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The setting
Oblu Xperience Ailafushi Hotel resort is on a small island in the North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a shallow lagoon and coral reefs. The atmosphere here is not so much one of silence as it is one of relaxation and friendliness. At the X360 bar, with its panoramic ocean views, you can enjoy the infinity pool as well as live music and DJ sets. Guests can choose between beachfront villas and overwater villas that seem to float above the lagoon. The hotel also features a spacious kids’ club and a game room.
What to expect
The villa captivates with its wood-inspired design, vibrant colours, a seating area by the window, and a private veranda, all of which fully embody the tropical island style. Since guests are provided with snorkeling gear, the focus is on activities by the pool, on the coral reef, and on the beach. In the underwater restaurant, you can watch the nearby house reef while dining, and for those who want to keep working out even during breaks from swimming, a fitness centre is available.
Things to do nearby
Since this hotel is on a private island, the main attractions in the immediate vicinity are the house reef and the lagoon, which are just a few steps from the sandy beach. Malé is just a few minutes away by speedboat, so it’s easy to organise a half-day trip to the capital to visit the fish market and the Old Friday Mosque. The neighbouring islands and sandy shoals of North Malé Atoll are easily accessible by tour boats, perfect for snorkeling and dolphin watching.
Best for
It’s ideal for couples who prefer an island of complete tranquility over the hustle and bustle, as well as for families looking for a well-equipped kids’ club, playrooms, and relaxation areas. In addition, it’s especially recommended for first-time visitors to the Maldives who prefer a short speedboat ride to a long domestic flight.
How to get to the hotel
Velana International Airport lies directly across the water from the resort. The transfer is by speedboat and takes about 15 minutes. The hotel arranges the transfer at the time of booking. Since many long-haul flights to the Maldives pass through the Persian Gulf or Colombo, the speedboat operates around the clock in accordance with the arrival schedules of international flights.
Choose your room
✓ Your selectionDouble room with ocean view
Room with a panoramic window seat and a private terrace with a daybed.
View room →
+£640Beach Double Villa
Room with direct access the beach, plus a private outdoor garden shower.
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+£690Water Double Villa
Room featuring a private deck with direct lagoon access and a semi-open-air bathroom.
View room →- Free Internet
- 24-hour reception
- Luggage storage
- Gym
- Billiards
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews from TripAdvisor
A hidden gem in the Maldives.
This hotel is amazing. I would recommend staying at a water villa. I stayed here 7 nights. I went swimming outside the villa morning and afternoon and in total saw 2… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Amazing staff and service
Staff are amazing and thats what is great about this resort..The food is good and kitchen staff are very helpful. Rooms are beautiful especially water villas. They have… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Oblu Xperience Ailafushi – An Honest Review After 7 Nights in the Maldives
We spent 7 nights at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi and overall had a fantastic experience. If we were to return to the Maldives, this resort would definitely be high on our… Read full review on ZenHotels →
A week, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Speedboat in and first swim
Upon arrival at Verana Airport, you’ll be met by the guest reception team and taken to Arafushi Island by speedboat in about 15 minutes. Take your luggage to the villa, put on your swimwear, stroll barefoot to the beach, and enjoy your first swim in the lagoon. Enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in hand on the X360 terrace and watch the sun’s rays dip into the calm waters. Then, have dinner in a relaxed setting on the island and turn in early.
House reef and pool time
Bring your snorkeling gear and spend the morning swimming above the house reef, watching parrotfish, reef sharks, and sea turtles, which sometimes come to the surface. After you rinse off, grab a lounge chair by the infinity pool and spend a few relaxing hours with a book in hand. How about a kayak trip along the coast in the afternoon? Head to the underwater restaurant for dinner and watch the coral reef light up through the glass wall.
Malé day trip
Take a boat to Malé and spend half a day in the capital. Stroll through the fish market to admire the fish, freshly caught that morning, visit the historic Friday Mosque with its distinctive coral stone walls, and stroll down Majidi Mag Street to explore the local shops and cafes. After a quick lunch and buying a few souvenirs, return by speedboat in time for an evening swim.
