Top 10 Best Ari Atoll Hotels with House Reef 2024

1 Nova Maldives

Best Experience: for Couples, groups, House Reef Snorkeling, All Inclusive

Nova is all about a fun, progressive, inclusive community formed by couples and groups of friends. Animators create a happening and communal atmosphere through activities and many live entertainment sessions. 76 land and ocean view Villas with private terraces, cosy furnishings and all the amenities you would require. There are multiple room types to choose from, including inter-connecting Beach Villas for families or groups of friends travelling together. From relaxing spa treatments to high tempo diving adventures, Nova offers a variety of activities for you to select from. Nova features a fantastic gym and outdoor training area, group fitness classes, and our spa focuses on treatments based on organic products.

One of the resort's star features is its location and natural proximity to the best dive- and snorkel- sites, as well as easy access to some of the most big populations of whale sharks and manta rays in the Maldives. A gorgeous house reef that located only 15 meters from the beach is close to any point on the island and is therefore ideal for snorkeling at any time and from any villa. The marine life is diverse and stunning, although corals have not yet grown so much, compared to many other islands in the South Ari Atoll. Expect to see the schools of snappers, soldier fish and batfish. The house reef is also home to mystical caves and overhangs. To explore the beauty of this underwater wonder, Vakarufalhi provides daily diving and night diving excursions. READ FULL REVIEW

2 Kandolhu Maldives

Best Experience:   Honeymoon, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving

Kandolhu Maldives guarantees even more than just your dreams of an unforgettable honeymoon in the Maldives. Soaked in romance, with an incredible house reef snorkeling, couples are bound to fall in love with this cozy island. Those who have heard of Kandholhu Island know that this is one of the best house reef in the Maldives. Only resorts in the country's southern atolls can compare or surpass. An additional draw is clean and soft sandy beaches, all around a small round island whose shape in Maldivian standards is a rarity. So snorkeling is the best you can find between your water villa, the beach and the many restaurants of this 5 * boutique hotel. Read Full Review

3 Kuramathi Maldives

Best Experience:  Couples, Family, Beach, Diving, House Reef Snorkeling

Strips of pristine beaches, world-class diving, fine dining and knockout spa, Kuramathi Maldives is rated one of the best hotels in the Maldives and with good reason. Kuramathi is one of the Maldives' most popular resorts and it's perfect if you're looking for variety alongside relaxation. Here, pathways weave through lush foliage, leading to the excellent facilities that are dotted around this large island. There are two oceanfront infinity pools plus a lagoon-style pool shaded by palm trees, and snorkelling on the stunning house reef is possible straight from the beach Read Full Review

4 Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Best Experience:   for Couples, Family holiday, House Reef Snorkeling & Diving, Value, All Inclusive

With one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, the great strengths of Vilamendhoo have always been snorkeling and diving, and affordable accommodation. After a major renovation it was re-opened as a luxury resort than ever. And it says a lot. With 184 rooms, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a luxury resort on a private island with a magnificent green and cozy landscape. The rooms are spacious and beautiful with furnishings from bright and playful to sober and chic. There are also Water Villas that grow from the pier at the western end. The resort boasts several swimming pools, restaurants, as well as sports fields, a spa (and much more) scattered throughout the island which is divided into the family and "adults only" areas. With a magnificent house reef and All Inclusive offering - ​​it's a romantic, quiet choice for families and couples alike.

If the western half of Vilamendhoo is strictly "adults only", the eastern half is given to those who travel with children, which in general make up 5% of the total number of guests. The resourt has a family swimming pool with a bar and a playground for children. An additional plus, the hotel goes further offering a family package, which makes Vilamendhoo more affordable experience - kids receive huge discounts for living together with parents, full board meals or "all-inclusive plus", and even a seaplane transfer. Read Full Review...

5 Mirihi Island Resort

Best Experience: for Honeymoon, Beach, Value, Diving, House Reef Snorkelling

Located on one of the smallest islands in the Maldives, Mirihi Island Resort offers 37 villas, and has its own and unique style with luxury and comfortable features that you can expect from any large 5-star resort. From a beach cinema, spa, free non-motorized water sports to a hypnotic house reef wreck diving, as well as a great selection of activities, excursions, and water sports on the island, there are many alternatives that can pull you out of bed or tear off a beach chaise longue. This tiny luxury boutique hotel with a relaxed atmosphere is ideal for couples and small groups looking for first-class food and a wide selection of wines, as well as excellent snorkeling, and a fantastic dive from more than 40 dive sites. Depending on the season, half-board and all-inclusive packages are available.  Read Full Review

6 Lily Beach Resort and Spa - All Inclusive

Best Experience:   for Couples, Families, House Reef Snorkeling, diving, All Inclusive

Today, Lily Beach Resort and Spa ranks among the leading resorts in the country with Premium All Inclusive, which was the result of an excellent redesign and reconstruction of the hotel. A 5-star resort, Lily Beach is a romantic place for a family and couples holidays with All Inclusive that includes food, drinks and various activities. Active guests can enjoy land and water sports, while couples have many romantic options and places to seclude. One of the best in the Maldives a house reef at Lily Beach offers you an excellent way to dive and snorkel right on your doorstep. The house reef is easily accessible, allowing you to easily swim and snorkel there during the day, as well as at night (night diving and night snorkeling with a guide is also on offer). Unique solid table-like corals, sea anemones, a lot of curious fish and macro creatures, where the clean turquoise lagoon is a breathtaking aquarium. READ FULL REVIEW

7 Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa

Best Experience: Couples, Family holiday, Over-Water Vollas, Spa, All Inclusive, swimming with whale sharks

Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is a perfect match for honeymooners, families and groups on incentives trips, and has a reputation for hosting renewal of vows on its idyllic sandy beach surrounded by lazy palms and sparkling azure waters. The hotel does not look like a typical Maldivian resort, but it works brilliantly. Today, Centara Grand competes on an equal footing with Lily Beach and slightly behind Constance Moofushi. The Centara has a variety of facilities awaits adults and younger guests, and the latter will enjoy a children’s pool and the Kids’ Club with supervised Camp Safari for the youngsters and E-Zone entertainment zone for those in their teens.

