Quick Overview
Summer Island Maldives stands as a testament to the archipelago’s allure, offering a serene and beautiful escape that perfectly blends comfort with the raw beauty of nature. As a true paradise island resort Maldives, it promises an idyllic getaway for those seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply a breathtaking backdrop for their vacation memories.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Summer Island Maldives |
| Location | Ziyaaraiyfushi Island, North Malé Atoll |
| Star Rating | 4 Stars |
| Opened Year | 2015 |
| Total Villas | 156 |
| Transfer Type | Speedboat |
| Transfer Time | 45 minutes from Velana International Airport (Malé) |
| Price Range (Per Night) | From $350 (low season beach villa) to $1300 (high season overwater villa) |
| All-Inclusive Option | Available (approx. $750 per night) |
Location & Getting There
Summer Island Maldives is strategically located on Ziyaaraiyfushi Island within the prestigious North Malé Atoll. This atoll is renowned for its vibrant marine life, crystal-clear lagoons, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Maldives. The beauty of the North Malé Atoll lies in its accessibility and its quintessential Maldivian scenery, making it a popular choice for both first-time visitors and seasoned Maldives enthusiasts.
Your journey to this island paradise begins upon arrival at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. International flights from major hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and Colombo regularly connect here, making the Maldives surprisingly accessible from around the globe. From Malé, your transfer to Summer Island Maldives is a seamless and scenic 45-minute speedboat ride. This efficient transfer not only gets you to your destination quickly but also offers your first glimpse of the mesmerizing Maldivian seascape, with its countless shades of blue and scattered emerald islands.
The speedboat transfer is included in most packages, and while there isn't a direct "cost" consideration outside your booking, the efficiency means you'll be dipping your toes in the sand shortly after landing. The relatively short transfer time is a significant advantage, especially for those who prefer to minimize travel after a long flight, allowing you to begin your relaxation almost immediately upon arrival.
Accommodation
Summer Island Maldives boasts 156 beautifully appointed villas, designed to cater to a range of preferences and budgets, all while maintaining a consistent standard of comfort and style. The resort offers both enchanting beach villas, nestled amongst lush tropical foliage, and breathtaking overwater villas, perched directly above the turquoise lagoon. Each accommodation type offers a unique way to experience this paradise island resort Maldives.
Villa Types and What to Expect:
- Beach Villas: Starting from approximately $350 per night in low season and $650 in high season, these villas offer direct access to the soft sandy beach. Many guests praise the partially open-air bathrooms, a unique feature that allows you to shower under the stars or the warm Maldivian sun, adding an adventurous yet private touch to your stay. They are perfect for those who love to feel the sand between their toes just steps from their door.
- Overwater Villas: For an iconic Maldivian experience, the overwater villas are a dream come true, with prices ranging from $900 in low season to $1300 in high season. These villas offer unparalleled privacy and direct access to the lagoon from your private deck. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves and stepping straight into the warm ocean for a morning swim. Guests consistently highlight the stunning ocean views from these villas as a major draw.
- The Summer House: For the ultimate indulgence, The Summer House is a two-story beach suite that truly sets Summer Island Maldives apart. Featuring a private pool, it offers an exclusive and luxurious retreat for discerning travelers seeking an elevated experience.
Regardless of your choice, all rooms (except the Water Villas) feature those distinctive partially open-air bathrooms, providing a refreshing connection to nature. Expect modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, and a serene ambiance designed for ultimate relaxation. The resort is praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free stay.
Dining
Culinary delights await at Summer Island Maldives, with a diverse array of dining options designed to tantalize every palate. The resort prides itself on offering a range of experiences, from casual buffet dining to exquisite overwater à la carte meals, ensuring that every meal is a memorable part of your island getaway.
Restaurant Overview:
- Samuga Restaurant: This is the main restaurant, offering an extensive international buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a vibrant spot where guests can enjoy a variety of global cuisines in a relaxed setting. The quality of food here is frequently praised in guest reviews.
- Hiya Overwater Restaurant: For a more intimate and upscale experience, Hiya is an overwater restaurant offering breathtaking views and a sophisticated menu. Dining here under the stars, with the gentle sounds of the ocean below, is an experience not to be missed.
- Avi (à la carte): Avi provides an à la carte dining experience, perfect for those seeking specific culinary preferences or a special romantic dinner. The menu here is crafted to offer gourmet options with impeccable service.
- Nevi Bar: Ideal for light bites, snacks, and afternoon tea, Nevi Bar is a laid-back spot to relax and refuel throughout the day.