Water sports and sundowners
On this day, let yourself be completely immersed in the magic of moments spent in and on the water. Give the morning, enjoy stand-up paddleboarding in a calm lagoon, and then treat yourself to a little break over a cozy lunch. Book a “Sunset Dolphin” cruise at the pier and marvel at a pod of spinner dolphins swimming in the boat’s wake. Once back on the island, you can enjoy live music and DJ sets at the X360 club, usually lasting well into the evening.
Slow day on the sand
Forget about stress and enjoy a relaxing day. Order breakfast, take a walk on the beach, collect seashells, and then relax under a palm tree with a book. If it gets too hot, take a dip in the ocean. A little workout at the fitness centre later in the afternoon will help you find balance after a relaxing morning. Then enjoy a quiet dinner and take a stroll along the coast under a starry blue sky.
Sandbank picnic trip
Sign up for a sandbank or picnic-island excursion, one of the classic Maldives half-days. The boat drops you on a strip of white sand with nothing but sea in every direction for a few hours of swimming, snorkelling and photos. Back at Ailafushi, cool down at the pool, then eat at a different restaurant tonight to change up the flavours.
Reef dive or last long swim
Join a guided snorkeling tour to the nearby coral reefs, or, if you have a diver’s certification, inquire about diving opportunities at the dive sites around North Malé Atoll. Those who can’t swim can take a glass-bottom boat tour or go on a dolphin-watching excursion. Spend the afternoon by the pool and enjoy the last sunset with a glass of your favourite drink in hand on the X360 de terrace. Don’t pack too many things tonight so you can start tomorrow feeling completely relaxed.
Where you'll be
Maldives, Maldives
FAQ
What are the best and worst months to visit the Maldives?
The period from December through April is the dry season; since the sea is calm and the sun shines consistently, this period is widely considered the best time to travel. December is simply the perfect time for this trip. May through October is the monsoon season, or rainy season; it rains frequently and the sea is rough, but since this is the off-season, prices are more affordable. September is usually the rainiest month.
Which is nicer, the Seychelles or the Maldives?
Both places are beautiful, but they differ from one another. The Maldives consist exclusively of low-lying coral islands, and each island has only one resort. Just like on Ailafushi, you can go snorkeling right on the beach among the magnificent coral reef. The Seychelles, on the other hand, consist of larger, hilly granite islands, the interiors of which are covered in jungle. There, you can enjoy island hopping and hiking, as well as fully appreciate both the beaches and the towns. If you want to spend your time exclusively by the sea, you should choose the Maldives.
Which month is cheapest to visit the Maldives?
The best time to travel is generally October through April, avoiding the southwest monsoon. During this period, there is more rain and wind, and demand decreases. In July and August, tourist activity may pick up again as school holidays begin in European. If you’re looking to travel during dry weather and take advantage of lower prices, you should consider the off-season in late April or early November.
Which is better, Bora Bora or the Maldives?
The island of Bora Bora features an impressive volcanic peak, and several overwater resorts are scattered around the lagoon; however, the trip from Europe takes a long time. The Maldives, on the other hand, consist of hundreds of islands, offer a much wider selection of resorts in all price ranges, and, moreover, can be reached in less time. When it comes to value for money, a wide selection, and easy access to coral reefs, the Maldives are generally the better choice.
Is it worth going to the Maldives?
If you want to spend your holiday enjoying the beaches and coral reefs, this place is definitely worth a visit. When it comes to the clarity of the water, the convenience of snorkeling right from the sandy beach, and the quality of the resorts, there’s hardly a place that can compare. Since it’s just a few minutes’ ride by speedboat from Malé, you can enjoy a quintessential Maldives experience at resorts like Ailafushi — with beachfront villas, overwater villas, an infinity pool, and an underwater restaurant — to enjoy quintessential Maldives experiences without having to travel long distances across the country.
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