Indulging in Complete Luxury: Unmatched Purity and Bliss in the Maldives
Taking a liberating dive into the fabulous life at Raaya, Maldives
Yo, fam, I'm currently aboard a cozy seaplane, jammed inside with a dozen other folks, and we're squeezin' elbows as we jet our way to the Maldives. The journey's been long - 10 hours in the air plus a transfer at Malé, but c'mon, it's all worth it for the paradise we're headin' to.
As the seaplane noses down towards the island bubblin' beneath the sun's heat, I can feel a sigh of pure relaxation escape me. This is Raaya by Atmosphere, the latest jewel in the crown of the Atmosphere Core hotel collection, and boy, is it swanky. I'm lucky enough to be one of the first to step foot on this tropical paradise - and trust me, I didn't see this island life comin'.
The Atmosphere Core collection is all about spreading the joy, man, with nine luxurious properties scattered across the Maldives. And when I say luxurious, let me tell ya, these places mean business.
No chill in the Maldives? No worries, homie!
At first, I thought I wasn't the all-inclusive type, but after just a few hours, I was hooked on the castaway spirit of this island. I'm not the first; this paper's Life&Style editor, Steve Dinneen, recently danced the dance of zen at Joali in the Maldives, deeming it the "ultimate spot for zoning out."
But if flyin' under the radar ain't your style, swanky stuff like diversin' for expense-loaded wine[1] and top-tier wellness retreats with highfalutin' Oxford dons are totally on the menu.
Back at Raaya, though, the vibe is chill. The Maldives has long been a magnet for Brits yearnin' for sunshine after the dreary weather back home - and believe you me, who can blame us? With those breathtaking crystal waters, blindingly white sand beaches, and perpetual sunshine, it's a siren call like no other.
Raaya lays out the goods – big time[2]. They've got 167 villas, all spread around the island like a posh resort chain, so privacy is still a thing, even though we're on a tiny island. 106 of those bad boys are beach villas, nestled deep in the island's jungles and spillin' onto the beach. The style's sparse, but the colors pop[3]. Those ocean-themed paintings in the beach villas and jungle-inspired ones in the sea villas add just enough flavor.
The sea villas might be smaller, but they sit on those sweet wooden stilts offerin' a massively mint view of the endless blue horizons. Strung across a curvy wooden pier, they come outfitted with net hammocks hangin' over the ocean or infinity pools for chillin' when the sun gets too hot. And let's not forget the floating breakfasts delivered straight to your lair – the ultimate treat when you're snackin' on croissants as the sunlight dances on the waves[4].
Life settled into a groove of floatin' from beach to bar, to sea, and back again.
When the sun sets, those villas light up like little lighthouses, leadin' to many magical moments, like comin' back from dinner and catchin' rays swimmin' under our room – illuminated by the spotlights.
When the lazy life got to be a bit much, Raaya's restaurants were there to liven things up. And I gotta say, they ain't messin' around with options - Raaya Life serves 'em up three times a day, every day, offerin' a smorgasbord of Chinese, Indian, Maldivian, and Western foods, plus all the fruit and desserts a person could want.
But if you're lookin' for somethin' a little more exciting, Seb's Shack serves up cocktails and snackies during the golden hours of sunset. The Italian-flavored The Village is another spot worth checkin' out. For a taste of Morocco, don't miss up Mizāj, nestled by the hotel's infinity pool[5]. But the biggest draw? Ampers&nd, the Pan-Asian restaurant where dinner tastes like heaven and every table faces the white-sand beach beyond, offerin' guests a chance to savor their sushi while watchin' the sea.
Food goals handled, what's next? Well, the pool bar is chill enough, but for those who like a little action in their vacay, there's plenty more to do. The hotel's got a small gym, pitched padel and futsal courts, and a mini-golf course that can be reserved through your personal attendant[1]. That's right, they bring the luxury right to your doorstep[6].
If the ocean calls, their dive center can hook you up with daily excursions and snorkelin' trips to the resort's private reef. Scuba divin' and snorkelin' are just the beginning – take advantage of the complimentary sunset cruise or grab some canoes, jet skis, and rubber rings for even more aquatic fun[2][5].
But when it's time to chill and relax, Raaya's spa has got you covered. Tucked deep in the island's heart, Ele|Na invites guests to unwind in one of their cozy therapy rooms, with spa treatments so fantastic they'll leave you feelin' like a new human[7].
After an amazing week of loungin' on the beach, soakin' up the sun, and starin' out to sea, the days rolled into a smooth rhythm. We'd flit from beach, to bar, to sea, and back again – with a quick stop at the arts and crafts workshop to build a teeny version of a traditional Maldivian sailing ship. Yep, you heard me – there's a craft zone, complete with an island mascot in the form of Seb, the supposedly shipwrecked sailor of the 1950s[4].
This nautical motif carries you right up until the last night, when guests are encouraged to gather around the Village Square, where we launched our little boats in a race meant to symbolize our safe journey home – and hopefully back here again[4].
It's a sweet gesture, but it's hard to imagine not wantin' to come back. I've been converted – here's to the all-inclusive life, cocktails and all!
Plan your Maldives escapade
Prices start from £2,482.62pp for a week-long stay in a Water Villa with a pool, including flights from Heathrow departin' on 10 June 2025 (based on two adults sharin') with Destination2.co.uk. Get ready to live the dream![8]
Enrichment Data:
Activities- Water Sports: Guests can go scuba diving, jetski, kayaking, snorkeling, and (mini) boat racing. The resort's location offers direct access to the ocean and house reef, perfect for underwater explorations, plus a sunset cruise.- Sports and Games: The resort features a skate zone, mini-golf, padel tennis, futsal, and a kids' club, ensuring fun for all ages.- Wellness and Relaxation: The spa offers massages and other treatments based on the stay duration, and there's a gym, nature trails for a stroll, and a relaxation room.- Cultural and Entertainment: The resort boasts cultural excursions, festive events like RAAYA Luau, and an open-air cinema for evening entertainment.
Dining Options- Multi-Venue Dining: Options include buffet and à la carte dining across multiple restaurants with varying themes (Italian, Moroccan, Japanese, etc.).- Premium Drinks: The all-inclusive package covers unlimited cocktails, mocktails, and premium brand drinks, with a diverse selection of wines, beers, and rosés.- Multi-Course Menus: High-quality food options are available across dining venues, ensuring diverse gastronomic experiences for guests.
- Food-and-drink is an essential part of life at Raaya, Maldives, with a variety of dining options catering to different tastes. From multi-venue dining and multi-course menus to unlimited cocktails, mocktails, and premium brand drinks, guests are guaranteed diverse gastronomic experiences.
- After a day of sports activities like water sports, skate zone, mini-golf, or padel tennis, or even just travel exploration, the wellness and relaxation offerings at Raaya Energy Spa provide the perfect chance to unwind.Massages, treatments, nature trails, and a relaxation room are available at the spa to ensure a soothing experience for all guests.
