A sleek, all-pool-villa resort on Huruelhi Island in the South Ari Marine Protected Area — where whale shark encounters are almost daily and every one of the 128 villas comes with its own infinity pool.
5-Star Luxury Seaplane 30 min Whale Shark Zone Family Friendly
Atoll
South Ari (Alifu Dhaalu)
Villas
128
Transfer
Seaplane / Flight
Transfer Cost
~$990 pp RT
Packages From
From $3,599
Meal Plans
HB / AI / AI Premium
From $3,599 / couple
Save $3,700 per coupleSAVE 51%From $3,599
Get a Personalised Quote
More inclusions than direct
Opened2020
Radisson Blu sits in the sweet spot — a genuine 5-star all-pool resort in one of the Maldives' best marine locations, at a price point well below the ultra-luxury tier. The South Ari Marine Protected Area delivers near-daily whale shark encounters, while the heart-shaped overwater layout and Crusoe's private island add distinctive character you won't find elsewhere.
147 new reviews in the past 6 months across Google, TripAdvisor & Booking.com. Average rating 4.4 / 5 from 4,300 total reviews.
+10% review volume vs. prior 6 months
8
Awards since 2020
Best Luxury Hotel in Maldives
Luxury Lifestyle Awards '23
Luxury Island Resort
World Luxury Hotel Awards '24
Best Hotel Architecture
International Property Awards '20
Travellers' Choice
TripAdvisor '24
Multiple Award Winner
Luxury Lifestyle Awards '22
How It Compares
Radisson Blu vs. the Field
Where this resort sits across the dimensions that matter most when choosing a Maldives property.
BudgetUltra-Luxury
Adaaran Club
LUX* South Ari
Soneva Fushi
Radisson Blu
LivelySecluded
Kuredu
Lily Beach
Kudadoo
Radisson Blu
Easy AccessRemote
Gili Lankanfushi
Anantara Kihavah
Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Radisson Blu
CouplesFamily
Komandoo
W Maldives
Siyam World
Radisson Blu
BoutiqueLarge Resort
Makunudu (36)
Coco Bodu Hithi (100)
Meeru Island (286)
Radisson Blu (128)
Poor ReefExceptional
Finolhu
Vilamendhoo
Radisson Blu
Radisson Blu
Reference resorts
Accommodation
Choose Your Villa
Every single villa at Radisson Blu has a private infinity pool — no exceptions. The layout ranges from 215 sqm one-bedroom villas to the 790 sqm Presidential Overwater Residence with its own gym, spa room, and glass-floor living area. Beach villas are tucked into vegetation; overwater villas fan out in the resort's signature heart shape.
BeachAll pool
Beach Villas
From
$650
215–410 sqm ·2.7× larger than avg
Beach Villa with Pool & Sunset View215 sqmPool$650
Two Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool370 sqmPool$1,800
Three Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool410 sqmPool$2,400
OverwaterAll pool
Overwater Villas
From
$520
220–350 sqm ·77% larger than avg
Overwater Villa with Pool & Lagoon View220 sqmPool$520
Overwater Villa with Pool & Sunrise View220 sqmPool$580
Overwater Villa with Pool & Sunset View220 sqmPool$680
Three Bedroom Overwater Villa with Pool & Lagoon View350 sqmPool$2,200
Three Bedroom Overwater Villa with Pool & Sunset View350 sqmPool$2,400
FamilyAll pool
Family Villas
From
$1,600
355 sqm ·30% larger than avg
Family Villa Two Bedroom with Pool & Sunset View355 sqmPool$1,600
Family Villa Three Bedroom with Pool & Garden View355 sqmPool$2,100
SignatureAll pool
Presidential Suite
From
$5,500
790 sqm ·26% larger than avg
Presidential Overwater Villa with Pool790 sqmPool$5,500
Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.
Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates.
Dining
6 Restaurants & 1 Bar
Four distinct restaurants span international buffet to Japanese omakase and Mediterranean grill, plus a private-island bar and wine cellar. The all-inclusive covers all venues with a $40 credit per meal at speciality restaurants.