- Baraveli: Another fantastic bar option, perfect for enjoying refreshing cocktails and beverages while soaking in the tropical ambiance.
Meal Plans Available:
Summer Island Maldives offers various meal plans to suit different preferences. While bed and breakfast is an option, many guests opt for half board, full board, or the comprehensive all-inclusive package. The all-inclusive plan, priced around $750 per night, is often highlighted as offering excellent value, covering meals, snacks, and a selection of beverages, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the resort experience without worrying about extra costs.
Activities & Experiences
Life at Summer Island Maldives is anything but dull, with a rich tapestry of activities and experiences designed to cater to every interest. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or simply seeking serene relaxation, this paradise island resort Maldives has something special in store for you.
House Reef and Diving/Snorkeling:
The resort boasts a magnificent house reef and a large, crystal-clear lagoon that is truly a diver's and snorkeler's dream. Guests consistently rave about the amazing reefs surrounding the island, teeming with vibrant marine life. The clarity of the water makes for excellent visibility, allowing for incredible snorkeling right off the beach or your overwater villa. For certified divers, the on-site dive center offers excursions to numerous dive sites, exploring colorful coral gardens, encountering reef sharks, turtles, and a dazzling array of tropical fish. Even beginners can take discovery dives or get certified, opening up a whole new underwater world.
Spa and Wellness:
Indulge your senses at the resort's exquisite over-water spa, a highlight for many visitors. This tranquil sanctuary features five treatment rooms, including dedicated 'Adam and Eve' rooms perfect for couples seeking a shared relaxation experience. Beyond traditional massages, the spa offers a range of Ayurvedic therapies, a lounge area for pre- or post-treatment relaxation, and unique steam and ice rooms. It's the perfect place to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul amidst the serene backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
Water Sports and Excursions:
The opportunities for aquatic adventure are endless. The water sports center offers a wide range of activities including catamaran sailing, kayaking (including unique 'glass' kayaks for underwater viewing), paddle boarding, fun tube rides, banana boating, windsurfing, and more. For those looking to explore beyond the immediate vicinity of the island, a variety of daily and weekly excursions are available:
- Sunset Fishing & Sunset Cruise: Experience the magic of a Maldivian sunset from the water.
- Island Hopping & Sand Bank Picnic: Discover neighboring islands and enjoy a secluded picnic on a pristine sandbank.
- Group Beach Barbecue: A delightful evening under the stars with freshly grilled seafood and local delicacies.
- Male' Visit & Submarine Dive: Explore the bustling capital or embark on a unique underwater adventure in a submarine.
- Night Fishing & Trolling Fishing: For the avid angler, these offer exciting opportunities to reel in a catch.
Unique Experiences Specific to This Resort:
Summer Island Maldives prides itself on being a Maldivian-owned and managed 'barefoot' resort, fostering a truly authentic and relaxed atmosphere. This ethos is evident in its design and service, providing a genuine sense of place. The presence of an over-water spa, restaurant, and bar enhances the unique Maldivian overwater living experience. Guests can also enjoy the infinity pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary sports like table tennis, beach volleyball, badminton, and billiards. Evenings come alive with live music and magic shows, adding a touch of entertainment to your tropical nights.
Who Is This Resort Best For?
Summer Island Maldives, with its blend of natural beauty, thoughtful amenities, and authentic charm, caters to a diverse range of travelers. It’s a destination that truly offers something for everyone, making it a versatile choice among Maldives island resorts.
- Honeymooners & Couples: The peaceful, quiet atmosphere, stunning overwater villas with ocean views, and the romantic over-water spa and dining options make it an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic getaway or celebrating a honeymoon. The 'Adam and Eve' rooms in the spa are a particular draw for those looking for shared relaxation.
- Families (with older children): While it has a kids' club, the resort's main appeal leans more towards relaxation and water activities. Families with older children who can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and various water sports will find plenty to do. The spacious beach villas can also accommodate families comfortably.
- Divers & Snorkelers: The amazing house reef and crystal-clear lagoon are a huge draw for underwater enthusiasts. The excellent visibility and abundant marine life make it a prime location for exploring the Maldivian underwater world, from beginner snorkelers to experienced divers.
- Budget-Conscious Luxury Seekers: As a 4-star resort, Summer Island Maldives offers a fantastic balance of luxury experiences without the ultra-high price tag of some 5-star properties. Guests consistently rate it as good value for money, especially considering the quality of accommodations, food, and services. The all-inclusive option further enhances its value proposition.
