The Maldives is a destination of dazzling tropical beauty that offers the perfect recipe for relaxation and rejuvenation! A country of more than a thousand islands, endowed with a dreamlike beauty, the Maldives beckons with clear lagoons, moonlit nights, and powdery white beaches.

Maldives offers a variety of resorts catering to the taste of most travellers, with most operating at a very high-end luxury level. From adults only honeymoon style resorts with overwater villas, offering the ultimate in peace and privacy, to sprawling resorts that span multiple islands and offer kids clubs, padel and tennis courts, and even a golf course or two, you’ll find a Maldives resort that suits your needs. As alcohol and food can be expensive in resort and you won’t be venturing out to eat, we highly recommend booking an all inclusive package in this island holiday destination.

Picture yourself in a place where the sand is as white as snow and the water is a mesmerizing shade of turquoise. This is the Maldives. It’s a tropical paradise that seems straight out of a dream. And the hotels offer an unmatched level of luxury quite unlike any you’ll find in other island destinations. The people here simply know how to do hospitality. This is a place to truly relax, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the finer things in life. Maldives is barefoot luxury at its best.

The Maldives has a hot tropical climate and the temperature remains remarkably consistent at around 30°C year-round – that’s on the beach and in the water! The sea in the Maldives is warm all year round and the water temperature is an average of 29°C (yowzers!) The warm seas of the Maldives also have high visibility throughout the year; with water clear enough to see the passing fish as far as fifty metres away at times so you can enjoy your holiday, snorkelling, diving, deep-sea fishing, or cruising, at any time of year.

International flights arrive at Male's Hulhule airport, which is on an island of its own. Transfers from the airport to your resort island are either by boat, seaplane, or domestic flight, depending on the distance. If your Maldives resort requires a seaplane transfer, be aware that seaplanes only operate in daylight hours. The seaplane journey in itself is an experience, as you get stunning views of the atolls - make sure you get a window seat and that you get your camera out before boarding. The seaplane will usually land next to a floating platform, from which you will be picked up by boat to be taken the remaining few metres in shore to your resort.

The Maldives is 3 hours ahead of South Africa. The standard electricity socket is the UK-style three-pin, although there are some variations, so an international adaptor will be useful. The language of the Maldivians is Dhivehi and is very similar to several other languages from Sri Lanka, South East Asia and North India. English is also widely spoken in the Maldives.

If you’re taking a seaplane transfer, the luggage allowance is a little more restrictive than your commercial flight - you are allowed 20kg per person of baggage and one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 5kg. Be sure to take along your best beach and casual wear, perfect for the day while a light rain jacket might come in handy in the event of the occasional rain shower and sunglasses and suntan lotion are a must. It’s also a good idea to take along a few movies on a tablet or something similar as the English TV channels in your hotel may be limited and your own goggles and snorkels – even though your resort will have this equipment available to hire, you’ll probably be happier having your own.

Multi award winning Ayada Maldives is a private island resort in Maldives’ relatively unexplored Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the south of the country. The luxury resort offers 122 spacious villas and suites set amidst lush tropical gardens and greenery, and is ringed by a pristine coral reef where dolphins are frequent visitors.

LOCATION
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.

HOW TO GET THERE
Domestic flight (approximately 55 minutes) followed by a speedboat transfer (approximately 50 minutes).

ACCOMMODATION
The luxury accommodation types combine contemporary with traditional Maldivian design elements and are tastefully designed and furnished to provide privacy and comfort. All Villas offer direct beach or ocean access and the service of your own dedicated butler. All Villas and Suites, with the exception of the Garden Villa, have a private plunge pool.

Garden Villas (Size: 101m²)
Nestled in the lush tropical greenery, Garden Villas are a perfect retreat for those looking to relax in a stunning private setting. Garden Villas offer a spacious bathroom with a large bathtub and outdoor shower, as well as a garden veranda. Garden Villas are only steps away from all resort facilities.

