Ayada Maldives

Southern Atolls


The first resort built in this pristine corner of Maldives, Ayada boasts fantastic accommodation in large and beautifully designed contemporary villas. It's set on a perfect island surrounded by superb and largely undiscovered reefs; there are also some excellent surf breaks nearby. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a luxurious diving and water sports holiday.

There are nine different villa types, sized from around 85 sq metres up to 350 sq metres. They’re done out in timber and thatch and enjoy their own pools, sleek and contemporary furnishings with an Asian flavour and lots of luxurious extras such as Nespresso machines, media hubs and full in-room bars.

There are three restaurants on the island, as well as the fabulously indulgent overwater Ile de Joie, where fine wines, cheeses, oysters, caviar and chocolates are all served in a variety of gastronomic combinations. Other facilities include a gorgeously designed AySpa spa, a hammam and steam room, tennis and badminton courts, a full gym, a water sports centre and a top-of-the-range dive school.

This is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy your own slice of Indian Ocean paradise in sumptuous but laid-back style.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Southern Atolls attractions

1. Gadhdhoo

5.71 MILES

On Gadhdhoo (population 1500), women make superb examples of the mats known as thundu kunaa, which are woven from special reeds found on an adjacent…

2. Vaadhoo

7.62 MILES

In the south of Huvadhoo Atoll, only about 20km from the equator, the island of Vaadhoo has two hawittas (stone prayer mounds) and a mosque that dates…

3. Kondey

19.97 MILES

This traditional, largely agricultural island is notable for its four ancient hawittas (Buddhist prayer mounds). Norwegian ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl…