Lily Beach became a wonderful surprise on our recent trip to the Maldives. It has won our hearts with its generosity, fabulous all-inclusive program, previously unseen in the Maldives, wonderful overwater villas and superb service. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending this resort to any luxury traveller.

Getting There

Lily Beach is located 30 minutes away from the capital Male by seaplane. Seaplanes operate only during the day; if you arrive at night,  you might have to overnight in Male.

Accommodation

Lily Beach offers beach and overwater accommodation. Beach bungalow is entry level offering – a duplex pavilion on the beach with outdoor bathroom, cozy bedroom with a daybed for a small child and direct access to beach.

These villas are not very spacious or private and have a fair few trees in front of them blocking the sea view.

Next category, Lagoon villas, are partially overwater, also duplex style. They are similar in design, but the outlook is so lovely. Falling asleep to the sound of waves outside your windows is priceless.

Overwater villas at Lily Beach are gorgeous, my personal favourite. Entrance hall has glass floor, so you can see the colourful fish playing in the water.

For those who appreciate only the best – choose Sunset Water Suite, the jewel of the resort. Suites have spacious bedroom, living room with a day bed that can be converted into a queen size bed for the children, and outdoor terrace with a good size swimming pool. Endless turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean are right in front of you, as far as the eye can see.

Dining

When you stay at the island resort for a long time dining becomes very important. Lily Beach serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at Lily Maa buffet restaurant and often has a themed night to mix it up a little. Buffet is excellent with many live cooking stations. My favourite was a fresh fruit stand with a chef offering all kinds of exotic fruit from all over the world – dragon fruit, kiwi, mango, pomegranate, jackfruit and many more.

At the seafood station you can choose a fish to be grilled in front of you and served with a variety of sauces.

Lily Beach chef is French and passionate about cheese amongst other things – so if you are a cheese connoisseur, you will appreciate a selection of international cheeses, more than 30 to choose from.

Other dining venues at the resort are Teppanyaki restaurant, Aqua private dining – romantic poolside setting with a set menu and wine pairing and overwater Asian restaurant Tamarind.

Every meal we had at the resort with sensational and our only regret was that we have only one stomach.

Platinum All Inclusive Plan

All inclusive resorts are often positioned as a cheaper offering, all-you-can-eat type concept for budget conscious travellers.

Lily Beach took ‘all-inclusive’ to a completely different level – they want their customers to have a superb, memorable experience that is luxurious on every level. Dining experiences are very elegant and every meal can be accompanied with Tattinger champagne or a premium wine.

Platinum plan includes all meals, alcohol including champagne, mini bar re-stocked every day and some excursions.

Activities

Lily beach is not a big island but it has a lot to offer. We went on an “Ocean discovery” trip and saw whale sharks and manta rays, incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing these stunning, huge creatures swimming a couple of meters away from you is stupendous.

There are also daily snorkelling trips to nearby reefs and sunset fishing. If you are lucky and catch some fish on a trip, you can ask the chef to grill it for you for dinner – a great adventure for the children.

If you prefer to relax above water rather than in the water, head straight to the spa. Gorgeous overwater spa offers a variety of nurturing treatments in privacy of your own spa pavilion. You can watch the sea life take its course while you give in to the gentle strokes of the skilled massage therapist.

The Lux Traveller Loves

Wonderful food

Great activities

Platinum plan – having a luxurious vacation and leaving the hotel without a bill

Excellent overwater pool villas

Family friendly resort

Splitting Hairs

Beach villas need an upgrade and it is about to happen. Until then, enjoy the overwater or lagoon villas.

All In All

Excellent resort with great service, beautiful food and luxurious water villas. We will be back!