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W Maldives Ari atoll

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W Maldives
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Island Aerial View
Wonderful Beach Oasis Upper Deck
Fabulous Overwater Oasis
Arrival Jetty
jquery photo gallery
Overview | Accommodation | Facilities | Dining
Our Opinion
This beautiful island resort belongs to the W brand of properties within the world-famous Marriott portfolio, and describes itself as a ‘luxury playground’ – a pretty accurate description in our opinion.

The funky, innovative vibe starts at the dedicated seaplane lounge where check-in is complete prior to arrival, and guests are encouraged to make a note of the W Maldives WhatsApp number which can be used to facilitate the ‘Whatever, Whenever’ philosophy on resort – a sort of digital butler/concierge service. This seems to go down well with the key guest demographic of 30-45 years, but expect to meet like-minded guests from a decade or two beyond that.

With only 77 generously-sized villas (27 on the beach), each with private pool, the island has a boutique feel. It’s incredibly beautiful with well-tended, lush vegetation across the resort, and even some coconut palms and glossy local shrubs on the water villa jetty. All of the villa roofs and main areas have been refurbished in the last year, so perhaps the only tell-tale sign of the resort’s 14 years of operation is the slightly worn dark varnish on some of the villa decks which will surely be touched up when they feel the time is right.

Despite its size (280 x 180m) there are four a la carte dining outlets and two bars, each with a single word name, and food and service are of highest quality. After indulging in an incredible signature cocktail at SIP, created by the W mixologists, FISH and FIRE restaurants are both well worth a visit – we recommend ‘Catch of the Day’ with truffle mash at FISH, or the local reef fish wrapped in palm leaves at FIRE. Executive Chef Norberto is Argentinian and brings his passion for food with impressive vigour and the results are delicious. He is ably assisted by Executive Sous chef Harpal who hails from India, and his team – the creations from the tandoor in FIRE are yet another treat for the palate.

For snorkellers, this has to be one of the most enjoyable spots in Ari atoll, if not the Maldives as a whole. Like most others, the reef was affected by coral bleaching which occurred in 2016 but there are encouraging signs of coral regrowth. The reef is easily accessible from the beach through marked channels and in places is within 10 metres of the shoreline, with a dramatic drop to boot. Expect to encounter at least one of the resident turtles (we saw two), large reef sharks and mesmeric shoals of the usual suspects. Snorkelling gear is high quality and complimentary during the stay. There is also a resident marine biologist.

The trademark 'W's are dotted around the island, providing great opportunities for selfies and Instagrammers, while cool 'beats' emanate 24/7 from the hidden Bose speakers in all areas, and along the water villa jetty, without sounding intrusive. The extensive list of complimentary workout/fitness classes is perfect for those who wish to partake in the W mantra #detoxretoxrepeat – we certainly had fun trying, and don’t forget the hashtags!!
Barefoot
Dining Options
Diving
Fine Dining
House Reef
Luxury
Overwater Villas
Rooms With Pools
Seaplane Transfer
Snorkelling

