Niyama Private Islands

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star rating

The hotel

Niyama’s twin islands offer up the luxury of choice, from chic serenity on the isle of Chill to the adrenaline and excitement on the isle of Play — or a combination of both as your mood dictates! The resort serves up one of the best dining scenes in the Maldives with no less than seven restaurants, including four unique options: Nest is a one-of-a-kind dining concept in the Maldives featuring four cuisines of Asia, including Teppanyaki, Thai, Chinese and Indonesian; Tribal offers a uniquely authentic cultural experience of African, Central and South American tribal cuisines; Edge provides exclusive overwater dining, accessible by boat, featuring delicate Indian Ocean flavours and fresh local seafood; and, below Edge, Subsix Underwater Playground is hidden out in the ocean and six metres below the waterline. There are also two all-day dining restaurants, two bars, a coffee shop and personalised destination dining options, both on and off shore. If you have little ones, the Explorers Children’s Club pioneers excitement to new levels, with activities for different age groups and interests. An outdoor fun area has a playground, trampoline, splash park and stage, whilst Munch, the mini gourmet kitchen, offers cooking classes and food and drinks for their different tastes. Throughout the resort, family-spirited accommodation, dining and experiences abound — sophistication meets exploration, with extra special attention lavished on VIPs both large and small. Take time to soak up the raw beauty of the unspoilt beaches and blue lagoon, revel in spectacular Ocean views from your luxurious studio, suite or pavilion, explore the islands by bike, and treat yourself to a recharge at LIME Spa, featuring eight iconic treatment rooms and world-renowned products, including Gentlemen’s Tonic and Intraceuticals. You won’t want to leave!

Amenities

  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Water Skiing
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Games Room
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

One destination across two linked islands in the South Western Atoll of Dhaalu in the Maldives. Transfer time for Malé International Airport: 45 minutes by seaplane.

Please note: seaplane transfers to/from your resort will only operate in daylight hours. Please ensure your international flights into and out of Malé allow for this schedule. Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks in the Niyama lounge at the seaplane terminal.

Hotel information

134 beach and overwater villas. All with king bedroom, some with open-air showers, private deck with swing, sun loungers and dining table, in-room entertainment system with LED TV, on-request films and Bose® Surround System, complimentary WiFi, Deli-In with a full-size fridge with gourmet treats, popcorn machine, ’Thakuru' personalised butler service.

Beach Villas have direct beach access with sunrise views, open-air bathroom and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child. 


Half Board option: Includes breakfast and dinner at Epicure or BLU restaurants (buffet or selected main course options from the a la carte menu). $70 net food credit per adult per night is available for dinner at Tribal, Edge Nest including Teppanyaki and on the following special events: Braai night, Took Took night and Rum, Ribs & Reggae night.

Full Board option: Includes breakfast and dinner at Epicure or BLU restaurants (buffet or selected main course options from the a la carte menu). $70 net food credit per adult per night is available for dinner at Tribal, Edge Nest including Teppanyaki and on the following special events: Braai night, Took Took night and Rum, Ribs & Reggae night. Three-course lunch (appetizer + main course + dessert) at BLU or Dune (food menu only). Light lunch at The Deli or Food Truck at Surf Shack (up to 2 items from menu). $55 net food credit per adult per day is available for lunch at Nest Teppanyaki.

Please note: Drinks are not included in Half Board and Full Board options. Children under 12 years receive 3 complimentary meals a day from the children's menu and buffet. If dining from à la carte, 50% discount off adult price applies. Half Board and Full Board not available 24 Dec or 31 Dec, however lunch (optional) may be booked. Restaurants schedule is subject to resort’s operation.

Please note: Meal plan inclusions are defined by the hotel and are subject to change at any time without notice.

Deluxe Beach Villas have direct beach access with sunset views, open-air bathroom and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Beach Pool Villas have direct beach access with sunrise views, private pool, open-air bathroom and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Deluxe Beach Pool Villas have direct beach access with sunset views, private pool, open-air bathroom and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Over Water Pool Villas have a private infinity pool and stairs leading from the private deck straight into the lagoon, with 1 king-size bed sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Deluxe Over Water Pool Villas are more spacious over-water studios, with the addition of a Jacuzzi as well as private pool, sleeping maximum 3 adults.

