At Alila Kothaifaru in the Maldives, I found myself immersed in an ambiance where the concept of time transcended, enveloping me in a lavish infinity of comfort and extravagance. My journey began with a scenic seaplane flight over the breathtaking archipelago, offering unforgettable views of coral reefs, tropical islands, and pristine beaches. I enjoyed the tranquility offered by panoramic views of the turquoise waters all around and became immersed in that peaceful silence. From exploring the vibrant underwater world to witnessing mesmerizing sunsets from my overwater villa, every moment felt like a dream. I spent a few days in this paradise, soaking up its unimaginable beauty and the surrounding dream-like serenity—and returned elevated in spirit and rejuvenated in body.
A scenic flight over paradise
I was whisked away from the Male Airport to the posh seaplane lounge to be transported to my island resort. My 45- minute seaplane flight is one of the best parts of my holiday, giving unforgettable views of the seascapes of Maldives: it was magical and breathtakingly beautiful- wherever I looked, I would find stunning views of the archipelago, splendid sights of the surrounding landscapes including coral reefs, tropical islands and pristine beaches.
A stunning location
Alila Kothaifaru, a 11.2 hectare private island retreat is set in a stunning house reef in the scenic Raa Atoll. Remote and unspoilt with an air of tranquil seclusion, the picturesque Raa Atoll is one of the deeper atolls in the Maldives archipelago, with abundant snorkelling and diving options to explore its incredibly rich and diverse underwater world. Home to few inhabited islands, the peaceful and unspoiled Raa Atoll is a hidden gem offering a large variety and an abundance of marine life with wonders to discover throughout the year.
Underwater Life- A visual Treat
Guided by their in-house certified experts, one can experience the richness of the underwater world, from exploring incredible reef and thila dive sites surrounded by schools of reef and pelagic fish, to snorkelling with hawksbill turtles, green turtles and manta rays. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is also close to Vaadhoo Island, one of the best spots to witness the spectacular “Sea of Stars” phenomenon, which is a bioluminescent phenomenon caused by marine microorganisms called phytoplankton. These tiny organisms emit light when disturbed, producing a mesmerizing blue glow that illuminates the shoreline- an extraordinary sight to behold! The ocean temperature averages from 27– 31°C, contains plentiful fish and has incredible visibility. This makes it an ideal location for cetaceans: whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Dolphin cruise on a Dhoni Boat
I chose to go out on a Dolphin cruise in a Dhoni boat for a close encounter with the friendly dolphins. Dhoni boats are traditional Maldivian (built of coconut palm timber) sailing boats used for fishing, presently they are used for taking tourists for snorkelling and diving to see underwater marine life. As pods of playful dolphins appear swimming, and spinning in the air, their synchronised aerial displays are most delightful to watch but tough to capture in a frame!
Accommodation – Villas
Seamlessly integrated into the landscape, the resort’s terraced pavilions and villas immerse guests in the natural surroundings and balance privacy with openness to the outdoors in a unique expression of minimalist elegance.
Designed for serene relaxation in harmony with nature, each of the resort’s 44 beachfront villas and 36 overwater villas comes with a private pool.
Featuring contemporary interiors in a palette of soothing colours with natural textures, these spacious hideaways are carefully positioned to provide privacy and comfort in understated, sophisticated style.
My stay in the beachfront villa
Each of the resort’s 44 beachfront villas have views of the turquoise waters giving a feeling as if the sea is right there in the villa’s courtyard. It was wonderful lying on my bed to look at the sea right at my feet, beckoning me to join its waves. The villa had a private freshwater swimming pool too, where I would have an exotic floating breakfast! The shower area is in the open: nothing can be more blissful than being in the midst of Nature, listening to the whistling air and the rustle of the leaves from the surrounding tall trees, while showering under a warm stream or relaxing in a tub full of scented water!
