How to get to Shaviyani Atoll

Why I send people to Shaviyani Atoll

Shaviyani is the Maldives’ answer to exclusivity without the crowds. Only two resorts—JW Marriott and Fairmont—share the atoll, and both sit on islands large enough to feel like their own world. The seaplane ride from Malé is a swift 55 minutes, and From arrival onto the pontoon, you’re greeted by a lagoon so expansive it feels like a private ocean. JW Marriott’s island, Vagaru, is shaped like a half-moon, with overwater villas angled like turtle shells for maximum privacy. Fairmont’s Sirru Fen Fushi, meanwhile, boasts the Maldives’ longest infinity pool—200 metres of turquoise cutting through the islandand a 600-hectare lagoon where you can paddle for hours without seeing another guest. If you’ve ever dreamed of a Maldives trip where you’re not jostling for sunbeds or waiting for a table at breakfast, this is the atoll for you.

The two resorts: JW Marriott vs Fairmont

JW Marriott Maldives is the sleeker, more design-forward option. Its 60 villas blend natural wood and stone with modern lines, and the roofs are deliberately angled to mimic turtle shells—a nod to the atoll’s marine life. The resort’s signature restaurant, Kaashi, serves Japanese cuisine in a treetop pavilion, while Italian dishes at Bellavista are paired with sunset views over the lagoon. Families love the Little Griffins Kids Club, which includes a pirate-ship play area and nature-based activities. For adults, Spa by JW offers overwater treatment rooms and a yoga pavilion perched above the reef.

Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi leans into art and adventure. The resort’s 120 villas include beach, overwater, and even tented jungle options, all decorated with indigenous patterns and natural materials. The Coralarium—an underwater art installation by Jason deCaires Taylor—is the Maldives’ first coral regeneration project, and you can snorkel or dive right up to it. Fairmont also caters to teens with a dedicated Teen Town, and the 200-metre infinity pool is long enough for serious laps. If you’re torn between the two, ask yourself: Do you want a resort that feels like a boutique hotel (JW Marriott) or one that doubles as an art gallery and adventure hub (Fairmont)?

Transfer: seaplane only

Shaviyani Atoll is only accessible by seaplane, and the flight from Malé takes exactly 55 minutes. Both JW Marriott and Fairmont use the same transfer operator, so your arrival and departure will be smooth—no ferry rides or speedboat hops required. The seaplane lands on a lagoon right next to the resort, and you’ll be at your villa within 10 minutes of touching down. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the seaplane is gentler than a speedboat, and the views of the atoll’s empty islands are worth the ticket alone. Pro tip: Book your transfer through me, and I’ll ensure your seaplane seats are reserved well in advance—no last-minute scrambling at the airport.

Dining: from treetops to underwater art

JW Marriott’s dining lineup is a global tour: Kaashi for Japanese, Bellavista for Italian, and a buffet breakfast at The Gathering that includes Maldivian staples like mas huni (tuna and coconut salad). The resort’s treetop restaurant, The Treetop, is a romantic spot for sunset cocktails, while the beachfront bar serves wood-fired pizzas by the water. Fairmont’s offerings are equally diverse, with a Thai boxing-inspired beach bar, a seafood grill, and a restaurant that doubles as an art gallery. Both resorts can arrange private sandbank dinners, but Fairmont takes it a step further with a ‘secret water island’ picnic—just you, a chef, and a deserted stretch of sand.

House reef and marine life

Shaviyani Atoll’s house reefs are some of the healthiest in the Maldives, and both resorts offer direct access from the beach. JW Marriott’s reef starts just a few metres from the shore, where you’ll find turtles, reef sharks, and schools of parrotfish. The resort’s dive centre offers PADI courses and guided snorkelling trips, and the water is calm enough for beginners. Fairmont’s reef is equally vibrant, with the added bonus of the Coralarium—a submerged sculpture garden that attracts marine life like a magnet. If you’re lucky, you might spot eagle rays gliding over the sandbanks or dolphins on the horizon during a sunset cruise.

Who it suits

Fede guides couples who want space and privacy—no crowded pools, no noisy neighbours. The atoll’s two resorts are far enough apart that you’ll never feel like you’re sharing the lagoon. Families, too: JW Marriott’s Little Griffins Kids Club and Fairmont’s Teen Town mean parents can relax while the kids are entertained. And divers? Shaviyani’s reefs are pristine, with fewer boats than the central atolls. If you’re celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or just need a week where the only decision is whether to kayak or nap, this is the atoll Fede recommends. Message me on WhatsApp, and I’ll help you pick the right resortand the right villa—for your trip.

The honest bit

Shaviyani Atoll is remote, and that’s part of its charm. But it also means no speedboat option—seaplane only. If you’re prone to seasickness, this is a plus, but if you’re on a tight budget, the transfer cost can add up. (Message me for current rates—I’ll give you the full breakdown.) The atoll’s resorts are also newer, so some facilities, like Fairmont’s Teen Town, are still being refined. And while the house reefs are beautiful, they’re not as famous as those in Ari or Baa Atoll—don’t expect manta rays on every snorkel. That said, the trade-off is fewer crowds and a lagoon so vast you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own private corner of the Maldives.