Radisson Blu Resort Maldives is a 5-star luxury resort located on Huruelhi Island in South Ari Atoll, famous for year-round whale shark encounters. This contemporary private island retreat features 128 spacious beach and overwater villas, all with private pools and stunning ocean views. Located just 105 kilometers from Velana International Airport, the resort is accessible via a scenic 30-45 minute seaplane transfer or domestic flight plus speedboat combination, making it ideal for both extended vacations and shorter tropical getaways.
5-Star Luxury Private Island Resort
Contemporary tropical style with 128 pool villas in the heart of South Ari Atoll, renowned for whale shark encounters and pristine coral reefs just steps from your villa.
Location & Access
Private island resort on Huruelhi Island in South Ari Atoll, just 105 km from Male International Airport.
Scenic 30-45 minute seaplane transfer with stunning aerial views of coral atolls and turquoise lagoons.
Alternative domestic flight to Villa Airport Maamigili plus 15-minute speedboat transfer available.
One of the closest luxury resorts to Male, perfect for shorter stays and weekend breaks.
Resort Highlights
128 stylish villas ranging from 215 to 790 square meters, all featuring private pools and ocean access.
South Ari Atoll location offers year-round whale shark encounters and world-class diving opportunities.
Seven distinctive restaurants and bars offering diverse cuisines from Japanese to Mediterranean specialties.
Blu Spa with six overwater treatment rooms and comprehensive wellness facilities throughout the resort.
Radisson Blu Resort MaldivesSouth Ari Atoll resortWhale shark encountersPrivate pool villasSeaplane transferContemporary luxury
Beach Villas
Beach Villa with Pool: 215 sqm contemporary design with sunset views and direct beach access.
2-Bedroom Beach Villa: 370 sqm family villa with two bedrooms and expansive outdoor living spaces.
3-Bedroom Beach Villa: 355-410 sqm luxury villas, some with second floors and ocean-view balconies.
All beach villas recommended for families with children and feature private infinity pools.
Overwater Villas
Overwater Villa with Pool: 220 sqm romantic villa with private infinity pool and lagoon access.
2-Bedroom Overwater Villa: Enhanced space for couples or small families seeking overwater luxury.
3-Bedroom Overwater Villa: 350 sqm villa ideal for larger groups with multiple bedrooms and living areas.
Overwater hammocks, direct lagoon access via ladder, and stunning ocean views from every room.
Presidential Suite
Presidential Overwater Suite: 790 sqm ultimate luxury villa, the largest accommodation on the island.
Multiple Bedrooms: Spacious layout with separate living areas and premium amenities throughout.
Exclusive Features: Private pools, extensive decks, and unparalleled privacy for special occasions.
Perfect for VIP guests, celebrations, and those seeking the ultimate Maldivian luxury experience.
Villa Amenities
Private infinity pools in every villa, air conditioning, IPTV with international channels, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Twin vanity counters, daybed seating, espresso machines, and 24-hour room service availability.
Outdoor decks with sun loungers, private beach or lagoon access, and premium bathroom amenities.
Minibar, safety deposit box, IDD phones, and daily housekeeping with turndown service.
Design & Features
Contemporary tropical architecture blending Maldivian design with modern luxury throughout Radisson Blu Resort Maldives.
Striking geometric patterns and symmetrical layouts creating visual harmony with natural surroundings.
Floor-to-ceiling windows maximizing ocean views and natural lighting in all villa categories.
Seamless indoor-outdoor living with private terraces and direct access to pristine beaches or lagoon waters.
Children under 12 stay free but are not recommended in overwater villas for safety reasons. Disclaimer required for families with young children in overwater accommodations.
Main Restaurants
Raha: All-day dining buffet restaurant with international cuisine, themed dinners, and stunning ocean views.
Alifaan: Mediterranean and seafood grill with show kitchen and fresh catch preparations.
Kabuki: Elegant Japanese restaurant featuring Omakase set menus and innovative Nikkei cuisine.
The Lab: Exclusive fine dining venue offering wine and cocktail pairing experiences twice weekly.