Family Beach Pool Villas have an indoor/outdoor floor plan, living area with sofa bed, direct beach access, sunrise views and a private 'family sized' plunge pool, sleeping maximum 4 adults and 1 child.

Deluxe Family Beach Pool Villas have an indoor/outdoor floor plan, living area with sofa bed, direct beach access, sunset views and a private 'family sized' plunge pool, sleeping maximum 4 adults and 1 child.

A range of 1-3 bedroom pavilions are also available, all with sunset views, direct beach or lagoon access and private infinity pools with jacuzzi.

6 restaurants: Nest (treehouse-style Asian restaurant, open for Teppanyaki dinner); Tribal (African, Central and South American tribal cuisines, open for dinner); Subsix Underwater Playground (gourmet dining, open for set menu lunch and underwater glow parties twice per week); Edge restaurant and lounge (over-water local cuisine and seafood, open for dinner); Blu (breakfast and all-day dining family-style, Mediterranean restaurant); Epicure (breakfast buffet, International à la carte lunch and dinner, including regular themed dinner buffets); The Deli - Coffee shop (take-away deli delights). Fahrenheit rooftop bar with ocean views and live music; Dune al fresco lounge (open air lounge bar and beach club); Surf Shack (curated cocktails and surf bites); Destination Dining* (personalised dining experiences). 

3D cinema under the stars*. 

Spa* (6 lagoon-view treatment rooms, 2 treatment sanctuaries with private gardens, outdoor bath, rain shower and daybed), plus a lime tree garden with plunge pools, Vitality juice bar, yoga and wellness. Complimentary sauna and steam zone. 24-hour gym. FLOAT water sports* including water-skiing, sailing, PADI certified diving and fishing; snorkelling. Surfing*. Marine Biology Lab* – marine life, coral rehabilitation and education centre. Dhonis* – Traditional Maldivian boats – ‘ivory sails’ with ensuite bedrooms. Tennis and football courts (lessons*). Kids club (3–12 years complimentary, 1-3 years at a charge). Bicycle hire.

The Lair library. Professional photo studio*. Boutiques. Island-wide complimentary WiFi.

7 nights 20 Dec–8 Jan

*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

  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (3395)
  • Very good (243)
  • Average (65)
  • Poor (16)
  • Terrible (13)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Resort

Jun 8, 2026 lavanbaskaran

I don’t usually take the time to write reviews—whether positive or negative—but I felt compelled to make an exception for Niyama Private Islands Maldives because our experience was truly exceptional. From the moment we were greeted at the airport through to our departure, every member of staff made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. The… Read more
I don’t usually take the time to write reviews—whether positive or negative—but I felt compelled to make an exception for Niyama Private Islands Maldives because our experience was truly exceptional. From the moment we were greeted at the airport through to our departure, every member of staff made us feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. The service was consistently warm, attentive, and thoughtful throughout our stay. We were incredibly grateful to receive a complimentary upgrade from a one-bedroom villa to a two-bedroom villa in recognition of my GHA Discovery membership. It was a wonderful surprise, especially as we were celebrating my wife’s birthday, and it created so many additional opportunities for quality family time and special memories together. What stood out most was the attention to detail. From providing bicycles for both the children and adults, to patiently explaining the various dining options and experiences available across the resort, every interaction reflected genuine care and professionalism. The underwater dining experience was unforgettable, the Kids Club was fantastic, and the spa treatment was one of the best hotel massages. The surfing experience was another highlight. A special thank you to Chad and Seth for their kindness, encouragement, and expertise. I’d also like to thank Vlad, who looked after us during our stay and was always available to help with anything we needed. The breakfast team (Ahmed, Sami, Nadessha) were exceptionally attentive, and Bonnie from Tribal, and the same level of excellent service extended to the pool, beach, housekeeping, and every other area of the resort. Housekeeping was particularly impressive. We would often leave for a relatively short breakfast and return to find everything perfectly refreshed and immaculate. The efficiency and attention to detail were remarkable. Having recently stayed at a luxury resort in the Bahamas around six weeks ago, where we paid a similar (if not higher) price without breakfast or dinner included, Niyama represented outstanding value. With the half-board package and the villa upgrade, this was one of the few occasions in recent years where a luxury holiday genuinely felt worth every penny. While still a significant investment, it felt like exceptional value for the quality of experience received. We have always loved the Maldives and have previously enjoyed a wonderful stay at Lux South Ari Atoll, but Niyama delivered something truly special. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Incredible family vacation – they made us feel like royalty

