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.

Dive into nature and let your holiday escape begin at Vilamendhoo Maldives Resort Island, situated in the South Ari Atoll, one of the few places in the world with a year-round aggregation of whale sharks. The island is 900 meters long by 250 meters wide, covering around 55 acres. Surrounded by a spectacular house reef just a short swim away from the expansive sandy beach, the quintessential tropical diving and snorkelling island adventure awaits.

LOCATION
South Ari Atoll.

HOW TO GET THERE
Seaplane (approximately 25 minutes).

ACCOMMODATION
184 Rooms feature island-chic décor, a king size or two twin beds, wooden floors and private patios with furniture.

Tropical Villas(Size: 55m²)
Tucked away in the resort's vibrant gardens, these serene retreats offer a lush, secluded escape surrounded by tropical foliage. Spacious yet intimate, they provide all the modern comforts for recharging amid nature's embrace.

Adjacent Beachfront Villas (Size: 55m²)
These side by side villas deliver beach side luxury with separated entrance doors for ultimate privacy. Steps from the waves, they are primed for adventures like snorkelling or water sports.

Beachfront Villas (Size: 55m²)
Nestled along the shore, these villas offer an exclusive sanctuary, where powdery sands and the ocean awaits just beyond the doorstep. Breezy wooden design, plush interiors, and panoramic lagoon views create a perfect haven.

Romantic Beachfront Villas (Size: 65m²)
Embrace the beauty of island living with the turquoise lagoon just steps from your door. These villas for adults only offer a spacious, private sanctuary where the sand meets luxury. After a day of sun-drenched adventures, retreat inside for an intimate soak in your private bathtub, a peaceful ritual designed for two in the heart of your beachfront escape.

Romantic Ocean Villas (Size: 85m²)
Built with natural wood to evoke a carefree, organic ambiance, each of these elegant over water retreats villa features a luxurious private bathtub, an expansive layout for ultimate comfort and a private staircase leading directly into the crystal clear lagoon.

ROOM FACILITIES

• Air conditioning
• Ceiling fan
• Sitting area
• Mini bar with refrigerator
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• House bottled water
• IDD telephone
• Flat screen cable TV
• WiFi
• Electronic safe
• Partially open-air bathroom with rain shower
• Bath accessories
• Hair dryer
• Nightly turndown service
• Bathrobe

DINING

Meal Plans
The resort operates on a Full Board basis with the option to upgrade to All Inclusive Dine Around.

The resort’s All Inclusive Dine Around includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the Funama Restaurant or the Ahima Restaurant
• Unlimited snacks and after hours menu in the Bonthi Bar and in the Sunset Bar (11h00 – 12h30 and 14h30 to 19h00)
• A 20% discount on all food items from Asian Wok menu or at the Faru Restaurant (not valid for special events and teppanyaki)
• Dine around option of one 3 course set menu for lunch and dinner at the Asian Wok or at the Faru Restaurant (pre-booking required and subject to space availability)
• A 20% discount from selected spa treatments taken during the first two days of the guest stay (not all treatments are entitled to this discount. Subject to space availability)
• Unlimited ‘all you can drink’ alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages ‘all day and night’ including bottled water - non-carbonated house brand, soft drinks, fruit juice (packaged), draught beer, coffee, tea, iced coffee, iced tea, espresso, cappuccino, latté and macchiato, hot chocolate, milkshakes and smoothies, house wine served by glass: red, white and rosé, house spirits: gin, vodka, rum, whisky, tequila and brandy, cocktail and mocktail selection served with house brand ingredients
• Mini bar stocked with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and assorted snacks (replenished once a day)
• One bottle of bubbles (per room, per length of stay)
• One sunset cruise, as per schedule
• One ½ hour group snorkelling lesson (equipment not included), as per schedule
• One ½ hour group windsurf lesson (equipment included), as per schedule
• One Dhangethi (local island) excursion, as per schedule
• Complimentary use of the fitness centre, volleyball and badminton courts, table tennis, billiards, snooker, darts and football grounds (equipment included)
• Free use of tennis court and padel court for one hour during daytime (including rackets and used balls)
• Complimentary use of the kayaks for one hour(equipment included)
• Complimentary yoga session in Duniye Spa; group sessions, as per schedule (includes Pranayama, Asanas and Yoga Nidra)

The Funama Restaurant
There are two main restaurants offering themed breakfast, lunch and dinner in an authentic Maldivian setting featuring sand floors and open-air spaces. Complimentary water is provided during mealtimes.
For guests staying in the Tropical Villas, Beachfront Villas and Adjacent Beachfront Villas.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Ahima Restaurant
The Ahima main restaurant is an Adults Only exclusive dining space for adults staying in the Romantic Beachfront Villas and Romantic Ocean Villas.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The Asian Wok
Experience the balance of the five flavours: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. This Asian sanctuary offers a tranquil dining experience focused on precision and purity. Featuring a live Teppanyaki station and a dedicated Wok kitchen, guests can witness the craftsmanship behind every flame-seared dish and delicate garnish.
Open for Lunch and Dinner

Faru Restaurant
Savor the freshest catch of the day at this signature seafood destination, where the vibrant flavours of the Indian Ocean take centre stage. From succulent grilled lobster to delicately seasoned reef fish, every dish is a celebration of the sea, prepared with refined techniques and a touch of island spice and elegance.
Open for Lunch and Dinner

Boashi Café
Nestled beside the Boashi Pool, this charming spot serves aromatic coffees, tropical smoothies and savoury bites, ideal for a relaxed morning brew or an energizing afternoon pick me up under the Maldives sun.

Bonthi Bar
Enjoy the over-water deck for evening celebrations, offering satellite TV coverage of international sporting events and a disco night.
Open for Drinks and Snacks

Boashi Bar
Perfectly positioned beside the pool, offering guests a range of refreshing drinks for a sultry afternoon under the bright sun.
Open for Drinks

Sunset Bar
The island’s premier spot for sundowners. Indulge in a cocktail on the expansive deck overlooking the adults only infinity pool and the ocean, offering the most spectacular sunset views on the island This bar is restricted to adults only.
Open for Drinks and Snacks

Asian Wok Bar
Located within the Asian restaurant, this venue features a relaxing Shisha Lounge and an extensive menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Open for Drinks

SPA
The Duniye Spa provides an overwater tropical retreat for both women and men, centred on wholeness, simplicity, purity and quality. Blending the therapist’s healing touch with Asian massage techniques and chemical free organic products, it delivers a natural, holistic and personalized approach to each guest’s health, beauty and well being.

KIDS CLUB
The Heron Kids Club is a vibrant world of discovery designed to keep our youngest travellers engaged and inspired. With a focus on creativity and fun, it provides a safe, supervised, interactive environment where children explore the wonders of island life through a variety of activities. The Club has both indoor and outdoor play areas

Wi-Fi
Complimentary throughout the resort.

WATERSPORTS & ACTIVITIES (a supplement may apply)

• 1.5 km of beautiful white sand beach
• Magnificent lagoon and excellent snorkelling on the house reef just off the beach
• 2 Fresh water swimming pools
• Tennis court (floodlit)
• Padel court
• Putting green
• Beach volleyball
• Badminton
• Table tennis
• Games Room
• Petanque
• Football grounds
• Fishing excursions
• Fitness center
• Euro Divers Scuba Centre
• Euro Divers Watersports Centre
• Daily evening entertainment programme
• Vila Memories Photography Service
• Guided excursions
• Gift shops
• Internet café
• Fehurihi Lounge
• Daily evening entertainment

All information in this fact sheet is applicable from November 2026 and is subject to change without prior notice.