Beach Villas with Pool (Size: 103m²)
Beach Villas are located on the idyllic stretches of the white sandy beaches and offer a beautiful private garden with a plunge pool, a large veranda and a bathroom with bathtub and outdoor shower in the back courtyard.

Beach Suites with Pool (Size: 115m²)
Beach Suites are located on the beautiful white sand beaches offering a large bedroom, spacious veranda with sunbeds and a plunge pool in a private garden. Ideal for families or couples who prefer a larger living space. Bathrooms of Beach Suites have a bathtub and a large back courtyard with outdoor shower.

Sunset Beach Suites with Pool (Size: 137m²)
These spacious beachfront suites offer a large living space with both indoor and outdoor shower, a spacious outdoor terrace and a secluded garden with a private pool and direct beach access. Sunset Beach Suites are located on the part of the island where sunsets are the most beautiful.

Ocean Villas with Pool (Size: 108m²)
Poised over the lagoon, these overwater villas allow for idyllic contemplation whilst lounging on the ocean hammocks with the gentle lapping of the waves to soothe you. These spacious villas offer a private outdoor terrace, ocean hammocks, plunge pool, an uninterrupted view of the horizon and direct lagoon access.

Sunset Lagoon Suites with Pool (Size: 156m²)
Resting on the land with the outdoor terrace over the ocean, these suites combine the unique features of both the tropical garden and the magical view on the lagoon. These villas offer a large area encompassing a living and bedroom area complete with a bathroom open in the intimate garden. The spacious outdoor terraces offer plush swing sofas, a plunge pool to further enhance the tranquil setting and a direct lagoon access.

Beach Family Suites with Pool (Size: 115m² + 103m²)
Beach Suites interconnect with a Beach Villa, ensuring the family has privacy as well as direct access to each other. To ensure absolute privacy, tropical vegetation screens the private pool with its sun terrace, loungers, umbrella, and outdoor dining table. Indoors, king-sized canopy beds, a spacious bathroom with twin sinks, indoor and outdoor showers, and a huge terrazzo bathtub make this style of beach-living a real pleasure.

Sunset Family Lagoon Suites with Pool (Size: 156m²)
Resting on the land with the outdoor terrace over the ocean, these suites are perfect for families, they combine the unique features of both the tropical garden and the magical view on the lagoon. These villas offer a large area encompassing one King size bed and 2 single beds complete with a large bathroom open in the intimate garden. The spacious outdoor terraces offer plush swing sofas, a plunge pool to further enhance the tranquil setting and a direct lagoon access.

Sunset Ocean Suites with Pool (Size: 172m²)
Offering absolute luxury and serenity over the Indian Ocean, the over-water Sunset Ocean Suites offer a master bedroom with private bathroom and a living area with a glass floor panel, an additional bathroom and pantry area, a huge sundeck with ocean hammocks and direct access to the lagoon and infinite views of the horizon.

Sunset Family Ocean Suites with Pool (Size: 172m²)
Ideal for families travelling with older children, these west-facing over-water suites have two bedrooms; one with a glass floor panel and shower room, and the master bedroom with en suite full bathroom with separate tub and shower. Outside is a huge sundeck with dining table, over-water hammock, private pool, sun loungers, daybed and steps into the ocean below.

The Ayada Royal Ocean Suite with Pool (Size: 318m²)
With its distinct location on the edge of the jetty, this duplex split level presidential suite is considered an island enclave that offers spacious bedrooms on the ground and upper floors, a lavish living area and an upper floor terrace providing a 180 degree view of the Indian Ocean and the horizon with absolute privacy.

ROOM FACILITIES

• Outdoor terrace with sun loungers, daybed and an outdoor shower
• Indoor daybed
• Interactive 32” flat screen LCD TV
• DVD/CD player with surround sound system (connects with Bluetooth)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• International direct dialling access
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Mini bar
• Electronic safe
• Air conditioning
• Digital peephole viewer
• Indoor bath area featuring a large terrazzo tub and luxury bath amenities
• Housekeeping services twice a day

DINING

Meal Plans

Half Board includes:

• Breakfast at the Magu Restaurant.
• Dinner at the Magu Restaurant.
• A food credit of USD 50 per adult will be provided if guest wish to have dinner at Kai or Ocean Breeze a la carte Restaurants.

