W Maldives

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

The hotel

A luxurious retreat, the W triumphs yet again with spectacular accommodation in an idyllic location. There are various room options to choose from, each and every one of them truly special with private plunge pools a feature as well as sumptuous island views. Treat yourself to an over-water retreat, complete with glass panelled flooring to admire the ocean below you. Whichever you choose, you’re only a stone’s throw from the beach, which boasts not only glorious white sands but a whole range of water sports to get your teeth into. Swim with hammerhead sharks and manta rays on a diving expedition or explore the endless turquoise waters on a kayak or canoe. There’s also big game fishing if you fancy catching dinner! If you don’t, there are several restaurants to choose from, including Fish, the resort’s signature seafood restaurant and Fire for barbecue delights. Wet is part swim-up bar and part poolside lounge gone gourmet with wood-fired pizza, creative salads and Asian cuisine on the menu alongside exotic cocktails. 

Amenities

  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Honeymoon
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

On Fesdu Island in the middle of the North Ari Atoll. Transfer time from Malé International Airport: 30 minutes by seaplane (remember to pack light for the seaplane transfer as luggage allowance is 20kg plus 5kg hand luggage, per person).

Hotel information

78 retreats, all with W Maldives' signature style, luxury and personality. All beach and overwater bungalows and villas feature complimentary WiFi, coffee/tea maker, private terrace and private pool. Fabulous Overwater villas with private pool, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Bed & Breakfast: includes daily breakfast for 2 people at Kitchen Restaurant.

Half Board/Full Board options include: Breakfast and dinner to be taken in the Kitchen Table or Fire restaurant (beverages not included). A set menu is available in Fish, or 20% discount on a la carte dining. In Retreat Dining is available but at a supplement.

Wonderful Beach Oasis, available with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen beds, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Spectacular Overwater villas with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Wow Ocean Escape - a 2 Bedroom villa sleeping maximum 4 adults. The master bedroom has 1 king-size bed and the second bedroom has 2 queen beds.

Kitchen (all-day dining bistro), Fish (overwater seafood restaurant, dinner), Fire (grill restaurant, dinner), Wet (gourmet poolside bar), Sip (cocktail bar). Kada (beach pop-up café).

WET outdoor infinity pool. SWEAT Fitness Centre*. AWAY Spa*. WAVE - in house water sports centre includes free snorkelling equipment. House reef. DOWN UNDER dive centre*. Private Island Escape* (reserve the island of Gaathafushi for the day, or for an overnight ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience). ESCAPE* (W Maldives’ own private sailing yacht with two cabins, lounge, and stunning deck).

Room service*. Complimentary WiFi access.

* 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 12.

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
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1714)
  • Very good (134)
  • Average (36)
  • Poor (20)
  • Terrible (32)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Dream Family Getaway at W Maldives!

Jul 18, 2025 laurenyanhuang Toronto, Canada

We just returned from the most unforgettable family vacation at W Maldives, and I couldn’t wait to share our heartfelt thanks—especially to Dhikko, who made us feel truly at home from the moment we arrived. 💙 Traveling with a 7-year-old, we were initially concerned there wouldn’t be enough to keep him entertained since there’s no traditional… Read more
We just returned from the most unforgettable family vacation at W Maldives, and I couldn’t wait to share our heartfelt thanks—especially to Dhikko, who made us feel truly at home from the moment we arrived. 💙 Traveling with a 7-year-old, we were initially concerned there wouldn’t be enough to keep him entertained since there’s no traditional kids club. But we were so pleasantly surprised! The Energy team – Mark, Artti, and Shakil – went above and beyond to engage our son with daily activities. He had the time of his life and was so well cared for—we are incredibly grateful for the warmth and patience they showed him every single day. We were also celebrating our anniversary, and the arrangements were beyond anything we expected. Every detail was thoughtful and meaningful. From the decorations to the personal touches, we felt incredibly special. Thank you for making it so memorable. 💕 The snorkeling experience was another highlight—truly magical. We swam alongside sharks and even a sea turtle, all just a short swim from the villa. The house reef is stunning, and the underwater world left us speechless. The newly renovated rooms are exceptional—sleek, luxurious, and comfortable. W Maldives truly offers top-tier, high-end facilities, but what sets it apart is the heart behind the service. Every team member made us feel welcome, cared for, and part of something special. Thank you again to Dhikko and the entire W team for such a meaningful, luxurious, and joy-filled stay. We’re leaving with full hearts and beautiful memories—and already dreaming of our next visit. With gratitude, Lauren & Family Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Never A Dull Moment in W Maldives!

