W Maldives complete review by Dreaming of Maldives.
Discover everything you need to know about one of the Maldives’ most iconic and design-forward luxury resorts, a chic island playground with world-class snorkeling, bold style, and vibrant energy.
Most of the photos (stated otherwise) and the video in this review were taken by us during our stay at W Maldives.
Our immersive stay at W Maldives allowed us to live the island’s bold spirit to the fullest — and now, we’ve crafted this complete and honest review just for you. This in-depth guide walks you through everything that makes W unforgettable : its stunning overwater and beach villas, world-class house reef snorkeling, vibrant dining, glowing nightlife, and playful luxury at every turn.
Every insight, photo, and video in this review comes from our first-hand experience, so you can plan your own chic Maldivian playground with confidence.
W Maldives is a small private luxury resort located in North Ari Atoll, just 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé Airport. Like all W Hotels worldwide, it features an ultra-stylish, contemporary design focused on lifestyle, bold aesthetics, and vibrant energy.
Self-defined as “A Luxury Playground,” the resort delivers an immediate Wow-effect upon arrival. Inventive and hip, yet friendly and laid-back, W Maldives is without doubt one of the dreamiest and most glamorous resorts in the Maldives.
Category
5★ Luxury Resort
Villas
77
Atoll
North Ari
Island Size
Width – 300m
Length – 300m
Transfer
25 mns
by seaplane
Airport
72 km / 45 mi
Diving
Excellent
Snorkeling
Extraordinary
Lagoon
Very Good
Bold, playful, and immersive. A fusion of tropical luxury and contemporary edge.
Access one of the Maldives’ best house reefs directly from the beach or your villa deck.
Gaathafushi is W Maldives exclusive castaway island, which is yours for private dinners, escapes, or starlit sleepovers.
Attentive, energetic, and casual-chic — service is friendly yet refined, perfectly matching the resort’s playful luxury vibe.
Every detail reflects W’s signature vibe — trendy, upbeat, and effortlessly cool from sunrise to starlight.
Dance under the sand in the Maldives’ only underground nightclub, an exclusive island party spot.
Creative plating and fresh ingredients elevate each dining experience across land, sea, and sky…
From beach sunsets to bar beats, W’s curated DJ sets turn moments into immersive soundscapes.
W Maldives at a Glance
W Maldives is one of the most stylish and trendsetting resorts in the Maldives. Designed for a younger, lifestyle-oriented traveler, the resort blends luxury with vibrant energy. Located in the North Ari Atoll, it’s surrounded by some of the country’s most stunning reefs, offering effortless access to one of the most extraordinary snorkeling we’ve seen in the Maldives.
Welcome to W Maldives where the “Whatever / Wherever / Whenever” concept of W Hotels seems to have no limits.
W Maldives is a small private luxury resort located in North Ari Atoll, on the stunning Fesdu Island, just 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé Airport.
True to the spirit of W Hotels worldwide, the resort is bold, fashion-forward, and full of personality with a cool and energetic vibe, but never compromises on the natural beauty of the Maldives : thatched-roof villas, picture-perfect tropical beaches, lush coconut trees, and a turquoise lagoon blessed with one of the most breathtaking house reefs in the Maldives.
Guests are welcomed with signature W music and mood lighting, creating an upbeat and immersive environment. Yet, tranquility can be found in your private pool villa, at the dreamy overwater spa, or simply by snorkeling into the blue.
The resort defines itself as “A LUXURY PLAYGROUND”, and it truly is. With inventive design, laid-back luxury, and a Wow-worthy arrival, W Maldives balances high style with pure island magic.
W Maldives blends edgy design with dreamy island living.
Here’s a full look at what makes it so unique.
A Chic Island Playground nestled in a stunning nature
Ranging from extraordinary suites to fabulous beach and overwater villas, W Maldives features 77 spacious private retreats in five categories. Inventively designed, each villa blends tropical charm with high-end amenities and playful luxury. All offer a private infinity pool and direct access to the lagoon or beach — and most importantly, to the island’s breathtaking house reef.
W Maldives is a true culinary playground. The resort features three restaurants offering eclectic, inventive cuisine with the finest ingredients from around the globe. From an exquisite seafood experience at Fish to a beachfront barbecue at Fire, and a stylish international menu at Kitchen, every bite is elevated.
Enjoy a cocktail poolside at Wet, unwind to sunset beats at Sip, or dance below sea level at 15Below, the Maldives’ only underground nightclub. Expect designer spaces, curated music, and unforgettable vibes.
