Designed for serene relaxation in harmony with nature.
A Serene Sanctuary at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
Nestled on a private 11.2-hectare island in the northern edge of the Maldives' Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers a serene all-pool-villa experience. Accessible via a scenic 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé, this tranquil retreat blends modern luxury with natural beauty, featuring lush vegetation, turquoise waters, and an abundance of marine life.
As the only Alila property in the Maldives, which opened in 2022, this resort epitomises the brand's commitment to understated luxury. The minimalist design by Singapore-based Studiogoto seamlessly integrates with the island’s natural surroundings. Low-slung buildings are embraced by greenery, with foliage spilling over rooftops and cascading down walls, while floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outside in, ensuring every space feels connected to the natural environment.
Join me on this journey as I share what I loved about my stay at Alila Kothaifaru, or jump straight into my Instagram story.
Accommodation
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers 80 elegantly designed pool villas, each a private sanctuary of comfort and tranquility. The villas are split between 44 beachfront options, nestled within the island's lush foliage, and 36 overwater villas, perched gracefully above the turquoise lagoon, offering direct access to the sea.
The villas, designed with minimalist elegance, feature contemporary interiors that blend soft natural textures with soothing color palettes. Each villa comes with a private pool and sun deck, creating a personal oasis where guests can bask in breathtaking views. Thoughtful touches include Alila’s signature amenities—bath salts fragranced with ylang-ylang, lavender, and lemongrass, as well as sunscreens, pillow mists, and insect repellents that enhance the luxurious experience.
The architectural and interior design, conceived by Studiogoto, reflects a deep respect for the natural landscape, ensuring each villa serves as a serene retreat that promotes relaxation and connection to the majestic Maldivian setting.
Dining
For those who love to explore the world through food, dining at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is a gourmet journey. The resort offers a variety of culinary options, including the freshest seafood and innovative cocktails at the Mirus Bar—don’t miss their unique take on a Negroni, aged inside a hollowed-out coconut for three days.
Seasalt is the resort's all-day dining restaurant, where breakfast is a beautifully presented combination of buffet and à la carte options. During the day, guests can enjoy local and international favorites with a coastal Mediterranean twist and Middle Eastern influences. The restaurant’s signature salt-baked fish dishes are not to be missed.
For a fine dining experience, Umami offers modern Japanese-inspired cuisine. This elegant venue serves delicious sushi and sashimi, miso-marinated black cod, and a remarkably crispy tuna sashimi taco, all prepared in a Teppan theatre. Adjacent to Umami, the Yakitori Bar is the perfect spot to indulge in sundowners, offering Asian-inspired craft cocktails and mocktails, along with fine Japanese sakes and spirits. Enjoy these with small bites like wagyu beef skewers, as the smoky aromas from the robata grill fill the air.
For a truly unique dining experience, The Shack provides an exclusive opportunity to dine on a private sandbank, just a short boat ride away. Here, guests can enjoy a picturesque picnic lunch or evening barbecue, surrounded by the stunning seascape.
The Spa
Tucked away within the island’s lush vegetation, the spa at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers a peaceful escape. The spa complex features four treatment rooms, elevated on stilts among the treetops and connected by serene walkways. Here, guests can enjoy a range of massages and treatments using Alila Signature Living products, administered by therapists from Bali, Thailand, and Bhutan.
In addition to the treatment rooms, the spa also includes a yoga platform where guests can participate in complimentary daily yoga sessions, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the island. The complex houses a 24-hour fitness centre on its ground floor, providing a well-rounded wellness experience.
Staying
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives operates under the Alila brand, part of the Hyatt Hotel Group’s portfolio. Known for its innovative architecture and luxurious offerings, Alila emphasizes spacious private areas, exquisite craftsmanship, and personalized services. The name “Alila” means “Surprise” in Sanskrit, reflecting the brand’s ethos of offering refreshing and memorable experiences to its guests.
Alila is committed to eco-friendly practices, adhering to EarthCheck’s standards to ensure a harmonious balance with the environment. Staying at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives means indulging in a journey that blends local culinary delights, wellness traditions, and adventurous activities, redefining the essence of luxury travel.
Snorkelling
The Raa Atoll, known for its deeper waters and quiet, unspoiled nature, is a hidden gem in the Maldives. The house reef at Alila Kothaifaru is perfect for beginner snorkellers eager to explore vibrant marine life. For seasoned divers, the atoll's thilas—spectacular underwater pinnacles—offer a breathtaking dive experience. These pinnacles, relatively untouched by coral bleaching, support a robust ecosystem, home to dense schools of reef and open-water fish, along with numerous reef sharks.
Snorkelling is one of the many non-motorised activities offered at the resort. In a commendable effort to maintain the tranquility of its surroundings and safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the reef, Alila Kothaifaru has chosen not to offer motorised water sports. While thrill-seekers might miss the high-speed water adventures, this commitment to environmental conservation is deeply appreciated and enhances the serene atmosphere of the Maldives.
Final Word on Alila Kothaifaru Maldives
“This sleek Studiogoto-designed resort, set on a leafy natural island in Raa Atoll, offers beach and overwater villas styled with Alila's signature understated luxury.”
TIP: I recommend booking an overwater sunset villa on the premium all-inclusive option, which includes the room mini bar. With uninterrupted views of the turquoise waters, you can enjoy incredible sunsets from your private pool, all adding to the allure.
If you feel inspired to visit or have more questions about picking the perfect resort, you can contact me, and I’ll help curate your ideal trip. Book with me
Jane
PS - I can't wait to return, I might just see you there, if so, say hi!
Comentarios