Avani+ Fares

Avani+ Fares is the brand's Maldives property in Baa Atoll (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), a 30-minute seaplane from Malé.

The Avani brand operates as Minor International's mid-luxury template — design-led modern hardware without the price tier of the headline Baa properties like Soneva Fushi, Amilla Maldives, or Anantara Kihavah. The villa lineup covers beach and over-water with private pools. The reef is decent and accessible from shore. The Baa Atoll location is the genuine selling point — Hanifaru Bay's manta and whale shark aggregations (May–November) are within reach for daily excursions during season, and the surrounding reefs hold their own across the rest of the year. Three restaurants cover the dining lineup reliably. Avani best for couples and families wanting Baa Atoll's marine life without the 5_+ pricing of the headline properties. The case for Avani+ over Anantara Kihavah is the rate (roughly 50-60% per night).

Why people come here

Avani+ Fares sits on the outer edge of Baa Atoll, where the reef drops into deep blue and the location feels remote. The house reef is one of the most accessible and the rooms in blocks offer entry level luxury at a decent price. The resort opened in 2023, so everything feels fresh: Malin+Goetz toiletries in the spa, Technogym equipment in the gym, and a shop stocked with handmade Maldivian jewelry.

Villas: compact but clever

Avani+ Fares offers three room categories: Rooms (Pavilions), Villas, and Residences. The Ocean View and Beachfront Rooms are in two-story buildings, with four rooms per pavilion—well-suited to groups or families who want adjoining spaces. Beach Villas and Beach Pool Villas line a stretch of white sand, while Water Villas face sunrise or sunset. The interiors are identical across all villas: a minibar-desk-vanity combo, a small closet with three types of hangers, and a bathroom with an outdoor shower and soaking tub. The water villas have glass railings that make the lagoon feel inches away. Water Pool Villas swap the railing for an infinity-edge plunge pool. The rooms are smaller than Maldives averages—around 900 square feet—but the design is efficient. If you’re traveling light, the space works. If you’re bringing bulky dive gear, ask Fede about the Residences, which have kitchenettes and more room.

Dining: premium all-inclusive done right

The Ocean Terrace is the main buffet, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast includes sparkling wine. Skipjack, on the pool deck, is the best spot for lunch—fresh seafood and salads. Tribe bar, down the beach, has swing chairs and a DJ at sunset. Charcoal, the only à la carte restaurant not fully included, serves seafood grilled over charcoal. The premium all-inclusive plan covers most drinks and restaurants, but the standard all-inclusive has upsells—cocktails can cost $24-30 each. I always recommend the premium plan. It includes a sunset cruise and a wider selection of wines by the glass. The resort also has a tiki-inspired bar, Smuggler’s Shack, with tapas and rum cocktails, and Hammock, an indoor bar in the lobby.

The house reef: a snorkeler’s dream

The house reef is directly accessible from the beach, the jetty, and the water villas. You can snorkel straight from your deck if you’re in an overwater villa. The reef is vibrant, with coral and marine life visible just below the surface. The resort’s dive center offers guided snorkeling tours, which Worth recommending: for first-timers—the guides point out turtles, rays, and reef fish. Baa Atoll is known for its manta rays, especially at Hanifaru Bay, a short boat ride away. The resort arranges excursions, but the house reef is so good you might not need to leave. The water is calm and shallow near the beach, making it safe for kids and beginners.

Signature experiences

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4 PM, the resort hosts AMBAA ADVENTURE—a sunset cocktail hour where staff serve drinks on the beach. ‘Ambaa’ means ‘cheers’ in Dhivehi. The gym is one of the best The spa uses Malin+Goetz products and offers couples massages. The Island Bazaar shop sells handmade Maldivian jewelry, clothing, and accessories—profits go directly to local artisans. The resort also has a water sports center with kayaks, paddleboards, and windsurfing. Premium all-inclusive guests get one sunset cruise per stay.

Transfer: seaplane in 35 minutes

Avani+ Fares is a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé. The resort uses Manta Air, which provides water and earplugs on board. The flight is scenic—you’ll fly over other resorts and atolls. Upon arrival, a guest service representative greets you at the seaplane dock and takes you to the island by boat. The resort has a lounge at the seaplane terminal in Malé, shared with Anantara and Niyama. It’s small but comfortable, with snacks, drinks, and showers. The wait can be 1.5-3 hours, depending on scheduling. If you’re connecting from COMO Maalifushi or Anantara Kihavah, the handoff is seamless—staff escort you between resorts.

Who it suits

Fede guides couples who want a mix of romance and adventure. The water villas are private, with glass railings that make the lagoon feel like part of the room. The house reef is well suited to snorkeling together. Families will appreciate the adjoining rooms and shallow lagoon. Groups can book the Residences, which have multiple bedrooms and kitchenettes. Divers should come for Baa Atoll’s manta rays—Hanifaru Bay is a short boat ride away. The resort’s dive center offers daily excursions. The premium all-inclusive plan is well-suited to travelers who want to budget upfront—no surprises at checkout.

The honest bit

Overall this property performs well in the market that it operates without trying to do too much. The villas are small by Maldives standards and not necessarily the most deluxe. A lot of beach villas are tucked behind vegetation, so some have limited views—ask Fede to request a villa with a better outlook. The resort is new so its still figuring out its identiy, but its a good value property for families looking for some R&R