We had the chance to experience Shebara resort just a few months after its opening and one thing is sure, it is a truly breathtaking properties like we had never seen before.
We are very much used to luxury and ultra luxury resorts, having been to the most high end properties in the Maldives, French Polynesia, Seychelles and visited some absolutely incredible luxury resorts along the way.
Therefore, we were very much looking forward to seeing what Shebara had to offer.
The villas: the most insane we've ever seen. Not the widest we've stayed at (there are much bigger villas in the Maldives for instance, like at Soneva Jani, Soneva Fushi, Waldorf Astoria,...) but in terms of design, it's so unique and your eyes will love it.
Everything in the villa is super high end with an extremely big and comfortable mattress. Nothing has been done randomly to end up with the most sophisticated villa we've ever seen.
The property itself looks a bit soul-less, particularly the area near the spa/gym which truly lacks trees and "nature" else than sand. But the facilities on the island, are, again, breathtaking. Particuarly loved the lap-pool in front of the brand-new gym with top-tier machines.
Service was absolutely excellent, friendly and professional.
We got the chance to snorkel...but only for 45 minutes, which was a shame because it was one of the highlights of our stay. We love the Maldives for that reason and we would happily go back to Shebara just to spend more time snorkeling around and try also to go diving. The reef is STUNNING and the fish life, while not as good as in the Maldives, is still excellent.
Food was GOOD but not exceptional. At this price range, we would have expected something closer to Michelin level food.
Spa treatment was amazing, with one of (if not THE) best massage bed we've ever had. It was like being on a cloud. Prices of the spa treatments, though, are excessively high (I think something close to 700 USD for 2 adults for a 90min treatment if I'm not mistaken).
We also loved the main adults-only pool, the perfect spot for sunset. Everything there was truly amazing and always so quiet as most people just like to stay in their villa to enjoy privacy.
Important thing to know (as some may ignore): there is (for now) no alcohol served at the resort. If you're planning, for instance, a honeymoon and want to celebrate with a glass of champagne, that won't be possible at Shebara.
Overall, our stay at Shebara was amazing, BUT, when compared to resorts in the same price range (around 3500 USD a night if comparing half board to half board with overwater pool villa) - we would rather go to the Maldives than to Shebara. Maybe because of some better food and more "natural" side of it, with fully grown vegetation. Yet, it is 100% a place to visit once in your life as there isn't 2 places like Shebara in the world.
Do we recommend Shebara? Absolutely!
Would we go back? Maybe...to get more time to explore the house reef
