Baglioni Maldives

Snorkelling the Sandbank

Fifteen minutes by speedboat, the sandbank appears like a mirage—a sliver of white sand surrounded by shallow, crystal-clear water. Baglioni Maldives includes this excursion in its all-inclusive offering, so it’s not an extra to budget for. The resort team packs snorkelling gear, towels, and a cooler with drinks, then leaves you to explore the tiny island on your own. The water is so shallow you can wade out fifty metres and still see your toes. Turtles and small reef fish often cruise the edges, and if the tide is right, you can float over patches of coral without ever putting on fins. It's a property that makes you want to linger until the last possible minute, watching the sun dip below the horizon before the boat heads back.

A good rule: to book the sandbank for late afternoon. The light is softer, the crowds are gone, and the resort will often throw in a sunset cocktail if you ask nicely. It’s not a private experience—other guests might be there—but the sandbank is large enough that you can find your own corner of paradise.

The Luxury Spa: Rituals and Therapies

The spa at Baglioni Maldives sits in the centre of the island, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s not a standalone pavilion; it feels like part of the resort, with open-air treatment rooms that let the breeze in. The menu blends traditional Maldivian rituals with Ayurvedic therapies, so you can choose between a coconut-oil massage or a full-body scrub using local spices. The therapists are trained in both techniques, and they’ll adjust pressure based on what you need—deep tissue for divers with sore shoulders, lighter strokes for those who just want to unwind.

One signature treatment is the ‘Maldivian Moonlight’—a 90-minute session that starts with a warm oil pour and ends with a cooling aloe wrap. It’s designed to be done in the evening, so you can walk back to your villa feeling weightless. The spa also offers couple’s packages, which include a shared steam room session before the treatment. If you’re travelling with kids, the spa can arrange for a babysitter while you’re in the treatment room, so you don’t have to rush.

Kids Club: Play While You Unwind

Baglioni Maldives has a kids club that’s small but well thought out. It’s not a massive facility with video games and ball pits; instead, it’s a cosy space where children can do crafts, play board games, or join a Maldivian cooking class. The club is open to kids aged 4 to 12, and the staff organise activities based on the age group. Younger kids might make shell necklaces, while older ones can try their hand at pizza-making with the resort’s Italian chefs.

The club is supervised by trained staff, and parents can drop off their kids for a few hours while they enjoy the spa or a romantic dinner. There’s also a small outdoor play area with a swing set and a shallow pool, so kids can splash around safely. The resort doesn’t charge extra for the kids club, which makes it easier to plan downtime without feeling guilty about the bill.

Dining as an Experience

The all-inclusive package at Baglioni Maldives covers more than just meals—it covers the experience of eating them. The Pizza Boat, for example, isn’t just a floating kitchen; it’s a show. The chef bakes pizzas in a wood-fired oven on the deck, and you can watch the dough spin in the air before it goes into the flames. The Ofyr grill at Fuego is another highlight. It’s an open-flame grill where the chef cooks meats and seafood right in front of you, using a mix of Maldivian spices and Italian techniques.

For something more refined, Yama serves Japanese cuisine with a view of the lagoon. The sushi is made to order, and the chef will often chat with guests about the fish—where it was caught, how it was prepared. La Limonaia, the Italian restaurant, is where you’ll find handmade pasta and risotto that tastes like it was imported straight from Italy. The resort doesn’t skimp on ingredients, and the all-inclusive package means you can try a little of everything without worrying about the menu prices.

Water Sports and Excursions

The water sports centre at Baglioni Maldives is compact but well-equipped. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear are available for free, and the staff will give you a quick tutorial if you’re new to any of the equipment. The house reef is accessible from the beach, so you can snorkel right off the shore without needing a boat. The reef isn’t the most vibrant in the Maldives—don’t expect a kaleidoscope of coral—but it’s home to turtles, rays, and schools of colourful fish. If you want to see something more dramatic, the resort can arrange a half-day excursion to a nearby dive site.

For those who want to explore beyond the resort, Baglioni Maldives offers a few signature excursions. The sandbank trip is the most popular, but you can also book a sunset dolphin cruise or a fishing trip. The dolphin cruise is a relaxed affair—you sip cocktails on the deck while the crew scans the water for pods. The fishing trip is more hands-on; you’ll learn how to bait a hook and reel in your catch, which the resort’s chefs will then prepare for dinner. It’s a full-circle experience: catch, cook, eat.

Evenings by the Pool

The Mirtu Pool Bar is where the resort’s all-inclusive ethos shines. It’s not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a social hub where guests gather for aperitifs before dinner or nightcaps under the stars. The bar serves a rotating selection of cocktails, including a signature drink made with local honey and lime. The pool itself is large enough for laps but shallow enough for lounging, and the deck is dotted with daybeds and cabanas. In the evenings, the resort often hosts live music—acoustic guitar or a local Maldivian band—so you can sip your drink to a soundtrack.

Fede guides couples here for a low-key night out. The pool bar is intimate but not stuffy, and the staff will remember your name after the first visit. If you’re travelling with kids, the bar is family-friendly until 8 PM, so you can enjoy a cocktail while the little ones splash in the shallow end.