Jul 13, 2025 Mag7115 Singapore, Singapore

We were at the W Maldives last week for a 1 week vacation and we had the most awesome time filled with great memories. House reef was superb. We could even spot turtles, reef sharks etc within the villa waters! We also had the opportunity to try off menu delicacies like Sri Lankan & Maldivian dinners at Kitchen as well as Peruvian-Japanese Omakase… Read more
We were at the W Maldives last week for a 1 week vacation and we had the most awesome time filled with great memories. House reef was superb. We could even spot turtles, reef sharks etc within the villa waters! We also had the opportunity to try off menu delicacies like Sri Lankan & Maldivian dinners at Kitchen as well as Peruvian-Japanese Omakase dinner at SIP. Worth highlighting is the impeccable service at Kitchen where we had breakfast every morning and a couple of dinners - many thanks to Kitchen restaurant manager Hassan and his team.  Our 1 week trip was packed with activities from manta ray snorkeling, parasailing, catamaran sailing,sunset fishing to special cocktail masterclass and Maldivian cooking class, etc it was never a dull moment in W Maldives! Special thanks to GM Amila and his very hospitable team - Saito, Claire, Sandra, Hassan, Ben, Anna, Ding, Celine, Adam, Nihal, Launsy,  Honda, Christopher, Mani, Silwai who made our stay a truly memorable one. We look forward to coming back! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best resort in the Maldives

Jul 12, 2025 anreC1

Amazing experience here at the W! Big shout out to the staff they were exceptional and everything was on point. We were truly spoiled and really appreciated the hospitality. Definitely coming back soon
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best vacation experience in my life

Jul 10, 2025 GrandTour49978575360

The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming — their hospitality made me feel completely relaxed and at home. Every detail was taken care of with such thoughtfulness. This has truly been the best vacation experience of my life.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stylish island escape

Jul 10, 2025 MichaelaReisser Abstatt, Germany

We have already been twice to W, back then in 2009 and 2011, thus we were pretty excited to come back and see their transformation. This time we stayed in a premier overwater villa on the reef-side with uninterrupted view over the ocean towards their private island Gaathafushi. The contemporary design of the water villas is influenced by the sea,… Read more
We have already been twice to W, back then in 2009 and 2011, thus we were pretty excited to come back and see their transformation. This time we stayed in a premier overwater villa on the reef-side with uninterrupted view over the ocean towards their private island Gaathafushi. The contemporary design of the water villas is influenced by the sea, for example the outside hanger is formed like a sea urchin. Outdoor area is comfy with a private pool and lounging area. The superior overwater villas differ a bit, for example the bathtub isn’t free-standing and all of those face lagoon-side. The reimagined beach villas are pretty attractive with a fresh and bright look. Especially the bathroom nicely changed compared to the former times. Beach villas feature two different kind of bath thubs, the orange, translucent one is certainly the cooler option. And a new category 2 bedroom beach villa with private slide has been established. The island itself is beautiful and lush, with fine sandy beaches all around and a turquoise lagoon. In addition to the stylish pool area & bar WET, sun loungers are also placed directly on the beach. Ideal for water villa guests or those who want to relax on that wide stretch of sand. Sun protection for comp use is provided on the towel station, always a nice treat. On sunrise side, the beach is smaller, and especially at high tide narrow. Things can of course always change, it’s nature. Snorkelling was amazing! We started our trip at SIP bar towards AWAY Spa. We encountered about 5 sharkies and turtles, and many of the other usuals were around as well. Also coral-wise it was really nice. Definitely one of our best snorkelling experiences in the Northern part of the Maldives within the last years! Water sport fans will surely love the legendary sea bob. Every guest gets one complimentary photo shooting, that's a lovely souvenir. Also, private island Gaathafushi is definitely a fantastic option for a romantic picnic or a rustic overnight stay. Culinary-wise, the offer is on a very high level. FIRE is kind of jungle meets beach outlet. Now it features also a rustic-chic covered area, which is a real upgrade. FIRE is a stunning and romantic venue with its iconic fireplace in the middle. On the first night we enjoyed a lovely beach BBQ along with a pleasant evening entertainment. Different popular musicians and DJ’s are performing on a regular base. Breakfast at KITCHEN was not bad at all, yet the choice of bread/rolls and fruit I found a little bit limited. The danish fruit pastries were lovely and hubby was very satisfied with his eggs royale. SIP bar now Nikkei cuisine under the helm of talented chef Diana. A super addition to the other restaurants, and surely a light dinner alternative. We enjoyed some nice bites whilst watching the sunset. FISH outlet is located next to the bar, as well in the overwater complex. It’s elegantly and airy designed and focusses on freshly caught fish. Our dinner there was superb. Glass-bottled house water is served free of charge in all outlets. The island vibe is chilled and laid-back, staff team attentive and amiable. Of course the original philosophy “whatever you want – whenever you want” is still in force. RM Christian and GM Amila have been visible which is always a should-be in the luxury league, especially on a small island. Even if you are in the not less populated Ari area, it’s a pretty remote feel here on the island with a good view from all points. W is a chic place and combines a relaxed beach club vibe with an authentic Maldivian ambiance. We had a fantastic time on the island and will surely return. Read less