One&Only

Diving & Snorkelling: The House Reef and Beyond

The house reef at One&Only Reethi Rah begins just metres from the beach. Snorkellers can wade in at low tide and find themselves floating above a coral garden patrolled by parrotfish, butterflyfish, and the occasional hawksbill turtle. The resort’s dive centre, run by a team of PADI-certified instructors, offers guided snorkel tours that focus on marine life identification—well-suited to families or first-time visitors. For certified divers, the daily boat schedule includes two-tank dives to nearby sites like Manta Point, where mantas gather to feed in the plankton-rich currents. Jennifer Hawkins, who has snorkelled at resorts across the Maldives, didn’t rank One&Only as her top snorkelling pick, but she did name it as her favourite for villas and spa—suggesting the reef is a quiet, consistent highlight rather than a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. The dive centre also runs sunset dhoni trips, where divers can explore the reef under the soft light of dusk, when reef sharks and moray eels become more active.

• House reef accessible from the beach—no boat required for snorkelling
• Daily two-tank dives to sites like Manta Point and Shark Point
• Guided snorkel tours with marine biologists (included in some packages)
• Sunset dhoni trips for divers and snorkellers
• PADI courses for beginners and refresher dives for certified divers

The Spa: Treatments Over the Lagoon

One&Only’s spa pavilions sit on stilts above the lagoon, connected to the main island by a wooden walkway. The treatment menu blends Maldivian traditions—like coconut oil massages and local herb scrubs—with global techniques such as hot stone therapy and aromatherapy. Jennifer Hawkins named One&Only as her top spa pick in the Maldives, alongside Huvafen Fushi, praising the resort’s ability to deliver both relaxation and results. The signature treatment, a 90-minute "Maldivian Ritual," begins with a body exfoliation using crushed coconut and sea salt, followed by a massage with warm coconut oil infused with frangipani. For couples, the spa offers a side-by-side overwater cabana where two therapists work in sync. The spa also runs daily yoga and meditation sessions on the beach at sunrise, though these are often overlooked by guests who prefer to sleep in after a late-night stargazing session.

• Overwater spa pavilions with glass floors for lagoon views
• Signature "Maldivian Ritual" treatment (90 minutes)
• Couples’ cabana with side-by-side massages
• Coconut oil and local herb scrubs
• Sunrise yoga and meditation sessions on the beach

Water Sports: From Jet Skis to Sunset Dhonis

The water sports centre at One&Only Reethi Rah is stocked with equipment for both adrenaline seekers and those who prefer to drift. Jet skis are available for rent by the hour, and the resort’s instructors offer lessons for beginners. For a slower pace, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks can be taken out into the lagoon, where the water is calm enough for even novice paddlers. The resort’s dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat, is used for sunset cruises, fishing trips, and private dining excursions. Jennifer Hawkins described her ideal Maldives day as starting with a jet ski sprint and ending with a sunset cocktail on a dhoni—though she admitted that most of her time was spent lounging with a book. The water sports team also organises fishing trips, where guests can try their hand at catching tuna or barracuda, which the resort’s chefs will later grill on the beach.

• Jet skis for rent by the hour (lessons available)
• Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks for lagoon exploration
• Sunset dhoni cruises with cocktails and canapés
• Private fishing trips (catch-and-release or catch-and-grill)
• Wakeboarding and water skiing for advanced guests

Kids Club: Marine-Themed Fun for Young Travellers

The kids club at One&Only Reethi Rah is designed for children aged 4 to 12, with a focus on marine education and Maldivian culture. The club’s indoor space is air-conditioned and stocked with games, books, and craft supplies, while the outdoor area includes a shallow pool and a sandpit for younger guests. Activities are led by a team of trained childcare professionals and often tie into the resort’s environmental initiatives. For example, kids can join a coral restoration workshop, where they learn how to attach coral fragments to underwater frames, or a beach clean-up walk, where they collect microplastics in exchange for resort credits. The club also runs Maldivian cooking classes, where children help prepare simple dishes like mas huni (tuna and coconut salad) under the supervision of the resort’s chefs. Parents can drop off their children for a few hours or book a full-day programme, which includes lunch and a nap time for younger guests.

• Marine-themed activities like coral restoration workshops
• Maldivian cooking classes for kids
• Beach clean-up walks with resort credits as rewards
• Indoor games, books, and craft supplies
• Outdoor pool and sandpit for younger children

Excursions: Beyond the Resort

One&Only Reethi Rah organises a range of excursions that take guests beyond the resort’s boundaries. The most popular is the full-day manta ray trip, which departs early in the morning for a nearby cleaning station where mantas gather to be groomed by smaller fish. The resort’s marine biologist accompanies the trip to provide insights into manta behaviour and conservation efforts. For those who prefer to stay on land, the resort offers a Malé city tour, which includes a visit to the local fish market and a stop at the Grand Friday Mosque. Private yacht charters are also available, with options ranging from a half-day snorkelling trip to a multi-day cruise around the atolls. Jennifer Hawkins, who spent her honeymoon in the Maldives, described her time on a private dhoni as one of her favourite memories—though she admitted that most of her excursions were spent dancing under the stars rather than exploring the atolls.

• Full-day manta ray trips with a marine biologist
• Malé city tours (fish market and Grand Friday Mosque)
• Private yacht charters for snorkelling or multi-day cruises
• Sandbank picnics with grilled seafood
• Sunset fishing trips with catch-and-grill options

Fede’s Take: Who Should Book One&Only Reethi Rah?

A good rule: that One&Only Reethi Rah is the resort for travellers who want it all—luxury, adventure, and space to breathe. The villa count is kept low (fewer than 200), so the island never feels crowded, even at full occupancy. The spa and dive centre are among the best in the Maldives, and the kids club is a standout for families who want their children to learn something while they play. That said, it’s not the place for budget-conscious travellers or those who prioritise seclusion above all else. The resort’s size means there’s always something happening—whether it’s a sunset dhoni cruise or a beachside movie nightand that energy can be infectious. For couples, Fede recommends booking an overwater villa with a private pool; the extra privacy is worth the upgrade. For families, the two-bedroom beach villas are ideal, as they offer direct access to the kids club and the beach. And for solo travellers or groups of friends, the water sports centre is a great way to meet like-minded guests. Whatever your travel style, the resort’s concierge can tailor the experience to your pace—whether that means a packed itinerary or a week of doing nothing at all.