Things to do at Reethi Faru Resort

Why people come here

Most resorts in the Maldives are small—maybe 50 villas, a handful of restaurants, and a spa. One&Only Reethi Rah is different. It’s one of the largest private islands in the Maldives, which means it can offer things no other resort can. There’s a kids’ club that spans three age groups, a dive center with PADI courses, a tennis academy, and even a climbing wall. The house reef is so vibrant that you’ll see reef sharks and turtles within minutes of snorkeling from the beach. And if you’re into wellness, the spa has treatments that feel more like rituals — open-air yoga pavilions, hydrotherapy pools, and a menu of holistic therapies. Works for families here who spent their entire trip hopping between the kids’ club and the water sports center, and couples who never left the overwater villas. Reethi Rah adapts to you, not the other way around.

The villa lineup: space to breathe

Reethi Rah has 122 villas, split between beach and overwater options. The Beach Villas are massive—some over 2,000 square feet—with private pools and direct access to the sand. The Overwater Villas are just as spacious, with glass floors so you can watch fish swim beneath you while you brush your teeth. What I love about these villas is that they don’t feel like hotel rooms; they feel like private homes. The bathrooms have outdoor showers, the decks have daybeds, and the pools are big enough to actually swim in. If you’re traveling with kids, the Two-Bedroom Beach Villas are a real difference—you get two bedrooms, a living room, and a pool, all in one space. And if you’re celebrating something special, the Grand Beach Residence has its own gym, cinema, and chef. I’ve stayed in a lot of Maldives villas, and these are some of the few that make you want to spend time indoors.

Dining: more than just meals

Reethi Rah has six restaurants and bars, and each one feels like its own experience. Tapasake is the place for Japanese cuisine — sushi, sashimi, and robata grills, all served in an overwater pavilion. Fanditha is a beachfront restaurant with a menu that changes daily, depending on what the local fishermen bring in. And then there’s Reethi Rah Restaurant, the main dining spot, which serves everything from Maldivian curries to Italian pasta. What I appreciate about the dining here is that it’s not just about the food; it’s about the setting. You can have breakfast on your villa deck, lunch at the poolside bar, and dinner on a private sandbank. The resort also offers ‘Dine by Design,’ where you can pick your menu, location, and even the music. I once arranged a dinner for a couple on a jetty at sunset—just the two of them, a table for two, and the sound of waves. It's a property that makes Reethi Rah feel like your own private island, even when it’s not.

The house reef: snorkeling without the boat

The house reef at Reethi Rah is one of the best in the Maldives. It’s accessible from the beach, which means you don’t need a boat to see reef sharks, turtles, and colorful fish. The resort provides snorkeling gear for free, and the water is so clear that you’ll feel like you’re swimming in an aquarium. The reef is also home to a shipwreck, which is a popular spot for divers. If you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still enjoy the reef by taking a glass-bottom boat tour. The resort’s marine biologist leads snorkeling excursions, so you’ll learn about the ecosystem while you explore. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two during the boat ride back to shore.

Wellness: more than just massages

The wellness program at Reethi Rah is one of the most comprehensive in the Maldives. The spa has 12 treatment rooms, including overwater pavilions where you can get a massage while listening to the waves. The treatments are inspired by Asian traditions, with options like Thai massages, Ayurvedic therapies, and even sound healing sessions. But the wellness offerings go beyond the spa. There’s a state-of-the-art gym with personal trainers, yoga classes held in an open-air pavilion, and a hydrotherapy pool with jets that target different muscle groups. The resort also offers wellness retreats, where you can work with a nutritionist, a fitness coach, and a spa therapist to create a personalized plan. I once did a three-day retreat here, and by the end of it, I felt like I’d been on a month-long vacation. If you’re looking to recharge, this is the place to do it.

Activities: something for everyone

Reethi Rah has more activities than most resorts have villas. There’s a dive center with PADI courses, a water sports center with jet skis and paddleboards, and a tennis academy with private lessons. The resort also has a climbing wall, a putting green, and even a kids’ club with a splash pool and trampoline. If you’re into fishing, you can go big-game fishing and catch tuna or mahi-mahi, which the chefs will cook for you that night. For something more low-key, you can take a sunset cruise on a traditional dhoni, or go dolphin watching at sunrise. The resort also offers cultural experiences, like Maldivian cooking classes and Bodu Beru drumming sessions. And if you just want to relax, there are 12 beaches to choose from—each one secluded and pristine. I’ve guided clients here who spent their entire trip doing nothing but snorkeling and reading, and others who packed their days with activities. The beauty of Reethi Rah is that it doesn’t judge; it just delivers.

Who it suits

Fede guides families here without hesitation. The kids’ club is one of the best in the Maldives, with programs for toddlers, young children, and teens. There’s a splash pool, a trampoline, and even a gourmet kitchen where kids can take cooking classes. The resort also offers babysitting services, so parents can have a night out without worrying. Couples are another obvious fit—Reethi Rah has overwater villas with glass floors, private sandbanks for dinner, and a spa that’s pure romance. But I’d also send solo travelers who want a mix of wellness and adventure. The resort has a climbing wall, a dive center, and a wellness program that’s well suited to recharging. And if you’re celebrating something special—a honeymoon, an anniversary, a milestone birthday—this is the type of place that makes you feel like royalty. My pick for the best villa? The Grand Beach Residence. It’s a two-bedroom villa with its own gym, cinema, and chef. It’s not cheap, but It's a property that makes you forget about the price tag.

The honest bit

Reethi Rah isn’t perfect. The seaplane transfer from Malé takes 40 minutes, which can be tough if you’re traveling with kids or if you’ve had a long flight. The resort is also large, so you’ll need to take a buggy to get around—though the buggies are complimentary and the drivers are always happy to take you wherever you need to go. The dining can be pricey, especially if you opt for the à la carte restaurants. And while the house reef is incredible, it’s not as deep as some of the reefs in the southern atolls, so serious divers might want to book a boat trip to explore further. But these are minor quibbles. The truth is, Reethi Rah is one of the few resorts in the Maldives that can genuinely cater to everyone. It’s big enough to offer endless activities, but small enough to feel personal. It’s luxurious, but not pretentious. And it’s remote, but not isolating. If you’re looking for a resort that does it all, this is it.