Almost everyone I know has been to the Maldives, or knows someone who has. From diving trips to honeymoons to wellness retreats, it’s become the shorthand for luxury escapes.
Despite being Asia’s smallest country with a land area of just 298 sq km yet spanning nearly 90,000 sq km across the Indian Ocean, it carries a lingering sense of FOMO. So, yes, declining an invitation to visit can be challenging.
The NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, reopened in December 2025 following its rebranding by Bangkok-based hospitality group Minor Hotels, is situated in the Baa Atoll. Renowned as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, it is home to over 139,000ha of marine biodiversity, including the world’s largest manta ray population and more than 250 species of corals.
All this becomes real only when I land at Velana International Airport in Malé at nearly noon—Singapore is three hours ahead—and am quickly ushered towards the luggage transfer for the seaplane. A young guest services associate, Arush, guides me through the process, patiently repeating instructions and explaining why one bag has been bumped to a later flight.
A 10-minute shuttle ride later, I am in the departure lounge nibbling on sandwiches and pastries, looking at seaplanes skimming across the water like dragonflies. Seaplanes operate only from 6am to 4pm, each holding about 15 passengers, with 20kg checked luggage and 5kg carry-on allowance. A storm rolls in, causing a 15-minute delay to our flight. Only one passenger seems visibly upset as her windbreaker fell into the ocean during boarding.
For the next 35 minutes, I capture the vast expanse of endless blue, dotted with tiny ivory isles, including Fonimagoodhoo, where the NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is located. The sea transforms in hue, shifting from deep blue to vibrant aquamarine, dancing with light and colour.
I arrived at the NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort intending to connect to Wi-Fi, send emails, and text people about deadlines— as though I never left Singapore. However, I soon realise that maintaining such urgency might require more effort, as the sandy footpaths slow me down. On my way to my Deluxe Sunset Villa, I debate the merits of sneakers versus sandals versus going barefoot in my mind.
The NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort features 105 beach and overwater villas, ranging from 409 to 1,614 sq ft. My 506-sq-ft Deluxe Sunset Villa includes a sundeck with private, direct beach access. I am rather chuffed by the open-air bathroom, though it occasionally requires waiting for its resident bugs to vacate the space beneath the rain shower.
MAKE LIKE A MERMAID
In a resort, one can do everything or absolutely nothing at all. By 9.30am, I’m at the Dive Centre, preparing for my first snorkelling session, an ambitious task for someone who can’t swim. The house reef near the shoreline is a sanctuary for 1,200 marine species, including butterfly, angel, and trumpet fish.
Gene, my Aquafanatics guide, has clearly dealt with many beginners, patiently guiding me through the safety precautions. He then shows me how to use the equipment, checking that the mask, snorkel and fins fit properly, as I practise getting into and out of them. Suddenly, he spits into his snorkel mask while turning away. Laughing, he says, “Oops, sorry! This prevents fogging.”
He produces a buoy once we wade further into the water. “Don’t worry, I’ll be with you,” he says. “Hold on to this, and we’ll snorkel together.” I’m almost in tears.
For this non-swimmer, the 50 minutes that follow are unreal. Grasping the buoy, I float above schools of fish and corals whose colours resemble precious stones. The water is so clear, it almost appears to have been generated digitally. I hold my breath at the spectacle—a mistake—and must stop to regain control of my breathing.
“All good?” Gene asks as I surface. I laugh. “O.M.G!”
We continue, and I settle into the silence, until suddenly the seabed beneath us darkens and disappears. That’s where Ariel lives.
“Look how far you have come,” Gene says, pointing back to the shore. I can no longer see my villa. It’s surprising how emotional I feel just then.
Sunset Cruises are another option if getting wet isn’t your thing. I return to the Dive Centre at 5.30pm and join 15 other guests for a leisurely ride around the lagoon. Midway through, several dolphins emerge beside the boat, gliding effortlessly through the water. Everyone keeps their voices low as we hear the exuberant whisper “Dolphins!” We quickly whip out our phones when the ripples hit.
You can also take a cocktail-making class at Handhuvaru, a cosy watering hole manned by the resort’s rum expert. General Manager Valentin Osolos tells me about a “passion project” in which Plantarey Rum is aged underwater for 12 months. Placed in customised metal cages in a cellar 10m deep, the rum matures as it is rocked gently by hydrostatic pressure, slow currents, and constant temperatures. The inaugural batch was brought up in December 2025 and reportedly earned rave reviews for its roundness, smoothness, and complexity.
The resort’s programming reflects its respect for nature. A number of activities are available to guests, including Adopt A Tree, marine talks, coral attachment workshops, and the Maxies Family Club Experience. The last introduces younger visitors to the island’s ecosystems and local communities through play, creativity and learning.
WHO GOES THERE?
Guests include couples on extended breaks, families drawn to the ease of water-based living, and the occasional solo traveller reassessing their sense of urgency. Even at full capacity, encounters with others are few. My neighbours, for instance, emerge in glimpses: towels draped over sun loungers, low conversations at the breakfast buffet, and silhouettes along sandy paths at dusk. Most people move around barefoot, too, since time is no longer important. The only ones hurrying here are monitor lizards scrambling across footpaths.
One afternoon, I read a book to “reflect and release” while listening to the waves crash. I am distracted by a couple strolling along the beach and wonder why they thought it was romantic. Nearby, a pair of hermit crabs scuttle across the sand.
My eyes grow heavy all at once. I close the book, lie back, and let myself to drift into sleep.
Book your island escapade here.
