Let me take you inside Niyama Maldives, a unique resort we captured in images and film for you to discover.
Niyama Maldives is unlike anywhere else I’ve stayed in the Maldives. Two natural islands, Play and Chill, offer two worlds in one resort : activities and fun on one side, calm and wellness on the other. I still remember gliding on my funboard across the immense turquoise lagoon, our water villa with endless views of blue, and being amazed at how much there was to do, see, and taste.
All photos ( stated otherwise – exc. surfing and new Subsix ) and videos in this review were taken by us during our stay at Niyama Maldives.
We stayed a full week at Niyama Maldives together with our son.
Every photo, every video, every insight, and every detail in this review is drawn from our personal journey, from the villas to the underwater night-club, the restaurants and dreamy moments around the resort.
Niyama Maldives Video © Dreaming of Maldives
Niyama Maldives is a dream mix of several holiday lifestyles : romantic, active & very fun, relaxing and family friendly all together, all in a superb environment. Located in Dhaalu Atoll, the superb resort spreads on two natural islands connected by a boardwalk and surrounded by one of the most beautiful and huge blue lagoon I’ve seen in the Maldives.
At Niyama you will have plenty of choice. Whether you’re here to surf, dive, eat amazing food, spend a honeymoon, enjoy your family or just do nothing, the resort has it all. Villas right on the beach or over the lagoon, several distinct restaurants and bars, a kids club and teen activities,
Niyama Maldives is a dreamy blend of holiday lifestyles in a superb environment.
Category
5★ Ultra Luxury Resort
Villas
134
Atoll
Dhaalu
Main Island Size
Width – 825m
Length – 63m
40 mns by private seaplane
Airport
180 km / 112 mi
Diving
Very Good
Snorkeling
None at proximity
Lagoon
Excellent
Spacious, stylish, and private, with direct lagoon access and endless Maldivian blue views.
Contemporary interiors meet playful details: popcorn makers, smart bands, and fully stocked in-villa delis.
Huge. Blue. Strikingly beautiful. One of the best in Maldives ! Expect funboard, kitesurf…it’s a paradise.
Vodi wave breaks right at the resort’s doorstep, making Niyama a dream for surfers looking for a luxury holiday.
Subsix offers champagne breakfasts and late-night parties six meters below the sea, surrounded by tropical marine life.
From a rare baby club to one of the best kids clubs in Maldives, teens activities and extraordinary family villas, families are spoiled.
Niyama Maldives at a Glance
Niyama is a playground for all ages and moods. Villas are split between beach villas, with or without pool, water pool villas, multi-bedroom Pavilions on the beach and overwater to The Crescent, a rare overwater complex of villas for groups and friends. Dining is outstanding and varied, from forest settings to floating fine dining and an underwater nightclub. Families are especially well cared for, with one of the only baby clubs in Maldives and a great Kids Club. The lagoon is vast and ideal for sailing, windsurfing, surfing and funboarding, while divers will love Dhaalu Atoll’s pristine reefs. With so many activities, stunning beaches, and endless blue, Niyama is as playful as it is peaceful.
The only negative point at Niyama Maldives ? There is no house reef, so no snorkeling. But honestly, when you have such a vast and stunning lagoon to sail and windsurf, it doesn’t feel like a loss. And for those who can’t imagine a Maldivian stay without snorkeling, there are plenty of excursions to nearby reefs that make up for it.
Slider Photos © Dreaming of Maldives
Niyama Private Islands is built around the balance of two worlds, its two sister islands Play and Chill, each with its own atmosphere and facilities. Play is vibrant, energetic, and full of activities for families and friends, including a big surf center, while Chill is serene, romantic, and devoted to quiet moments of indulgence, with the spa. Contemporary design and playful high-tech details blend with lush nature, creating spaces that feel modern yet authentic. Despite its medium size (825 m – which is uncommon for a Maldivian resort ), Niyama keeps a rare sense of intimacy thanks to its clever layout : dense vegetation, well-spaced villas, and the attentive Thakuru butler service.
The concept is about freedom of choice : you can spend your day funboarding on the vast lagoon, enjoy romantic dining or a tribal-inspired dinner, then descend underwater to Subsix for a cocktail or to dance. At sunrise, wake up in your overwater villa to nothing but calm and endless blue.
Niyama is, in essence, a resort where energy and peace coexist — ultra-modern, active, romantic, family-friendly, and always elegant.
