By Escape to the whimsical haven of Niyama Island Resort in the Maldives, where lush greenery sways in the sea breeze and ivory beaches are caressed by translucent waters. As part of the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas family, Niyama promises an enchanting and exciting world of upscale escapism. It’s no wonder that this resort has been voted one of the best in the world by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Discover why Niyama – nature’s playground is a must-visit destination in the Maldives..
Twin Islands of Luxury
Niyama Maldives beckons with twin islands, Play, and Chill, each promising a unique experience of unmatched luxury. On Play, adventure awaits as you step onto the expansive horizon. Lavish villas perfect for thrill-seeking couples and families with refined taste offer a rush of excitement. On Chill, indulge in pure relaxation in the tranquil sanctuary of Drift Spa. Lounge in over-water villas, taking in the gentle rhythms of the rolling waves. Explore an underwater playground and revel in endless beauty. Discover the best of both worlds at Niyama Maldives, where Play and Chill come together to create a one-of-a-kind luxury experience.
The Villas – A Paradise of Tranquility and Luxury
Niyama presents a range of 134 villas that cater to the desires of every guest. Whether you prefer to bask in the warmth of the sun on the beach or gaze out at the vast ocean from an overwater villa, Niyama has it all.
The Beach Pool Villa
The Beach Villas are the epitome of elegance, designed with aesthetic perfection to allow you to completely unwind. The powdery sandy beaches and stunning views provide a tranquil atmosphere that will help you relax. You will find private pools, sun loungers, and day beds to indulge in, along with added luxuries such as a king-sized bed, a bathtub with a view, and an outdoor shower. The villas also feature a variety of modern amenities for your ultimate pleasure.
The Overwater Villa
The Overwater Villas provide an exceptional option for relaxation under the warm embrace of the sun while boasting uninterrupted panoramic views of the vast ocean. These luxurious villas come with private decks equipped with sun loungers, outdoor shower, and sea access. The interiors are well-designed to offer a range of modern amenities coupled with a spacious king-sized bed, a bathtub, and shower.
From Chaos to Calm: Niyama’s Overwater Villas Offered Me the Ultimate Escape
During my stay at Niyama’s Overwater Villas, I basked in the tranquil ambiance and crossed off a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The mesmerizing shades of blue enveloping me left me spellbound, and the view from my deck was truly breathtaking. Sunrise and sunset were the highlights of my day, bringing a sense of calm that had eluded me for too long. The peaceful surroundings were a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, transporting me to another world. Inside the cozy villa, I felt at home, while the sound of waves lapping against the stilts was deeply soothing. The staff exceeded my expectations by graciously granting my unconventional request to have my bed set up outside under the twinkling stars.
The Endless Activities
The activities at Niyama Maldives are endless, catering to the interests of all guests. Tennis lovers can receive expert instruction, while foodies can take part in cooking classes to learn about local cuisine. Snorkeling excursions offer the chance to witness stunning coral reefs and swim alongside turtles, while yoga classes provide a peaceful escape. For those seeking more adventure, scuba diving is also available. Personally, I wasn’t initially drawn to the surfing lessons, but I decided to try it anyway. I was pleasantly surprised by my patient and skilled instructor, and even though I wasn’t a natural at it, I still had a fun experience. But for those looking for something more low-key, relaxing on the beach with a beer or a cocktail is always an option.
The Butler’s Touch
Your Thakuru (butler) is the silent hero of your stay, attending to every whim and fancy with the utmost discretion and efficiency. Whether it’s arranging a surprise dinner for your significant other or organizing a private excursion, your personal butler is always one step ahead. My Thakuru seemed to know exactly what I needed before I even asked, and his swift and unobtrusive service left me feeling pampered and indulged. With my butler taking care of all the mundane details, I was free to savor every moment of my stay, without a care in the world.
Exploring the Lush Tropics by Bicycle
The resort offers complimentary bicycles to guests of all ages, providing a great way to explore the resort and the island at their own pace Bicycling around the resort and island was my favorite activity during my stay. I relished in the freedom it provided, allowing me to explore the surroundings at my own pace. The winding trails that ran through the verdant vegetation, the gorgeous beaches, and the breathtaking coastline were an absolute delight to discover on my bicycle. I was able to immerse myself in the stunning scenery and the serene environment. The resort also offers guided bike tours providing guests with the opportunity to venture to more secluded parts of the island while learning about the fascinating local flora and fauna.
A Culinary Adventure: Restaurants & Bars
Niyama Island Resort’s dining experience is an adventure in itself, with unique restaurants to choose from & a beach bar. The menus are filled with locally-sourced ingredients, cooked using innovative culinary techniques that make each dish a delight. From the underwater restaurant, where you can dine while watching fish swim by, to treetop dining with a view of the lush island, Niyama’s restaurants take you on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Before diving into my reviews of Niyama Island Resort’s dining options, it’s important to note that I am a vegetarian. So, while my travel companions raved about the exquisite meat and fish dishes, my culinary experiences were solely based on the vegetarian options available..