Set in the picturesque South Ari Atoll, this resort is celebrated by visitors of all ages for the vibrancy and health of its coral reef and diversity of sea life. The house reef can be reached by just a jump into the water and is a world of its own. Snorkeling will transfer you into an underwater paradise teeming with a variety of captivating creatures. From playful little clownfish to majestic nurse sharks, expect an amazing snorkeling experience with array of marine life. If you're lucky you might see eagle rays and sea turtles in their natural habitat. Guests staying in the luxurious overwater villas have direct access to this stunning ecosystem, making it a perfect destination for marine enthusiasts. READ FULL REVIEW

8 Veligandu Island Resort & Spa

Best Experience: for Couples, Beach, Value

With "adults only" policy, Veligandu, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and a long stretch of white sandy beach, is the only resort on the island of Veligandu in North Ari Atoll. The resort, which is accessible by a scenic 20-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, has 76 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas and 12 Jacuzzi Beach Villas. One of the oldest resorts in the Maldives, the fashionable (and expensive) Veligandu Island Resort and Spa is really doing well and doing everything to keep itself in modern and stylish form. The resort offers spacious villas with elegant decor, stuffed with mini bars, individual outdoor terraces (some with a jacuzzi), iPod systems and large flat-screen TVs; however, some of them are older than others, and some reflect visible age. There is also a lounge at the airport, delicious buffet, infinity swimming pools, a lot of activities on the land and in the water, exciting football tournaments between the hotel's staff, and a relaxing overwater spa. On the beautiful island you will find a medical clinic, a games room and 2 beach bars, one of which is open around the clock.  Read Full Review

9 Constance Moofushi Maldives - All Inclusive

Best Experience:  All Inclusive, Honeymoon, Beach, Diving

A fantastic island paradise surrounded by large turquoise lagoons and teasing white beaches, Constance Moofushi combines primitive simplicity with the highest standards of luxury and service. Opened in 2010 and since becoming a hit in the Maldives, Constance Moofushi is located in South Ari atoll - one of the best diving sites in the world with hypnotic marine life and a vibrant underwater world full of incredible colors. With the ubiquitous stamp of "wedding-honeymoon" in the Maldives, Constance Moofushi famous golden beaches, romantic villas and brilliant gastronomy. Generous prices all inclusive holiday mood and DJ music will push you to throw the purse into the sea and break your passport to never leave this place. Constance Moofushi Maldives is situated on the South Ari Atoll and is widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world. The Resort combines the Crusoe Chic Barefoot elegance of a deluxe resort with the highest standards of Constance Hotels and Resorts.  Read Full Review

10 Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

Best Experience:  couples, family, house reef snorkeling, Diving, Value

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is located in Ari Atoll and its house reef and proximity to some of the most beautiful dive sites in the Maldives is the greatest attraction. Acquired by a luxury brand from Sri Lanka, Cinnamon today has 112 rooms, of average price range, that's good for couples and families. On a beautiful island, there is complete cleanliness, and guests are served by a variety of facilities to choose from, including a spa, squash and tennis courts, a children's playground, a pool, and exciting excursions. New Water Villas are the brightest and most attractive rooms, but there are other categories of accommodation with good value, and avid divers and snorkel fans should not miss the chance to explore the famous Ellaidhoo's house reef. Ellaidhoo is accessible via seaplane or speedboat from the main Velana International Airport. It is a 25-minute journey by seaplane or a one and a half hour ride on the speedboat. Regardless of the season, the serene atmosphere of a beautiful island, a lot of greenery, and the rustic spirit of Ellaidhoo await you!   Read Full Review

11 W Maldives

Best Experience: for Honeymoon, Beach, Design, Fashion and Music, House Reef Snorkelling

In luxurious hotels mysteriously named "W", the Starwood group emphasizes a confident, young brand - oriented to design, fashion and music.  Located in the North Ari Atoll, W Maldives offers 77 escapes and suites located both ashore and overwater, including 28 Wonderful Beach Oasis, 46 Fabulous Overwater Oasis, three WOW Ocean Escape and one Extreme WOW Ocean Haven (the W brand’s interpretation of the Presidential Suite). Each chic and spacious escape features infinity plunge pool. There is a mixture of six bars and restaurants at W Maldives. Kitchen, the all-day dining bistro, and Fire, where guests have their choice of four different barbecues, provide menus for everyone’s palate. Swim up to the pool bar Wet and order a light lunch.

There is even a dining option on the resort’s private desert island, Gaathafushi, or Fish, the resort’s specialty seafood restaurant set over the water and under the stars. Fifteen Below is the only underground club in the Maldives, with its own resident DJ and a sushi bar Sushi Beat.

Guests can also spoil themselves with a selection of over 125 treatments at the award-winning overwater Away Spa. Read Full Review

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