Maldives: The Best House Reefs

Here's the lowdown on the best house reefs in the Maldives

It is one of the great luxury destinations on earth and so choosing the best house reef in the Maldives is difficult. As there’s no heavy industry in the Maldives, the waters are crystal clear meaning that the ocean has one of the most delicate ecosystems on the planet. There are many stunning reefs to explore in the Maldives.

In this article, we’ll give you an insider’s guide to the hotels with the Maldives best house reef. Technically, all islands in the Maldives have a house reef. The Maldives is made up of coral reefs. A house reef is essentially a reef that’s accessible to divers. Some reefs are far less accessible, although they are there if you dive deep enough. A good house reef is one you can access easily from the beach or the jetty.

OZEN Reserve

One of the great luxury hotels in the Maldives and on the whole planet. The state of the art villas take luxury to the next level, whether you choose a beach villa or an overwater villa. The suites are more like palatial homes than villas. All inclusive packages gives you a bit of everything, including free flowing champagne.

OZEN Reserve’s house reef is pretty extraordinary. As well as being one of the best reefs in the Maldives, you’ll find five shipwrecks in the waters surrounding the reef. All villas come with a private pool.

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Anantara Kihavah

This hotel is so chic it has its own telescope and the wisdom of their in-house astronomer. Head to the Sky Bar for a cocktail and an intimate look at the heavens. The astronomer  – or Sky Guru – will point out the different constellations above. Located on a breathtaking private island in the Indian Ocean, you can experience a private cinema under the stars and even swim with Manta Rays and Hammerhead Sharks.

It has been hailed as the world’s most Instagrammable hotel for a reason. The house reef doesn’t disappoint. You need to be a reasonably strong swimmer to access the house reef at Anantara Kihavah but it’s worth it.

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W Retreat and Spa

The W Retreat and Spa Maldives is a chic but it’s also playful, as you’d expect from the W brand. They specialise in luxury with a splash of colour and a bit of an edge. Located on a private island with white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and breathtaking reefs. Go diving, enjoy one of the resorts six bars and restaurants, swim up to the pool bar or pamper yourself at the island’s spa. As well as having an overwater restaurant, The W Retreat and Spa boasts the Maldives’ only underwater bar and club.

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Hurawalhi Island Resort

Hurawalhi Island Resort is home to the Maldives’ biggest underwater restaurant. The house reef is also one of the best in the Maldives. You’ll see dolphins and eagle rays swimming around. The design of the villas is uniform, but you can select from either a beach or pool villa – you can also upgrade and have a private pool. A resident marine biologist can take you on a tour of the house reef. This is an ecologically minded resort. You’ll see an expanse of blue wherever you look – there are no other resorts visible on the horizon.

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Baros

This is a gorgeous hotel located on a private island. The house reef is one of the best in the Maldives. It stretches for 300 metres and it’s easy to access. You can dive 20 metres into the deep to explore the rich coral gardens with colourful fish swimming around. It’s just a 25-minute speedboat ride away from Male International Airport. This coral island is hard to beat if you’re looking to explore the best coral reefs in the Indian Ocean.

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