Surrounded by a stunning lagoon and some of the Maldives’ most beautiful coral gardens, W is a snorkeling paradise. Guests can enjoy a wide range of water activities through WAVE, including paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, seabob, catamaran sailing and more…
W Maldives AWAY Spa beautifully stands above the lagoon and its stunning coral gardens, the structure is shaped like a dhoni, the traditional Maldivian boat. Inside, guests enjoy yoga sessions, detoxifying massages, beauty rituals, and holistic treatments in luxurious treatment villas, both indoor and outdoor.
W Maldives is a multi-faceted resort — hip and vibrant for active travelers, and serene for those who simply want to relax and disconnect. Whatever your mood, there’s a dreamy place waiting.
During our stay, we lived unforgettable moments and discovered places that perfectly reflect the W spirit. To help you get a glimpse of the experience, here are five of our favorite Dream Moments.
Remember W’s signature philosophy is “Whatever / Wherever / Whenever”, so these are just a few. This is just a taste, the rest is yours to create.
A Private Island, Just for You
Just a short boat ride from Fesdu lies Gaathafushi, W’s wild and secluded private island. Completely untouched, it’s a tropical dream for private picnics, romantic dinners, overnight stays under the stars, and even DJ’s sets !
Snorkeling Around the Island
W’s stunning house reef left us speechless. Coral plates stretch endlessly beneath the surface, home to an extraordinary variety of marine life. Step right out from your villa and into an underwater dream.
Music at Sunset & DJ Events
At sunset, SIP Bar becomes the dream spot to be. Ocean breeze, golden skies, curated cocktails, and chill-out beats. The right place for music, at the right moment.
Sail Away on ESCAPE
Set sail aboard ESCAPE, W’s elegant 25-meter dual-mast sailing yacht. Romantic cruises, snorkeling adventures, private parties, or overnight escapes — anything is possible, and the crew makes it effortless.
Dance 15 feet below the sand in a real Nightclub
End the night at 15Below, the Maldives’ only underground nightclub. Located 15 feet under the island’s surface, this sleek space brings glowing cocktails, DJ beats, and stylish revelry in true W fashion.
In association with our trusted partner
and personal Maldives travel advisor
The Retreats at W Maldives have been reimagined with a glowing twist. Inspired by the colors of the Indian Ocean and the magic of bioluminescent plankton, the interiors blend contemporary design with playful marine elements.
From the iconic Stingray rocking chair by Thomas Pedersen to glowing jellyfish lamps and coral-patterned pillows, each detail brings a creative, joyful energy. Outdoors, the revamped bathroom glows at night with a phosphorescent lighting system, glowing stones, and sea-inspired decor.
Design meets fantasy, and W’s signature glow is everywhere.
Read more about Let It Glow design at W Maldives.
W Maldives In details.
everything you need to know
Explore, in depth, everything that makes W Maldives a one-of-a-kind island escape. We’ve experienced the resort in every ways possible, and every photo, insight, and recommendation you’ll find here is drawn from first-hand experience — from villa life and sunset DJ sessions, to spa rituals, yoga, snorkeling on the reef, and night-clubbing. Here’s everything you need to know before planning your own dreamy stay.
W Maldives villas feature a bold fusion of design and Maldivian tradition.
W Maldives redefines villa living with 77 stylishly appointed “Escapes,” ranging from beachside sanctuaries to extraordinary overwater residences. Each villa is crafted with striking interiors, vibrant hues, and playful design elements.
Due to the excellent location of the resort stunning house reef, all villas with no exception, provide a quick and direct access to amazing snorkeling spots. W Maldives Retreats are among the most extraordinary villas we’ve stayed in Maldives.
Wonderful Beach Oasis. 188 m²
Completely hidden with direct beach access, this two-level villa offers total privacy. Outside: a plunge pool, circular daybed, and upper deck with lagoon views, swing, fridge, and BBQ. Inside: a chic bedroom with high-end tech, and an open-air bathroom with tub and rainforest shower.
Photo © W Maldives
Spectacular Ocean Oasis. 146 m²
Located overwater on the island’s house reef, this villa offers direct snorkeling access. Inside: a sea-facing bedroom, glass floor, glowing marine-inspired design, and a private cocktail bar. Outside: a sundeck with plunge pool and ocean-facing lounge. The bathroom features panoramic views, a freestanding tub, and rainforest shower.
Photo © W Maldives
Fabulous Lagoon Oasis. 146 m²
Overwater villa with views across the wide turquoise lagoon. Similar layout to the Spectacular Ocean Oasis, with direct access to calm snorkeling areas.
Photo © W Maldives
WOW Ocean Escape. 323 m²
This spacious 2-bedroom villa sits at the jetty’s end, offering privacy and exceptional snorkeling. Includes a large living room, indoor lounges, glass floors, dining area, and a vast sundeck with a 24 m² pool.
Extreme WOW Ocean Haven. 492 m²
The ultimate overwater retreat. This massive 2-bedroom suite features panoramic views, a living and dining area, kitchenette, indoor lounges, and a huge outdoor deck with a 78 m² pool and jacuzzi. Located at the jetty’s end for total seclusion.
Signature Amenities in Every Villa – Click to see more
Plasma TVs | BOSE Sound & DVD System | DVD/CD Library via Whatever/Whenever | 350 Thread Count Sheets | W Signature Bed | Down Pillows | Hypoallergenic Pillows | Dual Vanity Basins | Bliss Bath Amenities | Hairdryer Tea/Coffee Maker | 24-Hour In-retreat Dining | Individual BBQ Station | Wine Fridge | Munchie Box | Mini-bar | Full Height Mirror | Shallow Pool Lounge Area | Plunge Pool | Custom-made Furnishings | Sun Lounges | Individual Climate Control | In-room Safe | Outdoor Daybeds with Shade Curtains | Smoke Detectors | Personalized Wake-up Service (upon request) | Complimentary Wi-Fi and cabled High Speed Internet Access | Non-Smoking Villas Available
W Maldives Child Policy
W Maldives welcomes children of all ages, but with specific policies depending on their age and the type of accommodation. For safety reasons, overwater accommodations are available for children 5 years and older.
W Maldives features a fine selection of dining venues with an eclectic mix of six stylish and inventive restaurants and bars, including the only underground nightclub in the Maldives. The resort redefines island gastronomy with global flavors, creativity, and a resident Mixologist. Here, every dish is prepared with premium ingredients by passionate chefs from around the world.
Enjoy fresh seafood at FISH, the chic overwater restaurant; Italian and Asian delights, lavish breakfasts, at KITCHEN, the island bistro, and smoky beachside grilling at FIRE.
Lovers of cool treats will also enjoy W signature’s Sweet Spots, the ice cream and soda stations scattered across the island for anytime and free of charge.
Flavors are as bold as the W experience itself.
KITCHEN – Global dishes in a laid-back setting
W Maldives’ all-day dining restaurant KITCHEN offers international comfort food with a twist. Think lavish breakfasts, fresh salads, and fusion favorites. Kitchen is rich in choice with a menu ranging from a delicious pizza, to more elaborate dishes. Perfect for a bite or soul-satisfying food at any time, Kitchen offers one-of-a-kind twists on simple dishes you know and love, fun and delicious pastries and offer open cooking stations for the show.
FISH – Overwater fine dining with a focus on seafood
Fish Restaurant is beautifully set overwater with sunset views. W Maldives signature restaurant is entirely dedicated to fish and seafood with a “Ocean to Table” cuisine concept that solely focus on the freshness of local ingredients from the sea. Besides the quality and creativity of its cuisine, Fish is also a beautiful place for a unforgettable outdoor romance dinner under the stars. Wine amateurs will appreciate its large selection of wine by the glass. Possibility to eat outside or inside.
FIRE – Grill-style beach BBQ under the stars
FIRE restaurant is unique in the Maldives for its very large and almost complete choice of grills and barbecues. Entirely dedicated to this type of cuisine, FIRE offers 4 different charcoal cooking, Tandoori oven, BBQ and a Mongolian Broiler. A Chef is at disposal for any custom-made culinary creation, so do not hesitate to create your very own favourite plate ! And to fully reconnect with nature…come barefoot, you’ll feel the soft sand floor under your feet.
SIP – Sunset cocktails Bar with DJ vibes
SIP bar is one of the best lounge bar in the Maldives. This is the place to be for a dreamy sunset and a drink. According to the evening, lounge music or beach waves will contribute to create a great atmosphere to chill out. It is also the best place to try one of the many signature cocktails prepared by the excellent resort Mixologist. Music lovers will love the DJ playing on the deck.
WET – Poolside bar with fun bites and drinks
WET bar is a cool lounge snack bar ideal to chill-out with a W signature cocktail, light main courses, wood-fired pizzas, burgers, bountiful salads, delectable Asian cuisine and sweet treats without leaving the infinity pool. Every sunny tuesday, WET transforms itself into a party place with W iconic “Shock Wave” Pool Party featuring DJ Music, Champagne and BBQ around the pool ! The place to be to relax, play or listen to the Resident DJ at some selected hours.
