Milaidhoo Maldives, a family-owned luxury resort in Baa Atoll, offers a unique blend of sustainability, local culture, and personalised service. Nestled in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort features stunning villas, eco-friendly initiatives, and authentic Maldivian experiences.

By Roma Arora

It’s easy to be captivated by Instagram-worthy pictures, but discovering a true gem that surpasses expectations is rare. Nestled in the pristine beauty of the Indian Ocean, Milaidhoo is one such treasure. If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives in 2025, this is the place to experience the true essence of the islands—offering unmatched hospitality, authentic local cuisine, warm-hearted people, Maldivian-inspired décor, and so much more.

As the first Maldivian family-owned luxury resort, Milaidhoo embodies its heritage through every aspect of its philosophy and guest experience. This unique ownership allows for thoughtful, personal touches that create a deep connection to Maldivian culture and traditions.

Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo, gives interesting insights about this family-owned resort which is located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. He highlights: “Milaidhoo is deeply committed to preserving the natural beauty of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We dedicate ourselves to marine conservation, focusing on coral restoration, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable fishing practices. Guests are encouraged to participate in eco-friendly activities, such as guided snorkelling tours on the house reef and coral planting, which not only enhance the guest experience but also contribute to the long-term health of the local marine ecosystem, which is crucial for a destination like the Maldives. The resort also has a no-waste policy and prioritises sustainable sourcing of materials and products to minimise its environmental footprint.”

Paul van Frank, General Manager of Milaidhoo

Milaidhoo is the epitome of island dream living. The resort has many breathtaking villas, including the Beach Pool Villa, Beach Residence, Water Pool Villa, and the pinnacle of luxury—the exquisite Ocean Residence. To truly appreciate its grandeur, one must experience the Ocean Residence firsthand, with its unparalleled class, comfort, spaciousness, and top-notch amenities. True to its name, the Ocean Residence feels like it’s in the heart of the ocean. This stunning 564sqm overwater retreat, located at the end of the lagoon jetty, is perfect for up to six guests. It boasts, a spacious living room, a sunset-facing deck with an infinity pool, a private gym, and a yoga lounge. The villa has two en-suite bedrooms and opens to endless sea views, with a spacious living room and a sunset-facing deck featuring an infinity pool, comfy lounge seating, and a dining area perfect for family feasts. Upstairs, there’s a private gym and a yoga lounge. The dedicated butler ensures every need is taken care of, leaving you feeling completely pampered.

This villa is perfect for big families or groups of friends, making it the ideal spot to celebrate any special occasion. Milaidhoo makes sure you feel extra special with gorgeous room decorations and delicious food. Perks of staying in the new Ocean Residence include having your own chef, a private half-day excursion on a luxury boat, a private outdoor movie night on the deck, snorkelling gear, and so much more. It’s truly a magical place where everyone ensures your trip feels like a dream come true.

The two-bedroom Ocean Residence is great for extended families or groups of friends looking to connect and embrace the value of meaningful time spent together.

Paul sheds light on the design of the resort, emphasising the seamless integration of modern luxury with the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives, “Milaidhoo’s design is a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and traditional Maldivian aesthetics, imagined by celebrated local architect Mohamed Shafeeq in collaboration with our visionary founder, Dr. Maniku. The resort’s architecture incorporates natural materials such as wood, stone, and bamboo, inspired by the local island culture, while the interiors feature elegant, minimalist design with touches of Maldivian craftsmanship. The villas, overwater and on land, embrace open-air living and stunning views of the turquoise ocean, allowing guests to feel connected to nature. Every detail, from the locally crafted furniture made exclusively for us to our local art collection, ensures a luxurious yet authentic Maldivian experience.”

What’s even more exciting is that Milaidhoo places a strong emphasis on sustainability, ensuring every initiative is thoughtfully implemented. The resort takes its environmental responsibility seriously, striving for eco-friendly practices at every level. Paul explains: “Milaidhoo’s sustainability efforts are built on a foundation of responsible tourism. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through a comprehensive approach that includes waste reduction and the use of eco-friendly materials. Milaidhoo also supports local artisans, reducing its carbon footprint by sourcing produce, crafts, and products from nearby islands. In addition, we run a variety of environmental initiatives, such as a coral restoration project and a waste-to-energy program, contributing to our recognition with the Gold 2024 Sustainability Award.”

Renewable energy is a key element of Milaidhoo’s sustainability strategy. “Being in a fragile environment such as the Maldives, we are conscious of our daily practices. Water conservation is also a priority, with desalination plants and recycling initiatives in place. To further reduce ecological footprint, we continually explore new technologies and initiatives, such as the use of more sustainable materials and expanding our renewable energy infrastructure to have the least impact on the ecosystem,” comments Paul.

