Set on the heart-shaped Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll, just 25 minutes by seaplane from Male, W Maldives invites guests to shake off the stresses of everyday life and replace them with the serenity of lush greenery, natural beauty and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
A wonderland of white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, W Maldives provides a true escape from reality.
Total transformation
The first W Hotel to undergo the brand’s global rebranding initiative, the resort has been fully renovated and features 77 refreshed overwater and beach villas that use a “bio-boho” design philosophy to harmoniously blend indoor and outdoor living. The villas have been upgraded with outdoor spaces connecting seamlessly to the surrounding natural beauty.
Depending on the size of their group, guests can choose from one-bedroom overwater villas with private pools and two-bedroom overwater villas.
On the beach side, as well as one-bedroom villas with private pools, the redesign has seen the addition of Oasis Beach two-bedroom villas. Previously this multi-bedroom configuration was only available as an overwater accommodation, so this new room type makes a great option for families keen to access the beach from their doorstep.
New refreshments
W Maldives’ renovation also extends to the resort’s dining and bar scene, with bold new concepts including the Ocean-to-Table experience in an overwater setting at Fish; Nikkei cuisine and Latin American cocktails at Sip; and beachside barbecue at Fire. Guests can also enjoy a relaxed dining option at Kitchen, an all-day dining bistro with live cooking stations. Meanwhile, public spaces have been enhanced to create an inviting, playful environment that reflects the resort’s energetic spirit.
Sustainability is high on the agenda, with a suite of initiatives aimed at reducing the property’s environmental impact. These include eliminating single-use plastic bottles and amenities, installing a bio-gas plant to recycle food waste into organic fertiliser and methane gas, and a planned in-house herb and fruit plantation to promote self-sufficiency by the end of 2025.
Treasured moments
While W Maldives doesn’t feature specific children’s facilities such as kids’ clubs and babysitting services, there is plenty to entice families. Parents keen to spend time together as a family and make long-lasting memories will find a wealth of entertainment and relaxation options.
The W brand embodies Whatever/Whenever service, which offers 24-hour dining and adventure so families can enjoy their holiday at their own pace. Whether it’s diving into the water at Wet, the resort’s main swimming pool with a poolside lounge serving up wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers; visiting watersports centre Wave to try their hand at windsurfing, jetskiing or even parasailing; or boarding Escape, the resort’s private yacht to head out and explore local Maldivian culture, guests will be spoilt for choice.
Children are welcome to join in with the majority of activities on offer when accompanied by an adult.
There are also plenty of facilities to cater to more grown-up tastes such as Fit, the resort’s gym with a view of the ocean, and the Away Spa, which features four private overwater treatment rooms, a steam room and a therapy bath. For a special occasion, guests can book an escape to Gaathafushi, a private island just two-minutes away by speedboat. Whether it’s a vow renewal, proposal, private dinner or a family picnic, they can relax castaway-style in the peaceful, pristine surroundings.
Below the surface
The jewel in the crown at W Maldives has to be its house reef. Just a 30-second swim from their villa through crystal clear waters, guests will find a mecca for underwater enthusiasts. North Ari Atoll is famous for whale shark encounters and guests may also find themselves face-to-face with graceful rays, curious reef sharks and the beloved resident turtle, Bob.
W Maldives offers plenty of options for exploring this vibrant underwater world, with complimentary snorkel equipment available. There’s also an option to join a night snorkelling session to spot the Maldivian tuna fish as they begin their evening food hunt.
Those keen to go deeper can head to the Down Under Dive Centre, where they can embark on underwater adventures with the resident marine biologist, join Padi diving courses, hire equipment and even head out on overnight trips onboard the Escape yacht.
Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, time to connect or space to reflect, the newly transformed W Maldives will be waiting to welcome your clients to its luxury Indian ocean playground in the new year.
