There’s a special kind of magic to arriving in the Maldives. Imagine cruising across impossibly blue waters, the sun warm on your face, and seeing island after island appear like emerald jewels dotting the ocean. My recent trip took me to one such gem, the & Spa, a place that truly embodies paradise. It’s a newer resort, just celebrating its second anniversary, and it already feels like a seasoned favorite, earning accolades like being named one of the top ten resorts in the Maldives by Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024.
The resort is situated on its own private island, Amingiri, in the North Male Atoll. This seclusion is a huge part of its charm. From the moment you step onto the arrival pier, you’re greeted with jaw-dropping views of crystal-clear lagoons and pristine beaches. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and just soak it all in. Even my kids, Lily and Ethan, who are usually buzzing with energy, were momentarily quiet, just pointing at the vibrant fish swimming near the shore.
Luxurious Island Stays
The accommodations here are designed for ultimate relaxation and offer something for everyone. You can choose from beachfront villas or overwater villas, and each one comes with its own private pool, which felt like a necessity rather than a luxury after a day in the sun. The beach villas have direct access to the sand, allowing you to step right out onto the shore and enjoy those incredible ocean vistas. For a truly unique experience, the overwater villas are perched on stilts, offering a sense of complete escape. Waking up to that expansive view of the lagoon from your sundeck, with direct access to the water, is unforgettable. Michael even suggested we might have to come back just for one of these!
Exploring Marine Wonders
For anyone who loves the ocean, the Maldives is a dream destination, and Amingiri makes it easy to explore its wonders. The resort is conveniently located near some of the most celebrated dive sites. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, the chance to discover vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life is incredible. We decided to take a guided snorkeling tour as a family, and it was magical. Seeing the colorful fish and coral up close felt like entering another world. The resort also offers dolphin-watching excursions, which is something I’d love to do on a future visit, perhaps when the kids are a little older and can fully appreciate the experience.
Celebrating Island Culture
Our visit coincided with the resort’s second birthday celebration, themed the “Amingiri Birth-dheyh Party,” a clever nod to the Dhivehi word for ‘two.’ The General Manager, Gaurav Thakur, spoke about creating events that celebrate the resort’s journey while also highlighting the beauty and local culture of the Maldives. It felt like a genuine effort to share the soul of the islands with guests. The week kicked off with traditional boduberu drumming, a sound that immediately transports you to the heart of Maldivian culture. We also joined a lively cocktail soirée and a wonderful Beach Market buffet dinner, where the air was filled with the enticing aromas of local cuisine. It was a fantastic opportunity to sample some authentic Maldivian dishes while enjoying cultural performances that showcased the island’s rich heritage.
Connecting with Nature
Beyond the planned events, there’s a strong emphasis on reconnecting with the natural environment. The resort encourages guests to explore the island’s lush interior. A particularly meaningful experience was the tree-planting ritual offered to returning guests. It’s a beautiful symbol of growth and shared moments, and it made me think about how important it is to cherish these natural spaces. Even more exciting for the conservation-minded is the coral planting project. Participating in this initiative felt like a small but significant way to contribute to the preservation of the delicate marine ecosystems that make the Maldives so special. It’s something I’ll certainly be telling Lily and Ethan about for a long time.
Gourmet Delights Await
For those who appreciate fine dining, Amingiri offers some exceptional options. We enjoyed a memorable evening at Origin, the resort’s charismatic restaurant. It was a night of gastronomic pleasure, expertly enhanced with a curated selection of vintage wines and, of course, that renowned Maldivian hospitality. There was a wonderful touch of Italian sophistication that added another layer to the dining experience. For a different kind of indulgence, the Fire and Smoke Chef’s Table at the Beach Shack offered a mouthwatering array of meaty delights for the carnivores among us. It’s great to have such diverse culinary experiences available.
Refreshing Island Cocktails
You can’t visit a tropical paradise without trying the local drinks! The resort’s signature birthday cocktail, the Sagaafy Colada, was a highlight. It’s made with Maldivian spices, traditional screw-pine, and fresh coconut, really capturing the essence of the island. It’s not just delicious; it also represents the resort’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, using local ingredients. It’s a refreshing way to toast to the beauty of the Maldives and enjoy a taste of local flavor.
Spa and Wellness Sanctuary
For ultimate relaxation, the Amingiri Spa & Hammam is a sanctuary. During our visit, they had a visiting therapist offering biodynamic craniosacral therapy, Tibetan singing bowl sound therapy, and dynamic chakra dance. These transformative experiences, including guided meditations and yoga classes, provided a deep sense of harmony for body, mind, and soul. I treated myself to the Radiance Bundle, a selection of treatments that included luxurious hair care, a revitalizing skin therapy, and expert pedicures. It was the perfect way to feel rejuvenated and pampered throughout the trip.
Adventures for Little Ones
The resort truly caters to families, and that’s evident at the Krakengiri Kids’ Club. It’s one of the largest youth-centric spaces in the Maldives, and my kids had an absolute blast. They designed a special “Amingiri Birth-dheyh Party” just for the younger guests, filled with fun-filled entertainment and exciting games. It meant that Michael and I could enjoy some quiet time knowing they were having a fantastic adventure of their own.
What are the best accommodation options?
The resort offers both beach villas and overwater villas, each with private pools. Beach villas provide direct access to the sand and ocean, while overwater villas offer a unique stilted experience with lagoon access.
Can you access renowned dive sites easily?
Yes, the resort boasts easy access to some of the Maldives’ most renowned dive sites, perfect for exploring marine life and coral reefs.
Are there family-friendly activities?
Absolutely. The Krakengiri Kids’ Club offers extensive entertainment and games designed for younger guests, ensuring they have a memorable stay.
A trip to a place like the & Spa is more than just a vacation; it’s an experience that stays with you. From the stunning natural beauty and luxurious comfort to the warm cultural touches and exciting activities, it offers a perfect blend for a truly unforgettable getaway. I can already imagine us planning a return trip, perhaps for a longer stay in one of those incredible overwater villas.