Review: Discover Maldivian icon One&Only Reethi Rah

Location: Like the majority of Maldivian resorts, One&Only Reethi Rah occupies a sparkling jewel of an island just under an hour away from the capital Malé. Guests can travel here on a 15-minute seaplane ride, but I’m told the majority opt to make use of the hotel’s private, and incredibly comfortable, yacht to make the hop across the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean.

First impressions: Don’t judge a book by its cover – or the airport arrival experience in this case. I’d been in the Maldives for about 10 days before heading to One&Only Reethi Rah and was a little dismayed to be sat in a main terminal awaiting the yacht’s departure, rather than the swish, private seaplane terminals other hotels occupy. It’s worth preparing clients that the initial experience may not be akin to other encounters with One&Only, but all that fades away the second you board the yacht and the brand we all know and love starts to shine. As we sail towards the island, its scale begins to reveal itself. Reethi Rah is one of the largest islands in the Maldives, and the ample facilities reflect this.

The facts: As one of the first hotels on the Maldivian luxury hotel scene, One&Only Reethi Rah has become an icon of the archipelago. And while this 20-year-old property is one of the originals, it has certainly retained its charm, with 122 sleek villas, chic dining options, a decadent spa and 12 powdery beaches. Somewhat surprisingly (and against the norm), the majority of the resort’s inventory is on land with only a smattering of overwater villas. Instead you’ll find most nestled among green gardens and ample foliage. Despite being a little dated, villas are airy and large, with pitched, lofty ceilings and private pools aplenty.