Bars & Casual Dining
Eats & Beats: Chilled poolside beach club with pizza, light bites, and tropical cocktails.
Crusoe's: Robinson Crusoe-inspired adults-only bar with castaway chic atmosphere and ocean views.
Mahurab Bar: Elegant overwater wine and cigar bar with live music and premium beverage selection.
Multiple poolside and beach bars offering refreshing drinks and casual dining throughout the day.
Dining Experiences
Feed My Soul All-Inclusive: Comprehensive package including meals and beverages across all outlets.
Private Villa Dining: 24-hour room service with full menu available for in-villa dining experiences.
Themed Dinner Buffets: Regular themed evenings featuring Maldivian, Indian, Mexican, and international cuisines.
Custom Menus: Talented chefs accommodate special dietary requests and off-menu preparations.
Culinary Highlights
Fresh Seafood: Daily catch preparations and grilled specialties showcasing Indian Ocean bounty.
International Variety: Mediterranean, Japanese, Peruvian, European, and Asian cuisine options daily.
Vegetarian Options: Comprehensive vegetarian menus available across all restaurants and dining venues.
Wine Selection: Curated wine list with expert pairing recommendations and sommelier guidance.
Blu Spa & Wellness
Six overwater treatment rooms offering signature massages, aromatherapy, and traditional wellness treatments.
Ayurvedic treatments, deep-tissue massage, body wraps, and specialized couples therapy sessions.
Beauty salon providing manicure, pedicure, and pre-dinner styling services for guests.
Serene overwater location creating peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Fitness & Recreation
State-of-the-Art Gym: Modern fitness center with ocean views and comprehensive cardio equipment.
Yoga Pavilion: Dedicated overwater yoga space for daily classes and private sessions.
Fitness Classes: Regular Pilates classes, aqua aerobics, and wellness activity programs.
Tennis Court: Professional tennis court with equipment rental and coaching available.
Swimming & Beach
Two Infinity Pools: Resort pools with ocean views and swim-up bar service.
Private Beach Access: Pristine white sand beaches with loungers, umbrellas, and beach service.
Beach Volleyball: Full-size court for guests and organized tournaments throughout the week.
Complimentary beach towels, snorkeling equipment, and non-motorized water sports gear.
Marine Center
5-Star PADI Dive Center: Professional diving courses from beginner to advanced certification levels.
Whale Shark Expeditions: Year-round whale shark encounters in South Ari Atoll protected waters.
Diving Equipment: Complete gear rental and underwater photography services available.
Guided reef dives, night diving, and specialized marine life photography workshops.
Family Facilities
Kids Club: Supervised children's activities with dedicated play areas and educational programs.
Family Activities: Beach games, nature walks, and age-appropriate water sports instruction.
Children's Menus: Specialized kids' dining options across all restaurants and room service.
Babysitting services and family-friendly entertainment programs throughout the week.
Business & Services
Overwater Event Pavilion: Glass-walled meeting space with skylight for up to 50 guests.
High-Speed Wi-Fi: Complimentary internet access throughout all villas and public areas.
Concierge Services: 24-hour front desk with mobile app for seamless service requests.
Laundry service, currency exchange, and comprehensive guest services available daily.
Marine Adventures
Whale Shark Swimming: Year-round encounters with gentle giants in South Ari Atoll protected waters.
Snorkeling Expeditions: House reef snorkeling and guided trips to pristine coral garden sites.
Diving Adventures: PADI courses, reef diving, night dives, and underwater photography workshops.
Dolphin Watching: Sunset cruises and dolphin spotting excursions in surrounding atoll waters.
Water Sports
Motorized Activities: Jet skiing, seabob underwater adventures, and parasailing experiences.
Non-Motorized Sports: Kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and catamaran sailing.
Motor Boating: Private boat charters for fishing, island hopping, and sunset cruises.
Water Skiing: Professional instruction and equipment for all skill levels available daily.
Island Experiences
Cultural Excursions: Local island visits showcasing traditional Maldivian lifestyle and crafts.
Fishing Trips: Sunset fishing expeditions using traditional Maldivian techniques and equipment.
