Angsana Ihuru

Sister resorts Angsana Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru are luxurious, to be sure, but steer clear of glitzy, touristy amenities such as big pool complexes and overwater villas. The two properties also share a kiosk at the airport, and on the boat ride over, guests are offered bottled water and a cold towel scented with fresh mint; if the captain spots dolphins along the way, he will stop for photographs. The setting upon arrival is truly spectacular, and the arrival to the jetty starts with a warm welcome from the manager and key members of staff. On either side of the jetty are the restaurant and bar where fellow guests can relax with a drink and watch the newcomers enter the grounds (the island is small and frequent run-ins with fellow guests are sure to happen in this common area). 

A welcome beverage is offered during check-in, and then guests are escorted along peaceful sandy pathways and palm trees to their villas, which are prepared for arrival with flowers on the bed, a fruit plate, burning incense, and instrumental music playing on the CD player -- creating a soothing, spa-like environment. The spa itself is centrally located near the rooms, and masseuses give free shoulder rubs to entice those to make an appointment, which many do. Otherwise, most guests spending their time enjoying the beach and the house reef. Villas surround the entire shore, and all paths lead back to the main hub; it doesn't take too long to walk the entire circumference of the island.

As is common in the Maldives, all of the staff live in hidden quarters on the island (ask the General Manager and you might get a tour). There are over 100 staff members from the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, and several European countries here, creating a diverse and friendly environment. The General Manager is often around during meals to help with arrangements or catch up on the day’s events. Live music and dancing take place in the bar on Sunday nights, and couples often end other evenings end with a nightcap and stroll, hand-in-hand, along the romantic paths back to the villas. 

After passing through customs at Malé's international airport, guests are met by a representative (usually at a numbered kiosk) and led, with luggage on a cart, to a Banyan Tree boat towards the property. The boat trip takes about 25 minutes from the airport, and the captain's first stop is sister resort, Banyan Tree; after that it's another five-minute ride to Angsana. Both islands are visible to each other in the distance, and truly feel like sisters. Guests can ferry back and forth if they wish to use each other's facilities at no charge. 

The Maldives is a distinct nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,190 islands. Each resort (there are over 100 of them) is situated on an individual private island, allowing for peace and quiet as well as easy access to the water and incredible marine life. Angsana is one of the smaller islands, making it easy for guests to walk the entire circumference (particularly enjoyable at sunset and sunrise). The resort offers excellent snorkeling in the house reef (free of charge), and a quality PADI dive center. 

Though the state religion of the Maldives is Sunni Islam, private islands like these are allowed to serve alcohol.

This 45-villa property has 25 Beachfront Jet Pool Villas (with jetted tubs) and 20 Beachfront Villas (without). Rooms have tile floors and bright pops of lime green and orange against dark (nearly black) furnishings. Honeymooners will receive a welcome bottle of red wine and repeat guests will get a bottle of Moët. Everyone receives a fruit plate on arrival, and the minibar includes two bottles of free water, coffee/tea making facilities, and charged items including a pint of vodka, Gordon’s Gin, Bacardi Rum, Red Label Johnny Walker, champagne splits, wine, beer, soda, snacks, and a Kodak camera. Incense sticks and a relaxing CD are available to use at no charge, for ambience. 

A foyer near the entry has a small closet and two bright yellow beach towels. The outdoor bathrooms are a standout with two sinks (one with a fountain), large eco-friendly toiletries, and a bamboo showerhead. Couples can relax in cozy bathrobes and sandals, look up and see rustling palms, and feel a million miles from anywhere — which they kind of are. They will receive a beautiful turndown service one evening with candles and flowers. Tubs in the Jet Pool Villas are not filled as part of the turndown (unless requested) to ensure guests can enjoy fresh water.

Villas are close to each other but separated by fencing and greenery. Some are more private than others but everyone has easy access to the beach, which often feels isolated. Double doors lead to the outdoor patios. Toward the beach, there are two lounge chairs with brush to each side for more privacy.  

Though the resort mostly attracts couples, families are welcome to stay, and each living area has a sofa for little ones (extra beds can also be brought in). 

The island has its own beautiful reef — one of the best in the Maldives — that is ideal for spotting colorful fish, nurse and reef sharks, and turtles. There is a PADI scuba dive center on property for all certification levels, along with daytime and nighttime dives. Diving can be done close to shore and there is a shipwreck near the property. Snorkel gear is free, and snorkeling can be enjoyed easily in front of the villas. Other water sports available for a fee include Hobie-Cat sailing, windsurfing, reef fishing, tubing, and wakeboarding.

Angsana Spa Ihuru is a beautiful Thai-themed outdoor space and all masseuses are trained at the company's esteemed academy. The spa has seven treatment rooms with Thai, Indonesian, Isreali, and Chinese treatments. Treatments scrubs and polishes are blended at the time of treatment for freshness. There are a range of interesting options including head massages with hot sesame oil, coconut body polishes, and body conditioners. Couples treatments are common. Angsana has a gift shop that sells the brand's products found in the rooms and spa. There is also a fitness center near the hub, which is rarely used. Guests can also arrange day-trip excursions to picnic islands, as well as the capital of Malé. 

Regular boat service to sister island Banyan Tree is offered during peak times every two hours. Points of interest include the turtle sanctuary, afternoon stingray feedings, a nice bar, and restaurant serving modern cuisine. 

One main restaurant and bar serve the entire island and sit on either side of the main jetty. Riveli serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; cuisine includes local Maldivian, Asian, and Mediterranean options. The restaurant is buffet-style for breakfast and lunch, and switches between buffet and a la carte for dinner, with several themed events offered to help prevent monotony. The dining room has both indoor and outdoor seating next to the water — the setting is especially enjoyable at breakfast when the server delivers French press coffee and rare fruit such as purple mangosteen while the sun rises. Other special events include a weekly beachfront lobster dinner next to the ocean, and romantic sunset sails. Private lunches and dinners can be arranged just about anywhere on the island — including the spa.  

The bar is on the other side of the main entrance with a big covered lounge area as well as a sunny uncovered deck right by the water, dotted with wood chairs sporting bright yellow cushions. Guests can sip their drinks and watch divers and snorkelers. The cocktail list includes a long list of classics, along with a nice selection of wines and 13 champagnes. Those who are detoxing or abstaining will find a long mocktail list and 16 teas from Sri Lanka. The bar has local live drum music on Sundays after dinner — most guests adjourn after the dinner to dance with each other and the staff.