W Maldives Resort Complete Review by Dreaming of Maldives

W Maldives Overview

The Island at a Glance

Resort Concept & Highlights

W Retreat & Spa Maldives is a small private Luxury Resort located in North Ari Atoll on the exclusive island of Fesdu at 25 minutes by seaplane from Male Airport.

Alike all W Hotels around the world, W Maldives has an ultra stylish atmosphere with a contemporary and cutting-edge style, focused on lifestyle and design. The resort defines itself has "A LUXURY PLAYGROUND" with a true "Wow Effect" at arrival. Inventive and hip, but friendly and laid-back too - W Maldives is definitely one the most glamorous Resort of Maldives.

Ranging from extraordinary Suites to fabulous Beach and overwater villas, the resort 78 spacious private Retreats come in 5 categories. The villa architecture inventively blends the Tropical Island Feeling with top luxurious amenities and Design. Superbly decorated and perfectly integrated in the island natural environment, all villas feature an infinity pool and a wide range of contemporary and fun features. Last but not least, all villas guarantee an excellent access to the island sumptuous house reef.

3 restaurants offer an eclectic and inventive cuisine prepared with the best ingredients from around the world. From an impressive grill on the beach to an exquisite overwater seafood restaurant or a high-end bistro cuisine and more, W Maldives proposes one of the best and most creative Cuisine in the Maldives. 2 hip and top designed bars as well as a stunning underground nightclub are the perfect places to chill-out by day...or by night !

W Maldives is surrounded by white-sandy beaches, turquoise lagoon and notably breathtaking close-by reefs. A full range of water sports and activities at WAVE, the Water sport center or around the island, provide a lot of excitement.

Located in North Ari Atoll, world renowned for the quality and variety of its Diving spots, W Retreat & Spa Maldives stands at a short distance from stunning caves, a wreck and some of the most famous Maldives dive sites.

The Spa is uniquely designed and offers complete privacy with indoor and outdoor treatment areas, as well as four luxurious treatment villas. Shaped like a Dhow, the traditional Maldivian boat, Away Spa beautifully stands above the lagoon and is surrounded by an exceptional reef.

Precursor and always on the go for new concepts and designs, W Retreat & Spa Maldives continues to keep its Wow standards. Totally Hip & Cool, the resort is a must for travelers who wish for a Luxury Holiday in Maldives with a twist of originality and a glamorous touch.

Our Favourite Moments and Places at W maldives

W Retreat & Spa Maldives is a multi-faceted Resort. Sometimes fun and hip for the active guests and quiet for the ones who prefers to take it easy and chill, there will be a dreamy place for anyone and any mood.

During our last stay at the resort we have experienced many moments and discovered many places. To help you get an idea of what W Maldives can make you live, we've listed hereunder 5 Dreamy ideas that we absolutely loved. This is just a glimpse at them.
Remember W Hotels philosophy : "Whatever / Wherever / Whenever", this means you can live and create Your Very Own Dream, anytime.

A secluded tiny island just for you

Just a stone’s throw from Fesdu is Gaathafushi. The spot, is totally intact and wild – a tropical fantasy and The Retreat’s own secluded island used for private rental by couples and groups.

Snorkeling around the resort

W Retreat & Maldives house reef has let us speechless. The amount of coral plates and fishes is absolutely remarkable. Take your gear, step out from your villa and explore. The underwater dream has never been so satisfying.

Listen to Music at Sunset / DJ's Events

Watching the beautiful moments of sunset with breezes off the Indian Ocean while feeling the mood with clear chill out sounds at SIP Bar. The right place for Music at the right moment.

Sail on a luxury Sailing Yacht

Sail and explore the Maldives on board of ESCAPE, a luxury 25 metre dual cabin two mast sailing yacht. This fabulous yacht is available for romantic cruises, private excursions, sleep on it for a while, organize a party... It's just up to you. The resort can organize pretty much everything and the crew will take care of you on board.

