Overview

There's beachfront and there's smack-bang right along the white-sand beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean - AKA, just another day in the Maldives. Royal Island Resort & Spa is all about that, with swanky beach villas you won't want to leave (well, until you see what's outside, that is), sunset cruise trips and a pool just begging to be dunked into. From tiring yourself out with endless watersports to taking it easy with a pamper sesh at the spa, this resort is the definition of treat yourself.

Location

• We said it, and we meant it. This resort is set right on the beach. Literally.

• The resort is a 20-minute domestic flight away from Velana International Airport, Malé

Rooms

• Four different types of Beach Villa are offered at the resort, all with wooden-clad walls for a natural, airy feel, a location that puts you right in the middle of your dreamy surroundings, and - of course - a big comfy bed for starfishing in

• Every villa comes with at least one of the following:

  • Sundeck

  • Beach access

  • Sunset view

  • Ocean access

• General amenities include FREE Wi-Fi, air con, a flat-screen TV, a safe, a telephone, a minibar, a hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities

Food & Drink

• Maakanaa - a big, spacious beachfront restaurant open morning, noon and night for tasty twists on South Asian dishes

• Raabondhi - grab an ocean-facing table and fill your boots with grilled meats and freshly-caught seafood

• Boli Bar - this place offers comfy, cabana-style seating, with freshly-brewed coffee, coconut cocktails and live music

• Pool Bar - swim right up and order your favourite tipple

• Fun Pub - exactly what it says on the tin - a huge wooden-style hut with pool tables, live bands, DJs and a well-stocked bar

Sports & Entertainment

• Outdoor pool - just begging to be dunked into - plus surrounding sun loungers for topping up your tan

• Land sports - everything from badminton and table tennis to regular tennis and futsal

• Watersports - in surroundings like these, it's rude not to - right? You can try your hand at windsurfing, jet-blading, canoeing, wakeboarding, parasailing and even sea-bobbing (which is just as fun as it sounds)

• Spa treatments - nothing will chill you out like one of these traditional spa treatments - from an Exotic Cocoon treatment with coconut yoghurt to Shirodhara - which starts with a stimulating scalp massage

• Sunset cruise - there are loads of local trips available from the resort, including dolphin safaris and sunset cruises - to name a few! Your Insta posts just reached a new level.

Transfers to the Maldives hotels are from Male International Airport via either domestic aircraft, seaplane, or speedboat. Luggage allowance varies depending on transfer type:

• Domestic aircraft (20kg hold luggage and 5kg hand luggage)

• Seaplane (20kg hold luggage and 5kg hand luggage)

• Speedboat (No luggage restrictions)

Immediately upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by either airport or hotel staff, who will escort you to your transfer departure point, and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding transfers and timings. Please note that other flight arrivals or sudden changes in weather might mean you need to wait up to 3 hours before boarding the transfer.

If you’re travelling via seaplane, flights can only operate between 09:00 and 15:00. If you land in Male after 15:00, or if there are any sudden weather changes, you’ll need to stay overnight in an airport hotel. Don’t worry – if this is the case then we’ll be in touch to make the arrangements. It’s also worth noting that, like most holiday transfers, seaplanes will stop at multiple resorts on the way.