W Maldives

W Maldives: A Personal Journey into the Reimagined Icon. It all started at Malé Airport, where I was met by Aisha and Cindy, who greeted me with the biggest, warmest smiles. exactly what you need after a long flight. They whisked me through to the seaplane check-in area and had even organised a luxury car to take me across to the seaplane terminal. Little touches like this really make all the difference. Before my flight, they took me to a shared business class lounge where I could freshen up and relax. the lounge had a great selection of hot and cold food and drinks, but honestly, my favourite part was the balcony. There’s nothing quite like watching the seaplanes take off and land for me, that's when the magic of a Maldives journey really begins. Aisha personally checked me in for my stay at W Maldives, meaning that when I arrived at the island, I could head straight to my villa. So smooth, so effortless. exactly what you want. Before boarding the seaplane, I was given a beautiful handwoven fan. such a thoughtful touch, and so practical too, especially with the lack of air-conditioning on the seaplanes. It’s little details like this that stay with you. I managed to snag the front seat on the seaplane which is definitely the best seat in the house for those jaw-dropping views.

Location

The 25-minute flight to W Maldives is genuinely breathtaking: endless shades of turquoise, private islands sprinkled across the ocean like jewels. it’s the kind of journey that feels just as special as the destination its self and I NEVER get bored, I have thousands of aerial shots on my iPhone. Now, arriving at any island in the Maldives is always exciting and emotional for me. but this arrival was something different. The entire W team were out on the deck, ready to welcome some of the very first guests since the island's reopening. You could feel the buzz in the air, the pride, the excitement. For me, it was even more personal: this was my third time arriving at W Maldives. first when it originally opened in 2006, then again just before it closed for refurbishment in 2024. If you've seen my Instagram highlights, you’ll know I was literally jumping for joy to be back.

INSTAGRAM STORY

Accommodation

After such a warm welcome back, it was the perfect moment to take it all in. W Maldives is back, and it’s better than ever. The resort has recently undergone a complete transformation, closing its doors for a full year to reimagine every part of the island. The energy is still the same. but now it feels more elevated, more connected to the incredible natural beauty that surrounds it. There are 77 villas, either over water or nestled into the soft white sands, all redesigned with a fresh, earthy palette. The overwater villas take their inspiration from the Maldives most iconic creature. the whale shark. with subtle, shimmering details that catch the light as you move through the space. Beach villas, like the one I was about to call home for the next few days, draw from the island’s lush mangroves and tropical gardens, creating a true barefoot luxury feeling. Beyond the villas, the entire dining scene has been reimagined, with bold new concepts at the heart of the experience. There’s also a new focus on sustainability, with a biogas plant turning food waste into energy, and an in-house herb and fruit garden underway. a nod to a more conscious style of luxury. This new era of W Maldives somehow feels even more "W" than ever before. playful, vibrant, but now wrapped up in a deeper sense of place. It’s still the island that invites you to let go and live a little louder. just with an extra layer of soul.

Escape Beach Villa: My Tropical Hideaway

After the introduction to the team, I was whisked away to my villa. For the first three nights, I was staying in an Escape Beach Villa. and honestly, it completely stole my heart. There’s something so grounding about being on the beach, surrounded by lush greenery with the ocean just steps away. The villa itself is beautifully reimagined: neutral, earthy tones that feel sophisticated but still relaxed, seamlessly blending indoor luxury with outdoor barefoot living. I loved how the design now really connects you to the natural world around you. from the outdoor daybed perfect for lazy afternoons, to the private pool that’s just the right size for a refreshing dip whenever you feel like it. You can genuinely lose hours here. whether it’s relaxing on your deck listening to the waves, or strolling straight out onto the soft white sands for a sunrise swim. Staying in a beach villa feels completely different to being overwater. and that’s why I always suggest a split stay if you can. It gives you two totally different perspectives on island life, and makes the whole experience even more unforgettable.

Superior Overwater Villa: Living the Dream

After three unforgettable nights in my beach villa, it was time for a change of perspective. and honestly, I couldn't have been more excited to move into my Superior Overwater Villa for the second half of my stay. There’s just something so magical about waking up over water. the soft sound of the ocean below, the endless horizon stretching out in front of you, and that incredible feeling of total freedom. The newly reimagined overwater villas at W Maldives are absolutely stunning. Inspired by the patterns of the whale shark, the interiors are beautifully textured and light, with soft blues, silvers, and sandy neutrals that shimmer as the sun moves through the villa. The deck was where I spent most of my time. with a private plunge pool, oversized loungers, and steps that led straight down into the clearest, bluest lagoon you can imagine. Whether it was morning swims, sunset dips, or just lying back and watching the colours shift in the sky, every moment felt effortless and special. Inside, the villa was just as dreamy. A beautiful king-sized bed perfectly framed the ocean views, and the open-plan layout made the whole space feel light, airy, and deeply connected to the outside world. I loved all the thoughtful touches too. from the stylish bar setup for evening cocktails, to the Bose sound system, and the gorgeous freestanding bathtub that looked straight out over the lagoon. It’s the kind of villa where you find yourself slowing down naturally. taking time to really be in the moment.

Dining

During my stay, I had the chance to experience some of the reimagined dining concepts across the island. and honestly, they completely exceeded my expectations. One of my favourites was FISH, the overwater seafood restaurant, where every dish feels inspired by the ocean itself. I loved how fresh and simple everything was. the daily catch, cooked to perfection, with the most magical views across the southern side of the island.

