In July 2023, we embarked on a journey to the award-winning One&Only Reethi Rah resort located in the Maldives.
Our expedition began in the Philippines, from where we commenced our journey to Malaysia, marking the first leg of our trip. From Malaysia, we continued to our primary destination - One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives.
This exquisite getaway was recognized as the finest resort in the Maldives at the inaugural Maldives National Tourism Awards. Moreover, it achieved a commendable ranking, #5 on the Best Hotels in the World list by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. The accolades didn't stop there, as it was also bestowed with a 5-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide Star Award.
The One&Only Reethi Rah stands as a paragon of ultra-luxury, with its sprawling all-villa resort situated in the North Malé Atoll. Being one of the largest islands in the region, it hosts 121 secluded villas nestled subtly along the shoreline.
Our accommodation was a magnificent beach villa with a pool equipped with a jacuzzi. We also indulged in the grand water villa, which had a private pool and a separate jacuzzi. Our splendid four-day sojourn left us wishing we had stayed for at least five days - a recommendation we pass on to future visitors.
The resort offers a myriad of activities, ensuring there's never a dull moment. Options include cycling, snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing, private yacht charters, and an assortment of water sports. For relaxation, there's a spa, sauna, massage facilities, a gym, and dedicated meditation areas. One of our highlights was the unforgettable champagne sunset cruise on a catamaran.
An impressive aspect of One&Only Reethi Rah is its family-friendly environment. The resort has designated areas for children, including a playground offering a variety of activities. They even provide childminding services, allowing parents to steal some alone time if desired.
A significant highlight of our stay at the One&Only Reethi Rah resort was the exceptional level of customer service. The personal attention and care we received were simply unparalleled. It was truly touching to find that the restaurant staff addressed us by name, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home. Their kindness extended to even the smallest member of our family, with staff happily engaging with our infant, providing playful interactions that further added to the charm of our dining experiences. This level of personalized service went above and beyond our expectations, truly reinforcing the resort's reputation for outstanding hospitality.
The food diversity at One&Only Reethi Rah is praiseworthy. The primary restaurant, Reethi, serves a broad range of cuisines, including Asian, Indian, grilled specialties, and seafood. Hoshi caters to Japanese cuisine lovers - we sampled their sea bass and black cod, both of which were exquisite. For a unique sunset dining experience, Fanditha, situated on the northern side of the island, offers Arabic cuisine. The beach club houses the Missoni Bar, known for its remarkable crab poke bowl.
Our time at the resort was an undeniably five-star experience. To cap off our visit, a luxurious Azimut yacht ferried us back to the airport, reinforcing the resort's commitment to opulence right up to our departure.
After a memorable sojourn in the Maldives, our return journey took us via Singapore before ultimately landing back in the Philippines.