Sandbank Picnics: Private beach setups on uninhabited sandbanks with gourmet dining.
Island Hopping: Multi-island tours exploring the diverse landscapes of South Ari Atoll.
Entertainment & Wellness
Live Entertainment: Evening music performances, cultural shows, and themed entertainment nights.
Yoga & Meditation: Daily sunrise and sunset yoga sessions in the overwater pavilion.
Wellness Programs: Spa treatments, fitness classes, and holistic wellness experiences.
Film Nights: Outdoor movie screenings under the stars with comfortable seating arrangements.
South Ari Atoll is designated as a Protected Marine Area, offering some of the world's best whale shark encounters year-round.
The resort is accessible via scenic 30-45 minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport. Alternatively, take a 30-minute domestic flight to Villa Airport Maamigili followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride. Seaplanes operate from 9 AM to 3 PM daily. You must contact the resort at least 5 days before arrival with flight details.
South Ari Atoll is a Protected Marine Area famous for year-round whale shark encounters - one of the few places in the world where you can swim with these gentle giants consistently. The atoll also features pristine coral reefs, manta rays, dolphins, and diverse tropical fish species perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Beach villas are highly recommended for families with children under 12, who stay free of charge. Overwater villas are not recommended for young children due to safety concerns, though families can sign a disclaimer at check-in. The resort offers a kids club, family activities, and children's menus across all restaurants.
The resort features seven restaurants and bars: Raha (international buffet), Alifaan (Mediterranean), Kabuki (Japanese), The Lab (wine pairing), Eats & Beats (poolside), Crusoe's (bar), and Mahurab (overwater wine bar). All-inclusive packages and 24-hour room service are available.
Blu Spa features six overwater treatment rooms offering massages, aromatherapy, and beauty services. The resort also has a state-of-the-art gym, overwater yoga pavilion, tennis court, two infinity pools, and daily fitness classes including Pilates and aqua aerobics.
Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all villas and public areas. The resort also offers a mobile concierge app for seamless service requests, restaurant reservations, and activity bookings during your stay.
South Ari Atoll offers year-round whale shark sightings, making it one of the most reliable destinations globally for these encounters. The best visibility is typically during calmer weather periods from December to April, though whale sharks are present throughout the year in these protected waters.
Marine Protected Areas
South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area - UNESCO designated waters with year-round whale shark populations.
Whale Shark Research Station - Scientific monitoring facility for marine conservation and education programs.
Manta Ray Cleaning Stations - Seasonal manta ray aggregation sites accessible by diving boat.
Pristine Coral Gardens - Untouched reef systems with vibrant coral formations and tropical fish species.
Transportation Hubs
Velana International Airport (MLE) - Main international gateway 105 kilometers from Radisson Blu Resort Maldives.
Villa Airport Maamigili - Domestic airport offering alternative transfer route via speedboat connection.
Trans Maldivian Airways Seaplane Terminal - Dedicated seaplane facility with lounge and services.
Male Harbor - Traditional dhoni boats and ferry connections for cultural excursions and transfers.
Cultural Attractions
Local Fishing Villages - Traditional Maldivian communities accessible by excursion boat from the resort.
Male Capital City - Historic mosques, National Museum, and local markets via seaplane or domestic flight.
Traditional Craft Centers - Local artisan workshops showcasing Maldivian boat building and handicrafts.
Cultural Heritage Sites - Ancient coral stone architecture and traditional island settlement patterns.
Natural Attractions
Uninhabited Sandbanks - Private picnic islands for exclusive beach experiences and romantic dining.
Mangrove Ecosystems - Protected wetland areas supporting diverse bird species and marine nurseries.
Coral Drop-offs - Dramatic underwater landscapes perfect for diving and marine photography.
Seasonal Dolphin Pods - Large dolphin populations frequenting South Ari Atoll waters for viewing.
Check-in & Reservations
Standard check-in time 2:00 PM, check-out 12:00 PM with early arrival coordination available.
Photo ID and credit card required at check-in, must match the name on booking confirmation.
Contact resort minimum 5 days before arrival with complete flight details and guest information.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type and booking dates.
