Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort

Having visited the Maldives 13 times across various resorts, we can confidently say that Raffles stands out for its spectacular natural beauty and impeccable service. While parts of the Maldives were affected by a recent cyclone, Raffles—located near the Equator—was blessed with mostly clear skies and beautiful tropical weather throughout our stay. This boutique resort exudes a sense of exclusivity with only 38 meticulously maintained villas. The property is expertly managed by General Manager Dennis de Groot, ensuring every detail, from the villas to the lush grounds, is thoughtfully cared for. Our pool water villa, accessible by speedboat from the attached main island, was a haven of luxury and space, featuring a large lounge, an even more expansive bedroom, and a beautifully designed bathroom. The villa offered privacy, comfort, and a stunning ocean sunset view—everything one could ask for in a Maldivian retreat. However, what truly elevates Raffles is the exceptional service. Starting with the dining experience—Chef Yusuf brings culinary class to Raffles. He leads a team of remarkably talented chefs, including Bread & Patisserie Chefs Rampal and Krishna. As vegetarians, we were blown away by how Chef Yusuf and team went above and beyond to meet our dietary needs, surprising us with innovative, world-class dishes. The restaurant and bar teams were equally dedicated. A special mention to Mihad, Mizy, Azeen, and the entire team for their attentive, personalised service that made every meal a pleasant experience. As passionate divers, between the two of us, we managed 28 dives during our stay. The Dive Centre is well-organised, offering Enriched Air (NITROX) for certified divers. The dive sites near Raffles are some of the best we’ve encountered globally, with an extraordinary diversity and abundance of coral. Among our sightings were Yellow Nurse Sharks, Eagle Rays, Mobula Rays, and even a Whale Shark at night. The dolphin encounters—both from our boat and directly from our villa—were truly unforgettable moments. Special thanks to our boat crew—Captain Sala, Kamal, and Dive Instructor Nadja—for making each dive effortless and enjoyable. What sets Raffles apart is their Legendary Butler Service, which we experienced firsthand with Yasru. His seamless attention to detail ensured that every aspect of our stay was stress-free, allowing us to fully relax and savour each moment. The well-organised New Year's gala event on the beach, including a spectacular fireworks display, was fantastic to see in the New Year, After a 16-night stay, we can wholeheartedly recommend Raffles Maldives for its outstanding combination of natural beauty, luxury, and exceptional hospitality. A true gem in the Maldives.

It was an amazing vacation, million of thanks to our butler Nassah, he made our stay definitely adorable. Villas are cozy and there are lots of interesting things to do - water sport center, golf practice, table tennis, paddle tennis and some board games. And for sure it is one of the best places for diving and the house reef is very beautiful!

The Raffles Maldives was an amazing resort experience. Spectacular service all around. Our butler Yasru made magic happen for my wife's birthday. For diving and snorkeling the reefs in this area are incredible. Amazingly healthy and pristine. The Marine biologist on staff was great to talk with. Good food, good cocktails. We will definitely be returning here in the future.

Very nice island with a fantastic reef surrounding it. A very well organized resort with many amenities and very well trained staff. We had a perfect butler, Nattu, helping us every single day to make us happy and relaxed. A resort where you feel to be at home!

An extraordinary family stay, top-notch service, crystal-clear waters, and attentive staff (a very special mention to our butler, COKIE, who impressed us with his professionalism, constant thoughtful gestures, and kindness). We highly recommend it!