Baglioni Maldives

Baglioni Maldives is located in Dhaalu Atoll, which means the only way to reach it is by seaplane.

The flight from Malé takes around 40 minutes, and the views are striking — blue-green lagoons, tiny sandbanks, and the occasional ray gliding beneath the surface. The villa lineup covers beach and over-water with the Italian brand's design language applied — leather accents, mid-century furniture, custom-commissioned Italian art pieces, and the kind of design choices that mark the property out as different from the standard thatched-Maldivian template. The food is Italian and operates at a level above typical resort Italian — Baglioni's brand origin shows through, with senior chef rotation that the operations team has invested in. The over-water Sunset Pool Villa is the strongest over-water category. Three restaurants cover the kitchen. The all-inclusive plan is meaningful. Hardware is design-led and consistently maintained. Service runs at the Italian-brand consistency. Best for couples and design-minded travellers who specifically want the Italian operating template applied to the Maldives — the brand's hotels in Italy are well-established and the translation works without losing the Maldivian setting.

Why people come here

The resort sits on a natural island in Raa Atoll, where the house reef is just steps from the beach—no boat required. Works for couples here who want a honeymoon that feels intimate but still indulgent, and food lovers who appreciate the resort’s Italian roots. The all-inclusive package covers everything from aperitivos at the Mirto Pool Bar to wood-fired pizza delivered straight to your sunbed by boat. And if you’ve ever dreamed of having a sandbank all to yourself, the resort’s 15-minute speedboat ride to a tiny strip of white sand is one of those experiences that makes the Maldives feel like a true escape.

The villas: space and privacy

Baglioni offers a mix of beach and overwater villas, all designed with a relaxed Italian aesthetic — whitewashed wood, linen textiles, and outdoor showers that open to the sky. The overwater villas are particularly striking, with glass floors in the living area so you can watch fish swim beneath you while you sip your morning coffee. Each villa has a private deck with sunbeds, and the water villas come with a ladder straight into the lagoon. There’s no need to fight for a sunbed here; the resort is small enough that space never feels crowded, even at peak times.

Dining: Italian roots, global flavours

The resort’s all-inclusive package includes five restaurants, and the Italian influence is clear from the moment you sit down. La Limonaia serves authentic Italian dishes — handmade pasta and wood-fired risotto—while Yama offers sushi and Japanese specialities with a view of the lagoon. For something more casual, the Pizza Boat delivers wood-fired slices to your sunbed, and Fuego’s Ofyr grill cooks meats and seafood over an open flame. If you’re a wine lover, the Mirto Pool Bar has an extensive list of Italian wines, and the staff are happy to pair them with your meal. Breakfast is served at Taste, where the buffet includes everything from fresh fruit to made-to-order eggs, but Fede recommends saving room for the homemade pastries.

The house reef: snorkelling from your doorstep

The house reef at Baglioni Maldives starts right at the beach, making it one of the easiest snorkelling spots in the Maldives. You can wade in from the shore and within minutes, you’ll be swimming alongside parrotfish, clownfish, and even the occasional turtle. The resort provides complimentary snorkelling gear, so there’s no need to pack your own. If you’re lucky, you might spot a reef shark cruising along the drop-off, though they tend to keep their distance. For those who want to explore further, the resort can arrange guided snorkelling trips to nearby reefs, but the house reef is often enough to keep you entertained for hours.

Signature experiences: sandbanks and spa rituals

One of the standout experiences at Baglioni Maldives is the sandbank excursion. A 15-minute speedboat ride takes you to a tiny strip of white sand in the middle of the ocean, where you’ll have the place entirely to yourself. The resort sets up sunbeds, serves drinks, and even provides snorkelling gear so you can explore the shallow waters around the sandbank. It's a property that feels exclusive without being over-the-top. Back at the resort, the spa offers traditional Maldivian rituals and Ayurvedic therapies, all designed to help you unwind. The treatment rooms are open-air, so you can listen to the sound of the waves while you relax. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, the resort can arrange a private dinner on the beach—just ask Fede to help plan the details.

Transfers: seaplane to paradise

Baglioni Maldives is located in Raa Atoll, which means the only way to reach it is by seaplane. The flight from Malé takes around 45 minutes, and the views are striking—blue-green lagoons, tiny sandbanks, and the occasional manta ray gliding beneath the surface. The resort arranges transfers for all guests, so you don’t need to worry about booking separately. Once you land, a short speedboat ride takes you to the island, where the staff will be waiting to welcome you with a cool drink. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the seaplane ride is smooth, but it’s worth packing some ginger chews just in case.

Who it suits

Fede guides couples to Baglioni Maldives if they want a honeymoon that feels intimate but still indulgent. The resort’s all-inclusive package means you can relax without worrying about extra costs, and the sandbank excursion is the kind of experience that makes the Maldives feel like a true escape. Food lovers will appreciate the Italian-inspired dining, especially the wood-fired pizza and fresh sushi. And if you’re travelling with a small group of friends, the resort’s relaxed vibe and spacious villas make it a great choice for a low-key getaway. Families might find the island a little too quiet, but for anyone looking to unwind, it’s perfect.

The honest bit

Encircled by sea walls, which kills the natural feel. If sea walls are a dealbreaker, look at the entry-level beach villas, 2BR beach villas, or water villas — those are the better picks here.