REVIEWS


ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH North Malé Atoll, Maldives


LOCATION: Like the majority of Maldivian resorts, One&Only Reethi Rah occupies a sparkling jewel of an island just under an hour away from the capital Malé. Guests can travel here on a 15-minute seaplane ride, but I’m told the majority opt to make use of the hotel’s private, and incredibly comfortable, yacht to make the hop across the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Don’t judge a book by its cover – or the airport arrival experience in this case. I’d been in the Maldives for about 10 days before heading to One&Only Reethi Rah and was a little dismayed to be sat in a main terminal awaiting the yacht’s departure, rather than the swish, private seaplane terminals other hotels occupy. It’s worth preparing clients that the initial experience may not be akin to other encounters with One&Only, but all that fades away the second you board the yacht and the brand we all know and love starts to shine. As we sail towards the island, its scale begins to reveal itself. Reethi Rah is one of the largest islands in the >l`iÛiÃ] >n` Ìhi >m«li v>ViliÌiià ÀiyiVÌ Ìhið


THE FACTS: Ƃà oni ov Ìhi wÀÃÌ hoÌilà on Ìhi Maldivian luxury hotel scene, One&Only Reethi Rah has become an icon of the archipelago. And while this 20-year-old property is one of the originals, it has certainly retained its charm, with 122 sleek villas, chic dining options, a decadent spa and 12 powdery beaches. Somewhat surprisingly (and against the norm), the majority of the resort’s inventory is on land with only a smattering of overwater villas. Instead ÞoÕ½ll wn` moÃÌ niÃÌli` >mon} }Àiin }>À`inà >n` ample foliage. Despite being a little dated, villas are airy and large, with pitched, lofty ceilings and private pools aplenty. Each one comes with bikes for the whole family – and you’ll need them because


106 ASPIRE JANUARY 2025


the four-mile circumference of the island means you’re certainly in for a workout. On the culinary front, there are eight restaurants and bars to choose from. My experience of the food in Earth and Rabarbaro wasn’t as glowing as many who have stayed before me, with service also a little lacklustre. In the day, guests will likely spend their time at The Beach Club or by one of the two swimming pools (one of which is adult-only). The beach area is very popular, thanks to the countless watersports on offer, as well as pool tables, table tennis, table football and TVs showing sport (much to my husband’s joy). iÀi ÞoÕ½ll >lÃo wn` >n iVi VÀi>m >n` ÃÜiiÌ Ãho« (overpriced and, typically, my toddler couldn’t keep away from it!), a smoothie bar and some boutiques, including one stocking Missoni goodies.


IDEAL FOR: Multigenerational families will love Reethi Rah. Its size and the extensive choice available across both activities and dining will tick lots of boxes. The kids’ club, KidsOnly, which welcomes guests aged four to 12, is brilliant and the staff here are exceptional.


EXPLORE: Head to the watersports centre to book activities showcasing the glistening waters surrounding the island – the underwater world is truly incredible.


WOW: The spa is exquisite – a real haven of relaxation and serenity. Ask your massage therapist to use coconut oil created on the island; it’ll leave your skin feeling soft for days.


BOOK IT: Nightly rates for a Beach Villa start from $2,060.


ONEANDONLYRESORTS.COM Hollie-Rae Brader


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


CREDIT: Mel Yates


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