Two islands, two moods, one Dreamy Resort
We stayed in a Water Pool Villa, with a dreamy view at the lagoon and Play Island and we absolutely loved it. But the Beach Villas are equally beautiful with their direct access to a white powdery sand and the lagoon. Either on the beach or overwater, all villas at Niyama Maldives offer the same : space and privacy. And if you want more luxury and space, you will have a dream choice of pavilions. Inside, you’ll find a popcorn maker, and homemade daily ice cream in the fridge.
Niyama features 7 restaurants, including a floating restaurant located in the middle of the lagoon, EDGE, and a underwater restaurant,bar and night-club, SUBSIX, located at 6 meters below the lagoon, 4 Bars offering light snacking and 1 grab-and-go gourmet snacks. Each venue has its own identity, and I loved how the resort turned every meal into an experience.
Niyama is not just about villas and food, it’s a paradise for those who love to move. The resort offers an incredible range of things to do, whether you prefer staying on the islands or exploring further into Dhaalu Atoll. From surfing some of the best waves in the Maldives, funboarding, kitesurfing, jet skiing to kayaking, from diving in Dhaalu Atoll’s reefs to biking across the islands, there is always something happening. The Thakuru butler team made everything seamless, whether we needed a buggy ride or just the perfect photo.
The spa, Drift Spa, is one of the best overwater spas I’ve been to. It has several treatment rooms with stunning lagoon views, garden sanctuaries, and offers a wide treatment ranging from dreamy massages to Ayurvedic rituals.
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Niyama Maldives.
What you need to know
Take a look around Niyama Maldives through our eyes. We’ve stayed in a water pool villa, sailed across the immense lagoon, tried funboarding, dined at Tribal, at the main pool restaurant, and even danced at an underwater nightclub. But there are many ways to live the resort. Most of the photos (and our videos) you’ll see here are ours, taken during our stays — unless mentioned otherwise. This is just a glimpse of what we experienced; the rest is yours to discover.
Here are the essentials about the villas, the restaurants and bars, snorkeling, diving, surfing and the spa.
Niyama Maldives offers an extraordinary variety of villas, probably one of the most diverse I’ve seen in the Maldives. All built for privacy, style, and comfort, every villa and pavilion includes luxurious details designed to delight : a king-sized bed and indoor-outdoor bathroom, whether perched over turquoise waters or sitting right on the white sand. You’ll find your own deck with loungers, dining area and direct access to the lagoon or beach.
The outdoor bathroom in the beach villas, has a waterfall shower
Aerial view at the Beach Villas and Pavilions, and The Crescent
Inside, there’s a popcorn machine (yes, really), a full-sized fridge stocked for your indulgence. A villa host, your Thakuru, is there for personal service, and a deli-in fridge make the experience feel effortless.
Niyama Maldives villas and pavilions are Spacious, stylish, and private, with direct lagoon access and endless Maldivian blue views…
On the beach, villas are tucked into lush greenery with direct access to wide stretches of sand. Some with its own pool, outdoor rain shower, and shaded deck. Family Beach Villas bring even more space, perfect for children.
Over the lagoon, villas rise on stilts with infinity pools, outdoor baths, Bose sound systems, and huge decks where I spent hours watching the endless blues. Staying in a Water Pool Villa was a bliss. I was struck by how open and immense the lagoon felt, the views stretched forever.
The Pavilions add a layer of exclusivity, with multiple bedrooms and full living spaces.
Ocean Pavilion – The Living Room
For groups of friends or large families, The Crescent is extraordinary. It’s rare in Maldives to see such a setup : a rare collection of five linked overwater villas, including a multi-bedroom Water Pavilion, designed for up to 22 guests ( 14 adults and 8 children ), complete with private chefs and butlers. It’s one of the best place to stay in Maldives for groups.
Looking to stay with a big group or family in the Maldives ? Find The Crescent and more in my post : The Best Luxury Water Villas for Groups of friends and Large Families in th Maldives.
The Crescent seen from Niyama’s beautiful beach
Signature Amenities in Every Villa – Click to see more
Great size private pool | Terrace with dining area | Indoor–outdoor bathroom with rain shower and bathtub | King-size bed | Full air-conditioning & ceiling fans | Wi-Fi | IDD telephone | LED TV with Bose surround-sound theatre | Private in-room DVD player & selection | Espresso machine | Full-size refrigerator (Deli-In) | Personal safe | Hairdryer | Pillow menu | Bathrobes & slippers | Complimentary L’Occitane toiletries | Mosquito repellent | Torches | Golfing umbrellas | Personalised bicycles | Games, books & digital newspapers | Butler service (Thakuru)
Niyama Maldives, a Family-Friendly resort : From Babies to Teenagers
Niyama is one of the very few resorts in the Maldives that warmly welcomes babies, kids and teens with a dedicated baby-friendly structure, a full Explorers Kids Club for ages 12 months to 12 years and many activities for older kids. The club, themed in Four Tribes (Globetrotters, Adventurers, Voyagers, Pioneers), opens daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and is free for children aged 3 to 12, while toddlers (12–36 months) have a small hourly fee or the option of hiring a private nanny.
