Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Snorkelling & diving: the house reef

The resort sits in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, ringed by coral reefs. From the beach or your villa’s jetty, you can swim straight out to the house reef. The water is calm and shallow near shore, well suited to first-time snorkellers. Further out, the reef drops into channels where turtles, rays, and schools of tropical fish glide past. The resort’s dive centre runs daily boat trips to nearby sites in South Malé Atoll, including manta cleaning stations during the southwest monsoon.

A good rule: who want to dive every day to pack reef shoes—some sites have sharp coral close to the entry point. The dive team also offers introductory sessions in the lagoon for anyone new to scuba.

Water sports: paddle, sail, or jet

The water-sports centre is open from sunrise to sunset. You can grab a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the lagoon at your own pace. For something faster, the resort has jet skis and wakeboards. If you prefer to sail, Hobie Cats and windsurfers are available when the breeze picks up. All equipment is included in most packages; the butlers can confirm what’s covered when you arrive.

• Kayaks & stand-up paddleboards (self-guided)
• Jet skis & wakeboarding (guided sessions)
• Hobie Cats & windsurfers (conditions permitting)
• Catamaran sailing (private charters available)

Taj Kids Club: activities for young explorers

The kids club is tucked behind the main pool, surrounded by palms. It’s open daily for children aged 4 to 12, with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. The staff organise treasure hunts along the beach, coconut-husk races, and Maldivian craft sessions where kids weave palm leaves into small baskets. Older children can join the junior snorkelling programme in the shallow lagoon—life jackets and masks are provided. Parents can drop in for a few hours or book a full-day programme that includes lunch.

Good for families in the shoulder season when the club is quieter and the staff can give each child more attention.

Jiva Grande Spa: treatments on the water

The spa is built on stilts over the lagoon, connected to the main island by a wooden walkway. Treatment rooms have glass floors so you can watch fish swim beneath you while the therapist works. The signature massage blends Indian Ayurvedic techniques with Maldivian coconut oil. For something cooler, the resort offers a sea-salt scrub that leaves skin feeling soft and salt-free. Yoga and meditation sessions are held on a platform at the end of the jetty at sunrise—bring a light shawl for the early breeze.

• Signature Jiva massage (Ayurvedic & coconut oil)
• Sea-salt scrub & wrap
• Sunrise yoga on the jetty
• Couples’ treatments in overwater pavilions

Excursions: beyond the lagoon

The resort’s concierge can arrange half-day or full-day excursions. Fishing trips leave at dawn; the crew provides rods and bait, and you can ask the chef to grill your catch for lunch. Sunset dolphin cruises are popular—spinner dolphins often leap alongside the boat. For a quieter experience, the resort offers private sandbank picnics with a shaded cabana, fresh fruit, and sparkling wine. If you’re visiting between May and October, ask about manta-ray snorkelling trips to nearby atolls.

• Sunset dolphin cruise (daily, weather permitting)
• Big-game fishing (half-day or full-day)
• Private sandbank picnic (2–4 hours)
• Manta-ray snorkelling (seasonal, May–October)

My pick for couples is the sandbank picnic—it’s just the two of you, the horizon, and a basket of local fruit.