Quick Overview
Nestled on the serene Fasmendhoo Island within the captivating Raa Atoll, the Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa stands as a testament to unparalleled luxury and the ultimate Maldivian escape. This exquisite 5-star maldives resort, a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, redefines the all-inclusive experience with its unique Deluxe All-Inclusive concept. Opened in 2019, it quickly established itself as a premier destination, offering guests a harmonious blend of natural beauty, sophisticated design, and impeccable service. Whether you dream of waking up to the gentle lapping of waves in an overwater villa or stepping directly onto soft, white sands from a beach villa, Emerald Maldives promises an unforgettable journey into paradise.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa |
| Atoll | Raa Atoll |
| Island | Fasmendhoo Island |
| Star Rating | 5-star Deluxe |
| Opened Year | 2019 |
| Total Villas | 120 (60 Beach, 60 Overwater) |
| Transfer Type | Seaplane |
| Transfer Time | 40 minutes from Malé International Airport |
| Price Range (per night) | Low Season: $1200-$1500 | High Season: $1800-$2200 (All-Inclusive approx. $1465) |
Location & Getting There
The Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa is strategically located on Fasmendhoo Island in the Raa Atoll, one of the most enchanting atolls in the Maldives archipelago. This particular atoll is celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and tranquil surroundings, offering a truly secluded paradise island resort maldives experience. The island itself spans 20 hectares of lush virgin land, surrounded by a magnificent 100-hectare crystal-blue lagoon and 1.5 km of soft, white sandy beach.
Accessing this slice of heaven is an adventure in itself. Your journey begins with an international flight to Malé International Airport (Velana International Airport). From there, guests are treated to a scenic 40-minute seaplane transfer directly to the resort. This iconic Maldivian experience offers breathtaking aerial views of countless atolls and turquoise waters, setting the tone for your luxurious stay. While the seaplane transfer is part of the allure, it's worth noting that luggage allowance is typically restricted to 20kg plus 5kg hand luggage per person, so packing light is advisable.
Accommodation
The Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa boasts 120 exquisitely designed villas, evenly split between 60 beach villas and 60 overwater villas, ensuring every guest finds their ideal sanctuary. Each villa is a masterpiece of contemporary Maldivian architecture, blending natural materials with sophisticated comforts and offering ample space and privacy.
Expect nothing less than pure indulgence within your villa. All accommodations feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flatscreen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and daily refreshed mini-bars stocked with selected wines, beers, soft drinks, and snacks. The bathrooms are particularly luxurious, often including a two-person bathtub, walk-in shower, and even an al fresco 'under the stars' shower. Thoughtful touches like L'Occitane products and a spacious walk-in closet enhance the feeling of opulence. Many villas also come with private pools, adding an extra layer of exclusivity.
- Beach Villas: Starting at 176m², these villas offer direct access to the pristine sands, often featuring a private garden and covered/open patios. Some also boast jetted tubs for an added touch of luxury. The Family Beach Villas with Pools provide ample space and privacy for those traveling with children.
- Overwater Villas: Perched above the turquoise lagoon, these villas provide direct access to the ocean and breathtaking panoramic views. Superior Water Villas with Pool offer a spacious bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet, lounge, patio, and a large private swimming pool. For the ultimate indulgence, the Presidential Water Villa, covering an impressive 640 square meters, is privately located at the end of the pier and features two large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a lounge.
In low season (around September), beach villas start from approximately $1200 per night, while overwater villas begin at $1500. During high season (around January), these prices typically rise to $1800 and $2200 respectively. However, the comprehensive Deluxe All-Inclusive plan often provides excellent value, covering a significant portion of your stay's costs. Check Prices→
Dining
One of the standout features of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, a leading maldives all inclusive resort, is its exceptional Deluxe All-Inclusive concept, which elevates the culinary experience far beyond typical resort offerings. This premium package includes gourmet dining across multiple restaurants, premium branded drinks, and an extensive wine list with sommeliers at every restaurant.