The Golf simulator. Teenagers and older kids, adults too, also have plenty to look forward to with sports, marine discovery, video games, and even a golf simulator !
Babies are welcomed into the space (with parental or babysitter accompaniment) and parents can also book private babysitting services in-villa from evening hours.
The club itself is a dream playground with trampoline pits, splash parks, gourmet “Munch” kitchens for little chefs, stage areas, outdoor playgrounds, and themed activities like jungle safaris, cooking classes, dolphin-watching, and mocktail making — plus care items like nappies, wipes, sun cream, bug spray and snacks are provided.
Food at Niyama is not just about eating, it’s an experience. From treetop dining at Nest to champagne breakfasts at Subsix six meters under the sea, every meal was memorable. The variety is immense, and I loved that no two dinners ever felt alike.
Niyama is a paradise for food lovers. Breakfasts at Epicure came with fresh juices, delicate pastries, and endless views over the pool and lagoon.
Tribal offers bold and earthy Afro-Latin cuisine in a forest setting, Dune offers casual bites with your feet in the sand, and Fahrenheit was our favorite spot for a drink at sunset with with a DJ set.
What impressed me most was how creative the resort was in making dining feel like an adventure. Nothing compared, however, to the offshore experiences : Edge, a floating fine-dining restaurant to watch the sunset before dinner.
Subsix, six meters under the sea, where we enjoyed cocktails while fish swam past the windows. At night, Subsix transforms into one of the world’s most unique nightclubs, dancing under the sea is something I will never forget.
Since our visit Subsix has turned into a bar restaurant but – thankfully, still organizes dance floors !
See our video of Subsix – The World’s first Underwater Nightclub.
Niyama Maldives doesn’t have all Inclusive plan but Dine-Around options
Niyama, just like most luxury resorts in the Maldives, does not offer an all-inclusive plan per se.
Instead, the resort proposes Half Board with Dine Around and Full Board with Dine Around. This means that while your breakfasts are included, for lunch and dinner you are free to choose from several restaurants across the two islands, not just one buffet. In practice, the dine-around system gives you credits or set menus in different outlets, allowing you to experience the variety of Niyama’s dining without being limited to a single venue.
For drinks, there is also a separate “Rise & Shine Beverage Package” that offers a selection of drinks (soft drinks, juices, mocktails, etc.), but this is an add-on package, not included in the standard Dine-Around or meal-plan rates.
Niyama is filled with activities, and the beauty is that you can choose how active you want to be.
I had fun on the lagoon with my funboard, meanwhile our son was enjoying the kids club. It’s up to you. You can play tennis, kayak, bike across the islands, watch movies under the stars, go diving, snorkeling with a boat on nearby reefs, try jet skiing, flyboarding, wakeboarding, or…kitesurfing on the resort’s sandbank which is a dream.
Excursions take you further : dolphin cruises, sunset sails, fishing trips, sandbank picnics, manta encounters, and cultural visits. Every day can be different.
Go sailing and Island Hopping at Niyama Maldives
And if it rains, which happens of course, you have FUN, the activity center, which can be very useful for the all family !
Free activities also include the 24-hour gym, yoga sessions, bikes for exploring the islands, beach games, and the open-air cinema.
Surfing at Niyama Maldives
Niyama is one of the best luxury surf resorts in the Maldives. Right in front of Play island breaks Vodi, a powerful and consistent left-hander that works year-round. Just ten minutes by speedboat lies Kasabu, another excellent and playful wave.
You can roll out of your villa, paddle straight into the lineup, and still be back in time for breakfast. Surf packages and coaching are available for beginners and intermediates, while advanced riders will love the quality and consistency of the waves. For me, it wasn’t about surfing but sailing and funboarding across the immense lagoon — a different kind of glide, but just as exhilarating.
