Lush outdoors, contemporary architecture, and luxury services make Amilla Maldives a favourite amongst travellers

What better way to share the holiday season with friends and family than a trip together? In the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll, a scenic 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé, Amilla Resort and Residences is surrounded by a technicolour house reef with its own ‘blue hole' and is just 10 minutes from Hanifaru Bay, home to the world’s largest groupings of manta rays and whale sharks (from May to November).

Modern and minimalist, explore 23.5 hectares of space to play, roam and relax. One of the largest and most spacious Maldives resorts, it features 67 spacious villas and residences. The vibe is chic and friendly for honeymooners, families, friends, children, and even solo. Want to connect with nature? Wander amongst sea almonds, screw pines, and thousands of mature coconut trees, while treating your eyes to the explosions of colours from hibiscus, bougainvillea, and frangipani blooms. In the Covid-struck times, the resort has complimentary in-house Rapid PCR testing for all arrivals (staff and guests). PCR tests are also available on request at cost price for those departing Amilla to countries requiring them from a government-certified PCR testing centre.

Stay as you like: On air, water, or air

Think: contemporary tropical retreats, luxury amenities, and huge indoor and outdoor areas for play and relaxation. Immerse in your choice of elements – water, air, or earth. From the selection of villas, choose from Reef Water Pool Villa, Sunset Water Pool Villa, Lagoon Water Pool, Treetop Pool Villa, and Beach Pool Villa. The whitewashed, minimalist ‘homes’ are perched on stilts over the Indian Ocean, on the pristine white shore or 12 metres high amongst the treetops, each with a private lap pool. Bright white interiors feature abstract prints, sleek lines and natural wood furnishings while huge bathrooms come with double monsoon showers, egg-shaped bathtubs, and Aesop toiletries. Rooms are designed for lingering with inviting king-size beds, comfy lounge areas and high-tech gadgets like iPads, docking stations, Blu-Ray players and Bose sound systems. Vast residences are made for large groups, families or VIPs, offering four, six or eight bedrooms, a private chef, and Rolls-Royce-style golf buggies.

Wine, dine, and have fun

Feast on Japanese fusion dishes over the water at the resort’s award-winning Feeling Koi restaurant. Then ‘Dine Around’ to explore diverse menus at the other venues. Maybe slip away to a secluded ‘Dine by Design’ location for an unforgettable evening under the stars. The Baazaar dining area, centred around the infinity pool, is home to a row of eateries including breakfast restaurant Fresh (with dishes from omelettes to noodles); Asian-fusion WOK; British-style Fish and Chips with fresh Maldivian catches; Joe’s Pizza; and the casual Baazaar Bar. At the Baa Baa Bar, enjoy an array of craft cocktails, fine wine, chilled beer, and spirits infused with ingredients grown on the island. Groove to the sundowner beats as the DJ takes charge of the console. The flavours of South Indian are a blend of delicate spices, fresh vegetables, and tender meats. East offers Tandoor specialties, curries, and traditional desserts. The laid-back Emperor Beach Club is home to a café, wine cellar, general store, games room, artist studio, fashion boutique, and photography studio. Whether you follow a keto, paleo, or low-carb lifestyle, are vegan or vegetarian, pescatarian, low fat or dairy, or gluten-free the chefs at Amilla can cater to your dietary lifestyle and even create wellness cocktails. Guests can wake up to a floating tray of breakfast delicacies in their private pool.

Experiences

Whatever your style of holiday is, the resort has more than enough activities and Maldives excursions to keep you occupied. Discover a host of water-sports activities, from parasailing to snorkelling, kayaking to wakeboarding. There’re also land-based games such as beach volleyball, badminton, tennis, and football. The Sultan’s Village Kid Club is perfect for young Amilla adventurers. has a palm-tree fringed playground, a shallow shaded pool, an indoor ball pit, a nap room with a cot for babies plus activities like treasure hunts and beach games. The nugget-free kids’ menu offers healthy bites like reef fish, grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. There’s also a special programme designed to keep the older children and teenagers actively engaged during their stay. From DJ to lessons to nighttime glow rider bicycle tours there is never a dull moment. Treat yourself to a unique ‘Amilla Glamping’ experience in a private beachside location. Choose between one of three air-conditioned bubble tent experiences featuring champagne, a private chef, sauna, and plunge pool. Enjoy a gourmet picnic and snorkelling whilst being 'marooned' on a tiny slice of sand, surrounded by glistening waters. The resort offers a host of complimentary non-motorized water sports during your stay at Amilla.

Wellness and Spa

Amilla offers a holistic approach to your wellness journey. Their programmes encompass cuisine, spa, movement, and mindfulness. You will receive a detox bath ceremony set up on your first and last nights in your room. Get pampered from head to toe at Javvu Spa with a blissful pure massage combining the best techniques from the East and West; nail treatments by celebrity podiatrist Margaret Dabbs; a hair salon by London’s Louise Galvin; a specialist barber; an ocean-facing fitness centre and an over-water yoga pavilion. Another highlight worth mentioning is the multi-sensory light, sound and vibration therapy that helps melt away anxiety and stress. Sensora has even been used in the treatment of insomnia, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, depression. Choose between Relax, Energy, Balance, and Meditation. Feel restored and revived by the colours, motion and sound frequencies. With your-wish-is-their-command butler service and all-age friendly approach, Amilla Resort and Residences has been able to win hearts since its inception. Plan your stay to feel the difference.