You’ve seen the photos. Those octagonal villas on stilts, the impossibly turquoise water, and that one long, skinny infinity pool that seems to stretch right into the Indian Ocean. Honestly, in a country where "luxury" is the baseline, it takes something almost aggressive to stand out. That’s One&Only Reethi Rah.
It’s been around since 2005. In the Maldives, that usually makes a resort a "classic," which is often travel-agent speak for "starting to look a bit tired." But Reethi Rah is different. It’s the "Grand Dame" for a reason. While newer, flashier spots open every month with underwater nightclubs or glass-bottomed bathtubs, this island just keeps winning. It’s not just about the sand—which is perfect, obviously—it’s about the scale.
The Island That Shouldn’t Exist
Most Maldivian islands are tiny. You can walk across them in ten minutes. One&Only Reethi Rah is massive. It’s shaped like an octopus, or a weird jagged star, which gives it over three miles of coastline. Here’s the kicker: sixty percent of the island is actually man-made.
Architect Jean-Michel Gathy didn’t just design buildings; he basically sculpted a landmass. By creating all those extra coves and inlets, he ensured that almost every villa feels like it’s on its own private island. You don't see your neighbors. You barely see anyone unless you want to.
What Living in a One&Only Reethi Rah Villa Actually Feels Like
Let’s talk about the space. Most "entry-level" rooms in the Maldives are basically fancy hotel rooms. At Reethi Rah, the smallest Beach Villa is 135 square meters. That’s bigger than a lot of three-bedroom apartments in London or New York.
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- The Beach Villas: They’re tucked into such thick tropical greenery that you can’t see the villa next door. You have your own path to the sand, your own hammock, and usually, a private pool that's actually big enough to swim in.
- The Water Villas: These are the icons. They have these "catamaran nets"—essentially hammocks built into the deck—where you can hover directly over the reef. In 2026, they still feel like the gold standard for overwater living.
- The Grand Residences: If you have to ask the price, you definitely can't afford it. We’re talking three-bedroom compounds with their own private beaches and outdoor cinemas.
The ceilings are high. Like, cathedral high. It’s all thatch and timber and stone, but it doesn't feel "rustic." It feels expensive. Every villa comes with a "Villa Host"—don't call them a butler, though they basically are—and a set of bicycles. Biking around the island is the main mode of transport, and it's genuinely fun, even if you haven't touched a bike in ten years.
You Won't Get Bored (Unless You Want To)
A lot of people worry about "island fever" in the Maldives. Three days in, and you’ve seen every grain of sand. That doesn’t really happen here. There are 12 different beaches. You can go to a different one every day of your trip and still have a few left over.
The food situation is equally over-the-top. You have Tapasake, which just went through a massive renovation. It’s this huge overwater Japanese spot with Teppanyaki stations and some of the best sake selections in the hemisphere. Then there’s Botanica, which is basically a garden where you eat among the herbs and vegetables. It’s headed by Matthew Kenney and focuses on plant-based stuff, which is a nice break from the usual heavy resort food.
If you’re feeling active, there’s a FIFA-approved football pitch. Yes, a full-sized soccer field on a remote island. There’s a climbing wall. There are PADI dive centers and two championship-grade tennis courts. If you’re the type who can’t sit still, you’re covered.
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The Celebrity Factor
It’s no secret that this is where the A-list goes. Nicole Scherzinger just headlined their 2026 New Year’s Eve "Believe Ball." David Beckham, Gordon Ramsay, and various royals are regulars. Why? Because the staff here are experts at the "invisible" service. They know when to be there with a cold towel and when to disappear entirely.
But it's not just for celebs. It’s surprisingly good for families. Most ultra-luxe Maldives resorts feel a bit "hush-hush" and "don't-let-the-kids-splash." Reethi Rah has the KidsOnly and OneTribe clubs that are actually legit. They take the kids snorkeling with manta rays or teaching them how to make sushi. It keeps them busy so the parents can actually enjoy a cocktail at Rah Bar without feeling guilty.
Is It Sustainable?
You can't talk about the Maldives in 2026 without talking about the environment. The ocean is literally rising around these islands. Reethi Rah holds a Platinum EarthCheck certification. They have a turtle rehabilitation center on-site, they’ve ditched single-use plastics, and they have massive solar arrays. Is a luxury resort on a man-made island ever going to be "zero impact"? Probably not. But they’re doing more than most to keep the reef healthy and the water clean.
The Reality Check
It’s expensive. Ridiculously so. In peak season, you’re looking at $3,000 to $4,000 a night for a basic villa, and it only goes up from there. You also have to factor in the "extras." A 45-minute luxury yacht transfer from the airport isn't cheap. Dinner for two can easily clear $500 without trying.
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But you aren't just paying for a room. You’re paying for the fact that everything—literally everything—is perfect. The sand is raked every morning. The staff remembers how you like your coffee after one day. The Wi-Fi actually works in the middle of the ocean.
How to Do Reethi Rah Right
- Skip the Seaplane: Unless you really want the aerial photos, take the luxury yacht transfer. It’s more comfortable, and you can start your vacation with a drink in your hand the moment you land at Velana International Airport.
- Book the Half Board: Honestly, the food is so good and so varied that the half-board plan usually ends up being a better deal than paying a la carte every night.
- Turtle Beach is the Best: There are 12 beaches, but Turtle Beach is the sweet spot. It’s central but usually quiet, and the snorkeling right off the shore is surprisingly decent.
- Check the Calendar: If you want the "celebrity" experience, go for Christmas or New Year’s. If you want peace and (slightly) lower prices, May to September is the rainy season, but "rainy" usually just means a 20-minute downpour in the afternoon.
One&Only Reethi Rah isn't just a hotel. It’s a machine designed to make the outside world disappear. In 2026, with the world being as chaotic as it is, that’s a service worth the price tag for those who can swing it. It remains the benchmark that every other resort in the Indian Ocean is measured against.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip:
Check your passport validity—the Maldives requires at least six months remaining. When booking, specifically request a "Sunset Side" villa if you're in a Water Villa; the views are significantly better and the afternoon sun keeps your private pool warm. Download the One&Only app before you arrive to book your dining reservations, as the popular spots like Tapasake fill up weeks in advance during high season.