Why book Reethi Faru Resort for a couples trip

Why people come here

Most couples don’t need a butler, a Michelin-starred chef, or a villa big enough to host a wedding. What they do need is a place where they can wake up together without an alarm, snorkel straight from the beach, and not have to dress for dinner. Reethi Faru gives you that. The resort sits on a long, slender island in Baa Atoll, so most villas have either a beach or lagoon view. There are around 120 villas in total—enough to feel like a proper resort, but not so many that you’re constantly dodging other guests. The vibe is relaxed, the service is warm but unobtrusive, and the house reef is one of the healthiest Turtles glide past while you’re brushing your teeth, and the shallow lagoon is well suited to sunset swims. It's a property where you’ll forget what day it is by day three.

The villas—honestly, they’re enough

Reethi Faru’s villas are split into beach and overwater categories, all with private pools. The beach villas are set back just far enough from the shore to give you real privacy, while the overwater villas have glass floors so you can watch the fish while you’re still in bed. I’ve stayed in both, and my pick for couples is the Beach Pool Villa. It’s got a generous deck, an outdoor shower, and direct access to the sand. The overwater villas are lovely too, but the beach villas feel more grounded—literally. You’re not suspended over the water; you’re part of the island. That might sound like a small thing, but it makes a difference when you’re trying to disconnect.

Dining—simple, fresh, no fuss

There are four restaurants and two bars, and none of them feel like they’re trying too hard. The main restaurant, Reethi, serves buffet breakfasts and dinners with a mix of Maldivian and international dishes. The seafood is always fresh — grilled lobster, tuna tartare, and coconut curries. For something more intimate, Aqua is a Mediterranean spot with a weekly seafood night. The real standout, though, is the Thai restaurant, Siam. It’s small, so you’ll need to book ahead, but the green curry and pad thai are worth it. If you’re celebrating, the resort can set up a private beach dinner with lanterns and a fire pit.

The house reef—right there, no boat required

The house reef at Reethi Faru is one of the best in Baa Atoll for easy snorkelling. You can wade in from the beach in front of the main restaurant, and within minutes you’ll be swimming alongside turtles, rays, and schools of colourful fish. The reef is shallow and calm, so it’s well suited to beginners or anyone who just wants to float and look. The resort provides free snorkelling gear, and the dive centre offers guided reef tours if you want to go deeper. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a reef shark or an eagle ray. The best time to go is early morning, when the light is soft and the fish are active. A good rule: to bring an underwater camera—you’ll want to remember this.

What I’d actually book

If I were planning a trip for myself and my partner, Fede would book a Beach Pool Villa for seven nights. That’s long enough to settle in, but not so long that you’ll run out of things to do. I’d add the half-board meal plan—it’s good value and means you don’t have to think about where to eat every night. For excursions, I’d do one sunset dolphin cruise and one snorkelling trip to Hanifaru Bay, where you can swim with manta rays between May and November. The rest of the time, I’d spend on the island: reading by the pool, snorkelling the house reef, and ordering cocktails at the beach bar. No itinerary, no pressure, just time.

The honest bit

Reethi Faru isn’t for everyone. If you want a resort with a kids’ club, a nightclub, or a spa that offers cryotherapy, this isn’t it. The spa is small and basic — massages and facials, not high-tech treatments. There’s no butler service, and the Wi-Fi can be patchy in the beach villas. The seaplane transfer is a bit of a hassle (35 minutes in a small plane), but it’s the only way to get here, and the views are worth it. Also, the resort is on the smaller side, so if you’re someone who likes to explore a big island with lots of restaurants and bars, you might find it a bit quiet. But if you’re looking for a place to slow down and reconnect, it’s perfect.

Who it suits

Fede guides couples who’ve been together for a while and want to remember why they fell in love. Honeymooners who don’t need a lot of fanfare—just a beautiful setting and time to themselves. And anyone who’s been to the Maldives before and wants something a little more low-key. It’s also a great choice for couples who are travelling with another couple or a small group of friends. The villas are spacious enough to host, and the island is big enough that you won’t feel like you’re on top of each other. If you’re the type of person who books a boutique hotel over a chain, Reethi Faru is the Maldives version of that.