Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

The Banyan Tree is an exceptional place to escape from it all. From the moment you are welcomed off the boat. take off your shoes and step onto the beautiful, white sand you feel yourself relax. The hotel is beautifully designed and everywhere is spotlessly clean. There is a wonderful choice of food and drink to enjoy whilst taking in the view. What makes this hotel so special is the staff. Everyone is friendly and polite and we felt they went above and beyond to give us the best holiday. We have to give special mention to the staff at the diving school who were so patient with me learning to snorkel and Fipit and Ziyan in the restaurant for looking after us so well. Thank you must also go to Afraah who made sure we were given the full Vibbanfaru experience. This tiny island is a very special place.

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at some of the best hotels in the world, but never have I stayed in one where every single thing is just perfect. From the minute you step onto the jetty after the quick and easy 25 minute speedboat transfer from Male International airport, you enter a world of understated luxury. 12 short minutes to walk around it, the island is one of dreams, white sand & gently lapping turquoise waters. We stayed in a sunset ocean view villa. Perfectly appointed, so comfortable , the beautiful outdoor bathroom leading seamlessly to the rear garden area with pool & hot tub & day bed. The beachside seating no less impressive with comfy seating on the deck, to the shady sala & loungers on the beach with the perfect sea view. Fabulous restaurants, the architecturally impressive Japanese restaurant stretching out over the turquoise sea & the really superb Thai restaurant, both offering delicious lunches & dinners. And a few themed buffets in between. A very generously stocked mini bar in our room & all of this amazing wining & dining included in the AI package. The house reef is a short snorkel away & offers a good variety of fish, plus for a change of scene you can take the 5 minute complimentary boat to the neighbouring island whose reef is right next to the shore. A lovely main bar for pre or post dinner drinks, or chill with a beer or cocktail on the oversea nets on the ‘Japanese’ jetty. The spa is top class. What holds all this excellence together are the amazing staff. Friendly, welcoming, and above all 100% efficient, every single one of them. If you are looking for the original barefoot Maldives, without the bling, but with all the 5 star luxury, look no further, this place is just perfect. See you next year.

Absolutely amazing. Wouldn’t hesitate to return. The villa, the reef, all the staff, the food, cocktails all first class. Special shout out to Okta our host who was so lovely and to dr Sharma from the spa for the best sunrise and sunset yoga and acupuncture and reflexology. He was incredible. I hope to return

Had the most wonderful time at The Banyan Tree, Vabbinfaru! Beautiful island, resort & great service by all the staff. Alex, the marine biologist at the marine centre was the most charming, affable guy who was always ready to give advice on preservation of the coral life and Amman, the marine biologist who took us on the most amazing night snorkel made the experience very special. I’d recommend the resort unhesitatingly to anyone travelling to the Maldives for a vacation. Many thanks to all the staff who made our trip one of the best we’ve ever had & keep up the good work! Nauman Khalid & Anthony Lovett

Our visit was a happy accident! Originally booked in to Koodoo on the South Atoll, we were relocated to Vabbinfaru on arrival due to a power outage. What a result!! Only a 20 minute speed boat ride from Male, my wife and I loved EVERYTHING about Vabbinfaru. Warm and friendly people, beautiful wide white sand beaches, amazing beachfront rooms and awesome restaurants. Madi Hiyaa - a Japanese restaurant whose food is as delicious as the over water building that houses it is striking - was my personal favourite. Special mention for the staff too who could not do enough to make our stay our best Maldivian experience (having been 3 times previously to other islands). Washed, Afraah and Fitip were particularly lovely. We will definitely return!