FIRE brought a completely different energy. a beachside, open-flame barbecue under the stars. It’s rustic and theatrical in the best way: think smoky, whiskey-wood grilled steaks, slow-cooked short ribs, and that unmistakable feeling of your toes in the sand while you dine. SIP was the place to be at sunset. Set overwater with uninterrupted lagoon views, it offered breathtaking sunsets, a vibrant Peruvian atmosphere, inventive cocktails, and fresh Nikkei bites. Each night, I loved unwinding there before dinner. the chill-out music setting the perfect vibe as the sky turned every shade of gold and pink. It became my favourite ritual. the ultimate pre-dinner moment of calm and beauty. KITCHEN offered an amazing all-day dining experience. perfect for those casual moments when you just want a relaxed breakfast or a colourful lunch.

And if you find yourself by the pool at WET, definitely grab a flame-fired pizza or one of their stacked sandwiches. ideal for lazy island afternoons.

The Spa

On my first day, I booked in for a Jet Lag Massage at the AWAY Spa, and I couldn’t recommend it more. Perched right over the reef, the spa is surrounded by vibrant marine life. the kind of setting where even before your treatment starts, you already feel lighter. The massage itself was just what I needed. relaxing but reviving, and the perfect way to start my stay. There’s something really special about being pampered while watching parrotfish and baby reef sharks swimming below. It’s pure Maldives. and pure bliss.

Staying

One of the things I love most about W Maldives is that you can completely switch off or dive headfirst into adventure. and I definitely did a bit of both. One evening, I joined the traditional Maldivian handline night fishing trip, and honestly, it was such a fun, unexpected highlight. Using age-old techniques. just a simple line and bait. we fished under the stars, and yes, I caught one! There was something so grounding about the whole experience, and such a lovely connection to the local culture.

Then came something a bit more heart-racing: a nurse shark snorkelling trip. I jumped into crystal-clear waters surrounded by around 50 nurse sharks. totally surreal, and surprisingly calming once you’re in it. They're gentle giants, and being so close to them in the wild was something I’ll never forget. I also went out on a manta ray excursion. this time I only saw two gliding gracefully beneath us, but it was still special. I’ve done this trip before and seen huge gatherings, so it's one of those things that always feels magical, even if it’s a quieter day. If you’re into watersports, the island has a full menu of options. from jet skiing and paddleboarding to catamaran sailing, parasailing, and more. Whether you’re after a bit of adrenaline or a gentle cruise around the lagoon, the W’s team has it covered. You could genuinely do something different every day.

Snorkelling

One of the absolute highlights of my stay was the snorkelling. W Maldives boasts a house reef that's often hailed as one of the best in the Maldives. Just steps from the shore, the reef is teeming with marine life, making it incredibly accessible and inviting for daily exploration. Each day, I ventured out on my own, feeling completely safe and immersed in the underwater world. The proximity of the reef to the beach meant spontaneous snorkelling sessions were a breeze. Over the course of my stay, I was fortunate to encounter seven friendly turtles and numerous reef sharks, all amidst a backdrop of vibrant coral formations and colourful fish. The reef’s health and biodiversity are truly remarkable. it’s no surprise W Maldives remains my favourite island for snorkelling. Every swim felt like stepping into a real-life aquarium.

A Final Night to Remember: W PRESENTS on Gaathafushi

My last night at W Maldives was something really special. the kind of experience that sums up exactly what this resort does so well: balancing total tranquillity with unforgettable energy. The island was buzzing with excitement for W PRESENTS, a one-night-only event held not on the main island, but on Gaathafushi. W’s private castaway island just across the water. I loved that the party took place there. It meant those who wanted to dance the night away could do exactly that, while the main island stayed calm, quiet, and restful for anyone craving an early night or a final moonlit swim. Gaathafushi was transformed into an immersive soundscape, headlined by Pretty Girl, an Australian-born electronic artist whose set pulsed beautifully into the ocean air. Michelin-starred Chef Yoshizumi Nagaya crafted a spread of inventive bites inspired by SIP’s Nikkei flavours, while Marco Dongi, their guest mixologist for the night, elevated the whole experience with cocktails that were as artistic as they were bold. It was playful, stylish, a little surreal. and it somehow felt entirely fitting as a send-off after a week of barefoot luxury, nature, and pure joy. 

Final Word - W Maldives

"W Maldives is one of those rare places that truly has it all. design, dining, privacy, vibrancy, and that deep connection to nature that makes the Maldives so magical. Whether I was snorkelling with turtles, watching the reef from the spa, dancing under the stars on a private island, or just taking in the view from my villa. every moment here felt like it was exactly where I was meant to be. Having visited W when it first opened, then again just before it closed for renovation, I wasn’t sure what to expect this time around. But the reimagined W Maldives blew me away. It’s grown up, evolved, and embraced a more grounded sense of luxury. all while keeping that signature spark that’s made it one of my all-time favourite islands. And yes… I’m already dreaming about my next return."

If you feel inspired to visit or have more questions about picking the perfect resort, contact me and I'll help curate your ideal trip. Book with me

Jane

PS - I can't wait to return, I might just see you there, if so, say hi! 

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