Staying true to its tagline as ‘Nature’s Playground’ Niyama is one of the most breathtaking islands in the Dhaalu Atoll. Scarlet and lemony umbrellas pop out against pristine ivory beaches, aqua infinity pools melt in to the ocean and jungle flanked pathways lead to stylish abodes.

Two islands combine to create the resort – ‘Chill’ plays host to the hub, lavish lagoon villas and a spa, with ‘Play’ boasting chic beach villas, a super-cool surf club and Nest – an Asian-fusion eatery where you can chomp on teppanyaki amongst the treetops.

A fashionable crowd of loved-up couples and families explore the islands on personalised bikes. When the kids are settled into their Explorers club, grown ups can choose to while away the days on jet skis and catamarans, hop on a Dhoni to spot bottlenose dolphins or ride the waves at Vodi surf point. Niyama is the only luxury resort in the Maldives where the surf breaks directly on its own shore.

DRIFT Spa

DRIFT spa is a true sanctuary at sea with six over water treatment rooms – all with soaring views across the ocean. Highlights include a jungle pedicure suite, steam, sauna, jacuzzis and a hair and beauty salon. Treatments, rituals and bespoke therapies come from around the globe and include oxygen facials, IV therapies, holistic massages, medical pedicures and keratin blow drys. High-end product brands include Anne Semonin, Intraceuticals, Aromatherapy Associates and Margaret Dabbs. The spa also offers a dedicated kids menu.

The treatment menu at the Drift Spa is extensive and ranges from IV Boosters and Oxygen Facials to Margaret Dabbs pedicures and Keratin blow drys by Pedro Sanchez.

The Rejuvenate Oxygen Facial is a skin-quenching treatment that provides instant results and makes my skin look like I’ve been on a detox for a week. A specially designed machine pumps a rich serum containing vitamins and antioxidants deep in to the skin. The effects are dramatic – my skin looks noticeably lifted and luminous and results continue to improvement over the following days.

Other treatment highlights include the Detox Wrap which uses iodine and marine elements to stimulate toxin release and purify the skin – and the Niyama Massage – a combination of Lomi Lomi, Shiatsu and Thai massage that releases tension and induces deep relaxation – a great treatment to combat jet lag on arrival.

To Stay

Our secluded beach studio had separate sleeping and lounging areas and an outdoor bathroom with a monsoon shower and tub big enough for two. It’s all about outdoor living here – our was garden huge and came complete with a private pool, a Dhoni-shaped swing and a direct pathway to the ocean.

To Eat

For a memorable lunch, the island’s ‘boat bus’ will whisk you across to Subsix – an offshore, underwater eatery with a backdrop of swaying corals and tropical fish. Guests flock to experience the ‘Subaquatic Lunch’ – the punchy menu includes lobster salad, crab raviolis and seabass (with a glass of wine thrown in) and it’s totally worth the splurge.

Facilities and Activities

Float is the ‘go to’ spot for PADI dives and water sports including parasailing, waterskiing, jetskiing, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing. Catamaran sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons are also available, for those wanting to brush up on your skills or are keen to try something new. In addition, Niyama is the only island in the Maldives with surf-able waves that break directly onto the beach and the new Surf Seaplane Transfer has further cemented the hotel’s reputation as a surfer’s paradise.