Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

The hotel

Just a 25-minute seaplane transfer from the airport is Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa, the idyllic setting for your Maldivian adventure. This beautiful, unspoiled island with lush vegetation and pure white sand is surrounded by a crystal-clear lagoon, ideal for snorkelling, and divers will be in their element in the incredible house reef - one of the few places in the world where you’ll find a year-round aggregation of whale sharks! There’s something for everyone here, with adults-only and family-friendly areas that make sure everyone has the perfect spot to unwind, as well as exciting restaurants to discover. What do you fancy, live teppanyaki, or a meal cooked on hot volcanic rocks? Amazingly, those are both options here. You’re sure to have an unforgettable time.

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

In South Ari atoll, 88km south of Malé. Transfer time from Velana International Airport: 25 minutes by seaplane (remember to pack light for the seaplane transfer as luggage allowance is 20kg plus 5kg hand luggage, per person).

Hotel information

184 rooms, all Maldivian inspired with king-sized beds, air conditioning, a fully stocked minibar, open-air bathroom with modern amenities, cable TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a personal safe. 

Garden Rooms are nestled in the natural island gardens, with a private porch, privacy screen between each room and easy access to the island’s facilities. With 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 1 child, or 3 adults.

 

Full Board: Inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the buffet restaurants.

All-Inclusive Plus Package: includes the following 

- Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in either Funama Restaurant (for guests staying in Garden Rooms and Beach Villas) or Ahima Restaurant (for guests staying in Jacuzzi Beach Villas and Jacuzzi Water Villas)

- Snack menu served at Bonthi Bar and Sunset Bar from 11.00-22.00

- 20% discount on all food items at Asian Wok or the Hot Rock (not valid for special events or teppanyaki)

- Dine Around Option of one 3-course set menu for Lunch and Dinner in the Asian Wok (pre-booking required, subject to space and availability)

- Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (including bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and tea, smoothies and milkshakes, draught beer, wine, house spirits, and cocktails and mocktails made with house spirits)

- Mini-bar with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, plus snacks (refilled once per day)

- One 1/2 bottle of champagne per room per stay

- 20% discount off selected spa treatments taken during the first two days of your stay (subject to space availability)

- Activities included as per schedule: one Sunset Cruise; one 1/2 hour group snorkelling lesson (equipment not included); one Dhangethi Island Excursion; one 1/2 hour group windsurfing lesson (equipment included); one 1/2 hour group tennis lesson (equipment included); free use of Fitness Centre; daytime use of tennis, volleyball and badminton courts; table tennis, billiards, snooker, darts and football; free use of kayaks and windsurfers; free group yoga session at Duniye Spa.

Please note: guests will be required to sign all food and beverage bills, except buffet meals. No charges will be posted to your hotel account for the benefits included in your All-Inclusive Plus Package. Charges not included must be paid upon checkout.

Beach Villas are detached villas just a few steps from the shore, with a private furnished porch perfect for enjoying the fantastic ocean view. With 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults.

Jacuzzi Beach Villas offer Maldivian inspired beach living with views of the lagoon, private sundeck and Jacuzzi for two, with a private walled-in outdoor area. These villas are located in the adults’ only area and exclusively for guest over 18. With 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Jacuzzi Water Villas are over-water villas with a private sundeck, with stairs leading into the sea. These villas are exclusively for guests aged 18 years and older. With 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Two buffet restaurants: Funama (open air, family friendly) and Ahima (adults-only). A la carte restaurants: Asian Wok Restaurant and Bar (with live teppanyaki station) and Hot Rocks (meals prepared on hot volcanic rocks). Snacks served at bars. Bonthi Bar (with overwater wooden deck), Boashi Bar (ice cream and smoothies available) and Sunset Bar (adults only).

Three pools, including a child’s wading pool. House reef, great for diving and snorkelling (snorkelling equipment available to hire*). Fun dives* for certified divers. Diving courses*. Non-motorised water sports* including stand up paddle board, kayaks and windsurfing. Catamaran sailing*. Award-winning Duniye Spa, offering traditional and modern treatments. Children’s play area, close to family-friendly Boashi Bar.

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: to ensure our customer's safety, we are unable to offer over water accommodation to children under the age of 18.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (6591)
  • Very good (1219)
  • Average (228)
  • Poor (66)
  • Terrible (34)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Best Family Holiday We've Ever Had!

