Reethi Beach Resort

A Humbling and Unforgettable Stay at Reethi Beach – Paradise in Every Way My wife and I recently stayed at Reethi Beach Resort and chose it primarily for its renowned house reef and natural, unspoiled beauty. We were looking for an island that offered that authentic Maldivian feel—lush greenery, white sand beaches, and great snorkeling right off the beach. Although the resort is slightly dated, the abundance of glowing reviews and the number of repeat guests reassured me that we were making the right choice. And I’m so glad we did. It truly is paradise. The Island & House Reef The island itself is mature and simply stunning. The vegetation is lush and provides a real sense of seclusion and peace. One of the highlights for us was the house reef, which is recovering beautifully. There’s an absolute “fish soup” out there—thousands of fish of every color and shape. We snorkeled daily and were lucky enough to spot turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, and even a majestic manta ray gliding by. The reef is very accessible, with multiple entry points and calm water that makes for a relaxing snorkel experience. It’s one of the best we’ve seen. Accommodation We began our stay in one of the overwater villas, which was a wonderful experience—waking up above the lagoon, with direct access to the sea and those serene ocean views, was truly special. Midway through our holiday, a renovated Deluxe Beach Villa with a private pool became available, and we were kindly offered the opportunity to move. We gladly accepted, and the room was absolutely stunning. The villa was spacious, beautifully finished, and felt fresh and modern while still fitting the natural style of the island. The private pool was a real treat—perfect for a refreshing dip at any time of day, and a peaceful alternative to the sea. While the ocean was mostly calm and gentle, there were a few times when it became a little choppy for my wife, so having the private pool made all the difference. It was a lovely way to unwind and enjoy the surroundings in total privacy. Food & Dining We opted for the All-Inclusive Premium package, which gave us access to the à la carte restaurants. It was absolutely worth it. The food was consistently excellent, particularly the authentic Indian and Maldivian dishes. Every meal felt special, and the ingredients tasted fresh and vibrant. The service was equally exceptional—attentive without being intrusive. We also dined a couple of times at the main buffet restaurant, which had a good variety and quality for a buffet. Every dining experience felt relaxed, unrushed, and high quality. The Heart of the Island – The Staff What truly sets Reethi Beach apart, and what we will carry with us forever, is the people. The staff are the soul of this island. From the moment you arrive, you’re not just a guest—they make you feel like part of something greater. It’s their warmth, sincerity, and attention to detail that create the unforgettable memories you take home. Every smile, every conversation, every kind gesture adds something meaningful to the experience. It’s easy to be impressed by crystal-clear water and white sand, but it’s the staff who make you feel like you belong in paradise. Whether it’s the gardeners who stop to explain the local flora, the servers who remember your favorite drink, or the chefs who go the extra mile to prepare a special dish—these are the things you remember long after the holiday ends. Special mention must go to Reefa, whose service was simply outstanding—genuinely caring, attentive, and always with a smile. Amit and Mohammed were equally fantastic, and the gentleman from India who worked alongside Reefa—who’s been at the resort for over ten years—was another shining example of the dedication and heart that defines Reethi Beach. The Closing Party – A Privilege to Witness One of the most meaningful moments of our stay was being invited to the staff’s closing party. With the resort set to close for renovations, the event was a heartfelt celebration to thank the team for their dedication. It was hosted in the main bar and attended by both staff and guests—a simple but powerful act that demonstrated the deep respect the resort holds for its team. Some staff had worked on the island for over 27 years. That says everything. Watching them dance and be honoured for their years of service was incredibly moving. I believe including guests in this celebration sent a powerful message: that the staff are not just here to serve, but are recognised as truly special individuals who bring the island to life. It made us, as guests, feel honoured to celebrate them—to acknowledge that they are the heart and soul of Reethi Beach, and the reason the experience feels magical. During the event, management also shared proposed renovation plans. It was reassuring to see that while the resort will be updated and modernized, they are committed to preserving the natural, Maldivian character of the island. They emphasized that the mature, lush environment is what sets Reethi Beach apart from newer, more sterile resorts—and we couldn’t agree more. Final Thoughts Reethi Beach was everything we hoped for and more. Though the resort is now closed for renovation (which it was ready for), it in no way affected our holiday. In fact, it felt more intimate and personal than we could have imagined. We are already looking forward to returning once it reopens and can only hope the magic of the staff and the soul of the island remains just as it was. We look forward to returning after the renovation and staying in a beach villa with a pool.