Read more about Surfing at Niyama Maldives :
- Niyama Private Islands : The Ultimate Luxury Surf Trip Destination in the Maldives
- Top Luxury Surf Resort Niyama Private Islands Maldives welcomes pro-surfer Brad Gerlach
- Niyama Private Islands Maldives brings Surfing to a brand new luxury level
Whether you’re a surfer, kiteboarder, windsurfer, or simply a lover of the ocean, Niyama Maldives is a true paradise for all water riders.
With endless views at the blue lagoon, Niyama Maldives Drift Spa is one of the most beautiful overwater spas in the Maldives.
The spa is located both overwater and in the island’s tropical gardens offering sanctuaries with outdoor baths and plunge pools.
The treatments combine Maldivian tradition, Ayurvedic healing, and modern techniques. Beyond the massages, the spa has vitality pools, steam rooms, saunas, and a juice bar.
See more photos of Niyama Drift Spa in a selection of 13 Overwater Spas with a Dreamy Lagoon Views.
Niyama Maldives does not have a close-by house reef, so there is no snorkeling ( this is usually the case for islands having very wide lagoon as such ).
The lagoon is stunning, but it’s not a place where you just put on a mask and see corals right away. If snorkeling is essential to you, you’ll need to take a boat. For divers, though, this is where Niyama really shines : the atoll is still less visited, the reefs are healthy, and the marine encounters are spectacular.
The good news is that excursions are frequent, and they bring you to beautiful reefs around Dhaalu Atoll.
You can even try night snorkeling with a torch, which shows a completely different world. So while you don’t have the classic “house reef” experience here, you do have the chance to discover rich sites nearby.
Niyama Maldives has no house reef , its wide blue lagoon doesn’t allow that.
Want to explore Maldives resorts with excellent snorkeling ?
Read – The Best Maldives Resorts for Snorkeling we’ve seen.
&
The Maldives Resorts With a Dream House Reef for Snorkeling
Diving at Niyama Maldives
Niyama is situated in Dhaalu Atoll, an atoll that is still uncrowded for diving.
The FLOAT Dive Centre is a PADI 5-Star facility with a friendly and professional team. They run drift dives, channel crossings, thilas (pinnacles) and have introduced specialty dives on the more remote reefs.
Beginners can take courses, kids can try Bubble Maker, and advanced divers can go for drift dives or nitrox.
Below are some of the best dive sites accessible from Niyama. These are among divers favourites because they feel wild, full of life, and rarely busy.
Highlight Dive Sites Around Niyama
- Fushi Kandu — a broad channel dive with multiple sea-fan–adorned thilas, great for spotting turtles, sharks, and schools of eagle rays.
- Velavaru Thila — dramatic underwater pinnacle with steep walls, often alive with reef fish and pelagic visitors.
- Lhohi Caves — ideal for intermediate divers, these caves offer swim-throughs and dramatic light play, plus a chance to see reef sharks in crevices.
- Maale Faru — soft coral gardens and drop offs, relaxed currents; perfect after more intense dives.
- Hulhu Kandu — channel dive, more current, great for those who want action and pelagics.
We’ve photographed some of the most beautiful places at Niyama Maldives : aerial views, the sandbank, dining experiences…Here are some of our images.
all photos © Dreaming of Maldives
Watch our full video tour of Niyama Maldives and discover the resort. From transfers, to the villas, the restaurants and bars, the spa, the lagoon…
For me, Niyama is one of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, as long as you don’t expect to snorkel right outside your villa.
The first reason is the resort setting : the environment is striking, the main island is big yet uncrowded, and the lagoon is simply breathtaking. True, there is no snorkeling right off the villas, but when you are blessed with such an immense blue lagoon, it’s not about reefs, it’s about gliding. I found Niyama to be the ultimate playground for watersports : funboarding, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and for kitesurfers and surfers, it’s pure heaven. Add to this the uncrowded dive sites of Dhaalu Atoll, and you understand why Niyama is, without doubt, the ultimate watersports paradise in the Maldives.
Families are exceptionally well looked after. Niyama is one of the very few resorts in Maldives with a baby club, on top of a kids and teens program that is both creative and complete. The choice of villas is also remarkable : from its first category of villas to spacious family sanctuaries, spectacular pavilions for couples, groups of friends, or even up to 22 guests at The Crescent, a rarity in Maldives.
Dining is equally amazing. The underwater nightclub, Edge, the floating fine dining restaurant in the middle of the lagoon, snacks, gastronomy here is varied, imaginative, and consistently excellent. Add to this the uniqueness of having two natural islands : the dynamic Play and Chill, which is more quiet.
The best of both world.
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