W Maldives best Moment and Place Dance & party 15 feet below the sand Nightclub

Dance & party 15 feet below the sand in a real Nightclub

W Retreat & Spa has a unique place in the World, the “15Below”, a true nightclub with a very evocative name, since it is located at 15 feet underground, just beneath the Island sand. After a day at the beach and a good dinner, just venture down, take a glowing cocktail and dance on the latest music beats.

Where is W Maldives ?

Atoll

North Ari

Coordinates

Latitude 4.007253

Longitude 72.810688

W Maldives The Villas

W Maldives is a fine blend of top luxury and local Traditions mixed with taste and elegance. The resort offers 78 spacious private Retreats perfectly integrated in the environment and available in 5 categories. Each Retreat features a plunge pool, high quality BOSE audiovisual equipment, complete privacy, contemporary design furniture's signed from top designers and delightful amenities.

Due to the excellent location of the resort stunning house reef, all villas with no exception, provide a quick & direct access to amazing snorkeling spots. W Maldives Retreats are among the most extraordinary villas we've stayed in Maldives.

"Let It Glow" Retreat New Design

A Unique & Cool Concept

The Retreat interiors have been recently redesigned with a complete new look that reflects the perfect blend of W’s innovative architectural design and contemporary living aesthetics.
W has chosen to work with top designers to achieve a new decor borrowed from the Indian Ocean’s colourful marine life. Twinkling stars and fluorescent plankton have inspired the newly stylish & chic Retreats with a ‘Let It Glow’ in mind.

The new Retreats are simply stunning. Among several really cool Design items, you will find in the bedroom the iconic Stingray rocking chair from Designer Thomas Pedersen, the surprising glowing Rope lamp conceived by Paris-based designer Christian Haas, signature pillows representing coral & jellyfish patterns, a beautiful hand knotted ceiling hammock, a jellyfish see through coffee table, stunning medusa bedside lights designed by Roxy Towry-Russel, glowing starfish pillow and Italian designer cocktail trolley bar to create your own cocktail, culture of the W brand.

The bathroom has also been completely redesigned and really glows in the night ! Located outdoor, the surprising bathroom has been completely revamped and features a phosphorescent and genius lighting system with items like urchin shell air plants, glowing stones and swarm lamps.

W Maldives features 78 Villas called Retreats, all featured with a swimming-pool, located on the beach or overwater.

On the Beach

28 Wonderful Beach Oasis

Overwater

25 Spectacular Ocean Oasis
21 Fabulous Lagoon Oasis
3 WOW Ocean Escape
1 Extreme WOW Ocean Haven

Wonderful Beach Oasis. 188 m2

Completely hidden with a direct beach access, the Wonderful Beach Oasis offers 2 levels. On the outside, at the lower level, a spacious 118sq deck includes a plunge pool and a circular daybed nestled within complete privacy. Upstairs a shaded deck with lagoon view features a swing daybed, a fridge and a BBQ area beckon. On the inside, the master bedroom features all modern & necessary amenities and a cutting-edge audiovisual equipment. An open-air bathroom offers a complete set of accessories, a standalone bathtub and a rainforest shower. 1 bedroom. Also available as interconnected Retreats.

Bedding and Capacity : 1 King Size Bed or Twin Beds + Lounge bed. Up to 3 persons.

Floor Plan

Spectacular Ocean Oasis. 146 m2

Located over-water right on the island house reef,the Spectacular Ocean Oasis provide an ideal snorkeling access. On the inside, the master bedroom has an open view to the sea, a glass bottom floor, ultra cool design items and a cocktail bar. The spacious outdoor sundeck features a private plunge pool and very comfortable a comfortable lounge area. The en suite bathroom offers large windows overlooking the ocean, a standalone bathtub, a rainforest shower as well as W Maldives complete set of accessories. 1 bedroom.

Bedding and Capacity : 1 King Size Bed or Twin Beds + Lounge bed. Up to 3 persons.