Epicure
Epicure is the main restaurant on the island, offering relaxed dining in the Maldives. Breakfast is served here, but guests may also choose to dine in. The breakfast buffet includes a variety of options to cater to every preference and nationality, from flaky pastries to made-to-order omelets. The staff are accommodating and strive to meet each individual’s desires. A la carte meals are available for lunch and dinner, with a focus on poolside indulgence in a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. Perfect for vegetarians & vegans. The vegetarian options for the breakfast buffet were vast, delicious, and plentiful. I enjoyed my breakfast here daily.
Tribal
Latin meets African. The restaurant offers a unique and intimate atmosphere with a jungle canopy overhead and torches lighting the way to the fireside. The open kitchen explores the flavors of Africa, Central,and South America. House specials include dry-aged beef rubbed with native spices and lobster. As a South African, I was excited to see traditional South African dishes on the menu such as ostrich steaks and boerewors. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine menu. The attention to detail, wonderful service, and comforting ambiance made for a delightful dining experience. Tribal offers a wide variety of vegetarian options. They are happy to accommodate any specific vegetarian or vegan needs. All of the food is cooked fresh on-site, allowing for easy modifications to any meals.
Blue
Poolside Maldives family restaurant offers family-style dining on the beach with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. You have the option to design your own breakfast. For lunch and dinner, their menu offers a wide range of options including Mediterranean-inspired salads, sandwiches, seafood, indulgent pastas, gluten-free options, pizzas, Asian dishes, and complimentary tropical fruits.
Edge
A fine dining experience in the Maldives offers an exclusive overwater dining experience accessible only by boat. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh local seafood, specifically locally sourced Maldivian reef fish, prepared with modern techniques. Unfortunately, I cannot provide my opinion on the cuisine at Blue & Edge as I did not dine there.
Subsix
Subsix, the underwater restaurant in the Maldives, is a simply surreal experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. After arriving by speedboat, guests descend a dramatic three-tier staircase into a lavishly decorated space with soft anemone chairs, Italian chandeliers, and a clam-inspired bar. Dining beneath the soft waves provides a truly serene experience. Of course, it was a memorable experience seeing the underwater life, but the vegetarian options were lackluster. I also must point out the irony: if you’re a fish eater, which was what the menu mostly consisted of your food is essentially swimming past you while you eat.
Nest
Nest offers a unique dining experience in a treetop restaurant, which quickly became my favourite restaurant on the island. The Asian-inspired cuisine was exquisite, and the atmosphere vibrant. Despite having read about the restaurant concept in the brochures and hearing about it from my butler, I was completely unprepared for the truly amazing setting. Upon arriving on a bicycle, we navigated through the jungle on a labyrinth of wooden walkways. The restaurant had a team of Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian chefs, and guests could choose to dine six meters high or tuck themselves between the serpentine vines on the forest floor. We enjoyed a theatrical meal at the teppanyaki table, which is apparently the most sought-after table in the restaurant. There is a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options available, all of which are incredibly appetizing.
Destination Dining – Beachside Bliss
Dining on the beach at Niyama Island Resort is a truly magical experience. From the twinkling fairy lights to the sandy couch, every detail is taken care of to create a luxurious and unforgettable atmosphere. Our private chefs whipped up a delectable feast, expertly paired with wine, while music played in the background, setting the tone for a fun and festive evening. The meals were fresh, delicious, and cooked right on the beach. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a fun beach party with friends, this personalized dining experience is an absolute must-try. the dining experience is tailored to accommodate any dietary preferences so no problem for Vegetarians and Vegans
Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit is the signature rooftop bar at Niyama offering an exclusive and sophisticated atmosphere with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. This stylish venue is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner cocktail or a nightcap, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the island and the stars above. With its chic decor, comfortable seating, and expertly crafted cocktails, Fahrenheit is the ultimate destination for those seeking a sophisticated and upscale bar experience.
Dune – Bar & Beach club
Dune is a beach club and bar located on the island’s western beach. This venue offers a chilled and laid-back atmosphere where you can sip refreshing cocktails, enjoy cold beers, and indulge in light bites while taking in stunning ocean views. As the sun sets, Dune turns into a vibrant and lively venue, with live DJs spinning the latest tunes, creating the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a day of adventure or relaxation. I absolutely loved it here, feeling relaxed and carefree, with warm sand between my toes and a beer in hand, Watching the sunset while the DJs played raga music made me feel like I was in my 20s again.
The Drift Spa
Looking for a place to unwind and revitalize? The Drift Spa is a luxurious and serene oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. This award-winning spa offers a range of holistic treatments and therapies, including massages, facials, body wraps, and more, all designed to restore balance to the mind, body, and spirit. The spa features 6 overwater treatment rooms, each with stunning ocean views, as well as a relaxation lounge, sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool. With its tranquil setting, expert therapists, and wide range of treatments.
Niyama Maldives offers a truly magical experience that takes you back to a time when you had no worries and could just relax without a care in the world. It’s like being transported to Peter Pan’s world where you feel free, at peace, and completely relaxed. The attention to detail and personalized service is unmatched, and you’ll never feel like anything is too much trouble. Everyone’s experience is different, but one thing is certain – everyone wants to return!
Book your escape from reality at Niyama
Read about my expereince at another Anantara group Resort : NALADHU
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