more heavily trafficked northern atolls.