Floor Plan

Fabulous Lagoon Oasis. 146 m2

The Fabulous Lagoon Oasis are located over-water and offer the same features and amenities as the Spectacular Ocean Oasis ( see above ). The difference resides in their orientation which allow to have beautiful views on the resort wide blue lagoon where some snorkeling areas are also available. 1 bedroom.

Bedding and Capacity : 1 King Size Bed or Twin Beds + Lounge bed. Up to 3 persons.

Floor Plan

WOW Ocean Escape. 323 m2

The WOW Ocean Escapes water villas are located at the end of the over-water Retreat jetty. Their impressive 323m2 stretch over an amazing snorkeling area and offer absolute privacy. Separated by a large living-room and a dining area, each 2 bedrooms offer an en suite bathroom and their own indoor entertainment and lounge space. The Water Junior Suite Retreats feature a common indoor and outdoor relaxing area with lounging sofas and day bed, glass-bottom floors, an entertainment area and a huge sundeck with a a 24sq private swimming pool. 2 bedrooms

Bedding and Capacity : 1 King Size Bed + 2 Double Beds. Up to 4 persons.

Floor Plan

Extreme WOW Ocean Haven. 492 m2

The Extreme WOW Ocean Haven is the ultimate over-water Villa for a super luxury getaway. Featuring cool furnishing and amenities with generous dimensions this 492m2 lagoon front Suite is located at the very end of the water-villa jetty over an amazing snorkeling area and offer absolute privacy. The 2 bedrooms offer plenty of comfort and space with truly amazing and breathtaking sea views. For everything and beyond a kitchenette with customized snacks and drinks and cooking space ensure a perfect private journey. Separated by a large living-room with an entertainment and a dining area, each 2 bedrooms offer an en suite bathroom and their own indoor entertainment and lounge space.

The very spacious outdoor area feature a large shaded dining table with comfortable sofas and a day bed and a 78sq private swimming pool with jacuzzi integrated. 2 bedrooms

Bedding and Capacity : 1 King Size Bed + 2 Double Beds / Up to 4 persons.

Floor Plan

All Villas have

W Maldives Child Policy

Children of all ages are now accepted at W Maldives. Children from 5 years old and above can stay in all overwater rooms and suites

W Maldives Dining & Bars

W Retreat & Spa Maldives features a fine selection of Dining with an eclectic mix of 6 stylish and inventive bars and restaurants and the only underground nightclub in the Maldives. The resort transcends traditional cocktail expectations with a resident Mixologist.

Several dining options will satisfy any tastes and wishes. In all restaurants the best ingredients are gathered and prepared by passionate Chefs from around the world.

Fresh seafood at the amazing FISH over-water restaurant, Italian and Asiatic delicatessen and amazing breakfasts at KITCHEN the Island Bistro, an outstanding Grill experience around the beautiful fire bone on the beach at FIRE, the Island grill. Ice cream lovers will undoubtedly appreciate the six locations scattered around the island called "Sweet Points" where you can grab ice creams and sodas for free. Surprises and pleasure for the eyes and taste buds are guaranteed.

Kitchen

Kitchen is a bistro style restaurant open all day from the breakfast to dinner for a snack or a traditional meal. Kitchen is rich in choice with a menu ranging from a delicious pizza, to more elaborate dishes. Perfect for a bite or soul-satisfying food at any time, Kitchen offers one-of-a-kind twists on simple dishes you know and love, fun and delicious pastries and offer open cooking stations for the show.

Open all day. From 07.00 am to 10.30 pm

Fish

Fish Restaurant is beautifully set over-water with sunset views. Entirely redesigned, W Maldives signature restaurant is entirely dedicated to fish & seafood with a “Ocean to Table” cuisine concept that solely focus on the freshness of local ingredients from the sea. Besides the quality and creativity of its cuisine, Fish is also a beautiful place for a unforgettable outdoor romance dinner under the stars. Wine amateurs will appreciate its largest selection of wine by the glass in the entire Maldives archipelago. Possibility to eat outside or inside.