Guests can embark on a global gastronomic journey without ever leaving the island:
- Aqua Restaurant: The main buffet restaurant, Aqua, serves an international array of cuisines for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including Mediterranean, Japanese, Chinese, and Italian dishes. It's known for its huge selection and is particularly family-friendly. A highlight is the weekly Gala dinner on Thursdays, featuring delectable lobster and bluefin tuna.
- Beach Club Grill: Located directly on the beach, this restaurant is a favorite for its Mediterranean specialties, fresh fish, seafood, and meats cooked on a stone grill. It’s perfect for both lunch and dinner in a relaxed, barefoot setting.
- Amazònico Restaurant: Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Latin American cuisine at Amazònico, often praised for its appetizer buffet and grilled meats.
- Le Asiatique Restaurant: Offering a sophisticated Asian dining experience, Le Asiatique features a captivating Teppanyaki grill.
- Sunset Pool Café & Sunrise Café: These casual spots are ideal for light bites, refreshing drinks, and enjoying the stunning Maldivian views. The Sunset Pool Café also offers afternoon tea and pastries, along with small bites during happy hour.
The Deluxe All-Inclusive package ensures that your mini-bar is refilled daily with selected wines, beers, soft drinks, and snacks, and covers an unlimited selection of super-premium branded spirits, international beers, wines, and signature cocktails. This commitment to quality dining sets Emerald Maldives apart as one of the best resorts in Maldives for foodies.
Activities & Experiences
Beyond the luxurious accommodations and exquisite dining, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa offers an impressive array of activities and unique experiences to ensure every moment of your stay is filled with adventure or relaxation.
House Reef & Underwater Adventures
The resort boasts a truly exceptional and easily accessible house reef, teeming with vibrant marine life. Guests can enjoy complimentary guided group snorkeling excursions, allowing them to discover exotic fish, turtles, and even manta rays just steps from their villa. For certified divers or those looking to explore the underwater world, the PADI certified diving center offers lessons and excursions to nearby dive sites.
Spa & Wellness
The Emerald Spa is a sanctuary of tranquility, designed in a beautiful Balinese style. It features 10 air-conditioned bungalows for treatments, an Indonesian-style pool, a relaxation area with a Jacuzzi, sauna, and Turkish baths. Guests can indulge in a range of Balinese and Thai treatments, ensuring complete rejuvenation. The spa is centrally located and offers reasonable prices for its services.
Water Sports & Excursions
The Water Sports Centre offers a wide variety of activities. Complimentary non-motorized water sports such as Hobie Cats, kayaking, and windsurfing are included in the Deluxe All-Inclusive package. For thrill-seekers, motorized water sports like jet skis are available at an extra charge. The resort also organizes various boat excursions, allowing guests to explore the surrounding islands and enjoy activities like fishing.
Fitness & Recreation
Stay active at the state-of-the-art Gym & Sports Centre, equipped with Technogym facilities. The resort also features tennis courts (one convertible into a soccer field) and paddle courts. Guests can partake in yoga and reflexology sessions to maintain their well-being. For indoor entertainment, a variety of games are available.
Unique Emerald Touches
- Personal Villa Hosts: Each villa is assigned a personal host or butler, ensuring a tailored and seamless experience throughout your stay. Reviewers consistently praise the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff and villa hosts.
- Bicycles for All: Every villa comes with complimentary bicycles, a charming and eco-friendly way to explore the expansive island and its beautiful jetties.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Emerald Maldives is committed to sustainability, utilizing natural materials in its design, employing solar panels for hot water, practicing water reuse, and minimizing single-use plastics.
- Dolphin Kids Club: Families will appreciate the extensive Dolphin Kids Club, a 1,500m² facility with its own kids' restaurant, pool, and indoor and outdoor play areas. One child under 14 often enjoys complimentary meals and activities.
- Nightly Entertainment: Evenings come alive with various entertainment options, including live music, DJ performances, and traditional Maldivian dance performances.
Who Is This Resort Best For?
The Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa truly caters to a diverse range of travelers, solidifying its reputation as a versatile maldives resort.
- Honeymooners & Couples: With its luxurious and private villas, romantic dining options, serene spa, and breathtaking sunsets, it's an idyllic setting for intimate getaways and celebrating love. The resort's focus on exceptional service and privacy makes it a dream destination for couples.
