Ayada Maldives Resort

With a total of 50 water villas in addition to 62 villas and suites at the edge of the lagoon and on the beach, the Ayada Maldives Resort is an opulent 5-star property just opened in late 2011. It’s the first Maldives resort to have a Turkish theme, all the way down to a luxurious hammam and a Turkish cafe.

The water villas are all very large and each includes its own private splash pool on the terrace. The Sunset Ocean Suites have a separate living room and bedroom, while the Ayada Royal Ocean Suite has two bedrooms plus a separate living area. This is a serious 5-star-plus resort with a unique theme. The location is among the most remote in the Maldives so it’s perhaps not ideal for a short stay.

Location

The Ayada Maldives Resort is located in the Huvadhu Atoll, on its own private island located 432 kilometers south of Malé International Airport in the Maldives.

Rooms/villas/suites

33 Ocean Villas

Area: 1,163 sq ft (108 m²)

4 Family Ocean Suites
14 Sunset Ocean Suites

Area: 1,851 sq ft (172 m²)
Separate living area and bedroom

1 Ayada Royal Ocean Suite

Area: 3,422 sq ft (318 m²)
Duplex
Two bedrooms and separate living area

62 lagoon and beach suites and villas

Special features in all rooms

Private swimming pool
Outdoor living area with sun loungers and daybeds
Interactive flat-screen LCD TV with surround sound system
CD/DVD player with a selection of DVDs
iPod connection, Wi-Fi and work desk
Cordless phone with International Direct Dialling
Coffee/espresso machine and selection of teas
In-room private bar/wine cellar
Built in Notebook size safe
Individual air-temperature control (AC)
Raindrop shower with luxury bath amenities
Twice daily turn down service
Anti-allergic pillow menu
24-hour villa dining experience and room service

Rates

Water villas starting at US$1,200 per night. Online specials are sometimes available.

Check for online specials at the Ayada Maldives Resort

Restaurants and bars

Main Restaurant
Lagoon Restaurant
Far East Restaurant
Wine & Cheese Island
Pool Bar
Lagoon Bar
Turkish Cafe

Resort features

Infinity-edge beachfront swimming pool
Turkish Hammam with plunge pools
Steam room, sauna, hydro bath and a spacious relaxation lounge
Fully equipped fitness centre with cardio-vascular stations, resistance machines and free weights
Flood-lit tennis court, mini football, volleyball and badminton courts
Games room with PS3, Xbox and pool tables
Water sports centre offering an extensive variety of activities along with surfing and sailing
Professional diving centre

Spa

The resort features a 3,500 sqm SPA with eight treatment villas.

Nearby activities

Excursion desk for customised yacht excursions, fishing trips and scenic seaplane tours

What the reviews say

Early reviews for the Ayada Resort have been quite mixed, with enough negative opinions to be a concern. It seems certain that things will get much better as the new resort gets organized, but it’s hard to book with confidence as of now.

Getting there

To reach the Ayada Maldives Resort you must first fly to Malé International Airport in the Maldives. Once there you’ll be met by resort staff and put on board a 45-minute flight on a local airline to Kaadedhdhoo Regional Airport in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Upon arrival there you’ll be placed on a private speed boat for the remaining 55-minute journey to the resort itself.