One&Only Reethi Rah

One&Only Reethi Rah is an upscale beach resort that occupies an entire island, spanning some 109 acres (44 hectares) with 12 beaches in total. Check-in takes place in a gorgeous lobby decorated with tall carved wooden columns, dark-wood screens, and soft wicker furniture  with cushions in hues of pink and magenta. Rooms are spread out all along the coast, and there are a few little clusters with overwater bungalows jutting out from the beaches. As this is a large island, there are golf cart buggies and bicycles available for getting around the lush grounds. The bulk of facilities are on the southern and eastern parts of the island, though there are a few restaurants on other parts of the property for easy access. There's plenty for kids, so lots of families stay here, though the undeniably romantic atmosphere makes it a hit with couples as well. 

The resort is situated on one of the larger private islands in the Kaafu Atoll, surrounded by turquoise waters. It's about a 45-minute boat ride or 15-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport in Male, and the resort can arrange transfers. 

This property offers a variety of villas, starting with entry-level Beach Villas (measuring at 135 square meters or 1,453 square feet) and going clear up to Grand Sunset Residences, which measure 2,487 square meters (26,770 square feet). Beach Villas sit right out on the sand and feature huge outdoor terraces with sunbeds, plus many have their own pools. One&Only Reethi Rah Water Villa units sit right over the lagoon and have direct access to the ocean, with hammock-style nets over the sea for sunbathing. The Grand Sunset Residences are the largest category on offer and are accessible by private, gated roads (guests get two golf carts per residence to help make getting around easier), These units have direct beach access and 50-square-meter swimming pools plus outdoor living and dining spaces and the option to have meals prepared by a private chef. 

Decor across categories is consistent, with a blend of contemporary and traditional style elements. Floors are made of polished marble with dark trim and paired with high wooden ceilings and trim, wooden shutters, and lightwood mid-century modern furniture. All come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars offering kettles, espresso makers, and medium-sized bottles of alcohol, and free bottled water replenished daily. Bathrooms are huge and high-end, even in the smallest of villas. They contain two vanities with vessel sinks, deep soaking tubs with bath salts and other toiletries, separate walk-in showers, robes, and slippers.

Features at One&Only Reethi Rah are unsurprisingly top-notch and varied, with ample to keep adults and kids occupied. The beaches here are gorgeous, with white sand and turquoise waters, plus sunbeds, hammocks, and lounge chairs for guests. There are also a beautiful lagoon-style main pool that's surrounded by palm trees and a second infinity pool with a jetted water feature and an infinity edge that makes it look like it's dropping right off into the sea. Both have ample loungers and sensational sea views. 

Other wellness facilities include a lovely spa with 13 treatment rooms, a Watsu pool, a meditation pavilion, and steam and sauna facilities. Along with wellness treatments, the spa offers mani/pedis and haircare for men and women. Other recreational features include a dive center, a variety of water sports such as pedal boats, Jet Skis, and canoes, two floodlit tennis courts, a football field, and a climbing wall. There's also a large and well-equipped fitness center stocked with cardio equipment and weights.

Kids' amenities include KidsOnly kids' club for younger children (ages 4 to 9), One Tribe (for those 9 through 11), and scheduled activities for teenagers. An art studio is on-site for adults. Fishing and whale-watching excursions are also available and the hotel offer seaplane trips and trips aboard a traditional dhoni sailboat. For special events and weddings, the resort offers a Wedding Pavilion for ceremonies of up to 30 guests with a variety of flexible reception areas. Other features include free property-wide Wi-Fi and a boutique, NEO Beach, which offers swimsuits and resort wear.

One&Only Reethi Rah restaurants serve food from all over the world, though while the variety is impressive, many past guests have complained that the restaurants are overpriced -- although the quality is good. Reethi focuses on French, Asian, and Italian fare, while Tapasake serves Japanese food, including teppanyaki. Fanditha serves Middle Eastern food and drinks right on the beach, while the organic Botanica provides seafood and fresh local produce in a garden setting. There's also Beach Club for salads and grilled dishes served beachside. Rabarbao offers Italian fare, and Rah Bar serves light food and drinks. Private dining experiences are also available and room service is offered around the clock.