The Maldives has long held a near-mythical status in global travel, earning its place on every bucket list imaginable. Despite countless attempts to compare, or ‘dupe’ the archipelago, nowhere quite captures the same sense of marvel. The magic of the Maldives begins before you even land. From the window of the descending aircraft, the atolls appear like scattered jewels across an endless expanse of blue, with rings of vivid turquoise wrapped around strips of white sand. It is a view so breathtaking it scarcely feels real.
Then comes the arrival. Bare feet sink into powder-soft sand, warm ocean air brushing against skin, and a silence interrupted only by the rhythm of the sea. Lagoons shimmer with glass-like clarity as the horizon fades into shifting shades of blue. It is peacefully untouched by urgency, remaining one of few places in the world capable of evoking such an immediate state of serenity.
Today, the Maldives welcomes millions of visitors each year and is home to more than 170 resorts, with new properties continually emerging to meet growing demand. Yet, while many brands build anew, NH Collection took a more restorative approach. The brand revived the former Reethi Beach Resort, originally opened in the late 1990s during the Maldives’ golden era.
In those defining days, overwater villas became synonymous with the destination. Thatched roofs, rattan furniture and coconut wood were amongst the natural materials that upholstered the distinctive aesthetic. The NH Collection’s extensive renovation retained this sentiment. Rather than replacing every element, many of the original furnishings were restored and reworked, preserving the property’s nostalgic charm whilst introducing a more contemporary style.
The interiors reflect the island with earthy neutrals, and seafoam green tones drawn as inspiration from the surroundings. Tropical plants soften the central spaces, with an indoor-outdoor concept, while open-air architecture flows throughout the lobby and public spaces. Soaring ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and woven thatch panels further enhance the light, breezy atmosphere that refines the resort.
As an established island, the terrain feels beautifully mature. It is filled with towering palms, dense trees, and lush tropical vegetation that cast cooling shade while inviting a constant sea breeze. Nurturing the connection between nature and hospitality, a charming house garden supplies the kitchens with fresh herbs and vegetables, further reinforcing the resort’s mindful approach to island living. Here, the philosophy centres on immersing guests in nature, delivering a sense of understated elegance.
This ethos is best embodied at Handhuvaru, the island’s atmospheric rum bar and arguably its most alluring corner. Hidden behind winding pathways and woven seamlessly into the landscape, the space feels almost secretive. It sits beneath a thick canopy of trees with intimate lounging nooks tucked into shaded pockets and soft ambient lighting glowing gently through the foliage as evening settles in.
Rum is the speciality here, and among the carefully curated collection is an exceptionally rare sea-aged rum. Submerged beneath the ocean, the bottles are shaped by the movement of the waves coupled with the salty sea air that accelerates the interaction between spirit and wood to create uniquely-layered, flavour profiles. But beyond the taste itself lies something even more captivating: nature’s artistry. Over time, coral forms delicate organic patterns across the bottles, adorning each one into a striking keepsake that quietly captures the spirit of the Maldives.
The drinks themselves are equally memorable with each cocktail feeling personal — imaginatively tailored to individual taste. The resort’s seven additional dining venues continue this narrative, embracing ‘experience-led’ dining, where the setting is just as pronounced as the cuisine itself. Each restaurant feels distinct, yet all remain deeply connected to the island.
At Kaiyo, the resort’s ode to Asian cuisine, dine suspended above the lagoon in an stunning overwater setting. Washed in a soft aqua and crisp white colour palette, the interiors and tableware mirrors the seascape, creating a seamless tie between the restaurant and ocean. The menu is equally transporting, with dishes that thoughtfully capture the flavours and essence of their respective regions, leaving you spoilt for choice.
Meanwhile, Alifaan is designed to awaken the senses. Open flames crackle from the grill as the scent of charred seafood and premium imported cuts drifts through the air. The spotlight falls on impeccably prepared meats and freshly caught seafood, including one of the Maldives’ most beloved local delicacies, tuna, served in countless forms, from delicately dried to perfectly seared steaks. The setting balances rustic island charm and sophistication, with tribal-inspired décor elevated by warm golden accents.
Even the resort’s all-day dining venue moves beyond the traditional buffet experience with themed nights and live cooking stations. Across the remaining venues, you can indulge in wood-fired pizzas, tapas and relaxed sunset dining by the sea.
Immersing yourself through sight, sound, and taste is one thing, but to truly experience Fonimagoodhoo Island, you have to feel it. And nowhere is that feeling more profound than in the water. Located within the UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve, NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is in prime stead. Their expansive dive centre welcomes all from experienced divers to curious first-timers, with an abundance of water sports. However, one of the simplest experiences is the most unforgettable.
Just a short swim from the shore lies the house reef. Slip beneath the surface and you’ll find yourself alongside remarkable marine life and vibrant coral gardens alive with movement and colour. In waters so warm and impressively clear the experience is simply thrilling.
Then, just as easily, the pace softens once more. Emerging from the sea, retreat beneath thatched palm-roof umbrellas lining the shore, facing the horizon, cocktail in hand as the sea breeze lingers.
It is in this quiet interplay between adventure and stillness that the essence of the Maldives is most clearly revealed. It also speaks to the vision behind NH Collection’s transformation, allowing the island’s nature to remain its defining luxury whilst subtly breathing in new life.
@nhcollectionmaldivesreethi | nh-collection.com
Fonimagoodhoo, Maldives