Ocean Restaurant is a perfect spot to start your day with a delicious breakfast or enjoy a relaxing meal in a truly picturesque setting.

The dining options at Milaidhoo are absolutely amazing, and you’re definitely going to find something you love. At Shoreline Grill, indulge in freshly caught seafood and expertly prepared meats, served in a serene beachside setting or within the elegant interiors with views of the show kitchens. For a more interactive dining experience, the chef’s teppanyaki table delivers a thrilling combination of sizzling flavours and an engaging cooking display.

The Teppanyaki experience is a must-try, where skilled chefs cook fresh ingredients right before your eyes.

Ocean Restaurant, on the other hand, offers the perfect start to your day with a tropical breakfast served on a beautiful oceanfront deck, making every bite an unforgettable moment.

For a laid-back experience, the Compass Pool Bar is ideal. Enjoy the stunning infinity pool with sweeping ocean views while sipping on refreshing cocktails or fresh juices. When hunger strikes, indulge in a variety of light bites like fresh salads, gourmet pizzas, and bento boxes.

And don’t miss Ba’theli Lounge & Restaurant—it’s a truly unique experience! It’s a floating restaurant that serves dishes inspired by the Maldivian Spice Route. Dine under the stars or inside the boat, all while enjoying food crafted from local ingredients. Clearly, each spot has its own vibe!

In short, dining is a core part of Milaidhoo’s experience. Paul shares: “Milaidhoo offers a remarkable culinary journey through its diverse dining options, inspired by the Maldivian islands and the ancient Spice Route. Our signature restaurant, Ba’theli by the Reef, offers a unique Maldivian fine dining experience on a traditional boat-shaped structure. The other outlets, all with ocean views, provides a vibrant fusion of Maldivian flavours and premium international cuisine, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood. We grow our own organic produce at the Chef’s Garden, allowing us to serve farm-to-table dishes while reducing the carbon footprint associated with food imports.”

Ba’theli is the only restaurant in the world set on a boat in a lagoon.

There’s an endless list of activities to enjoy on the island. Paul says: “Guests can enjoy world-class snorkelling just steps away from their villa and diving in the lively coral reefs of Baa Atoll, indulge in luxury spa treatments in the over-water Spa, or engage in cultural experiences like traditional Maldivian cooking classes and craft workshops. The resort also offers a range of non-motorised water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing, as well as romantic private dining experiences, sunset cruises on traditional “dhoni” and sleeping under the stars. For nature lovers, marine conservation programmes led by our resident marine biologist are also available.”

After you’ve enjoyed all the activities, the next step is to unwind at the spa. For a truly calming experience, make your way to the Serenity Spa, where relaxation reaches new heights. Immerse yourself in a peaceful escape with stunning views of the sky and ocean. The spa offers a holistic menu that blends the benefits of botanicals with traditional healing practices from Africa, featuring locally sourced herbs and plants. You can also enjoy complimentary daily yoga or meditation sessions at the over-water pavilion.”

It’s interesting to notice that Milaidhoo balances the integration of technology with maintaining the natural, laid-back island experience which they are proud of. While offering cutting-edge amenities such as smart rooms and seamless connectivity, the resort places a strong emphasis on preserving the peaceful ambiance of the island for which it is renowned.

The Serenity Spa at Milaidhoo Maldives offers a peaceful sanctuary, where guests can relax and rejuvenate amidst stunning ocean views.

How does a busy resort, with guests from around the world year-round, create memorable experiences for its visitors? Paul answers with pride: “Milaidhoo moments are the testament to the personalisation of service in every aspect of the guest experience. Each guest is assigned a dedicated Island Host (butler), who caters to their specific needs, ensuring a seamless and smooth stay. From arranging bespoke private dining experiences to tailored activities such as snorkelling with the manta rays and whale sharks or private beach picnics on our exclusive sandbank, the resort team, known as the Milaidhoo Family, go above and beyond to make each moment special. Milaidhoo’s intimate setting, with only 50 villas and residences, allows for this personal attention, creating unforgettable memories for guests who feel that Milaidhoo is a place where they belong. In addition, the management at Milaidhoo is dedicated to building genuine, professional connections with each guest, ensuring that each individual’s preferences are thoughtfully catered to.”

In essence, Milaidhoo Maldives is more than just a luxury getaway—it’s a celebration of Maldivian culture, sustainability, and unforgettable memories. The hospitality at Milaidhoo Maldives is incredible. The staff goes out of their way to make you feel at home, taking care of every little detail. For anyone seeking a truly unique and meaningful Maldivian experience, Milaidhoo stands as a rare gem that goes beyond expectations.

The interiors of the Ocean Residence at Milaidhoo Maldives exude elegance and luxury.