Dress Code : Casual

For Dinners only. From 07.00 pm to 11.00 pm

FIRE

FIRE restaurant is unique in the Maldives for its very large and almost complete choice of grills and barbecues. Entirely dedicated to this type of cuisine, FIRE offers 4 different charcoal cooking, Tandoori oven, BBQ and a Mongolian Broiler. A Chef is at disposal for any custom-made culinary creation, so do not hesitate to create your very own favourite plate ! To fully reconnect with nature...come Barefoot.

Dress Code : Casual

For Dinners only. From 07.00 pm to 11.00 pm

WET

WET bar is a cool lounge snack bar ideal to chill-out with a W signature cocktail, light main courses, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, bountiful salads, delectable Asian cuisine and sweet treats without leaving the infinity pool. Every sunny tuesday, WET transforms itself into a party place with W iconic "Shock Wave" Pool Party featuring DJ Music, Champagne and BBQ around the pool ! The place to be to relax, play or listen to the Resident DJ at some hours.

Dress Code : Casual

Open all day. From 10.00 am to 11.00 pm

SIP Bar

SIP bar is one of the best lounge bar in the Maldives. This is the place to be for a Sunset and a drink. According to the evening, Lounge music or beach waves will contribute to create a great atmosphere to chill out. It is also the best place to try one of the many signature cocktails prepared by the excellent resort Mixologist. Music lovers will love the DJ playing on the deck at Sunset.

Dress Code : Casual

For a Drink. From 05.00 pm to 12.00 am

15 Below Underground Nightclub

15 below is a true nightclub and a unique place in the World. Located at 15 feet underground, just beneath the beach it will bring you to a complete different world from above. The place is magical : sophisticated ambience and cozy, private alcoves with beds and lounge overlooking the dance floor, Electro music, blue phosphorescent cocktails and cocktail bar, neon lights, everything is just perfect. 15 Below receives DJs from around the world and has an extraordinary collection of vodkas, unique to the Maldives, with more than 95 names including the only Vintage Vodka in the world. Spectacular and exhilarating.

Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Open from 09.30 am to 02.00 am

W Maldives Dining Options

W Maldives also offers multiple options for dinners, lunches, receptions, special moments for 2 or more, with custom made menus and anywhere you want. On a Desert island, on board of a Luxury Sailing boat, on the beach, in your villa...Just name it. Whatever, Wherever, Whenever. It's just up to you.

On Request

W Maldives Wellness & Spa

The Spa AWAY is not an ordinary Spa. Inspired from a Dhoni (the traditional Maldivian boat) its eye-catching design and location are absolutely unique in the Maldives. The 66m2 of indoor and outdoor treatment areas, as well as four luxurious treatment villas majestically stand over-water on a striking part of the island house-reef.

Completely open on the horizon and facing the sunrise, Away Spa proposes a wide range of massages and rejuvenating treatments with an exceptional line of products. All treatments include an aromatic steam bath, a tropical rain shower and/or a fragrant bath as well as a refreshing body moisturizing treatment.

The Spa also propose some special natural soothing and tonic drinks as well as select menus of culinary delights.
Yoga and meditation at sunrise are daily proposed by a dedicated Yoga teacher. Private sessions are also available on request Whenever you want.

W Maldives Spa Treatments at a Glance

Balance

For The Body

For The Mind

Hatha Yoga | Meditation | Ayurveda

W Maldives Activities & Excursions

Surrounded by white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, breathtaking reefs and a full range of water sports at WAVE, the Water sport center, W Retreat & Spa Maldives offers a lot of excitement. Swimming-Pool lovers will also appreciate the 210sqm infinity pool (1.5m depth) overlooking the sea.