15 Below – The Underground Nightclub
15 Below is a true nightclub and a unique place in the World. Located at 15 feet underground, just beneath the beach, it will bring you to a complete different world from above. The place is magical : sophisticated ambience, private alcoves with beds and lounge overlooking the dance floor, Electro music, blue phosphorescent cocktails and cocktail bar, neon lights, everything is just perfect. 15 Below receives DJs from around the world and has an extraordinary collection of vodkas, unique to the Maldives, with more than 95 names including the only Vintage Vodka in the world. Spectacular and exhilarating.
W Maldives – Dining Options
W Maldives also offers multiple options for exclusive dinners, lunches, receptions, special moments for 2 or more, with custom-made menus, anytime and anywhere you want. On Gaathafushi desert island, on board of a ESCAPE luxury sailing boat, on the beach, in your villa…Just name it.
Whatever, Wherever, Whenever. It’s just up to you.
W Maldives’ AWAY Spa is not your average spa, starting with its architecture. Inspired by a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, its sleek white silhouette floats above the turquoise lagoon and coral gardens, making it one of the most striking spas in the Maldives.
Spanning 66 m² of indoor and outdoor treatment areas, the spa includes four luxurious villas open to the ocean and sunrise horizon.
Guests can also enjoy natural tonic drinks and a menu of light wellness bites.
To start your day gently, yoga and meditation sessions are offered at sunrise with a dedicated instructor.
Private sessions ? Just ask — whenever you want.
AWAY Spa offers a complete menu of massages and rejuvenating rituals using exceptional products. Treatments include aromatic steam baths, tropical rain showers or fragrant soaks, followed by refreshing body moisturizers.
Wellness Rituals for the Body and Mind
For The Body
Massages | Scrubs | Hot Stones | Manicure | Pedicure | Facials
For The Mind
Hatha Yoga | Meditation | Ayurveda
Surrounded by white-sand beaches, a turquoise lagoon, and some of the Maldives’ most breathtaking reefs, W Maldives is a playground for water lovers. At WAVE, the resort’s water sports center, guests can enjoy everything from paddleboarding and seabobs to catamaran sailing. Prefer to lounge ? The 210 m² infinity pool — 1.5 meters deep and overlooking the sea is the perfect place.
Island Activities & Excursions
Explore the Maldives your way with W’s curated mix of relaxation and adrenaline. Go dolphin watching or snorkeling for hours on the house reefs, cruise the sea aboard ESCAPE yacht, or enjoy a picnic on a secluded sandbank. W’s team can tailor adventures for couples and families alike, including fishing trips and dhoni rides.
Stay active with sunrise yoga, personal training, or a workout at the FIT Gym, open 24/7 with sea views.
Free Sports & Activities
- Windsurf & Kitesurf (only for the experienced. Fee applies for competency check)
- Molokini “transparent glass” canoes
- Paddle Board
- Snorkel equipment
- Yoga session
- Fully equipped gym & game room
- Library & computer room
Paying Sports & Activities
- Water ski
- Parasailing
- Guided Snorkel Tours
- Catamaran sailing
- Parasailing
- Seabob
- Water skiing, Wake boarding, Mono ski
- Private speed boats rental
…and more.
Private Excursions
- Whale Shark Quest
- Sunset Cruises
- Atoll exploration
W Maldives is undoubtely one of the TOP 5 Maldives best resorts for snorkeling. The island’s exceptional natural setting, with its turquoise lagoon and expansive house reef, offers easy, direct access to thriving marine life. Just a few steps from the beach or your water villa, you’ll discover coral gardens alive with tropical fish, reef sharks, and turtles.
Diving is another dream highlight at W Maldives. Located in North Ari Atoll, one of the Maldives’ top diving regions, the resort sits close to many iconic dive sites, including a shipwreck, caves, and several manta ray cleaning stations.
W Maldives’ house reef is absolutely breathtaking — we’ve had there some of our best snorkeling experiences in the Maldives.
Snorkeling at W Maldives – The Ultimate Experience
W Maldives is the ultimate dream for snorkeling lovers. The resort’s house reef is truly breathtaking, with an abundance of coral plates, most of them impressively intact. Snorkeling spots are just steps away, right in front of most of the island’s shores.
We’ve explored countless reefs in the Maldives, but snorkeling at W Maldives ranks among our best underwater experiences in the country.
W Maldives house reef is so dense in marine life and corals that you can keep snorkeling for 3 to 4 hours all around the island !
