Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Total number of rooms: 64 | Prices start from US$

If you are looking for a private, peaceful island escape that’s just 25 minutes from Malé by speedboat? Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers exactly that. The resort features 48 all-pool beachfront villas, recently renovated with modern amenities, custom local artwork, and open-air bathrooms. Each villa gives you direct access to the beach and your own private pool, so you can unplug without compromising comfort.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is home to the first-ever marine conservation lab in the Maldives, open to all guests. You can join coral planting sessions, attend live marine life talks, or visit the 26-year-old Rannamaari shipwreck just offshore. It’s more than just snorkeling, it’s ocean education in action.

Thanks to the Twin-Island Experience, you also get access to Dhawa Ihuru, the sister resort just minutes away, which includes a top-rated house reef for snorkelers. This two-resort access doubles your dining options and underwater adventures at no extra effort.

Good to know: Buffet nights rotate throughout the week and are a highlight. Just note: not all items are included in the meal plan, so some premium dishes carry a surcharge. Still, the quality and taste are consistently praised.

Amenities to expect at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru