Six Senses Laamu Resort, Maldives
Laamu Atoll
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Our Opinion of Six Senses Laamu
The most recent Angelfish visitors to Six Senses Laamu were Dan & Jo.
Six Senses was the first resort to open in Laamu in 2011 and the atoll remains largely undeveloped, a far cry from the now bustling hubbub around Male. Trading travelling distance for remoteness used to mean a domestic flight and speedboat to the island, which deterred many travellers, but now a scheduled, air-conditioned seaplane service has turned a weakness into a strength.
Marteyne van Well has been running Laamu for more than a decade with high staff retention rates and that consistency manifests in extremely well-drilled service, as well as a noticeable spirit of community between team members that rubs off on guests. Only a few island resorts manage to achieve a genuinely connate hospitality that blends the luxurious and familial. It requires everyone to be rowing in the same direction and Six Senses Laamu has it in spades.
Some people are tiring of the ‘Robinson Crusoe’ / ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ style but not us. We relish the extensive use of natural materials and driftwood inspired themes. The over water villas are largely unchanged since opening (some pools have been added) but they are still beautifully designed and superb places to spend time, from the spacious decks all the way up to the ‘crows nest’ balcony. Some minor details are showing some age, such as electrical switches, etc. but we love all the Six Senses interior touches and the careful concealment of the modern tech. Beach villas are also largely unchanged, although some of the multi-room villas have been significantly upgraded and feature various sprawling configurations, suitable for a wide range of families and friends.
Longitude is still one of our favourite ‘main restaurants’ for both breakfast and dinners, with its extensive combination of buffet and live cooking stations, and what seems like endless variety. Sip Sip beach bar is a lovely spot for lunch with a varied menu and super pizzas. Leaf, the tree top fine dining restaurant (clearly inspired by Soneva’s ‘Fresh In The Garden’) was tip top, and the addition of a Sake bar and Teppanyaki tables to the Zen Asian restaurant offer more variety and it’s all delicious.
Chill Bar is the heart of the over water complex and a superb location both during the day or for pre or post dinner drinks, with occasional low-key entertainment, and a ‘No Rush Hour’ b-o-g-o-f between 10-11pm (ask us for an Angelfish cocktail voucher when you book!). The Sip Sip pool bar is an excellent daytime spot, and has a large sunset-facing beach area. We also enjoyed a brilliant blind wine tasting challenge in the Altitude wine cellar, expertly guided by sommelier Akul.
Facilities are extensive, with a dedicated surf team complementing the usual water sports, an open-air cinema, The Den kids club, Library, boutique, ice cream parlour, chocolatier and clinic. The excellent gym and yoga deck offer glorious views while you work off the calories. You can even join the staff on the back-of-house astro football pitch if that’s your thing. Transport around the island is by push bike, sporting your initials carved into a souvenir plaque that you can take with you when you leave. As you would expect with Six Senses, there’s a great spa with a wide variety of wellness treatments, a lovely reception and fabulous ‘nest’ outdoor treatment rooms overlooking the lagoon.
The Earth Lab showcases a number of sustainability projects, and we highly recommend a back of house tour, that your GEM (Guest Experience Manager) can arrange for you. The jewel in the crown, however, is The Shell, a purpose built facility that houses the pre-eminent marine biology centre in the Maldives and includes absorbing educational and interactive experiences for all ages. It also conducts critical marine conservation research and work and is a testament to Six Senses' commitment to preserving the local environment.
Scuba divers love Laamu, since the lack of resorts mean that you almost always have the dive spots to yourself. The snorkelling experience was a very pleasant surprise, since we’ve been a bit dismissive of Laamu’s reef in the past. Colourful corals have recovered really well and are home to bountiful marine life. Plenty of sharks, rays and turtles to spot and variety is on offer by swimming to nearby thilas or in the sea grass fields where triggers, turtles and rays feed. We even had a lagoon coral garden outside our villa (#44) teeming with fish, like our own private aquarium.
Six Senses Laamu has a deep ethos of care for its team, its local community and its natural environment, as much as for its paying guests. It’s a special resort, an island with so much to offer that you just don’t want to leave, but when you do you’ll feel a little more educated as well as serene and refreshed.
Six Senses Laamu Summary
Six Senses Laamu is the only five-star resort in the Laamu Atoll, set deep within the Indian Ocean. A scenic 65-minute seaplane journey south from Malé International Airport brings guests to a destination defined by untouched natural beauty and understated elegance.
Barefoot serenity best describes the essence of the resort, where white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation create a naturally tranquil setting. The resort embraces an individual, understated style that fosters privacy and a deep connection to the environment, with every detail thoughtfully considered and expressed through a refined, minimalist design approach.
