Mention the Maldives and you’ll be met with wistful looks. Those who’ve been, remember the beauty, those who haven’t, dream about it. There’s no question, the Maldives archipelago promises paradise!

Imagine an expanse of crystal clear water, interrupted only by distant shimmering islands. Swaying palms, clean white sand and a gentle sea breeze. Are you with me so far?

Overwater bungalows and beachside villas increase the appeal and your resort being the only one on the island adds to the luxury vibe.

At Amari Havodda Maldives, you’ll experience all that and more. Let’s take a look at paradise!

The Entrance.

Your speedboat from Kaadedhdhoo Domestic Airport coasts across sparkling waters as Amari Havodda appears on the horizon.

Stepping onto Amari Havodda’s arrival pavilion, you’re shaded by a broad canopy styled on an upturned fishing boat representing the Maldivian day’s end. A warm welcome with chilled scented towels and refreshing drinks and you’re ready to relax and enjoy this island’s hospitality.

Amari Havodda’s open-air reception lobby beckons bare feet to its sand-covered floor. Meandering trails lined by tropical vegetation guide you around the island.

An Amari Havodda expert introduces you to your villa, the resort facilities and Maldives-centric safety precautions before you’re left to explore your new surroundings.

The Villas.

Both overwater and beach villas come in a variety of options. Some have pools, gardens or are perfectly placed to enjoy the sunset. All are adjacent to, or above, the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Bathrooms deserve a special mention. Outdoor and indoor rain showers, double basins and an incredibly deep luxurious bath – open to the elements but completely private.

The gentle swoosh of an overhead fan will lull you to sleep and if you need it, there’s air-con too.

With fishing being the Republic of Maldives’ prominent economic activity, award-winning designer, Isabelle Miaja incorporated this into the design of the resort.

Eyecatching pom-poms of nylon fishing nets decorate walls, string features in furniture and hammocks, upturned fishing boats are represented in ceilings and betel nut cutters provide inspiration for wall features.

Overwater Villas.

Waking surrounded by water has an instant calming effect. Stepping out onto your private deck and straight into the water is high on the list of reasons this accommodation is so popular.

At Amari Havodda Maldives, privacy is tantamount. Surprisingly there are 60 overwater villas on 2 piers and while other guests can be heard when you’re outside, strategically placed walls provide privacy without obstructing views. Inside it’s a tranquil space drawing on the natural colours and textures of the environment.

Beach Villas.

Amble from your bed onto the sand and into the water. Beach villas begin at 95 sqm and sleep 4. Larger villas of 121 sqm include a private pool either on the beach or in the garden. Bathrooms are indoor/ outdoor as in the overwater villas and a deck with sun loungers sets you up for water gazing, finishing that best seller or nodding off in your picturesque surroundings.

The Restaurants.

Amaya Food Gallery.

Tastes of Asia. This open-air pavilion dishes up Maldivian, Thai, Indian & Chinese while featuring char-grilled meat and fish. Special additions of international favourites rotate daily. Seafood BBQ, Pizza, Burgers or Japanese, Malaysian, Singaporean cuisines.

Amaya is Amari Havodda’s all-day dining venue centrally located with beach and water views.

Ember Grill.

The Robatayaki grill takes pride of place in the centre of this beachside restaurant. Choose a seat grill-side and watch the action or with your toes in the sand by candlelight.

Share a sushi and sashimi platter before a sensational surf and turf extravaganza. One of these is definitely enough for 2 people. Pair it with Sake or wine and you’re in for an evening of delicious food, fabulous service and contented bellies.

Destination Dining.

Here’s something special for romantics. Amari Havodda Maldives go all out to deliver this unforgettable dining experience.

All you need to do is choose a spot, be it on the beach, in the reflection pool or even on an offshore island. Let Amari Havodda know of any food allergies or preferences and they’ll provide a bespoke degustation menu just for you.

The Bars.

Thari Bar.

Open all day, Thari Bar is the epitome of relaxation. Flop in a beanbag, order a cocktail and while away the hours. Gaze off to the horizon and work up the energy for a dip in the infinity pool.

Evening entertainment at Thari Bar may include traditional Maldivian dancers, so engaging you’ll have to join in. Special cocktail hours pre-dinner occur and if luck is on your side, you’ll experience a performance by famous Maldivian musician/ songwriter Mezzo (Mohamed Majid).

Iru Bar.

Iru means ‘sunset’ in Maldivian and Iru Bar is in a prime location for this daily occurrence. Only open for 2 hours from 5 to 7 pm, arrive early to nab your perfect spot. The sun’s spectacular performance is a magnet for all guests.

The Spa.

Breeze Spa.

The sole purpose of an island getaway is to relax, so what better way than in the capable hands of the Breeze Spa professionals.

Secluded garden treatment rooms, natural body scrubs and a host of massage styles loosen tired muscles and complete the relaxation process.

Other Facilities & Services.

Water Sports.

Amari Havodda Maldives guests are surrounded by their own coral reefs within swimming distance. Collect fins, goggles and snorkels from the Water Sports Centre to keep for the duration of your stay.

For more serious underwater enthusiasts diving equipment and tours are arranged at the centre. PADI scuba certification courses can also be completed here.