Activities

Free Sports & Activities

Windsurf & Kite surf(only for the experienced. Fee applies for competency check)
Molokini “transparent glass” canoes
Paddle Board
Snorkel equipment
Yoga session
Fully equipped gym & game room
Library & computer room

Paying Sports & Activities

Water ski
Parasailing
Guided Snorkel Tours
Catamaran sailing
Parasailing
Sea Bob
Water skiing, Wake boarding, Mono ski
Romantic Dhoni Sailing
Private speed boats rental
...and more

W Maldives Diving & Snorkeling

Located in Ari Atoll, W Retreat & Spa Maldives is renowned for its underwater great surroundings and its close range to famous Maldives dive sites. Completely equipped with the latest dive gear, DOWN UNDER Diving Center offers the full range of PADI certified courses and specialty courses. W has a breathtaking house reef, its own wreck and owns a small private island, Gaathafushi, for diving and snorkeling trips.

Snorkeling

W Retreat & Spa Maldives has a perfect location for both swimmers and snorkelers. The Island is surrounded by a exceptional close-by house reef on the West side, up to the North Side with stunning coral walls easily reachable and located at a few meters away from the beach shores. If you like adventure, you should not miss the night snorkel around the island reef. Snorkeling equipment is free of charge and many guided snorkeling tours are organized ( day and night).

Snorkeling at W Maldives

We have experienced some of our best snorkeling in the Maldives. The resort house reef is just breathtaking. It is amazing to see so many coral plates, and all mostly intact ! Snorkeling spots are literally in front of most of the island shores.

W Maldives AMAZING House Reef

The Beach villas located on the west side ( on the spa side ) are a dream if you like to explore the sea. If you stay in a over-water Retreat, choose the villas located on the west side too, you will step in an incredible coral garden. Magical, hardly unequalled, W Maldives is not only a great resort but is also gifted with a stunning underwater environment. A MUST.

Pay attention : As usual, take a moment to discuss with the Dive Center before going to explore the outside walls ! Currents can be dangerous and professional advices are gold.

Snorkeling around the Resort. Map of the resort close-by Snorkeling Sites

Please click on the right picture for a better look and understanding of the Island snorkeling area.

where to snorkel around W Maldives. Map of The Snorkeling Spots

My complete Snorkeling Guide to W Maldives

Follow me around the island to discover why W Maldives is a true Dream for snorkeling Lovers

Why Snorkeling at W Maldives is a Dream ?

Read my review

Diving

Located in the Northern part of the famous Ari Atoll, W Retreat & Spa Maldives is close to most of best diving area of North Ari Atoll.

One of the resort best and unique diving spot is "Hoholla Faru". This spot has a number of shallow caves big enough to swim into. The ceiling and walls are very honeycombed, allowing fish to swim in and out at their leisure.

Wreck lovers will discover the resort own wreck, located at a few minutes only from the island.

Diving around W Maldives

W Retreat & Spa Maldives is located in North Ari Atoll, a diving area worldwide renowned among divers for the quality and quantity of its diving sites. The Atoll is full of small thilas (reefs) and home to several large species such as whale sharks and hammerhead sharks which are often seen in the region. Diving in Ari Atoll is a guarantee to explore some of the most thriving underwater areas of the Maldives.

Multilingual instructors conduct all level of PADI courses, from Discover Scuba Diver up to Dive‐master. Specialty courses such as wreck, shark, nitrox, manta ray awareness, underwater photography, DPV (diver propulsion vehicle) are also offered by the experienced team

DOWN UNDER, the Diving Centre is equipped with the latest latest state-of-the-art diving equipment, a fully geared W Limousine diving boat, a Marine biology station and a decompression chamber within 10 minutes from the island.

LESSONS

Multilingual instructors conduct all level of PADI courses and a large variety of specialty courses :

Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Specialty courses such as wreck, shark, nitrox, Manta ray awareness,Underwater photography,DPV (diver propulsion vehicle).