Full Board includes:

• Breakfast at the Magu Restaurant
• Lunch at Zero Degree and Ocean Breeze
• Dinner at the Magu Restaurant
• A food credit of USD 50 per adult for dinner at any other restaurant

The Ayada Crystal Package includes:

• Breakfast at the Magu Restaurant
• Lunch at Zero Degree and Ocean Breeze
• Dinner at the Magu Restaurant
• A food credit of USD 50 per adult for dinner at any other restaurant
• Beverage menu available in all outlets until midnight (supplement is applicable on selected menu items).

The Ayada Diamond All Inclusive Package includes:

• Breakfast at the Magu Restaurant
• Lunch at Zero Degree and Ocean Breeze
• Dinner is available at Magu Restaurant (buffet) and specialty restaurants Kai and Ocean Breeze (supplement is applicable on selected menu items)
• Dinner at Mizu Teppanyaki restaurant once during the stay
• Beach BBQ dinner and live entertainment at Sea Salt. A food credit of USD50 per adult is applicable
• Beverage menu available in all outlets until midnight (supplement is applicable on selected menu items)
• Afternoon tea and bar snacks at Zero Degree
• Sunset cheese and wine pairing at Ile de Joie
• Shisha available at Ottoman lounge
• Diamond mini bar replenished once daily with beer, wine, soft drinks, Ayada water and snacks
• 1 Complimentary 60 minute Spa treatment per paying adult per stay
• Two complimentary excursions per person: Aquarium snorkelling and sunset fishing
• Two excursions per person: aquarium snorkelling, sunset fishing, sunset cruise or glass-bottom boat tour
• Complimentary laundry service

Magu
Magu is Ayada Maldives’ main restaurant showcasing a generous international buffet with daily changing themes. Set on the beach, this elegant restaurant has a peaceful central reflecting pool and is surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Diners have the option of sitting outside under the palm trees and wonderful Maldivian sky, or in an air-conditioned pavilion.
Open for Breakfast (07h00 – 10h30) and Dinner (19h00 – 22h00).

Ocean Breeze
Named after its beautiful over-water location where the warmth of the sun is tempered by a refreshing breeze, this stylish restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers gourmets a tempting menu of modern European dishes. With regular seasonal changes to the menu, items such as grilled seafood, homemade pasta, and fine steaks are perennial favourites.
Open for Dinner on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (19h00 – 22h00).

Kai
An exquisite range of far Eastern and Asian delicacies awaits in this gem of a restaurant hidden away amid tropical greenery. Open for dinner each evening, diners can choose from extensive sushi and sashimi list made from the freshest local seafood as well as classic interpretations of regional Asian specialties from China, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The décor, with its calm reflecting pools and typical Japanese-inspired architecture, sets the scene for a memorable evening of fine dining.
Open for Dinner on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (19h00 – 22h00).

Mizu
The word Teppanyaki is derived from "Teppan” meaning iron hot plate and "Yaki” which means to grill or fry. That is exactly what you’ll experience at Mizu: The chef will prepare the most delicious fish, meat, and vegetarian dishes as you watch him skillfully cook in front of you with precision. Add to this the use of top-quality ingredients, an extensive choice of sakes and wines, and the characteristic of sitting between the ocean and the tropical Ayada Maldives.
Reservations are required (closed on Tuesdays).

Ile de Joie
Lovers of the finer things in life will adore this tiny over-water open-air cheese and wine bar over the lagoon. Truly an ‘island of joy’, this is home to the island’s fine wines cellar where oenophiles will enjoy perusing the eclectic wine list. The collection of specialty imported, hand-selected cheeses make this the perfect venue for open-air pre- or post-dinner relaxation over a fine cigar from the well-stocked humidor.
Open for Drinks and Snacks (18h00 – 23h00).