Raha
International
The resort's overwater main restaurant with live cooking stations, themed dinner buffets, and panoramic lagoon views from an open-air terrace. Themes rotate through Maldivian, Indian, and Mexican nights.
SettingOverwater · Main restaurant
Our tipRequest the terrace table at sunset for the best views
Kabuki
Japanese
Elegant Japanese dining with an omakase set menu prepared by specialist chefs. Beverages curated from Japan and beyond. The intimate setting and multi-course format make it the resort's most refined experience.
SettingIndoor · Reservation required
Our tipBook early in your stay — limited seats fill fast
Alifaan
Mediterranean
Mediterranean-inspired grill with an open show kitchen, fresh seafood, and flame-grilled dishes. The beachside setting under the stars complements the bold, simple flavours. Reservation required.
SettingShow kitchen · Beachfront
Our tipTry the grilled lobster — it is the standout dish
Crusoe's Beach Bar
Seafood
A Robinson Crusoe-inspired bar on its own private islet, connected to the main island. Two levels of seating overlooking the beach, with a Tuesday night lobster BBQ. The adults-only zone also houses the overwater spa.
SettingPrivate island · Adults only
Our tipTuesday lobster BBQ is the weekly highlight
Mahurab Bar & Lounge
Cocktails
An overwater cocktail lounge perched above the lagoon, where handcrafted signature drinks and premium spirits are served against a backdrop of Indian Ocean sunsets. The open-air terrace and ambient lighting make it the resort's go-to evening venue for sundowners and late-night conversation.
SettingOverwater terrace
Our tipArrive before sunset to secure a front-row lagoon seat
The Lab
Wine Cellar
A temperature-controlled wine cellar and intimate tasting room featuring a curated collection of Old and New World wines. Guided tastings are paired with artisan cheeses and charcuterie, making it the resort's most refined pre- or post-dinner experience.
SettingWine cellar · Tasting room
Our tipBook the guided tasting — the sommelier pairing is worth it
Eats & Beats
Pizza & Grill
A laid-back poolside venue serving wood-fired pizzas, flame-grilled burgers, and fresh salads from an open kitchen. Regular DJ sets and live music sessions bring energy to the pool deck, making it the social hub for daytime bites and evening entertainment.
SettingPoolside
Our tipThe wood-fired margherita is the best casual meal on island
Meal Plans
Dining Inclusions
The current promotion upgrades half board to classic all-inclusive for free — making the AI effectively included in most bookings. Premium AI adds champagne, wine cellar tastings, and a dolphin cruise.
Plan
Restaurants
Alcohol
Minibar
~pp/day
Half Board
Raha (B+D)
—
—
Included
All-Inclusive
All 4 + $40 credit
House
Daily
Free upgrade
AI Premium
All 4 + $40 credit
Premium
Daily
+$120
Half BoardIncluded
Raha (B+D)
Alcohol —Minibar —
All-InclusiveFree upgrade
All 4 + $40 credit
Alcohol HouseMinibar Daily
AI Premium+$120 pp/day
All 4 + $40 credit
Alcohol PremiumMinibar Daily
Experiences & Activities
Your Days on the Island
South Ari Atoll is the main draw — near-daily whale shark sightings, a Marine Protected Area on the doorstep, and a PADI 5-star dive centre. On land, a private adults-only island, overwater yoga, and a full water sports fleet round things out.
Water Sports & Diving
PADI 5-star dive centre managed by Ocean Maldives. Complimentary non-motorised sports.
PADI 5-star dive centreAll levels · night dives · wreck dive at MV Kudhima
Snorkeling from house reefComplimentary equipment · reef accessible from shore
Guided snorkeling excursionsIncluding night snorkeling trips
PADI BubblemakerPool diving intro for kids aged 8–9
Marine Protected Area on your doorstep. Huruelhi sits inside the South Ari Marine Protected Area. The house reef is home to reef sharks, turtles, and tropical fish, while the channel just off the island regularly draws eagle rays and grey reef sharks.