How Our Clients Rate W Maldives

Feedback Criteria
Average Rating
Service
10.0 / 10
Rooms
8.0 / 10
Dining
10.0 / 10
Bars
9.0 / 10
Facilities
8.0 / 10
Spa
9.0 / 10
Natural Beauty
10.0 / 10
Beaches
8.0 / 10
Snorkelling
10.0 / 10
Other Water Activities
9.0 / 10
Value For Money
7.0 / 10
'Soul'
9.0 / 10
Desire to Return...
9.0 / 10
TA WIDGET
Special Offers
    2023 Free Half Board Offer - Low Season
    Stay at least 3 consecutive nights between 11 May and 30 September 2023 and receive complimentary Half Board in all room types. Not applicable for extra person sharing. Combinable with Honeymoon Offer.
    Travel Window
    11/05/2023 - 30/09/2023*
    Book By
    27/09/2023
    *minimum stays of 3 nights
    *last night must fall within date band
    *subject to availability, blackout dates & geographical market restrictions may apply
    2022 Free Half Board Offer - Low Season
    Stay at least 4 nights between 1 May and 30 September 2022 and receive complimentary Half Board in all room types. Not applicable for extra person sharing. Combinable with Honeymoon Offer.
    Travel Window
    01/05/2022 - 30/09/2022
    Book By
    25/09/2022
    *minimum stays of 4 nights
    *subject to availability, blackout dates & geographical market restrictions may apply
    2022 5% Limited Time Offer
    Book a stay in any villa type EXCEPT Fabulous Overwater Villa and enjoy a 5% Discount PLUS a Free Meal Plan Upgrade to Full Board. Offer is combinable with contracted offers only.
    Travel Window
    20/04/2022 - 30/09/2022
    Book By
    24/09/2022
    *subject to availability, blackout dates & geographical market restrictions may apply
    2022 More Reasons To Escape Offer: Free Meal Upgrade
    Book combined stays in Fabulous Overwater Villas or Wonderful Beach Oasis Villas and enjoy a Free Meal Plan Upgrade to Full Board. Offer is combinable with contracted offers only.
    Travel Window
    20/04/2022 - 30/09/2022
    Book By
    24/09/2022
    *subject to availability, blackout dates & geographical market restrictions may apply
    2022 Honeymoon Offer/Benefits
    Honeymooners staying at least 3 nights will receive:
    • A welcome amenity
    • A sunset cocktail and canapes with live DJ at SIP
    • A bed decoration and W gift
    Honeymooners staying at least 7 nights will receive the above benefits, and additionally:
    • One 3-course in-villa private dinner (excluding beverages)
    • Additional 30 minutes on a 60-minute massage session at AWAY Spa.
    All benefits available once per stay. Valid all year, although dinner cannot be used on 24 December. Valid within 6 months of marriage. Copy of wedding certificate must be presented at check-in. Combinable with Free Half Board Offer where applicable.
    Travel Window
    09/01/2022 - 26/12/2022
    Book By
    22/12/2022
    *minimum stays of 3 nights
    *subject to availability, blackout dates & geographical market restrictions may apply
    2023 Honeymoon Offer/Benefits
    Honeymooners staying at least 3 nights will receive:
    • A welcome amenity
    • A sunset cocktail and canapes with live DJ at SIP
    • A bed decoration and W gift
    • Additional 30 minutes on a 60-minute massage session at AWAY Spa.
    Honeymooners staying at least 7 nights will receive the above benefits, and additionally:
    • One 3-course in-villa private dinner (excluding beverages)
    • One in-room floating breakfast
    All benefits available once per stay. Valid all year, although dinner cannot be used on 24th or 31st December. Valid within 6 months of marriage. Copy of wedding certificate must be presented at check-in. Combinable with Free Half Board Offer where applicable.
    Travel Window
    09/01/2022 - 26/12/2022
    Book By
    18/12/2022
    *minimum stays of 7 nights
    *subject to availability, blackout dates & geographical market restrictions may apply
    Summary
    The philosophy of W Maldives is....."whatever/whenever"....

    Those wishing for a lavish Maldivian-living experience should look no further than W Maldives, nestled on a private island in the centre of Ari Atoll, a 35-minute seaplane flight from the international airport at Male. It would not be an understatement to refer to W Maldives as a luxury playground amidst white sands, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking reefs.

    The suite accommodation, or "Oases", are a blend of innovative architectural design and contemporary living, with island villlage simplicity. All feature an extensive state-of-the-art BOSE sound system, 42-inch plasma TV with CD/DVD player, spacious indoor and outdoor living area, plunge pool, barbecue for private dining, an outdoor tropical shower and a daybed.

    Guest Services
    *Safe deposit boxes
    *Beach access
    *Dry cleaning service
    *Luggage storage
    *Smoking and non-smoking facilities
    *Porters
    *Laundry service
    *Security
    *24-hour self-service complimentary Sweet Spots
    *24-hour concierge service
    *Multilingual staff
    *Service 24-hour welcome desk
    *Internet access in all guest accommodation and in the Living Room
    *W Hotels The Store: Local arts & crafts, designer jewellery, clothing, beach essentials, toiletries, fashion and accessories.

    Sample Packages
    W Maldives Ari Atoll
    Free Half Board!
    [min 4 nights]

    Boutique 5* Resort
    Room Type:
    Fabulous Overwater Oasis
    Meal Plan:
    Half Board
    Nights:
    7
    Transfers:
    Seaplane
    Flights:
    Sri Lankan Airlines
    Travel:
    from: 11/05/2023
         to: 30/09/2023
    Book By:
    22/09/2023
    From per person
    Subject to availability
    Gorgeous snorkelling

    Every villa has a pool!
    Quoted prices include stated offers and discounts, are indicative and can fluctuate. Please contact us for latest prices.
    ATOL 6062 ABTA W6703
    ✉ Email Us
    Tel: +44 (0)1580 712 690
    Enquiry Form
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