- Families: Despite its luxury appeal, Emerald Maldives is incredibly family-friendly. The spacious villas, dedicated Dolphin Kids Club (one of the largest in the Maldives), children's pool, and wide range of activities ensure that younger guests are just as entertained as adults. The complimentary meals and activities for one child under 14 add significant value for families.
- Divers & Snorkelers: The easily accessible, vibrant house reef and PADI diving center make this an excellent choice for underwater enthusiasts. The abundant marine life promises incredible snorkeling and diving experiences.
- Luxury Seekers & Foodies: Those who appreciate premium service, gourmet dining with a deluxe all-inclusive plan featuring high-quality brands and diverse cuisines will find Emerald Maldives to be a perfect fit. Being a member of The Leading Hotels of the World speaks volumes about its commitment to luxury.
- Eco-Conscious Travelers: Guests who value sustainability will appreciate the resort's eco-friendly design and practices.
While it offers a comprehensive all-inclusive package, budget travelers might find the initial price point higher than some other options. However, for those seeking a truly premium and hassle-free maldives all inclusive resorts experience, the value provided is exceptional.
Pros & Cons
Based on extensive research and recent guest reviews, here's an honest assessment of the Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa:
Pros:
- Outstanding Deluxe All-Inclusive Concept: Consistently praised for its quality, variety of premium brands, gourmet dining across four restaurants, and included sommeliers.
- Exceptional Service & Staff: Guests frequently highlight the friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism of the staff and personal villa hosts.
- Stunning Location & Design: Beautiful, clean, and well-maintained island with spacious beaches and thoughtfully designed villas that offer privacy.
- Vibrant House Reef: Easily accessible and teeming with marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The extensive Dolphin Kids Club, children's pool, and activities make it ideal for families.
- Unique Features: Complimentary bicycles, eco-friendly practices, and personalized butler service enhance the guest experience.
- Spacious & Well-Appointed Villas: Villas are large, private, and feature luxurious amenities including outdoor showers and often private pools.
Cons:
- Seaplane Transfer Restrictions: The 20kg luggage allowance for seaplane transfers can be restrictive for some travelers.
- Cost: While offering excellent value for a luxury all-inclusive, the initial price point can be high, particularly during peak season.
- Spa Treatments are Extra: While spa facilities like the sauna and jacuzzi are often accessible, specific treatments and massages incur additional charges.
- Limited Main Restaurant Access: One review mentioned not having access to the main restaurant every night as a minor challenge, implying reservations might be needed for specialty restaurants.
Pricing & Value
Investing in a stay at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa means investing in a truly luxurious and hassle-free maldives resort experience. Pricing varies significantly by season and villa type:
- Low Season (e.g., September): Beach villas can start around $1200 per night, with overwater villas beginning at $1500. September is often cited as the cheapest month to stay, with an average 36% drop in price.
- High Season (e.g., January): Expect prices to rise, with beach villas starting from $1800 and overwater villas from $2200. January is typically the most expensive month, with an average 36% rise in price.
The resort's Deluxe All-Inclusive package, averaging around $1465 per night, offers exceptional value. It covers not just meals and drinks (including premium brands and an extensive wine list), but also many activities like non-motorized water sports and guided snorkeling. Considering the quality of dining, the luxurious accommodations, the personalized service, and the breadth of included activities, the Emerald Maldives delivers a high return on investment for a luxury maldives all inclusive resorts vacation. While the upfront cost may seem substantial, the comprehensive nature of the all-inclusive plan means fewer unexpected expenses during your stay, allowing for complete relaxation and enjoyment.
Best Time to Book: To secure the best rates, especially for the popular overwater villas, it's advisable to book well in advance, particularly if traveling during peak season (December to March). For more budget-conscious travelers, consider the shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November) or the low season for potential savings.
The Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa truly embodies the dream of a paradise resort maldives, offering a blend of natural elegance, sustainable luxury, and an all-encompassing experience that leaves guests raving about their stay. Read guest reviews★ best time to visit the Maldives
