Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa Raa atoll

Following the incredible success of Emerald Maldives it was really only a matter of time before the Italian operator expanded its portfolio in the destination. After the acquisition of the naturally beautiful Faarufushi, much work was done to bring the property up to the 5 star, family-friendly level that Emerald guests expect from a member of Leading Hotels of the World.


10 Family Beach Villas with pool have been added with a second twin-bedded room, which are the most popular category for families, while there are another 27 Beach Villas, with and without pools. We found the Water Villas with Pool notably spacious, especially the smart, modern bathrooms, and would pick these over the more expensive Superior Water Villas (which are also quite close to some of the larger sea wall barriers). One very large, two-bed Presidential Beach Villa completes the inventory, so with only 80 guest villas on the island, it does have a touch of exclusivity.

There are a variety of dining options, all with attractive sea views, and all part of the All Inclusive package. The main Aqua restaurant has a nicely varied buffet and the beach BBQ night (when the other restaurants close for a rest) was superb. As of our visit, very soon after opening, we found the menus, although similar, somewhat limited in comparison with Emerald Maldives. The very pleasant Beach Club doubles as Carnivorous in the evenings, Asiatique was yet to open, and the Teppanyaki table was perhaps more style over substance. The signature Mediterraneo over water restaurant needed elevating to the level its setting deserves. The management team were keen to express that F&B was a work in progress, and we know from Emerald Maldives that they know how high the bar is set. We’ll return soon to examine the progress. Both the Sunset Pool Bar and Eclipse Bar are excellent, and special mention has to go to Joseph, head sommelier, and his team as effervescent curators of a solid wine list.

Facilities are mostly excellent. The tree top spa, set amongst the lush island foliage is exceptional, and one of the resort’s strongest features. The dive centre, full of high-quality equipment, the large kids’ club, tennis and padel courts are all top drawer, and we enjoyed getting around on the complimentary bikes. The one fly in the ointment is the gym, which has been displaced to make way for Le Asiatique Restaurant, and has been squeezed into an attic space above the kids’ club. There is work planned to expand it but it’s still unlikely to satisfy those who are used to top-of-range workout spaces (such as at Emerald Maldives) and are intent on working off the excess All Inclusive calories.

A key attraction for us is the sublime house reef, accessed by a swim from the shore, or straight onto the drop off from the yoga deck. There is an abundance of marine life to be found drifting back and forth from that point but more adventurous snorkellers can enjoy a 360 degree lap of the island.

The location, at the Northern tip of the Raa Atoll is quite some distance from Male, and that does mean possible seaplane stops en route at other islands. The journey, however, is certainly worth it: with few other islands around there is a genuine sense of remoteness. Spacious, comfortable villas, multiple dining options, good facilities and an excellent house reef make this a desirable 5-star destination for travellers to the Maldives, both seasoned and first-timers.