Excursions & Cruises
Whale shark tours are the signature excursion. Dolphin cruises and island hopping bookable daily.
Whale shark snorkeling tour$200 pp · near-daily sightings in South Ari year-round
Sunset dolphin cruiseSpinner dolphins frequent South Ari waters
Manta Point snorkel trip20 min from resort · Nov–Apr peak season
Local island hopping
Luxury yacht cruisePrivate charter available
Night fishing
Big game fishing
Whale sharks year-round. South Ari Atoll is the only place on Earth with a year-round resident population of whale sharks. The resort runs dedicated snorkeling tours three to four times per week with near-daily sighting rates during peak season.
Spa & Wellness
Overwater Blu Spa on Crusoe's Island. Yoga pavilion over the lagoon.
Blu Spa — 6 overwater treatment rooms2 with private Jacuzzis · ocean views from every room
Couples massage & treatments
Overwater yoga pavilionDaily sessions · private classes available
24-hour fitness centreFull cardio and weights
Sauna & steam room
Sports & Recreation
Tennis, beach volleyball, and a games room. Bikes available.
Tennis courtsFloodlit for evening play
Beach volleyball
Games room & billiards
Crusoe's IslandAdults-only private island with pool bar
Swimming pool with pool bar
Kids & Family
Kohko Kids Club for ages 4–11. Under-12s stay and dine free.
PADI BubblemakerSupervised pool diving for kids 8–9
Family beach & overwater villas2 and 3 bedroom options up to 410 sqm
Kids dining menu at Raha
Family & Kids
Family-Friendly Features
Radisson Blu welcomes families with children under 12 staying and dining free. The Kohko Kids Club runs daily programmes for ages 4-11, while older kids can try PADI Bubblemaker pool diving from age 8. Family villas in two and three bedroom configurations span up to 410 sqm, all with private pools. The shallow lagoon and whale shark excursions make it one of the best family marine experiences in the Maldives.
Family Villa Two Bedroom with PoolThree Bedroom Beach Villa with Pool
Snorkeling & Marine Life
House Reef & Underwater
7.2
Very Good House Reef
Lux Atolls Reef Score · top 40% of Maldives resorts
Shore entry · Accessible from beach and overwater villas
Marine Protected Area · Whale sharks year-round · Manta Point 20 min away
The house reef is decent for a resort of this tier — accessible from shore with healthy coral and good fish diversity. But the real marine draw is what lies beyond: the South Ari Marine Protected Area offers some of the best whale shark and manta encounters anywhere in the Maldives.
Regularly spotted here (+10)
Reef Sharks
Blacktip & grey reef — common at Huruelhi Channel
Sea Turtles
Hawksbill & green — regular house reef visitors
Stingrays
Spotted from overwater villas and while snorkeling
Tropical Reef Fish
50+ species reported — parrotfish, butterflyfish, clownfish
Octopus
Night snorkeling excursions and reef edge
Dolphins
Spinner dolphins — frequent on sunset cruises
Whale Sharks
Year-round in South Ari — near-daily sightings on excursions
Manta Rays
Manta Point 20 min away — Nov to Apr peak season
Eagle Rays
Frequent at Huruelhi Channel dive site
Napoleon Wrasse
Spotted at Huruelhi Channel and Thashi Thila
PADI dive center on-site. Night snorkeling available. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.
Getting There
Transfer from Malé
Radisson Blu is 105 km from Velana International Airport — close enough for a quick 30-minute seaplane but also reachable by domestic flight plus speedboat for a lower-cost alternative.
Option 1 — Fastest
Seaplane (TMA)
Direct from Malé · ~30 min · Daylight only
~$990 pp roundtrip
Option 2 — Budget
Domestic Flight + Speedboat
Malé → Maamigili (20 min) + boat (15 min)
~$600 pp roundtrip
Seaplane operates daylight only (9am–3pm). Arrivals after 3:30pm need overnight in Malé or Hulhumalé. Currently 50% off seaplane for stays of 3+ nights.
