Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa Hotel

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa is one of those properties that reminds you that age, when cared for well, can still feel beautiful. Yes, it’s an older resort—but it has been thoughtfully revamped and today stands pristine, calm, and quietly elegant. Our rooms were comfortable and pleasant, though at this price point, they could have been slightly more elevated. What truly made up for it were the sunrises and sunsets—soft, lingering, and almost ceremonial. Every day felt gently framed by light. From the moment we arrived, our butler Azlan became the anchor of our stay. We had booked a beach villa—close to the shore, airy, and otherwise lovely. Like many tropical islands, the resort does have a minor gecko presence. When we noticed a few inside our room and raised it with Azlan, he responded instantly. Housekeeping arrived promptly, handled the situation calmly, and relocated the geckos safely—so they could be themselves, and we could be ourselves. A small tip for fellow travellers: if lizards or geckos make you uncomfortable, flag it early. Beach villas have open bathrooms (as most villas here do, barring some water villas), and the staff are genuinely helpful if you communicate your concerns. Food was a strong highlight throughout our stay. We especially enjoyed Le Asiatique and Carnivore, both of which Azlan graciously booked for us. Lazy afternoons by the pool—with fries, fish fingers, burger sliders, and generous drinks—became a happy routine. Special mention to Aniket at the beach pool bar, whose kindness and attentiveness never wavered. That said, not every interaction landed well. One particular staff member at the Aqua Buffet—Mr. Roy from India—came across as rude and dismissive. Being repeatedly questioned and addressed as “girls” rather than “ma’am” felt uncomfortable and unnecessary. As Indian guests ourselves, we found this especially disappointing. Thankfully, this was an exception. Most of the staff were warm, polite, and genuinely tried to make us feel included. A thoughtful gesture we truly appreciated: the housekeeping and hospitality teams often surprised us with small tokens—lip balms, sunscreen—little things that lifted both my sister’s and my mood in quiet ways. Our dolphin and sunset cruises were wonderful—we spotted plenty of dolphins, and the boat staff kindly even took videos for us, adding to the memory. One absence was noticeable, though. Over our five-night stay, we never really encountered the resort manager. While we did observe him engaging warmly with European guests, we felt Asian and Indian guests received far less attention. Given Emerald’s legacy in the all-inclusive space—and considering that my sister has stayed at properties like the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria—we did expect a slightly higher, more even-handed standard of hospitality at this price point. Still, the food, the setting, and above all, Azlan’s unwavering care made a difference. He went out of his way—consistently and sincerely—to make our stay special. At the end of the day, places are remembered not just for their beauty, but for how they make you feel. And sometimes, hospitality matters that much. Read less

The food is very good！！！Our housekeeper Tharif is very responsible for his service. We are very satisfied with his service. From the moment we went to the island, he gave us meticulous service, which made us feel like a spring breeze. The scenery on the island is very good. The corals and fish next to the water house made us linger. This is destined to be a perfect and wonderful trip that will always remain in my memory. Read less