Niyama is a superb luxury five star resort in my favourite Maldives. It’s unique selling points are very spacious villas, plentiful dining options, a lot of space (the resort consists of two big islands joined by a little bridge), excellent lagoon with many private beaches to choose from, wonderful service.

Niyama is one of my favourite resorts in the Maldives – one I wouldn’t hesitate recommending to either couples or families.

Getting to Niyama

Once you arrive at Male welcoming Niyama staff with greet you at the airport check you for a seaplane transfer. Check in doesn’t take longer than 10-15 minutes and shortly after you’ll be escorted to Niyama private lounge at a nearby seaplane terminal. Resort aims to schedule the flights close to the international flight arrivals so you shouldn’t be waiting longer than an hour for your connecting flight. Seaplane takes approximately 40 minutes and voila – you step into paradise!

There is a big benefit to travelling a little further to visit Niyama – there are hardly any other resorts on this atoll so the water is crystal clear, there are no construction sites in view (often is the case in resorts closer to Male), marine life is plentiful.

Accommodation

Like most Maldivian resorts Niyama offers a choice of beach and water villas. Beach villas are exceptional in Niyama – very spacious and most come with good size swimming pools. Each villa is very private despite being right near the sandy beach. I love the Beach Suites – 140 sq m sanctuaries with a separate living room and bedroom, oversized outdoor bathroom with tropical rain shower, bath and another enclosed shower and double vanities. Beautiful terrace features sun lounges, day beds, swimming pool and of course absolute beachfront. Complimentary mini bar has a lot of treats including a daily supply of ice cream – makes big kids and little kids very excited.

Water villas are equally beautiful with my favourite being two bedroom residences, perfect for families.

Dining

Dining options at Niyama are exceptional. There are so many restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from that even if you are at Niyama for a long time you won’t get bored. Breakfasts are plentiful and elegant, complimented by massage therapists offering a quick neck and shoulder massage to make sure you start your day fully relaxed. There are two options for breakfast – one on each island.

My favourite restaurants are South African ‘Tribe” and modern Asian ‘Nest”. Tribe serves some of the best meats in Maldives in an authentic African atmosphere with African dancers, music and African waiters while Nest would surprise you with its unique setting – only true treehouse restaurant in the Maldives where you dine amongst the tree canopies on some of the finest modern Asian dishes.

Resort Facilities

I love the fact that Niyama is a big resort consisting of two islands joined together. Each villa gets complimentary bikes to cruise around the islands and we loved hopping on ours and going to look for anew swimming spot or a private beach we haven’t seen earlier.

Each of the two islands has its own breakfast and lunch restaurant set up by the swimming pools. Stylish cabanas, yellow umbrellas, plush towels add to the luxurious vibe poolside.

Lagoon at Niyama is by far one of the nicest in Maldives – both islands have beautiful beaches on both sides which means even when it is windy on one side you can always find a quiet area for a relaxing swim in a turquoise water. I’ve been to Maldives in October (lately a wet windy season) and Niyama surprised me with perfect conditions.

Kids Facilities

Niyama has excellent kids programs and a kids club. If you chose Maldives for your family holidays – you won’t be disappointed. Kids at Niyama are just as happy and entertained as adults.

Fitness

It’s nice to know that you can keep up with your fitness routine on holidays. Niyama offers complimentary yoga sessions every day and has a gym with cardio and weights equipment. Watersports are also available for those who prefer to do their exercise on water – kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, water skiing.

Surfing

Niyama is one of the very few 5 star resorts in the Maldives that offers surfing. There is a surf school, surf shack for a casual lunch and from time to time you might even meet here a visiting surf pro.

Spa

Drift Spa offers its guests not only the traditional massage and facial treatments but also various wellness and beauty programs offered by visiting practitioners. Re-align your energies, try out Qi Gong meditation or if getting results fast is more your style make an appointment with a medical doctor for some Botox injections.

The Lux Traveller Loves

Niyama is one of my favourite resorts in the Maldives and it’s difficult to point out just a few best features as I love the whole experience from start to finish but I’ll do my best:

Two bedroom overwater villas – rare in Maldives

Large resort over two islands with Electra bikes for guests to move around

Superb dining options

Excellent kids entertainment

Best swimming lagoon

Splitting Hairs

Basic room category doesn’t have a swimming pool, would be good if that changes.

All In All

Exceptional resort, equally ideal for couples and families. I can’t wait to go back!