Resort island map — Radisson Blu Resort Maldives
Our Take
Who This Resort is For
Radisson Blu delivers a compelling package: every villa gets a pool, the South Ari location provides world-class marine encounters, and the current free all-inclusive upgrade makes it genuinely good value for a five-star resort. The heart-shaped overwater layout and private adults-only island give it more character than most chain properties. If whale sharks, family-friendly luxury, and all-pool villas matter more to you than ultra-premium finishes, this is one of the best mid-luxury options in the Maldives.
Ideal for
Whale shark enthusiasts — South Ari is the only year-round whale shark aggregation site globally, with dedicated excursions three to four times weekly and near-daily sighting rates
Families wanting all-pool villas — every one of the 128 villas has a private infinity pool, with two and three bedroom options up to 410 sqm for larger groups
Couples seeking value luxury — five-star all-pool-villa resort with free AI upgrade and a private adults-only island, at 30–40% less than ultra-luxury neighbours
Divers — PADI 5-star centre with the MV Kudhima wreck, Huruelhi Channel shark dives, and Manta Point all within 20 minutes of the resort
Consider elsewhere if
Budget travellers — despite being mid-tier for the Maldives, seaplane transfers at $990 pp and villa rates from $520 per night still add up quickly
Snorkelers wanting a top-tier house reef — the house reef is good but not exceptional compared to dedicated snorkeling resorts in the same atoll like Vilamendhoo
Those wanting boutique intimacy — 128 villas is a mid-to-large resort, and the pool and beach areas can feel busy during peak season
Party seekers — this is a relaxed family and couples resort with no late-night venues, no DJ nights, and limited nightlife
Season & Pricing Guide
Dec 20 – Jan 5Peak · Highest rates
Jan 6 – Apr 15High · +30–50%
Oct 1 – Dec 19Shoulder · +10–20%
Apr 16 – Sep 30Low · Best value
Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability.
Why Book Through Lux Atolls
More Inclusions, More Maldives
What you get booking with us vs. going direct or through an OTA
Book with Lux Atolls
Best rate guarantee — avg. 11% below OTAs
Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Welcome bottle of champagne on arrival
One complimentary 60-min couples spa treatment
Early check-in / late checkout (subject to availability)
Personal trip advisor — villa matching, transfers, meal plan guidance
Direct resort relationship — we resolve issues in real time
Book Through Others
Standard rack rate
Room type as booked — no upgrades
No welcome amenities
No spa inclusions
Standard check-in/out times
Generic customer support
No direct resort contact
Frequently Asked Questions
Radisson Blu Resort Maldives — FAQ
How do you get to Radisson Blu Resort Maldives?
Two options: a 30-minute seaplane from Malé (~$990 pp RT), or a 20-minute domestic flight to Maamigili Airport plus a 15-minute speedboat. Located 105 km from Velana International Airport in South Ari Atoll. Currently 50% off seaplane for stays of 3+ nights.
Can you swim with whale sharks at Radisson Blu Maldives?
Yes — the resort is in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, the only year-round whale shark aggregation site globally. Dedicated snorkeling excursions run 3-4 times weekly at $200 per person with near-daily sighting rates during peak season.
Do all villas at Radisson Blu Maldives have private pools?
Yes — every single one of the 128 villas has a private infinity pool, from the 220 sqm one-bedroom overwater villas to the 790 sqm Presidential Overwater Villa. There are no non-pool categories.
Is Radisson Blu Maldives good for families?
Yes. Children under 12 stay and dine free. Kohko Kids Club runs daily for ages 4-11. Family villas come in 2 and 3 bedroom configurations up to 410 sqm. PADI Bubblemaker introduces kids aged 8-9 to diving in the pool.
Packages From
From $3,599 / couple
Overwater Pool Villa · HB included · Transfers extra
Quote Request Sent
We'll reply within 4 hours with a personalised itinerary and exact pricing.
Lux Partner Rate
Save $3,700 per couple
5 nights in an Overwater Pool Villa Lagoon View with breakfast and dinner daily. Free AI upgrade available. Upgrade to Beach Villa from $5,739. Seaplane transfers ~$990 pp extra.
