Beyond the Buffet: Your Guide to OBLU Ailafushi’ Paid Dining Options

1. Only Blu: The Underwater Experience

The Vibe: This is the crown jewel of the resort and the number one "bucket list" item for most visitors. Located just a short stroll across the bridge, Only Blu is an underwater restaurant where you dine surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Guests describe the experience as "magical," "unforgettable," and "worth every cent."

The Food & Experience:

• What to Expect: You'll be seated in a stunning setting with panoramic windows. As one guest noted, "you could stay for hours just watching the sea life," including sharks, rays, and colorful fish that swarm past the windows, especially around 8:15 pm.

• The Cuisine: The food is excellent, offering a multi-course fine dining menu. Reviews consistently praise the quality, describing it as a "highlight" of their stay.

• Expert Tip from Guests: Go for the sunset or evening seating for the full magical effect. The staff are incredibly hospitable and even provide fish charts so you can identify the marine life swimming by.

The Cost (The Key Question):
This is the most frequently asked question in reviews, and the answer is consistent.

• Price Point: Guests report paying between $310 and $322 for a couple, or approximately $150–$160 per person.

• The Fine Print: Remember, this is the base price. All paid services in the Maldives incur an additional 10% service charge and a 16% GST tax, adding roughly 27% to the total bill.

• Is it worth it? The overwhelming consensus is yes. Guests who debated the cost universally returned to say it was the highlight of their trip. "The food was excellent and made the evening an experience that has its price... but is worth every cent," one guest shared.

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2. Copper Pot: The Sizzling Alternative

The Vibe: Described in various reviews as a "food truck," a "steak caravan," or a more intimate dining setting, Copper Pot offers a la carte dining that breaks up the buffet routine. It’s often set up on the beach or in a dedicated area, providing a more romantic, adult-oriented dinner vibe.

The Food & Experience:

• What to Expect: The menu focuses on grilled specialties, with "Surf and Turf" and "Lobster Night" being major highlights. The food is often described as "absolutely fantastic" and so good that guests felt obliged to personally thank the chef.

• The Atmosphere: It’s smaller and more intimate than the main restaurant, offering a welcome change of pace.

The Cost & What Guests Say:
This is where experiences can vary, so it’s good to be aware.

• Service Complaints: Some guests have noted that service can be slower here, with one group reporting a 2.5-hour wait for a meal. While management usually apologizes, it's a point of consistency to be aware of.

• Price Point: A meal for five people was reported to cost around $360 USD (plus the dreaded 27% tax and service). While some find it a worthwhile splurge, others felt the portion sizes and temperature of the food (sometimes served cold) didn't match the premium price.

• The Verdict: If you love grilled food and want a special dinner, book it. Just go in with the expectation that the service pace is more "island time" than the efficient buffet, and confirm the price when booking.

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3. The Promenade: Your Go-To for Snacks and Sundries

The Vibe: Think of this as the resort's general store and cafe. It’s a casual, pay-as-you-go spot that fills the gaps between meal times. This is a crucial tip, as the All-Inclusive plan only covers meals at specific times and offers only popcorn/peanuts at the bar in between.

What to Expect:

• Food & Drink: They serve made-to-order coffee (which is not available at the自助 bars), ice cream, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries.

• Retail: Need sunscreen? Forgot your chocolates? They sell souvenirs, snacks like Pringles and chocolate bars, and other essentials.

• The Gap-Filler: This is the place to go if you have a late flight, a long wait between lunch and dinner, or just a craving for a cappuccino.

The Cost:

• Price Examples: Guests have noted that it’s not cheap, which is expected for a resort shop.

  • A simple cup of coffee costs around $3.

  • A small bottle of sun cream can be as much as $50-$60 (a major reason to bring your own).

  • Snacks like crisps are $3-$5.

• The Pro-Tip: Use The Promenade for the occasional treat, but do your serious souvenir shopping at the airport in Male on your way home, where prices are often much lower.

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Conclusion: Planning Your OBLU Ailafushi Dining Budget

So, do you need to pay extra for food at OBLU Ailafushi? No. The Element X buffet is vast, fresh, and delicious, catering to all tastes (European, Asian, Indian, and Maldivian).

Should you pay extra? For most, the answer is a resounding yes for Only Blu.

To help you set clear expectations and budget accordingly, here’s a quick summary:

• Only Blu: Approx. $300–$320 per couple (incl. taxes). A non-negotiable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Copper Pot: Approx. $70–$100 per person (depending on menu). A great option for a special celebration or if you're craving surf and turf.

• The Promenade: Budget for a few $3 coffees or $5 snacks. Essential for caffeine fiends and between-meal hunger pangs.

• The Hidden Extra: Remember that 27% tax and service charge applies to all of the above.

By understanding these options and costs beforehand, you can enjoy the phenomenal included dining while savoring a few unforgettable premium experiences. Your only real dilemma will be choosing between another incredible curry at Element X or booking that table underwater.

Check Availability and Prices

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Related Stories:

• Best Underwater Restaurants in the Maldives
• The Ultimate Maldives Dining Guide