“Vabbinfaru” in the local Divehi language means “ round island surrounded by coral reef”. The simplicity of the name embodies the philosophy of the hotel.
Those looking for an underwater spa or a swimming pool may be disappointed. The hotel did not see fit to build a swimming pool since the surrounding ocean is just perfect. Neither there are any TVs on the island: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is the place to escape from civilization.
Maldivian nature clearly upstages trendy gadgetry. One of the residents is a shy heron, and in the afternoon’s manta rays swim up to the beach, fed daily by the hotel staff. Banyan Tree runs a marine laboratory, where the team of a full-time biologists works on reef rebuilding and monitors turtle populations.
The staff here also runs a diving school—and snorkeling and diving around the reef of Vabbinfaru is great and even better around the sister island of Ihuru (home to Angsana resort), where guests can dive directly from the beach. The reef is very close and after just a few meters the sea bed collapses sharply down, revealing a fascinating depth.
Part of the island’s charm is that the hotel villas are round, with conical thatched roofs. Below, the room is simply decorated and comfortable, with a large canopied bed taking the center stage.
Bathrooms, generously equipped with top products by Banyan Tree Spa, follow the curvature of walls. From here a pair of doors opens onto a private garden and terrace with outdoor jacuzzi.
The terraces of a Beachfront Villas are connected to a walkway, leading to a private beach veranda (called “sala”), built on the beach.
Ilaafathi, the island’s only restaurant, serves delicious Maldivian food: with plenty of chilies, coconuts, citrus fruits, and fresh seafood. The menu is frequently changed, and a barbecue is often organized on the beach. Banyan Tree guests can also dine at the sister hotel Angsana Ihuru, a 5 minutes free boat ride from Vabbinfaru. For a very special dining experience, there is the romantic dinner for two, organized on a lonely island, not much larger than a sandy shallow.
For other bodily senses, there is a spa. The Banyan Tree brand has an established reputation amongst the spa lovers, and the spa on Vabbinfaru is one of the oldest and the best among all the Banyan hotels.
After a day of relaxation and swimming, the perfect place to say goodnights is the Naiboli Bar. Laptops are provided for those desperate for contact with civilization—and for everybody else there is… a telescope!
Check availability for Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia | Agoda | HotelsCombined or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Banyan Tree is perfect for romantic couples who are looking for simple luxury, away from civilization.
Beachfront Villas have a panoramic view of the ocean, but the Ocean Villas are more private. In both cases, the Deluxe before the name means slightly better decor and more modern bathrooms.
Categories: Banyan Tree, Barefoot luxury, Beach resorts, Eco travel, Honeymoon, Island resorts, Luxury resorts, Private villas, Quiet location, Relaxing vacation, Romantic, Rustic chic, Secluded location, Spa, Tropical vacation, Wedding hotels,
Number of rooms & suites: 48 villas
Rate per night: From $1100 USD
*The rate is only approximate and is based on our own independent research, at the time of writing. We cannot guarantee the rate in any way.
Check room rates and bookAuthor: Travel+Style. Last updated: 27/11/2019
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