How to get to Reethi Faru Resort

Why people come here

Reethi Faru is one of those rare resorts that feels both intimate and effortless. With only 122 villas spread across a slender island, you never feel crowded, yet the facilities—three pools, five restaurants, a kids’ club, a dive centre—are all within a five-minute stroll. The house reef is right there: mask on, giant stride off the jetty, and you’re swimming with parrotfish and moray eels before your first cocktail arrives. Suits honeymooners who want privacy, families who needed space, and divers chasing manta rays—everyone leaves saying the transfer was the best part of the trip. That 45-minute seaplane ride is a strong decompression chamber: phones away, eyes on the horizon, heart rate dropping with every mile.

The seaplane step-by-step

Most international flights land at Velana International Airport between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. As soon as you clear immigration, look for the resort’s greeter holding a sign with your name. They’ll whisk you through a private lounge where you can freshen up, grab a cold drink, and complete the seaplane check-in. No need to haul your luggage; the team handles everything. A short bus ride takes you to the seaplane terminal, where a Twin Otter waits on the water. Boarding is quick—no security lines, just a headcount and you’re airborne. The flight itself is low and slow, cruising at 1,000 feet so you can see every sandbank and reef below. After 45 minutes, the pilot points the nose down, the floats kiss the lagoon, and you taxi to the resort’s private jetty. Your butler is already there with a chilled towel and a welcome drink. Total elapsed time from touchdown in Malé to first sip of coconut water: under two hours.

What if my flight lands late?

Seaplanes only fly during daylight hours—last departure from Malé is around 3:30 p.m. If your flight touches down after that, you’ll spend the night in Malé. I always book clients into the Hulhulé Island Hotel, a five-minute speedboat ride from the airport. It’s clean, quiet, and has a rooftop pool with views of the seaplane terminal. The resort arranges a private transfer the next morning, so you’ll still be on the sand by 10 a.m. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s a detour I’d rather avoid. That’s why I push for early arrivals—land by 2 p.m. and you’re golden.

Baggage rules you need to know

Seaplanes have a strict 20 kg checked-baggage limit and 5 kg carry-on. Excess baggage is charged at around $5 per kilo, payable on the spot. A good rule: to pack light: a soft duffel beats a hard suitcase every time. If you’re over the limit, the resort can store extra luggage at the airport for the duration of your stay. Pro tip: bring a foldable daypack for excursions—it counts as your carry-on and doubles as a beach bag.

The view from above

The seaplane window is the best seat in the house. Below you, the atolls look like a string of pearls scattered across a sheet of glass. You’ll see reefs so close you can count the coral heads, fishing dhonis trailing white wakes, and sometimes even dolphins playing in the bow wave of a speedboat. On clear days, the water shifts from pale turquoise over the shallows to deep indigo where the ocean floor drops away. I’ve had clients gasp when they see their first manta ray gliding beneath the plane. It's a property that makes you realise you’re not just going on holiday—you’re stepping into a postcard.

What I’d actually book

If I were sending my own family, I’d choose the Two-Bedroom Beach Suite with Pool. It’s set at the quiet northern tip of the island, steps from the best snorkelling spot, and the private plunge pool is deep enough for a proper swim. The kids’ club is a three-minute walk, the spa is five minutes in the other direction, and the overwater restaurant is right next door. That way, everyone gets space without anyone feeling stranded. I’d also pre-book a sunset dolphin cruise for the first evening—it’s a strong way to shake off the journey and start the holiday on a high note.

The honest bit

Seaplanes are weather-dependent. If the wind picks up or visibility drops, flights can be delayed or even cancelled. I’ve had clients stuck in Malé for an extra night because of a sudden squall. The resort is great about keeping you fed and comfortable, but it’s still frustrating. That’s why I always build a buffer into the itinerary—arrive a day early if you can, or at least don’t book a tight connection. Also, the planes are small and unpressurised, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, take a tablet before boarding. The noise level is high, but the resort provides earplugs and headphones with a music playlist. Finally, the transfer is one-way: once you’re on the island, you’re there until checkout. No spontaneous trips to Malé for souvenirs.