Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences, Baa Atoll

We don’t need to tell you why the Maldives are so special, but what you might not know is that Amilla is their shiny white pearl. The name means ‘my island home’, and that’s exactly what this stunning hotel feels like. Stay at a villa, or ‘home’, on the sandy white shores, hovering in the middle of the ocean or nestled in the treetops; whichever you choose promises to be a truly unique experience, ensuring you feel totally at ease in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The hotel is also unusual in that it is actually nestled within the Baa Atoll reef, so tropical fish, whale sharks and turtles swim right up to your door.

Location

Located in the only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve of the Maldives in the beautiful Baa Atoll, Amilla Resort is just 30 minutes from Malé International Airport by seaplane, or you can take a 15-minute flight to Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride. The atoll’s Blue Hole is the perfect place for snorkelers, while Hanifaru Bay is famous for being one of the best places for diving and underwater photography, as one of the world’s largest manta ray feeding destinations.

Your Room

From Lagoon Houses with uninterrupted views of the sunset to Ocean Lagoon houses looking out across the endless turquoise waters and Beach Houses on the pristine white shores, there’s something for everyone at Amilla. Each home comes with its own freshwater swimming pool, hammocks and terrace, perfect for soaking up the sun in complete privacy. Our favorites have got to be the Ocean Reef Houses, which are actually perched on the edge of the reef (giving you direct access to the ocean), and the spectacular treehouses. Nestled in the lush island foliage 12 meters off the ground, they’re the first of their kind in the Maldives and offer ultimate seclusion, perfect for a family or group of friends.

Why We Like It

At Amilla, they’ve thought of everything. You can order food in one restaurant but eat it in another, kick back at the country’s first fish and chip shop, or if that’s not enough, have the chef cook for you at home. There’s also a wine cellar boasting over 8,000 bottles which guests are encouraged to spend time sampling alongside an artisan cheese board. Unusually, water sports and childcare are already included in the price of your room, as well as a daily complimentary spa treatment for each guest. Nothing is too much trouble and they’ve really nailed making it feel just like home. We just wish it was ours permanently…