Jun 6, 2026 669vivekk

We just got back from a family trip to Niyama Private Islands and it was one of the best vacations we’ve had. From the second we arrived, the GM and the rest of the team made us feel so welcome. It set the tone for the whole trip. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the place to be. The staff here actually treats children with real respect,… Read more
We just got back from a family trip to Niyama Private Islands and it was one of the best vacations we’ve had. From the second we arrived, the GM and the rest of the team made us feel so welcome. It set the tone for the whole trip. If you’re traveling with kids, this is the place to be. The staff here actually treats children with real respect, which is a nice change of pace—they really made our daughter feel like a VIP. The Kids Club is great, and a huge shout-out to Sabrina there. She was fantastic with our daughter and even jumped in to help us out with babysitting at the last minute, which we really appreciated. The service philosophy here seems to be "never say no"—every request was handled with a smile and they genuinely seemed happy to help. A few people really stood out and made our stay special: Mr. Steven (F&B Manager): He was everywhere! He’s always walking around with a smile and really keeps the food quality top-notch. He added so many personal touches, like making sure our daughter got her favorite white chocolate chips with breakfast, and he’d often surprise us with desserts at dinner. Ammi (Our Thakkaru): He went way above and beyond for us. He even organized a private session with the marine biologist so our daughter could go snorkeling with turtles. It was the highlight of her trip. Riza: She has so much energy! She took great care of us during our meals, and it was so much fun having her get everyone up dancing at the underwater glow party. Krishna (at Nest): Such a kind, warm person. He took great care of us at dinner and always made a point to say hello at breakfast. Kofi (at Dune Restaurant): He made dining at Dune so easy and pleasant; he was always super helpful and kind. The Team at Edge: We had a lovely moment where a gentleman from Nepal noticed it was getting windy/rainy at sunset and brought our daughter hot chocolate and marshmallows without us even asking. That kind of thoughtfulness is what really makes this resort stand out. The villas themselves have been recently refurbished and are super comfortable. We really loved the twice-daily housekeeping, too. The food was great, there was plenty to do, and the service was top-tier. We left feeling really well looked-after and are already hoping to get back soon. Highly recommend for any families looking for a getaway. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful Location and Excellent Service

Jun 3, 2026 uba_anyi Petts Wood, United Kingdom

Went for my 40th Birthday. We had a private Butler Zaid who was very lovely and helpful. He helped us book all the activities and gave us tips as advice on things to do. Loved the bicycle rides every morning around the two islands.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise island-Niyama, Maldives

Jun 2, 2026 Seetal P

Visit to Paradise We went to Niyama at he end of May. Fabulous weather , absolutely amazing and attentive staff and our Thakuru, Salta was very helpful and kept us updated with daily events and activities. Niyama is quite large so bikes are given to everyone to get around the island . We had a water bungalow which was very spacious inside and… Read more
Visit to Paradise We went to Niyama at he end of May. Fabulous weather , absolutely amazing and attentive staff and our Thakuru, Salta was very helpful and kept us updated with daily events and activities. Niyama is quite large so bikes are given to everyone to get around the island . We had a water bungalow which was very spacious inside and outside with lovely amenities. There are 6 restaurants to choose from and even the buffet restaurant Dune does amazing food. The underwater restaurant is must !!! Excellent taster menu !! A shoutout to the fairly new staff Sami who welcomed my family every morning , chef Abhi who went out of his way to make special off the menu dishes to tantalise my taste buds. Prithesh, who looked after our lunch needs perfectly. Imran, the coconut man, where every morning along with our morning coffee, waited a tall glass of fresh coconut water. If you’re looking for a large island with plenty of activities, stunning water, amazing coral reefs and white sand Niyama is the place to go ! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Dreamy place

May 16, 2026 juliam202 Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Stunning place with an impeccable service. Our personal assistant Zaid, was lovely and efficient, supporting us with everything that was needed. Thanks!