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Dream with eyes open: why Four Seasons Maldives Voavah is the ultimate private island escape

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Disembark from a private seaplane and cross a cerulean lagoon in the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to the blindingly white sands of one’s own five-hectare (two-acre) wonderland where every moment of every experience is customised to one’s preferences.

At Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa atoll, limitless island living beckons. This exclusive-use private island accommodates a single group of up to 22 guests across two vast villas and a Beach House – seven bedrooms in total – plus a dive and water sports centre, Ocean of Consciousness Spa, and exclusive use of Voavah Summer, the island’s 19-metre (62-foot) luxury yacht.

Since opening in December 2016, Voavah has received many accolades: Best of the Best in the 2017 Robb Report USA – Five Exclusive-Use Resorts You Can Keep All to Yourself; Conde Nast Traveller Gold List 2018; Conde Nast Traveller World’s Most Incredible Private Islands; Conde Nast Traveller China Gold List 2018; Forbes Travel Guide 2019 — The World’s Most Spectacular Private Island Escapes and Robb Report Arabia 2019 — Best Private Island Getaways, and it’s not hard to see why.

Privacy

Voavah redefines the notion of getting away from it all. Only accessible by seaplane, in the middle of the Maldives’ most protected waters, there are no adjacent islands, other guests, prying eyes or paparazzi. Protected by endless ocean and a 24/7 security team, suddenly anything is possible – and the mesmerising beauty of the surrounding natural wilderness only heightens the pervading sense of freedom and possibility.

Bespoke experiences

Fancy flying in one of the world’s best DJs for an all-night pool party complete with ice luge, oyster and vodka bar? Or hosting a beach festival, with local bodu beru drummers and dancers? How about spending days aboard a private yacht, Voavah Summer, identifying turtles, dolphins and manta rays with expert marine biologist guides? Or learning the latest hydrofoil water sports before dining around the world with a different cuisine at every mealtime?

Voavah is the canvas: the itinerary is each guest’s to craft.

Breathtaking nature

Voavah places guests in the heart of the Baa atoll, the Maldives’ only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, home to whale sharks, the world’s largest known population of manta rays, and some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the world. Step from a pristine beach into an ocean of colourful corals, thrilling thilas, turtles, rays and schools of beautiful fish for a dawn dive with a difference.

One doesn’t even need to take a break from lounging in the Beach House to spot dancing dolphins, resident water hens and herons. With a private yacht and a team of the country’s most experienced boatmen, marine biologists and scientists at one’s disposal, sunset dolphin cruises, night snorkels, and seasonal manta and whale shark safaris can be arranged at a moment’s notice.

Service

At the core of every Voavah experience is truly heartfelt service. Warm, welcoming, dedicated and discreet, the team of 28 staff are there to customise every moment of every day. Work with the team prior to arrival to help develop menus, accommodations, beverages and entertainment options – from additional dive instructors, marine biologists and water sports experts for ocean lovers to Ayurvedic physicians, reiki practitioners and more for those on a healing break. Or let the team take care of all the planning and just arrive ready for the most extraordinary experience of one’s life.

Potential to expand consciousness

Perhaps deeper even than privacy and luxury is Voavah’s invitation to step into the truest version of oneself. Here, away from life’s demands and expectations, the sense of expansiveness is as unfettered as the blue horizon.

In a place where anything is possible, the potential for inner change and growth is endless. Honouring personal transformation, The Ocean of Consciousness Spa offers intuitive treatments based on the five pathways of Truth, Wise Action, Love, Peace and Compassion – each designed to elevate awareness, transform actions, and help guests awaken to their power to affect wide-reaching change. According to Condé Nast Traveller, the crystal-singing-bowl experience is “worth the 12-hour flight in itself.”

With beach yoga, meditation and pranayama classes also available, Voavah is the place to connect to the Infinite, within and without.

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Eri Maldives offers accessible reef diving and snorkelling

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Eri Maldives is located within the waters of North Malé Atoll and is surrounded by a house reef accessible to both beginner and experienced divers. With four direct reef entry points and shore access, the resort offers opportunities for snorkelling, introductory dives and certified diving.

