Spread over two immaculately kept islands, Niyama Private Islands Maldives offers a fresh take on the Maldives. Covering 2.4 kilometres of pure unadulterated bliss, the two islands are connected by a wooden bridge and are known as 'Play' and 'Chill', allowing guests to choose their own rhythm.
'Chill' is for the romantics and relaxation lovers, while 'Play' has a more energetic, family feel. For travellers looking for kid-friendly properties, Niyama is a fantastic choice. In partnership with Scott Dun childcare, the onsite Explorers Kids Club, catering for children ages from 1-12 years, is set deep in the forest of Play Island and will immerse and captive young ones with fun and games, safaris, dolphin scouting, wildlife exploration and more.
Both islands boast lush natural landscaping: four acres full of banana leaf trees, banyan trees, screw pines and colourful tropical hibiscus. The entire resort exudes a sublime barefoot-in-paradise feel and guests are encouraged to explore the islands – and its mesmerising beaches – on foot, by bike or even by buggy. As dusk falls, eco-friendly biodiesel flame torches light the pathways, enhancing the enchanted atmosphere of this delightful paradise.
Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation, with 134 Villas, Suites and Pavilions dotting both islands and extending over the stunning lagoon. Each villa promises a secluded deck that offers pure privacy to luxuriate in al fresco rain showers, moonlit dips, or an intimate afternoon basking in the sun, as well as personalised bikes for guests to cycle the island to the gym, tennis court, badminton court and football pitch, or to find space for morning yoga.
Luxurious interiors are hewn from the land with bamboo (or marble) floors, thatched roofs made from dried coconut palm leaves, and furniture fashioned from reclaimed wood. Tropical outdoor bathrooms are as spacious as the bedrooms, with outdoor rain showers and huge ceramic bathtubs perfectly positioned for guests to bathe under the stars.
Each villa’s personal thakuru (butler) can arrange everything from private boat trips, scuba diving, jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, to snorkelling trips for the chance of spotting sea turtles, octopus, and reef sharks.
Niyama is a brilliant surfing destination too, both for beginners or professionals. The resort has one-on-one lessons available and is proud of its private wave, VODI, which is exclusive to Niyama guests. Transfers to other waves in the Thaa and Laamu atolls or to other parts of Maldives, are also available upon request.
With ten dining destinations and five bars to experience, guests of Niyama are not likely to go hungry. The resort is home to occasional Michelin Starred dinners, a delightful tree house restaurant, Nest, and the world’s first underwater playground Subsix, all of which allow guests to enhance their stay with surreal gastronomic experiences.
African-accented Tribal restaurant channels 'modern campsite dining', with a fire pit, torches, sandy floor, jungle canopy and barbecue offering tasty grilled meat and seafood. Casual all-day eatery Epicure offers breakfasts and bountiful buffets, with ever-changing cuisine themes, from Spice Route to Maldivian Mas Bazaar. A five-minute speedboat ride away, Edge is the resort's flashy fine-diner. Nest sits amid the treetops, where guests can enjoy a teppenyaki experience, and on the Play island, Blu serves up family meals.