Guests under 18 years must be accompanied by parent or official guardian at check-in.
Transfer & Transportation
Seaplane transfers operate daylight hours only (9 AM - 3 PM) with possible stops at other resorts.
Baggage allowance: 25kg check-in plus 5kg hand luggage per person over 2 years old.
Excess baggage charged at USD 2 per kilogram, payable at seaplane check-in counter.
Guests arriving outside seaplane hours advised to book overnight accommodation in Male or Hulhumale.
Transfer fees typically paid at resort check-out unless included in package pricing.
Family & Age Policies
Children under 12 years stay free of charge when sharing with paying adults.
Overwater villas not recommended for children under 12 due to safety considerations.
Families with young children in overwater villas must sign safety disclaimer at check-in.
Kids club activities supervised with age-appropriate programs and safety protocols.
Family beach villas specifically designed and recommended for guests traveling with children.
Safety & Environmental
Drone operation strictly prohibited for guest safety and privacy protection throughout resort.
Marine conservation guidelines enforced during snorkeling, diving, and whale shark encounters.
Government Green Tax of USD 12 per adult per night charged separately from room rates.
10% service charge and 16% Goods and Services Tax applied to final bills.
Resort follows sustainable practices supporting South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area conservation.
All policies subject to change based on local regulations and operational requirements. Full terms and conditions provided at booking confirmation.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Destination: Tropical climate with 26-30°C temperatures perfect for water activities throughout the year.
Dec-Apr: Dry season with calmer seas, ideal for families and first-time visitors to the Maldives.
May-Nov: Green season with occasional rainfall but excellent for whale shark encounters.
Whale Shark Season: South Ari Atoll offers consistent sightings year-round, making any time perfect for marine adventures.
Ideal Duration
3-4 nights: Perfect for weekend getaways and shorter breaks, ideal given the resort's proximity to Male.
5-7 nights: Recommended duration for families to experience all dining venues and activities.
7-10 nights: Ideal for couples seeking comprehensive relaxation with spa treatments and marine adventures.
Extended Stays: 10+ nights perfect for diving enthusiasts and those seeking multiple whale shark encounters.
Target Audience
Marine Life Enthusiasts: Divers and snorkelers seeking whale shark encounters and pristine coral reefs.
Luxury Travelers: Guests seeking contemporary comfort with private pools and world-class dining experiences.
Families: Multi-generational groups with kids club, beach villas, and family-friendly activities.
Couples: Romantic getaways with overwater villas, spa treatments, and intimate dining experiences.
Signature Experiences & Itinerary Ideas
Early morning whale shark expedition followed by spa treatment and sunset dinner at Kabuki restaurant.
Diving certification course with daily reef dives and evening wine tasting at Mahurab overwater bar.
Family beach villa stay with kids club activities, snorkeling lessons, and cultural island excursions.
Romantic overwater villa honeymoon with couples spa treatments and private dining experiences.
Multi-day diving package exploring South Ari Atoll's diverse marine ecosystems and coral formations.
Packing & Travel Tips
Reef-safe sunscreen, underwater camera, and comfortable swimwear for multiple daily water activities.
Light casual clothing for day wear and smart casual attire for specialty restaurant dining.
Diving certification cards if applicable, and personal snorkeling gear if preferred over rental equipment.
Comfortable water shoes for reef walking and beach exploration around the resort island.
Pack light due to seaplane baggage restrictions - resort provides most amenities and equipment.
Weddings & Honeymoons
Overwater Ceremonies: Romantic wedding ceremonies in the glass-walled overwater event pavilion.
Beach Celebrations: Intimate ceremonies on pristine white sand beaches with ocean backdrop.
Presidential Suite Receptions: Exclusive use of 790 sqm Presidential Overwater Suite for special occasions.
Honeymoon Packages: Romantic experiences including couples spa treatments and private dining setups.
Professional photography, floral arrangements, and customized ceremony coordination available.
Corporate Events & Meetings
Overwater Event Pavilion: 50-person capacity venue with ceiling-to-floor glass and skylight.
Executive Retreats: Small group corporate meetings with team building water sports activities.
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