At W Maldives, snorkeling is easy and accessible for all levels, from beginners to advanced snorkelers. Even kids and seniors can do it. The house reef is close to the shores and the villas, that explorations are effortless.
For a thrill after dark, don’t miss the night snorkel around the island’s glowing reef, it’s stunning.
Snorkeling gear is complimentary, and W offers guided tours both day and night for every level.
where to snorkel around W Maldives ? Map of the spots around the resort
Take a look at the aerial view and snorkeling map below for a better understanding of W Maldives’ surrounding reef and the best spots to explore.
click to enlarge
Pay attention : As always, take a moment to speak with the Dive Center before exploring the outer reef walls — currents can be strong, and expert advice is priceless.
Want to know more ?
Explore my complete snorkeling review of W Maldives including the house reef, night snorkeling, guided snorkeling excursions, and more…
Explore the Depth – Diving at W Maldives
Located in the northern part of the Ari Atoll, known to be a diver paradise, W offers direct access to some of the Maldives best dive sites. North Ari is world-renowned among divers for its rich marine life, diverse topography, and frequent encounters with pelagics like whale sharks and hammerheads.
One of the resort’s best sites to explore is Hoholla Faru, a unique spot featuring shallow caves large enough to swim through. The honeycombed walls and ceilings create a stunning underwater labyrinth teeming with marine life.
Wreck diving lovers will also appreciate the resort’s own nearby wreck, just minutes from shore — a perfect site for exploration and underwater photography.
DOWN UNDER, W’s PADI-certified dive center, is staffed by multilingual instructors offering everything from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster certifications. Specialty courses include wreck diving, nitrox, manta awareness, underwater photography, shark diving, and DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) adventures.
The dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, a custom-designed W Limousine dive boat, a marine biology station, and access to a decompression chamber just 10 minutes away.
LESSONS
Multilingual instructors conduct all level of PADI courses and a large variety of specialty courses : Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Specialty courses such as wreck, shark diving, nitrox, Manta ray awareness, underwater photography,DPV (diver propulsion vehicle).
ECO-DIVING
A Resident Marine Biologist will help you discover and understand the underwater world. The W Marine biology station proposes : Guest educational programs, presentations, guided trips, Whale shark watching adventures and more…
EQUIPMENT
W Maldives dive center is fully equipped with latest state of the art equipment, including : Bauer B-trox Nitrox compressor, latest top quality Scubapro diving gear, dolphin re-breathers, cool underwater scooters, top quality underwater photo equipment rental.
PROGRAMMES SIGNATURES W / DOWN UNDER
PADI certificates, W underwater video, W explorer two tank wreck dive, at Fesdu and Halaveli wrecks, Stealth diver with the silent dolphin re-breather, Hammerhead heaven, overnight trip on the Resort two mast luxury yacht “ESCAPE” to world famous Hammerhead Shark Point.
DIVING SPOTS
W Maldives is close to some of the world’s best dive sites. Among the classical and top diving sites of North Ari Atoll, you will find : Maaya Thila, Fishhead, Malhoss Thila, Himendhoo Thila and the resort own Fesdu shipwreck to name just a few.
DIVE BOATS and SAFETY
Diving spots are reached on board of a super comfy (W)UNDER dive limousine, fully outfitted with fun after dive facilities. A specialized dive medical centre and a professional staffed centre with decompression chamber are lo acted within 10 minutes from the island. On board of (W)UNDER there are : a Sundeck, a Post dive dry relax area, oxygen kits, first aid kits, refreshments, GPS and radio.
Here is an aerial map of W Maldives where I show you all essential locations : beach and overwater vilIas, restaurants and bars, spa, where you can windsurf, snorkeling areas as well as the Sunset / Sunrise sides to help you choose your perfect villa.
Our gallery is a glimpse into the best of Baros Maldives. From sunsets to romantic dinners and aerial views, each photo captures the beauty and elegance that makes this island so special.
all photos © Dreaming of Maldives
Our video of W Maldives brings you to the resort’s most beautiful places. From the villas to the house reefs surrounding the island, DJ set at Sunset, to yoga at AWAY Spa, we show what we love.
W Maldives is a must. A dreamy resort in every sense. Vibrant and bold when you seek energy, peaceful and secluded when you crave calm.
Everything is within reach : superb food, brilliant design, top-level service, and one of the most beautiful house reefs I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen so many over the years.
The snorkeling ? Absolutely top-notch. Add to that inventive dining, private island moments, DJ sunsets, and an underground nightclub, and you have a resort like no other…
W Maldives will reopen on March 1st, 2025, showcasing once again W Hotels’ design excellence….
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