All villas are appointed with either a king-size or twin beds, uninterrupted sea views, and are fully air-conditioned for comfort. Guests enjoy modern conveniences including an in-villa entertainment system, IDD telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, hair dryer, lighted make-up and shaving mirror. and an outdoor bathroom complete with a rain shower. Additional amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, an in-villa safe, and and extensive pillow menu.
From May to September, guests can take advantage of prime surf conditions. The renowned Yin Yangs surf break—one of the most famous in the Maldives—is located just a short boat ride from the island, with surf trips organized daily throughout the season.
Barefoot serenity best describes the essence of the resort, where white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation create a naturally tranquil setting. The resort embraces an individual, understated style that fosters privacy and a deep connection to the environment, with every detail thoughtfully considered and expressed through a refined, minimalist design approach.
Accommodation
Six Senses Laamu features 94 beachfront and overwater villas, thoughtfully designed to complement the island’s exceptional natural beauty. Each villa emphasises privacy, comfort, and a sense of relaxed luxury, creating a tranquil retreat immersed in the surrounding environment. In keeping with the Six Senses philosophy, the villas are constructed using local and sustainable materials, ensuring harmony with nature without compromising refinement.All villas are appointed with either a king-size or twin beds, uninterrupted sea views, and are fully air-conditioned for comfort. Guests enjoy modern conveniences including an in-villa entertainment system, IDD telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, hair dryer, lighted make-up and shaving mirror. and an outdoor bathroom complete with a rain shower. Additional amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar, an in-villa safe, and and extensive pillow menu.
Restaurants & Bars
Longitude
This open-air, two-story overwater dining venue welcomes each day with a generous breakfast spread. Evenings feature themed dinners inspired by cuisines from around the world, with a particular emphasis on South Asia, complemented by engaging live-cooking nights.Leaf
Set above the resort’s organic garden, Leaf showcases the creativity of skilled chefs working with locally sourced ingredients from Maldivian fishermen and farmers. Dinner highlights an ever-evolving Mediterranean menu that reflects seasonality and innovation. Adults only.Sip Sip
Emerging from the swimming pool with a distinctive sunken bar and relaxed poolside seating, Sip Sip offers a casual all-day dining experience. The menu includes homemade pizzas, crisp salads, juicy burgers, a selection of pastas, and locally inspired desserts.Chill Bar
Built over the water across multiple levels, Chill Bar sets the tone each evening with a resident DJ. Expert mixologists craft cocktails using the freshest ingredients, while an international and South Asian menu is available throughout the day.Altitude Wine Cellar
Rising 6.4 metres above the Indian Ocean, this striking spun-glass wine tower houses an extensive collection of both Old World and New World vintages. Guests can enjoy private or communal wine tastings and curated dinners, guided by the resident sommelier.Ice
A vibrant selection of forty-eight unique, locally inspired ice cream and sorbet flavors awaits. The chocolate studio further tempts guests with an array of handcrafted homemade chocolates.Zen
Zen presents a daily changing Japanese à la carte menu alongside an Omakase (“trust the chef”) dining experience. Guests dine in a relaxed, casual setting on the upper deck, accompanied by the soothing sound of ocean waves.Facilities & Activities
The SHELL
The Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL) is a multi-use facility designed for education and immersive marine conservation experiences. It is also home to the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI). The hub features a central exhibition space that invites guests to discover the colorful and diverse local marine life through engaging, out-of-the-ordinary encounters. Additional facilities include offices, a marine laboratory, a theatre, and an interactive learning space, all supporting SHELL’s mission to inspire awareness and stewardship of the surrounding marine environment in Laamu.Six Senses Spa
The spa features nine private treatment nests, either overlooking the ocean or discreetly set within the island’s lush natural surroundings. Guests are invited to awaken their senses through locally inspired and Ayurvedic treatments, therapeutic massages, yoga and fitness classes, and wellness workshops.Water Sports
Explore the underwater world and enjoy crystal-clear waters through diving and snorkeling, with guided snorkeling excursions available alongside a resident marine biologist. A wide range of non-motorized water sports is also offered, including kayaking, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding.From May to September, guests can take advantage of prime surf conditions. The renowned Yin Yangs surf break—one of the most famous in the Maldives—is located just a short boat ride from the island, with surf trips organized daily throughout the season.
The Den
The Den is a complimentary club designed for younger guests aged 3 to 11 years. A babysitting service is also available upon request, subject to an additional charge.Sample Six Senses Laamu Packages
Six Senses Laamu
Laamu Atoll
Laamu Atoll
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Lagoon Water Villa
Half Board (free upgrade from BB)
Seaplane transfers
British Airways
from: 15/05/2026 to: 30/06/2026
book by: 22/06/2026
7 nights from per person
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Rustic 5-Star Luxury
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Superb Eco Credentials!
Family Villas Available
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Superb Eco Credentials!
Family Villas Available
Quoted prices include stated offers and discounts, are indicative and can fluctuate. Please contact us for latest prices. Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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Free Half Board
[4+ nights]