JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is an exquisite beach retreat set on Vagaru island of Shaviyani atoll, just 55 minutes by seaplane from Male. As its inaugural property of its brand in Maldives, this is sure to become an unforgettable experience.
At this resort, guests can sink their feet into pristine sand while delighting in destination dining experiences crafted around cuisines and locations. Indulge yourself with rejuvenating beauty and wellness therapies at its luxurious spa for an uplifting sensory experience.
Overwater Villas
Maldives is an idyllic travel destination and staying there can often be considered luxurious. Unfortunately, however, most hotels impose substantial upcharges for overwater villas compared with land ones; however, one new hotel from Marriott in Maldives allows guests to redeem points at more cost-effective rates when redeeming for such accommodations.
The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa recently made its debut on Vagaru Island in Shaviyani atoll, about an hour’s sea plane ride from Male. The resort features 60 villas spanning 2,520 square feet starting with sunrise or sunset views and private pools; duplex overwater villas offer upstair lounge areas and extra bedrooms to accommodate families while beach pool villas provide direct access to pristine beaches on their private island.
Our two-bedroom overwater villa was breathtaking; boasting an infinity-edge pool, ample outdoor space, and huge windows looking out at turquoise waters below. Outside the villa were terraces featuring loungers and tables as well as small sections of beach shaded by plants; an impressive staircase led directly down into the water where we could swim comfortably in calm ocean conditions; beach access was a short walk away, protected by an abundant reef which boasted abundant fish and coral species teeming with life; we could swim along its length;
Little Griffins, the FAMiLY by JW(tm) kids club was easily accessible – we were on the other side of the property from it; yet it only took us 20 minutes on foot to arrive there on foot! Additionally, we walked to both restaurants as well as renting bikes from reception if we wanted to explore further afield.
On-site attractions at this property include a gym, overwater yoga pavilion, spa and five restaurants serving traditional Maldivian seafood to exotic Thai, wood-fired pizza and Japanese teppanyaki cuisines. There are three full-service bars as well as an on-site wine cellar housing over 300 bottles for tasting pleasure!
Beach Villas
Shaviyani Atoll offers an idyllic tropical landscape of powdery white beaches and calm lagoons, featuring five restaurants, three full-service bars, and an inspiring chef’s garden for guests to experience its unsurpassed tropical landscape.
As part of my stay, I stayed in one of the hotel’s sleek beach pool villas and found it to be an excellent way to explore its property. I especially loved how it captured elements that reflected its beachy environment like bold shell-shaped lamps, wooden dining tables, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
Each villa offers its own private swimming pool, and you can swim directly out to the beach from its terrace. I loved relaxing poolside while watching the sun dance across water and sand, listening to gentle surf lapping along shore, and watching sunset from a beachfront terrace terrace while sipping cocktails or wine from my minibar!
Beach villas can be found tucked into pleasant sandy lanes shaded by lush jungle, each boasting their own private garden which supplies herbs, fruits and vegetables for use by restaurants at the resort. I loved how guests could take cooking classes taught by Aminath Abdul Rasheed while learning to make Maldivian fish curry!
FAMiLY by JW(tm) Little Griffins Kids Club brings the resort’s “Togetherness” pillar to life for children aged four through 12. Featuring various fun activities – and boasting its very own 43 foot pirate ship worthy of Captain Hook – children will delight in joining this vibrant kids club! Meanwhile adults can relax while soaking up some sun or enjoying one of several bars and pools, or indulge in luxurious spa treatments for both head to toe pampering!
The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is an incredible experience for families, and I can’t wait to return in the near future. If you want to earn rewards on your next travels, be sure to consider applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card.
FAMiLY by JW(tm) Little Griffins Kids Club
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa welcomes families to its tranquil island paradise with the most comprehensive kids club available: FAMiLY by JW(tm) Little Griffins Kids Club is an outstanding reflection of the Marriott culture and values, specifically designed with children in mind so as to help create memorable experiences for every member of their family. Located on Vagaru Island of Shaviyani Atoll a 55-minute seaplane journey away from Male, Vagaru Island can only be accessed via boat.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & spa is an exquisite retreat that provides guests with an exquisite luxury vacation experience. They can choose from Beach or Overwater Villas featuring spacious surroundings and modern amenities; for families with several members they may prefer Duplex Beach Pool Villas featuring their own private white beach access or Overwater Villas overhanging the clear turquoise ocean, both featuring separate lounge areas, bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate larger groups of families. To add even further relaxation there’s a spa, five restaurants, three bars, wine room a wine room a wine room a curry pit plus an overwater gym & open air yoga pavilion!
On the water, guests can enjoy various water sports activities and explore the natural reefs surrounding the resort with guidance from experienced instructors. Those seeking an intimate experience can book a private sunset cruise, romantic dinner on houseboat or snorkeling excursion to meet local fisherman and learn their fishing techniques.
Back on land, the resort’s Kids Club provides a fantastic range of activities for young guests. A dedicated staff oversees its program and daily schedule adapted to seasonal and holiday events. In addition, there is also a special Kids Pool area with splash zone and large 60cm section where young swimmers and playtime is catered to – activities include pizza making, treasure hunting and scavenger game playtime, kite flying at the beach, kite building competitions, superhero obstacle course races, FAMiLY cupcake decorating and adventure aboard 43-foot long pirate ships among many more activities!
No matter your event needs – from romantic honeymoons and unforgettable beach weddings to luxurious family escapes and group celebrations – JW Marriott Maldives Resort can fulfill them all.
Fitness Centre
The JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, set on Vagaru Island in Shaviyani Atoll and just an hour’s seaplane journey from Male, features 60 villas featuring family-friendly beach and overwater villas with private pools and spacious decking – each boasting their own private pool – ranging from beach front villas with family amenities such as family friendly beach access as well as overwater options complete with open air pavilion classes for wellbeing as well as spa services. In addition, it boasts five restaurants three bars as well as clubhouse offering cigar room / shisha lounge services!
As an ode to the island’s culture, guest rooms showcase elements that reflect local architecture and marine life. Thatched roofs evoke dhoni boat prows while slanted roof tips recall white herons wading through water. Ocean-inspired interiors include lampstands with twining wooden bases and bold shell-shaped lampshades paired with artwork depicting ocean life.
At this property, the highlight of my visit was undoubtedly its fitness center – housed within a single glass-walled structure accessible via an exquisite path of stone tiles leading to a wooden bridge and featuring one of the most unique gym experiences I’ve ever had.
Other amenities here are equally impressive, from the JW Spa with six treatment rooms offering both classic and bespoke treatments, as well as unisex salon, yoga pavilion and fitness studio to a kids club called Little Griffins (named after its logo griffin) where your children will have fun while you and your partner indulge in spa time or a meal without them.
Food and beverage costs at the resort’s more luxurious overwater villas are high, as one would expect at any all-inclusive luxury resort in the Maldives. However, Marriott Bonvoy points can help offset some of these expenses; one bedroom overwater villa stays starting in low season are priced from 88,000 points with breakfast included while two-bedroom beach pool villas will set you back 259,000 points.
There’s both a main swimming pool and an adults-only infinity pool on the island’s tip, plus complimentary activities ranging from kayaking to sunset cruises. Furthermore, there’s a natural reef for snorkelling at the hotel, while an on-site marine biologist conducts guided tours daily of this part of the area.