Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas

Opened in 2006, Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas is on one of the larger resort islands in the Maldives. It has enough space for a soccer field, 215 guestrooms (most of which belong to Adaaran Select Huhuranfushi), an impressive range of amenities, and staff quarters for more than 400 full-time workers.

Built over the water off the northern tip of the island, Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas consists of 37 overwater villas. It's a higher-end resort within Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, and the two properties share all amenities, except for the all-inclusive cuisine at Sunset and Breeze restaurants (which are reserved for Ocean Villa guests).

The island’s coastline offers a bit of everything. Snorkelers can take advantage of a nice coral reef just off the beach; a placid blue lagoon is perfect for swimming; three beach bars provide ample opportunity for drinking; and the south end of the island has one of the best surf breaks in the Maldives (excluding uninhabited islands). Other than surfers, typical clientele includes European families and couples. The resort vibe is casual, with many people walking about barefoot. The most bustling area of the resort is the outdoor pool and an adjacent bar with a stage, snacks, and pool table.

Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas is located on the northern tip of Lhohifushi -- a private island that it shares with its sister resort, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi. The island is part of Kaafu Atoll, just north of Male city. It’s accessible by a 25-minute speedboat ride from the airport, making it one of the most accessible resorts in the Maldives. A 450-person staff lives at the center of the island, which is less than half a mile long.

Each Ocean Villa features a canopy-style king bed, private deck (with steps descending into the lagoon), and a large bathroom with a soaking tub and rain shower. Decorated in red, black, and white, the spacious rooms have hardwood floors, beige walls, and minimalist furniture with Japanese touches. A tiny bit of wear and tear is showing in the villas, but they feel generally clean and inviting. All units include minibars, espresso machines, bottled water, and free Wi-Fi.

A playground and children’s pool are available for kids, while adults can take advantage of a spa that offers everything from couples massages to facials. A separate Chinese Reflexology Center also provides private therapy sessions. Multiple gift shops sell paintings, souvenirs, and jewelry, and a medical clinic is available for emergencies. For those who don’t like snorkeling, daily shark and fish feedings provide ample opportunity to view aquatic life up close. A fluorescent-lit fitness center has plenty of equipment, but lacks views and ambience. The resort’s most popular feature is a spacious outdoor pool with swim-up bar, located next to the main lobby bar.

During our visit the white-sand beaches were less than picture perfect, primarily due to unsightly sand bags (used to prevent erosion) and washed up seaweed (the staff routinely tries to rake it up). Otherwise, the water was crystal clear and the temperature was perfect -- cool enough to feel refreshing, yet warm enough to slip into without a chill. White plastic lounge chairs are provided and guests can order drinks from two beach bars or from Lohi’s Bar (on the rocky southern end of the island). We couldn’t find a speck of trash anywhere.

Sports facilities on the island include a soccer field, badminton, tennis, and volleyball courts. A dive center offers lessons and excursions, and a water sports center rents snorkels, kayas, Jet Skis, and other gear. Thanks to a nice surf break on the south end of the island, the resort has become one of the top surfing resorts in the Maldives. To limit the number of surfers, guests must buy surfing passes in advance. (Those who arrive without pre-paid passes won’t be allowed to surf.) Surfers should also consider staying at Dhonveli Beach Resort.

The main restaurant for ocean villa guests is Sunset, which serves all-inclusive buffet food for lunch and dinner. The food is solid overall, with international dishes that range from fish curries to Italian pastas. A la carte dishes are available for additional cost. All-inclusive a la carte breakfasts and snacks are also served at a small overwater restaurant called Breeze. During lunch and dinner, guests can also dine at the all-inclusive Banyan Restaurant, which is the main buffet outlet for guests not staying in Ocean Villas. Guests can order all-inclusive drinks from the main bar and beach bars (but fresh juices and drinks purchased after midnight cost extra).