The house reef supports a range of marine life, including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, hawksbill turtles, mobula rays and spotted eagle rays, as well as schools of reef fish. The accessibility of the reef allows guests to explore the area over multiple days, providing opportunities to observe marine behaviour and habitats over time.

Turtle encounters

Hawksbill turtles are among the most frequently observed species on the reef. The resort’s dive team has identified 14 individual turtles, each recognised by shell patterns and physical features. These include turtles known as Rosie, Cara and Anna, which have been documented through repeated sightings.

The resort maintains records of these turtles, allowing returning guests to identify individuals over time. Guests may also contribute to this initiative by naming newly identified turtles that have not previously been recorded.

Manta ray season

From December to April, manta rays are known to visit cleaning stations at Bodu Hithi Thila, located approximately one hour by boat from the resort. During this period, ocean conditions support plankton flows that attract mantas to the area, where they can be observed feeding or visiting cleaning stations.

Night diving experiences

Night snorkelling and diving activities provide a different perspective on reef activity. Species such as reef sharks, trevallies, moray eels and nurse sharks become more active after dark, offering guests the opportunity to observe nocturnal marine behaviour.

At Eri Maldives, marine experiences form a central part of the guest offering, with the house reef providing consistent opportunities for exploration. The resort’s dive programme is designed to support repeated interaction with the marine environment, allowing guests to experience a range of underwater activity throughout their stay.

Accommodation is available in studio and beach villa categories, with full board packages offered for direct bookings, subject to availability.

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The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives collaborates with Maldivian artist Ahmed Aleem

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The Halcyon Private Isles Maldives, Autograph Collection has announced a collaboration with Ahmed Aleem Shakoor, who is currently in residence at the resort, introducing a creative element to the guest experience.

Aleem, a self-taught artist, is known for work that combines maritime themes, surrealism and symbolism. His practice spans watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, drawing inspiration from the Maldives’ history and ocean landscapes, often expressed through the use of light, depth and narrative.

During his residency, Aleem is working with the resort to develop a series of artistic and cultural experiences aimed at engaging guests. These include live painting sessions, informal interactions with the artist and workshops designed to encourage creative participation.

The programme forms part of the resort’s wider activities, with offerings such as mini canvas painting, coconut painting and creative art sessions available to guests. In addition, Tales Painted in Sunlight combines elements of Maldivian folklore, storytelling and visual art, providing further insight into local culture.

The collaboration reflects the resort’s approach to incorporating local artistic talent into its programming, while offering guests opportunities to engage with creative activities in a relaxed setting. The residency is designed to allow guests to explore artistic expression as part of their island experience.

As part of its seasonal programme, selected artistic activities are also included in the resort’s Easter offerings, providing additional opportunities for guests to take part in creative experiences during their stay.

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Amilla Maldives wins ‘Most OutThere Initiative’ award for Inclusive Travel

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Amilla Maldives has been named a joint winner in the Most OutThere Initiative in Inclusive Travel category at the Experientialist Awards 2026, following a Highly Commended recognition in the same category in 2025.

The Experientialist Awards recognise organisations shaping travel through inclusivity, individuality and design, with the inclusive travel category highlighting initiatives that address not only accessibility, but also how journeys are experienced by guests.

At Amilla Maldives, accessibility is integrated into the overall guest experience. The resort adopts an approach that begins at the planning stage and continues throughout the stay, with a focus on understanding individual guest needs and adapting experiences accordingly.

Aligned with its In Harmony with Purpose philosophy, the resort has introduced a range of measures aimed at improving accessibility. These include villa features designed for ease of use, accessible pathways across the island and adaptive experiences such as inclusive snorkelling and wellness sessions.

As an IncluCare Verified resort, Amilla Maldives continues to develop its offering through feedback and collaboration, with the aim of enhancing inclusivity across its operations.

Commenting on the recognition, Morgan Martinello said the resort remains focused on creating travel experiences that feel natural and accessible. He noted that the continued recognition reflects the resort’s ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.

The award from OutThere, a platform focused on diversity and inclusion in travel, marks a further step in the resort’s efforts to create accessible and inclusive guest experiences.

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