The Ottoman Lounge
This far-flung outpost of the Ottoman empire graces the island with fine Turkish teas and coffee presented in the traditional manner in filigree silver- service. Enjoy the unique experience of sipping authentically brewed Turkish coffee and specialty teas in a lounge with low seating, as inspired by a traditional café in Turkey. This welcoming lounge is a perfect spot for a private meeting or a relaxed drink with friends. For a soothing afternoon ritual look no further than the chef’s modern interpretation of afternoon tea. In the evenings, a choice of aromatic shisha water pipes (narghile) adds elegance. The décor, with its sand-floor and thatched roof with carved wooden furniture, lends itself to photographic interest, especially in the evening when the ‘chandelier’ of hundreds of tiny Turkish style lanterns light up the lounge.
Open for Drinks (15h00 – 18h00).

Sea Salt
Feel the magic of the Maldives at our mouth-watering beach BBQ held under a carpet of stars where you can feast on freshly grilled meat and seafood. Ideally situated on our Zero Degree Beach with golden sand, amazing sunshine, and a gentle sea breeze, this is the perfect place to savour food from the grill with your feet in the surf… a true delight!
Open on Tuesdays (19h20 – 22h00).

Zero Degree
Zero Degree restaurant and bar is where you’ll find poolside dining at its finest: a simple yet wide menu of international dishes that addresses all cravings from crisp fresh salads to European, Asian, and middle eastern dishes. Guests can choose to dine barefoot in the water, under a thatched roof, in one of the poolside cabanas swathed in fabric, or of course for the ultimate sun lovers, the sunbeds by the pool. At night, thanks to its incredible LED lighting display, the pool transforms into a myriad of tiny stars, reflecting the incredible night skies for an unforgettable midnight swim. At this time the bar becomes the social place to be, with live music, DJ, and special events such as open-air movies enjoyed in the pool while the bartenders work their magic from an enticing list of cocktails and guests dance the night away.
Open for Drinks (from 12h00) and Lunch (12h00 – 18h00).

KIDS CLUB
Ayada Maldives provides a fully equipped Kid’s Club, inviting all children, this facility offers a host of recreational and educational activities conducted by a personable and attentive team. Zuzuu has its own pool, nanny room, a stage and playground area with a jungle gym. All activities and services are offered complimentary unless specified. Fun and engaging activities are on offer, including cooking classes, t-shirt painting, face painting, and educational insight into the flora, fauna and marine life that is so unique to the Maldives.
Babysitting services are available upon request.
Open 09h00 – 18h00.

SPA
Ayada Maldives’ 3500 sqm AySpa has been designed to rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. The spa showcases terrazzo floors with marble and timber hues to reinforce an indigenous feel to your spa experience. Maldives’ first Vichy shower room and private Turkish Hammam including an elaborate marble plinth.

SURFING
The Maldives surf season begins early in the year and Ayada is blessed with some of the best surf breaks – 8 are within easy distance, 2 for beginners and 6 for pros. The best months are from September through to mid November where the average height of the reef breakers can range from between 1.2 and 1.5 metres to 2.5 and 3 metres.

Wi-Fi
Available in all villas & in public areas.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (* some at a supplement)

• 24 Hour Butler or Guest Relations Services
• 24 Hour In-Villa Dining
• Shopping Arcade (authentic handicrafts, retail items, jewellery and souvenirs)
• Hair salon*
• Clinic with a doctor on call 24 hours a day
• Laundry, dry cleaning and pressing service*
• Library offering a range of magazines, books, DVD’s, CD’s and complimentary use of the computers
• Dive centre*
• Catamaran sailing
• Canoeing
• Windsurfing
• Surfing*
• Stand-up paddle
• Waterskiing*
• Fun tubes*
• Snorkelling
• Banana rides*
• Jet skiing*
• Water bikes*
• Fitness centre
• Floodlit tennis court
• Yoga Studio for scheduled or private yoga, pilates and aerobics classes
• 3 Jogging tracks measuring 900m, 1200m and 1600m around the island

All information in this Fact Sheet is applicable from January 2026 and is subject to change without prior notice.