Royal Island Resort and Spa: Our Unforgettable Experience in Baa Atoll
Dreaming of a tropical paradise where turquoise waters meet white sandy beaches and every moment feels like a postcard? Welcome to Royal Island Resort & Spa, a stunning escape located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In this guide, we’ll share our personal experience at this incredible resort, from how to get there and the best beaches to must-try activities, dining options and practical tips to make your stay unforgettable.
If you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a solo adventure, this guide will help you make the most of your time at Royal Island Resort and Spa.
How to Reach Royal Island Resort & Spa from Malé
Arriving at Royal Island Maldives Resort was incredibly smooth and well-organized. As soon as we landed at Malé International Airport ( Velana International Airport), we easily found the Villa Resorts counter, where a friendly staff member welcomed us. Here’s how the journey went:
- Domestic Flight: We were guided to the domestic terminal for a 40 minute regional flight to Dharavandhoo Airport. The waiting time depends on your arrival time, and the flight itself was confortable.
- Speedboat transfer: From Dharavandhoo island, we took a 10 minute speedboat ride to the resort, enjoying breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
- Hassle-Free Luggage Management: Our luggage was managed by the resort staff and delivered directly to our room.
- Warm Welcome: On arrival, we were greeted with a refreshing welcome cocktail and introduced to our personal host, who was available via Whatsapp for any assistance during our stay.
Island Overview
Royal Island is situated on Horubadhoo Island, measuring approximately 800m in length and 220m in width. The island’s compact size allows guests to explore its lush tropical vegetation and pristine beaches on foot, fostering sense of tranquillity and connection with nature. The absence of bicycles and golf carts enhances the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
How Long to Stay at Royal Island Resort and Spa
If you want to fully enjoy this tropical paradise, I recommend:
- 7 Nights: Perfect for a complete experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy all the activities without feeling rushed.
- 5 Nights: Ideal if you plan to combine your stay with another Maldivian island.
Keep in mind that your arrival and departure days are mostly for travel, so a week ensures you get the most out of your holiday.
Accommodation Options
The resort features 152 Beach front Villas, each offering direct access to the white sandy beaches and stunning views of the turquoise lagoon. Accommodation options include:
- Beach Villas: Spacious rooms with traditional Maldivian design, with beach view.
- Beach Pool Villas: Recently renovated villas featuring private pools and jacuzzis. (This is what we booked)
- Sunset Beach Villas: Ideal for guests who wish to enjoy breathtaking sunset views from there private verandas.
Each villa is equipped with modern amenities, including Air conditioning, TV and Wi-fi. Housekeeping services are provide twice daily, ensuring a clean and confortable environment throughout your stay.
Connectivity and Services
Complimentary Wi-fi is available throughout the resort, including guest villas, reception areas and Restaurants. While connectivity maybe limited on the beach, this offers an excellent opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. For guests requiring constant connectivity, purchasing a local SIM card or E-SIM Card is advisable.
The Best Beaches at Royal Island Resort and Spa
Our two favorite beaches were:
- Sunset Beach: Located on the west side, this beach is perfect for sunset walks.
- Beachfront of the Pool Villas: Located on the south east side of the island. tranquil and ideal to swim.
Marine Life and Snorkeling: The stunning Lagoon and House Reef
The island is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling. The artificial reef not only protects the island from strong waves but also attracts a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, reef sharks and rays. The calm, shallow lagoon is ideal for families and beginner snorkelers. It’s recommended to wear shoes to protect your feet from coral fragments and marine creatures.
Exciting Activities and Water Sports
Contrary to what some may think, the Maldives is not just about relaxing. At Royal Island, there’s so much to do:
Water Sports:
- Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Windsurfing
- Sea Bob and Water skiing
- Fun Tube, Kneeboarding and Wakeboarding
- Canoeing, Paddle and Pedal Boat
Sports on Land and free of charge:
- Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball and Football
- Table Tennis, Billiards…
Dinning at Royal Island Resort and Spa
We opted for the Full Board option, which included breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Maakanaa Restaurant (buffet style). We loved the wide variety, international cuisine, vegetarian and halal options and the Live cooking station, freshly prepared!
Royal Island offers a diverse culinary experience through its various dining venues:
- Maakanaa Restaurant: The main buffet-style restaurant serving international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Raabondhi Restaurant: An à la carte seafood restaurant located on the beach, offering freshly caught seafood and grilled meats in a relaxed setting.
- Boli Bar: Open 24 hours, this beach bar serves a wide selection of beverages, including cocktails and freshly brewed coffee.
- Pool Bar: A swim-up bar offering refreshing drinks and light snacks throughout the day.
- Fun pub: An indoor venue featuring live music, karaoke and a dance floor for evening entertainment.
Health and Safety
Royal Island is equipped with an on-site medical clinic staffed by a qualified doctor to handle any emergencies. While the Maldives is free from malaria, it’s recommended to use insect repellent, especially during the rainy season when mosquitoes are more active. Travelers should also consider obtaining international travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical expenses.
Our itinerary at Royal Island Resort: A Perfect Family Escape
To help you plan your dream vacation at Royal Island Resort, here’s a detailed look at our personal itinerary. The schedule offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and unforgettable experiences, making it ideal for families, couples or solo travelers.
Day 1 : Arrival and Check-in
We arrived at Mahé in the afternoon, where we were warmly welcomed by the resort staff with a refreshing drink. Our luggage was handled seamlessly and we settled into our beautiful Beach Pool Villa, complete with a private pool and direct beach access, the perfect start to our Maldives adventure.
Day 2: Floating Breakfast and Dolphin Safari
We began our day with a magical floating breakfast in our private pool. There’s nothing like starting your day with delicious food while in your private pool. Our tip? Schedule it at 08:00 AM to enjoy the shade before the sun gets too high.
Later in the day, we embarked on a private sunset dolphin safari, choosing a traditional Maldivian boat for a more authentic experience. The boat’s rooftop seating was a highlight, offering panoramic views of the ocean. Although we didn’t spot dolphins this time (wildlife is never guaranteed), we were rewarded with a breathtaking sunset, making the experience unforgettable.
Day 3: Water Sports and Spa Day
We loved sharing these moments with our son, who was thrilled with his first sea tubing experience. The Maldives is not just for honeymooners, It’s a fantastic destination for family fun too.
In the afternoon, we booked a relaxing espace at Araamu Spa, a lush jungle-like spa. We opted for the Shirodhara Treatment, a soothing Ayurvedic therapy involving a warm herbal oil pour over the forehead, combined with scalp massage and body. Our son even enjoyed a kid-friendly massage and a coconut yogurt body scrub, prepared fresh on the island.
Day 4: Snorkeling Adventure and Romantic Beach Dinner
We explored the island’s incredible 360° house reef with a guided snorkeling tour. It was our son’s first time snorkeling and he was mesmerized by the colorful fish, stringray and sharks. The house reef is easily accessible directly from the beach, making it perfect for beginners.
Then for the sunset, we booked a candlelit dinner on the beach, set up by the resort’s à la carte restaurant. The sound of the waves and the starry sky made it a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Day 5: Check-Out and Departure
The resort staff made our departure smooth and stress-free, ensuring our bags were transfered and that our departure transfer was perfectly organized. We are on our way to the sister island of Royal Island called Villa Park at Sun Island.