Fishing trips, jet skiing, kayaking and windsurfing are all available on the island and for a less strenuous but no less exciting activity, don’t miss a sunset cruise and dolphin search.

Land Sport.

Keep up your fitness routine at FIT Centre. You’ll find all the possible gym equipment you’ll need for strength and cardio workouts. Morning and afternoon yoga classes take you through a series of asanas to invigorate and revive.

Fancy a hit of tennis? Grab a racquet and a friend and head to the court. Gather fellow guests for beach or court volleyball.

There’s plenty at Amari Havodda to prevent you from carrying extra baggage home from the delightful dining.

Functions.

Imagine your company’s annual conference at Amari Havodda. Meeting rooms, outdoor auditoriums and catering are all arranged.

Special events from intimate anniversary celebrations to birthdays, engagements and beach weddings, Amari Havodda has you covered.

Behind the Scenes.

Sustainability.

The Maldives archipelago is made up of the highest peaks of a submarine mountain range. With climate change and rising sea levels, an ambitious 10-year carbon-neutral goal was set by the government in 2009.

Amended in 2015 to a conservative 10% reduction by 2030, it makes little difference to Amari Havodda what the goal is as they strive for sustainability.

The first thing you’ll notice is the lack of single-use plastic. Amari Havodda supports the #banplasticstraws movement.

Showering in your overwater villa, you may wonder where the runoff goes. Filtered through an evaporative process, all wastewater on the island is recycled.

The island’s desalination plant processes 75,000 litres per day for drinking water, cooking etc. An adjacent bottling plant sterilises and refills the glass drinking-water bottles.

Airconditioners in the villas use auto sensors to switch off when deck doors are open. Hot water for the villas runs through the heat generator from your aircon unit.

Their horticulture nursery cultivates and replants indigenous trees and shrubs across the island to combat soil (sand) erosion.

There’s a lot more, but you get the picture. Amari Havodda Maldives have a vested interest in sustaining their piece of paradise.

Safety.

Heaven forbid someone falls ill while at Amari Havodda but rest assured, you’ll be cared for. The clinic has nursing staff, a doctor and medications. Basic First Aid certificates are held by all staff while 30 staff members upgrade their qualifications bi-annually.

Security staff train as triathletes daily; running, cycling and swimming. They’re always on hand to attend to any emergency on land or in the crystal water.

Packages.

When reserving your Amari Havodda Maldives vacation you’ll discover Full Board, All Inclusive & Premium packages.

Full Board is included in all reservations. 

Domestic terminal lounge with complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi.

Daily Breakfast, lunch & dinner in Amaya Food Gallery with soft drinks and water during meals.

Snorkelling equipment plus a Guided House Reef Snorkelling Tour.

Complimentary Wi-Fi and use of fitness centre, volleyball and tennis courts.

All Inclusive: add USD 49++ (at time of publishing) per person per day to your reservation rate.

All Full Board inclusions plus a selection of beers, wines, liquor and cocktails from 10:00 am to midnight daily.

Premium: add USD 99++ (at time of publishing) per person per day to your reservation price.

All Full Board & All Inclusive inclusions plus minibar soft drinks, beer and wine replenishments.

Introduction or orientation dive for certified scuba divers.

A cooking class, gourmet dinner at Ember Grill and spa a treatment at Breeze Spa.

** Check Amari Havodda Maldives site for additional packages including complimentary domestic transfers and savings on prepaid stays.

The Verdict.

Your Amari Havodda Maldives experience begins in Malé where all arrangements are taken care of so you can begin relaxing.

From your speedboat arrival to orientation and settling in your villa, the Maldivian hospitality shines. It doesn’t take long before members of staff remember your preferences and the variety of dining options changing daily will satisfy even the fussiest of eaters.

If your vacation plan is to simply chill, you’ll find many secluded corners to do just that. If you’re feeling more energetic, the activities on offer suit the environment perfectly.

When you’re planning your vacation in paradise, look no further than Amari Havodda Maldives: it’s a place we love….

Getting to Amari Havodda Maldives.

On arrival at Malé International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your Amari Havodda representative. Ensuring you’re comfortably ensconced in the Lounge with water, juice, coffee and a buffet selection, your rep will take your passport and arrange connection to Kaadedhdhoo Airport in a Dash 8 or similar.

At Kaadedhdhoo Airport another charming Amari Havodda rep arranges baggage collection and speedboat transfers.

(Emirates Airline flies direct from Dubai to Malé 3 times daily)

The Amari Brand.

Once the hospitality of Amari Hotels has been experienced, there’s no turning back. The level of service and welcoming vibe reflects in each property. Take a look at my review of Amari Phuket and you’ll see similarities to Amari Havodda regardless of location.

As the centrepiece of the Onyx portfolio of hospitality brands, Amari provides a 5-star experience without the 5-star price-tag. With properties in Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Qatar, it’s worth becoming a loyal Amari guest.

Join Onyx rewards loyalty program to keep up with Amari Hotel’s expansion and receive member benefits for Amari and the other hospitality brands in the Onyx portfolio.

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Disclaimer: This review includes complimentary offers and discounts. Regardless, all thoughts and opinions are our own. We will always bring you an honest, unbiased review. 

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