The OHLALA team experienced the charm of the Maldives during a recent stay at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. Heartfelt hospitality, the allure of beach villas, delightful dining venues and incredible experiences including dolphin watching transformed this idyllic island escape into a trip of a lifetime.
There is a special silence when the Maldives first comes into view. From above, the ocean shifts through shades of blue that seem almost unreal, while small green islands appear scattered across the water with theatrical precision.
Our destination was NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, set on the natural island of Fonimagoodhoo in Baa Atoll. Recently reimagined, the resort felt fresh and contemporary while allowing the island to remain the star. Tropical greenery, soft sand and crystal-clear lagoon waters framed our arrival, and check-in was handled with the calm efficiency every traveller dreams of.
A Room With a View and Then Some
Our Sunset Beach Villas with Pools quickly became our private retreats. They offered generous space, king-sized beds, living areas, espresso machines, Bluetooth speakers and bathrooms with separate tubs and rain showers. Best of all, sliding doors opened onto sundecks and plunge pools, beach and ocean just beyond. They were the sort of rooms where shoes were quickly forgotten and emails felt like somebody else’s problem.
The design balanced earthy textures, soft colours and natural materials, creating comfort without fuss. Although we stayed in this villa category, the resort also featured beach villas, two-bedroom family options, 30 overwater villas and the expansive Two-Bedroom Reethi Suite, giving couples, families and groups plenty of ways to experience the island. With 135 villas in total, the resort felt intimate rather than sprawling.
The wider property carried the same understated confidence. Villas either hugged the shoreline or sat within lush greenery, while thoughtful sustainability initiatives reflected a resort that respects its remarkable surroundings.
Settling Into Paradise and Some Dolphin Watching
Lunch at Jumla introduced us to the resort’s dining style. A delicious tuna curry made an immediate impression, while seasonal dishes, international favourites, Mediterranean flavours, Indian cuisine and Maldivian seafood reflected the breadth of the menu. It wasn’t long before breakfast there became part of our daily routine.
It was also where one of our many memorable service moments happened. On the first day, we ordered a coffee with several very specific instructions. When we returned on the third day for our next cup, the lady who had served us remembered every detail without us repeating it. No reminder. Just the correct coffee arriving with a smile. That tiny moment perfectly captured the attentive service we experienced throughout our stay.
Later, Dolphin Quest took us out across clear waters in search of the island’s most playful neighbours. They soon appeared beside the boat, gliding and leaping through the wake with the confidence of performers who knew exactly how good they were. Phones came out quickly, but before long we simply sat and watched the spectacle unfold.
An Appetite for Adventure
Dinner at Caravela became one of the defining moments of our stay. With just 12 seats, the resort’s intimate fine-dining restaurant immediately hinted at something rather special.
The evening unfolded as The Atlantic Voyage – a thoughtfully curated tasting menu inspired by the Age of Discovery. Each course celebrated the flavours and stories born from ancient trade routes and bold maritime exploration, transforming dinner into a culinary journey rather than simply a meal.
Impeccable silver service added another layer of refinement without ever feeling overly formal, while carefully selected grape pairings elevated the experience even further. Conversation frequently paused, first in admiration of each beautifully presented course and then again as everyone quietly savoured the flavours.
By the time dessert arrived, in the form of a beautifully prepared Olive Cake, we realised Caravela had achieved something quite special. It hadn’t simply served dinner; it had created one of those evenings that guests continue talking about long after they return home.
The Rhythm of the Island
The following morning began with breakfast at Jumla where, alongside an extensive international selection, we sampled Mas Huni, one of the Maldives’ most beloved traditional breakfast dishes. Combining tuna, freshly grated coconut, onion, lime and chilli, it was zesty, vibrant and offered a delicious glimpse into local cuisine.
Shortly after, we explored the calm lagoon by kayak and stand up paddleboard. From the water, the resort looked settled into the landscape, with villas tucked between palms and the shoreline curving gently behind them. It was active, but not aggressively so, which is exactly our preferred level of athleticism on a Maldivian island.
Lunch at Madumaithiri, the adults-only beach bar by the pool, suited the afternoon perfectly. Wood-fired pizzas, generous burgers, wraps and colourful salads made it a relaxed, sociable stop before the afternoon quietly disappeared. We had planned a short rest. The Maldives disagreed. Two hours vanished far too quickly.
That evening, Handhuvaru gave us a livelier change of scene. The mixology class introduced us to the resort’s special drink-themed concept, including a distinctive distilled beverage aged beneath the ocean. Guided by the resident expert, we learnt, tasted and attempted to mix our own drinks. Fortunately, enthusiasm counted for almost as much as technique.
Dinner at Kaiyo brought us another memorable evening of vibrant Asian flavours. Throughout the meal, we shared plates of sushi, bao buns, satay and spring rolls in the kind of relaxed atmosphere where laughter came easily, and no one wanted to be anywhere else.
Where Time Stood Still
By Sunday, the resort had worked its quiet magic. Breakfast at Jumla was followed by a treatment at REVIVE Spa & Wellness, a tranquil sanctuary surrounded by tropical greenery.
Our 60-minute massage drew on natural local remedies and was tailored with genuine care. Every treatment reflected the same thoughtful attention we experienced throughout the resort, leaving us lighter, calmer and slightly hesitant about returning to normal life.
After lunch at Jumla, the afternoon drifted by before we made o
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