When I shifted to the sunset overwater villa, it was even more romantic! Encompassed by the vast ocean, it was like being locked in a gentle warm embrace- the soft waves rocking me to sleep. I would soak up the sun and sea views from comfy sun loungers; swim to my heart’s content in the private infinity pool that merged into the sea, giving an uninterrupted view of the vast blue expanse. Lying on the hammock and watching the rays of sun reflect in the crystal clear water was sheer magic! Gazing at the sunset from my bed was even more magical!
Sundowner
“The Shack”- their private sandbank surrounded by the extraordinary natural beauty of the island offers another understated, sophisticated space in which to dine, unwind and celebrate special moments. From the moment you step onto the jetty after a five-minute boat ride from the resort, you are transported to a whole different world that will sweep you away on a luxurious adventure with unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean, nestled in the house reef that invites you to jump right into its crystal clear waters. The sun downer on this sand bank was one of my most memorable experiences- sprawled on a huge hammock I watched the orange ball slowly disappear into the blue ocean and when I turned around, there was the full moon rising in the East!
Gastronomy- Choicest Food & Wine
At the “Seasalt”, fresh local fish, caught daily by neighbouring fishermen, takes centre stage. The restaurant blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours into dishes bursting with spices and colours. Signature dishes include salt-baked fish and “Boat to Table” seafood prepared on the spot. Breakfast offers local and international favourites, while lunch features light, shareable plates. Seated outside with a good view of the sea, overlooking the infinity pool, watching young couples on the giant swing taking pictures was my favourite breakfast pastime.
“Umami” specialises in Japanese cuisine and its teppanyaki menu offers Wagyu beef, sustainably sourced seafood, and organic vegetables. Guests can enjoy sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish, all served with signature sauces. The beachside “Pibati” café satisfies daytime cravings with pressed sandwiches, organic salads, pizzas, pastries, and freshly brewed coffee, teas, and juices. “Mirus Bar” serves cocktails inspired by Portuguese and Arabic spice routes, crafted with ingredients from their herb garden. Alongside drinks, one can enjoy Spanish tapas and South Asian bites. Yakitori Bar, my favourite, overlooks the water, and offers creative Asian-inspired cocktails, mocktails, Japanese sakes, and smoky delights from the robata grill.
Wellness and Leisure
I got addicted to their Yoga sessions on the beach: the early morning breeze, the whispering wind and the mesmerizing sky colours in the horizon inspired me to stretch more and relax totally. The seaplanes landing softly on the waters nearby were never distracting but were only fascinating!
Spa Alila
In their treetop spa, cocooned amidst the leafy canopy with the lush surroundings, I was pampered with an hour of massage followed by a rose- petalled bubble bath, later followed by chocolate and more chocolate. A blissful time spent in peaceful silence, soft music and of course, chocolate! Treating myself to rejuvenating treatments and beauty rituals that put a contemporary spin on ancient healing techniques and draw on the benefits of natural ingredients to deliver pure luxurious indulgence.
Wedding and Celebration
From barefoot chic to elegant sophistication, seal your love with an enchanting celebration at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, set in tropical splendour. Surrounded by nature’s majestic beauty, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives provides idyllic settings to create timeless memories together. Tie the knot or renew your vows on a pristine palm-fringed beach with the glistening ocean as your backdrop, or begin this next chapter in your love story with a private event in one of their restaurants. For a more intimate celebration, a sunset ceremony on their private sandbank followed by a bespoke dining experience under the stars conjures a perfect moment of magic!
As I prepared to depart from Alila Kothaifaru, a sense of serene fulfillment washed over me. This island paradise had not only provided an escape from the mundane but also immersed me in experiences that touched every facet of my being. From the awe-inspiring flights over azure waters to the intimate moments with nature's wonders, every experience was a chapter in a story I wished would never end. The luxurious villas, the exquisite gastronomy, the rejuvenating spa treatments, and the mesmerizing beauty of the Maldives have left an indelible mark on my soul. Alila Kothaifaru is more than a destination—it's a haven where time stands still, and every moment is a treasure. Leaving felt like waking from a beautiful dream, but I carried with me memories that will forever beckon me back to this slice of heaven on earth.