- Relaxation Seekers: Those looking for a peaceful and tranquil escape will find Summer Island Maldives to be the perfect sanctuary. The emphasis on a 'barefoot' concept and the serene environment are ideal for unwinding and disconnecting from the stresses of daily life.
This resort might be less ideal for families with very young children who require extensive, dedicated kids' programming, as the focus is more on natural exploration and water activities. However, for those seeking a beautiful, well-maintained, and authentically Maldivian paradise island resort Maldives experience, Summer Island is an outstanding choice.
Pros & Cons
Based on extensive guest feedback and the resort's offerings, here’s an honest assessment of the pros and cons of choosing Summer Island Maldives for your next vacation.
Pros:
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Guests consistently praise the breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear ocean, and amazing nature surrounding the island. The beautiful ocean views from water villas are a particular highlight.
- Excellent Value for Money: For a Maldives island resort, Summer Island offers a high-quality experience at a more accessible price point than many luxury counterparts. The all-inclusive option is frequently cited as providing great value.
- Attentive and Friendly Staff: The service is consistently rated as wonderful, with staff being attentive, helpful, and contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.
- Delicious Food: The food, especially the buffet at Samuga Restaurant, receives high praise for its variety and quality.
- Peaceful & Quiet Atmosphere: Ideal for relaxation, the resort offers a serene environment, making it perfect for couples and those seeking tranquility.
- Unique Accommodation Features: The partially open-air bathrooms (in most rooms) and the exclusive Summer House suite add distinctive charm and luxury.
- Fantastic House Reef & Water Activities: Excellent for snorkeling and diving, with a wide range of water sports and excursions available.
- Beautiful Overwater Spa: A standout feature offering unique treatments and a serene setting.
- Maldivian-Owned & Managed: Provides an authentic 'barefoot' resort experience with a genuine local touch.
Cons:
- Limited Entertainment Options: While there is live music and magic shows, those seeking a very lively or party-centric atmosphere might find the entertainment options more subdued compared to some larger resorts.
- Speedboat Transfer Only: While efficient, some travelers prefer the scenic seaplane transfer offered by other resorts, especially for longer distances.
- Kids' Club May Be Less Extensive: While available, the kids' club might not be as comprehensive or activity-rich as those found in resorts specifically geared towards families with very young children.
- Distance from Malé: At 45 minutes by speedboat, it's not the closest resort to the airport, though still very accessible.
Pricing & Value
Understanding the pricing structure of Summer Island Maldives helps in planning your dream vacation and recognizing the exceptional value this paradise island resort Maldives offers.
Price Ranges by Season (Per Night):
- Low Season (typically May - November):
- Beach Villas: Approximately $350
- Overwater Villas: Approximately $900
- High Season (typically December - April, with peak during festive periods):
- Beach Villas: Approximately $650
- Overwater Villas: Approximately $1300
- All-Inclusive Package: Around $750 per night (this price can vary based on room type and season, but this provides a good average for comparison).
Value Assessment:
Summer Island Maldives consistently receives high marks for its value for money. For a 4-star resort in the Maldives, its pricing is highly competitive, especially when considering the quality of its accommodations, dining, and the extensive array of activities and services provided. The all-inclusive option is particularly noteworthy, allowing guests to enjoy their stay without worrying about additional expenses for meals and drinks, which can quickly add up in the Maldives.
Compared to some of its competitors like Embudu Village review">Embudu Village or Adaaran Club Rannalhi review">Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Summer Island Maldives often provides a more modern aesthetic and a slightly more upscale experience, particularly with its overwater spa and unique villa features, while still maintaining an attractive price point. When contrasted with a luxury resort like Conrad Maldives Rangali Island review">Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Summer Island offers a significantly more affordable entry into the Maldivian paradise, making it an excellent choice for those who desire a beautiful and comfortable experience without the ultra-premium price tag.
Best Time to Book:
To secure the best rates, especially for high season travel, it is advisable to book several months in advance. For those with flexibility, traveling during the shoulder months (late April/early May and late October/early November) can offer a sweet spot of good weather and slightly lower prices. The low season (May to November) presents the best opportunity for significant savings, and while there might be a higher chance of rain, showers are often brief, and the resort remains beautiful and enjoyable.
Summer Island Maldives truly delivers on its promise of a memorable Maldivian escape. Its blend of stunning natural beauty, comfortable accommodations, diverse dining, and a wealth of activities, all delivered with genuine Maldivian hospitality, firmly establishes it as a top choice for anyone seeking a quintessential paradise island resort Maldives experience. Check Prices→ and Read guest reviews★ to start planning your unforgettable journey to this tropical haven.