Set across two spacious private islands, appropriately named Play and Chill, connected only by a single wooden bridge across the Indian Ocean, Niyama Private Islands is a truly special Maldivian resort in the south-western atoll of Dhaalu. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean’s iconic blue topaz waters, Niyama offers guests the tranquillity and paradisiacal surroundings synonymous with the Maldives as well as a refreshing sense of discovery, stimulation and fun. The twin islands take barefoot luxury to an exotic new level with their distinctive edgy feel and extraordinary range of activities which allow the stylish, aspirational traveller to expand on the traditional Maldivian itinerary.The beauty of a dual island setting is that space at Niyama is in abundance.
For those seeking solitude and privacy, Chill is home to the hotel’s DRIFT spa, a true sanctuary at sea with six over water treatment rooms all with soaring views across the ocean. From Chill, guests can also visit the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Edge which is set 1km out at sea and only accessible by boat. In addition, the hotel’s studios provide the perfect luxury hideaway in which to escape the stresses of everyday life. Spacious, stylish and secluded, the studios – whether on the beach or suspended above the water – take full advantage of the islands’ beautiful natural setting.
Each beach studio comes with a Dhoni-shaped swing to relax in as the sun sinks into the sea, as well as private sun decks, open-air bathrooms and a butler service to ensure every need is catered for.Meanwhile, over on Play, the island encourages guests to do just that, to be active and to explore the island’s offerings such as dining in the treetops at Nest restaurant for a one of a kind gourmet experience or parting underwater at Subsix – an underwater palace of culinary delights and champagne breakfasts alongside views of parrot fish, moray eels and other exotic marine life. Also on Play island is Float – the ‘go to’ spot for PADI dives and water sports including parasailing, waterskiing, jetskiing, snorkelling, kayaking and windsurfing. Catamaran sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons are also available, for those wanting to brush up on your skills or are keen to try something new. In addition, Niyama is the only island in the Maldives with surf-able waves that break directly onto the beach and the new Surf Seaplane Transfer has further cemented the hotel’s reputation as a surfer’s paradise. In addition, unique to Niyama is the Caribbean themed surf shack which serves classic rum cocktails to the rhythm of reggae music – a popular spot for après-surf as the sun sets.Magical Maldivian service combined with stylish design, luxury villas and a host of fun dining experiences and activities, including private turtle and dolphin excursions, make Niyama Private Islands a refreshingly innovative Indian Ocean escape.
Transfer Information
45 minutes by seaplane
Mediterranean-inspired dining in casual chic. Family-style all-day dining by the infinity pool on the isle of Play. Cool dripping creams satisfy sweet cravings at the poolside ice cream boutique.
Service Hours
Lunch: 12:00 – 18:00
Flaky pastries drizzled in heaven open the morning with a simply divine start. Follow with fruit salads made to order from the familiar and tropical exotics, or an omelette embracing fine cheeses and a chiffonade of garden-fresh herbs.
Service Hours
Breakfast: 07:00 – 10:30
Lunch: 12:00 – 15:00
Dinner: 18:30 – 22:30
Whisked by speedboat. Caressed by the breeze beneath the sweeping white curves of the canopy. Crystal waters lap alongside you. Delicate flavours of the Indian Ocean stolen from masterpiece culinary sculptures on the plates before you. Moments of Edge fine dining.
Useful Information
Dress Code: Smart casual, including footwear
Service Hours
Edge Lounge: 17:30 – late
Edge Restaurant: 18:30 – 22:30
Climb into our tree house, Nest, for an unforgettable dining high. Navigate the jungle on a labyrinth of wooden walkways to your private perch in the tree tops. Chilled sculptures of sashimi arrive in a globe of ice. Avant-garde presentations by Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian chefs grace your table in one of the most spectacular restaurants in the Maldives.
Useful Information
Dress Code: Smart casual, including footwear
Service Hours
Dinner: 18:30 – 22:30
Feel the tingle of Dom on the tongue, six metres below the waterline. Parrotfish swim past shoals of Moorish Idols. Moray eels slide through the lagoon. Groupers make goliath appearances amidst the rainbow of butterflyfish and damselfish, while the resident Hawksbill turtle glides in for a visit.
Useful Information
Special events are announced on island. Once-in-a-lifetime private Champagne breakfasts and dinners are available on request as ‘Destination Dining’ experiences.
Service Hours
Lunch: 12:00 noon – 2:30 pm
Underwater Glow Party: Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 9:00 pm
The fire rages. Flavours sear. The memories crackle.
A Maasai warrior welcomes you with a Dawa, East Africa’s to-lust-for cocktail, drenching your taste buds with honey and lime. Select your pleasure from a menu fusing African, Central and South American tribal cuisines, elevated with a fine dining touch.
Service Hours
Dinner: 18:30 – 22:30
Barefoot dining on white sands. Cocktail lounging on plush bean bags and a drifting ceiling of clouds. As night falls, a beach club stirs, the DJ sending chilled beats through sea breeze.
Useful Information
Cuisine: International
Located at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
Service Hours
Daily: 12:00 noon until late
Step into the light. A rooftop lounge suspends you in nature. The sun’s rays flit through glass walls and the Indian Ocean is laid out before you. Feel the heat of passion, paired with the delicious chilled cocktails of home-aged rum.
Service Hours
Daily: 19:00 – late
Pluck your pleasure from jars of tempting treats. Take away a smoothie or rich brewed coffee. Peruse a selection of antipasti, Panini, ciabatta, pastries and other easy eating delights.
Seeking a sweet indulgence? Ask the barista to whip up milkshake of homemade ice cream, or go a bit healthier with frozen yoghurt and succulent fresh fruits.
Service Hours
Daily: 10:30 – 17:00
Your full-size refrigerator brims with drinks and treats. Chocolate bars, Snickers, Mars. An in-room deli of cheeses, meats, smoked salmon. Espresso machines are standard. Cocktail shakers for every room type, likewise. Island hosts refill your homemade ice cream daily. And whenever you desire – let your taste buds float away on fluffy little clouds from your very own in-room popcorn machine.
Room service goes over the top with Niyama’s ‘Dine-In’ concept. Choose from simple refreshments or extravagant meals spanning the globe’s cuisines. In addition to the Dine-In menu, guests are free to order from the nine dining venues scattered across the islands of Chill and Play.
Toes buried in sand, deliciously cool. Sunset’s hues spread in front of you, dancing on the horizon. Enjoy a degustation menu inspired by the riches of the ocean. Sip on an espresso martini freshly served, creamy with a kick.
As the sun sets over the ocean swells, head off to the Surf Shack with the dudes. Here the Rastaman mixes classic Rum cocktails from the Caribbean Islands to the rhythms of reggae music. Ya mon.
Extraordinary experiences amongst Maldives spa resorts: A bottle of Champagne and chocolates to accompany your spa indulgence? Why not? Oxygenate your body. Be an Island Man. Spa solo, with a lover or with your little ones.
Useful Information