Aug 7, 2025 Payashi G Oxford, United Kingdom

We’ve just returned from the most incredible holiday at a resort in the Maldives, and I can honestly say it was the best trip we’ve ever been on as a family. From the moment we arrived, everything exceeded our expectations. The island itself is simply stunning – crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and lush greenery all around. The… Read more
We’ve just returned from the most incredible holiday at a resort in the Maldives, and I can honestly say it was the best trip we’ve ever been on as a family. From the moment we arrived, everything exceeded our expectations. The island itself is simply stunning – crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and lush greenery all around. The resort was immaculately clean, beautifully maintained, and every little detail was clearly looked after. The food was absolutely delicious – varied, plentiful, and full of flavour. We never had a bad meal! A special mention goes to our waiter, Ihaan, who took care of us at every mealtime with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine smile. He made each dining experience feel special. One of the absolute highlights was the snorkelling. The house reef is just a few metres from the shore, which meant we could snorkel any time of the day. We saw an incredible abundance of marine life – vibrant corals, schools of colourful fish, reef sharks, turtles, and even majestic eagle rays. Night snorkelling was a truly unforgettable experience where we spotted lionfish and an octopus – magical and slightly surreal! For those worried about keeping teens entertained – don’t be. The resort has a fantastic tennis court, a padel court, and a very well-equipped gym. Our teenagers were never bored, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable for all of us. The hospitality throughout our stay was second to none. Every member of staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and cared for. The warmth, attentiveness, and genuine kindness we experienced really stood out. We cannot recommend this resort highly enough. Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or just quality family time in a paradise setting – this place delivers it all and more. We’re already dreaming of our return. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible Stay

Jul 26, 2025 Pse56750

My husband and I recently visited for our ten year anniversary. We originally visited ten years ago on our honeymoon so it was a very special occasion and you made it all the more special with the warm welcome and extra touches to celebrate the occasion. Like last time the experience was amazing, the resort was well run, clean and all staff… Read more
My husband and I recently visited for our ten year anniversary. We originally visited ten years ago on our honeymoon so it was a very special occasion and you made it all the more special with the warm welcome and extra touches to celebrate the occasion. Like last time the experience was amazing, the resort was well run, clean and all staff were friendly and helpful. I would like to say a special thank you to Meezad our waiter who went above and beyond to look after us. He was so friendly, helpful and again, he went out of his way to look after us and make our stay a special one. I would also like to thank Iflah who cleaned our room. He did a wonderful job and was also very friendly. We hope to visit again in the future and want to congratulate you on maintaining such a wonderful resort in the ten years between our visits. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Our favourite is to discover sealife

Jul 23, 2025 tam_sf35 Szeged, Hungary

This was our third visit at Vilamendhoo. We enjoyed the facilities of the island. The restaurant provided huge variety of foods from different regions of the world. The coral reef is ideal for snorkelling and diving. Small children who are afraid of the ocean can have fun in the pool. In the meantime, parents can drink cocktails at the pool bar.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Vilamendhoo - 6th time and we will be back

Jul 20, 2025 Holichick Wiltshire

6th visit to Vilamendhoo and it did not disappoint. Staff have moved on since covid but the main management is the same. We were looked after very well. This time we went business class with Emirates, what can l say - it was fabulous, including a chauffeured car- so good we are doing again. We booked a over the sea bungalow and requested a… Read more
6th visit to Vilamendhoo and it did not disappoint. Staff have moved on since covid but the main management is the same. We were looked after very well. This time we went business class with Emirates, what can l say - it was fabulous, including a chauffeured car- so good we are doing again. We booked a over the sea bungalow and requested a certain one - and that is exactly what we got, We were met by management which was nice and was able to go straight to our bungalow. We were AI plus - highly recommended even if you do not drink alcohol We felt the reef was still recovering from bleaching, but there was an abundance of sealife with a lot of teen sharks, turtles, stingrays, parrotfish, unicorn fish, sweet lips, titan triggerfish & loads of others The sea was slightly rougher in May and getting out after snorkelling was a pain in more ways than one. I jarred my foot on my birthday and we had to cancel the Teppanyaki We had room service in the room that night but we had a lovely surprise when Josef the Resort Manager popped by to give me a present and to enquire how my foot was. Now that is Customer Service and very appreciated! We will return hopefully next year as we feel this island is a home from home with great staff and great service The trip back on Emirates was actually better, especially the Dubai / Heathrow leg and our luggage was available before we got to the luggage carousel and then the chauffeured car back home - absolute bliss Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful island, will go back

Jul 19, 2025 Andrea T Wirral

Good service; on AI+ and we were offered drinks in bars and in restaurants which were of a good standard (did not have to ask). Good choice of buffet food and high quality. Rooms good size, all you need, comfortable but not over elaborate furnishings. Nice reef, good visibility. Baby sharks in shallows and some larger ones (5ft?) further out but… Read more
Good service; on AI+ and we were offered drinks in bars and in restaurants which were of a good standard (did not have to ask). Good choice of buffet food and high quality. Rooms good size, all you need, comfortable but not over elaborate furnishings. Nice reef, good visibility. Baby sharks in shallows and some larger ones (5ft?) further out but don't worry they are well fed and nothing to make you worry about, exotic fish. Staff are very courteous. The island is always being tidied. Nice swimming pools. Our second trip and we will go back again. Weather was generally quite good for this time of year, first week perfect weather and only 1 day mostly rain/overcast in second week. The worst part is waiting at the airport to return, you are not allowed entry into the terminal until shortly before check in time. You can go to a lounge to get out of the heat but its very expensive and cramped. New terminal is being built so hopefully that will improve. Obviously impacts all travellers to the Maldives via main airport and not resort issue. Read less