EQUIPMENT

The Dive center is fully equipped with latest state of the art equipment, including :

Bauer B-trox Nitrox compressor, latest top quality Scubapro diving gear, dolphin re-breathers, cool underwater scooters, top quality underwater photo equipment rental

DIVE BOATS & SAFETY

Diving spots are reached on board of a super comfy (W)UNDER dive limousine, fully outfitted with fun after dive facilities. A specialized dive medical centre and a professional staffed centre with decompression chamber are lo acted within 10 minutes from the island.

On board of (W)UNDER there are : a Sundeck, a Post dive dry relax area, oxygen kits, first aid kits, refreshments, GPS and radio.

SPOKEN LANGUAGES at Diving center

English, Japanese, Russian, German and Dhivehi

ECO-DIVING

A Resident Marine Biologist will help you discover and understand the underwater world.

The W Marine biology station proposes : Guest educational programs, presentations, guided trips, Sea watching adventures and more...

PROGRAMMES SIGNATURES W / DOWN UNDER

PADI certificates, W underwater video, W explorer two tank wreck dive, at Fesdu and Halaveli wrecks, Stealth diver with the silent dolphin re-breather, Hammerhead heaven, overnight trip on the Resort two mast luxury yacht “ESCAPE” to world famous Hammerhead Shark Point.

DIVING SPOTS

Some of world’s best dive sites are close to the Island itself.

Among the classical and top Diving sites of North Ari Atoll, you will find : Maaya Thila, Fishhead, Malhoss Thila, Himendhoo Thila and the resort own Fesdu shipwreck to name just a few.

W Maldives Resort Aerial Map

W Maldives Resort Map

W Maldives Photos

W Maldives Island House Reef Aerial View

W Maldives - View from a Fabulous Lagoon Oasis Water Villa

View more Photos next

W Maldives Video

Discover W Maldives in Video next

Booking.com

W Maldives Visit & Review

W Maldives Whatever Wherever Whenever North Ari Atoll

The Resort at a Glance

The Dream

W Maldives Overview

The Island at a Glance

Resort Concept & Highlights

Our Favourite Moments and Places at W maldives

A secluded tiny island just for you

Snorkeling around the resort

Listen to Music at Sunset / DJ's Events

Sail on a luxury Sailing Yacht

Dance & party 15 feet below the sand in a real Nightclub

Where is W Maldives ?

Atoll

Coordinates

W Maldives The Villas

"Let It Glow" Retreat New Design

W Maldives features 78 Villas called Retreats, all featured with a swimming-pool, located on the beach or overwater.

On the Beach

Overwater

Wonderful Beach Oasis. 188 m2

Spectacular Ocean Oasis. 146 m2

Fabulous Lagoon Oasis. 146 m2

WOW Ocean Escape. 323 m2

Extreme WOW Ocean Haven. 492 m2

All Villas have

W Maldives Child Policy

W Maldives Dining & Bars

Kitchen

Fish

FIRE

WET

SIP Bar

15 Below Underground Nightclub

W Maldives Dining Options

W Maldives Wellness & Spa

W Maldives Spa Treatments at a Glance

Balance

For The Body

For The Mind

W Maldives Activities & Excursions

Activities

Free Sports & Activities

Paying Sports & Activities

W Maldives Diving & Snorkeling

Snorkeling

Snorkeling at W Maldives

W Maldives AMAZING House Reef

Snorkeling around the Resort. Map of the resort close-by Snorkeling Sites

My complete Snorkeling Guide to W Maldives

Why Snorkeling at W Maldives is a Dream ?

Diving

Diving around W Maldives

LESSONS

EQUIPMENT

DIVE BOATS & SAFETY

SPOKEN LANGUAGES at Diving center

ECO-DIVING

PROGRAMMES SIGNATURES W / DOWN UNDER

DIVING SPOTS

W Maldives Resort Aerial Map

W Maldives Resort Map

W Maldives Photos

W Maldives Video

W Maldives Latest Dreams on the Blog

Maldives TOP 10 Best Resorts 2024

W Maldives
Visit & Review

W Maldives Whatever Wherever Whenever
North Ari Atoll