3 newly opened Maldives resorts all accessible by speedboat

While gliding down onto the waters of a Maldivian resort by seaplane is an exciting way to begin a trip for some "to make the Maldives more accessible." And it's certainly that – the speedboat whisks me from Malé to the island in just 15 minutes, and rates start at around US$2,500 for seven nights on the all-inclusive Fushi Plan. In fact, it's the only basis. There's no half or full-board, and almost all alcohol, including spirits, beer and house wine, is included. Guests only pay extra if they want to dine at two restaurants: The Copper Pot Food Truck and Only Blu, the underwater restaurant.

The emphasis here is clearly on fun. It's not about grazing on floating breakfasts launched across infinity pools – it's about sipping cocktails during poolside DJ sets and bouncing across the waves on banana boats.

There's no butler service; after checking in at a vast hotel-style reception area, guests make their own way to their accommodation. My water villa is small but perfectly formed, and I'm grateful that I'm close enough to the resort's centre that I don't have to summon a buggy to get to my room.

Oblu Xperience Ailafushi

My building also has the lively X360 Bar, which is ideal for those who like a party. There are plenty more-peaceful options, with 268 rooms and villas spread across four categories: the smallest, Ocean View Rooms, cover 30 square metres, while two-bedroom Ocean View Family Rooms, Beach Villas and Water Villas all cover 50 square metres.

Skipping certain bells and whistles (for example, no accommodation has private pools and none of the villas have baths) has allowed this resort to ramp up the offerings and provide brilliant value elsewhere. Take Element X – this huge buffet restaurant has the largest selection of dishes I've come across, and guests help themselves to fridges stocked with alcoholic and non‚Äëalcoholic drinks.

My favourite area is the restaurant's glass-walled refrigerated dessert room. The resort is connected to premium sister property Oblu Select Lobigili by a meandering boardwalk. Oblu Select Lobigili guests can use facilities at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi, although guests at the latter need to pay extra if they dine at Oblu Select Lobigili.

I spend my final night at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi's Only Blu, the Maldives' largest underwater restaurant. As I tuck into my octopus carpaccio (ignoring guilt pangs as one swims idly past), I decide that bath tubs aren't that important, after all.

Oblu arrival

Best of the Rest

Here are six more resorts near Malé, all accessible by speedboat

Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands
This luscious five-star Maldivian outpost, opened in 2021, is a 45-minute speedboat hop from Malé airport – ideal for luxury lovers who want to arrive in style. 100 overwater villas all boast private infinity pools and personal butlers.

Patina Maldives
Another stellar 2021 opening, the Patina Maldives is distinguished by its astonishing Modernist design – and it can be reached in a 45-minute speedboat journey from Malé. The Patina shares facilities with two other resorts, so clients can travel to their evening meal by a traditional dhoni boat.

Cinnamon Dhonveli
For a slightly more cash-conscious break, the Cinnamon Dhonveli delivers. Besides three restaurants, three bars and a great spa, the hotel offers private dolphin watching and some of the best surfing in south Asia – and all within a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé.

Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
Named Tripadvisor's best all-inclusive hotel for 2023, this no-hidden-costs paradise is a 20-minute catamaran journey from Malé. Besides fine dining and delicious drinks, the luxurious Reserve programme includes non-motorised watersports and serene spa sessions.

Joy Island Resort
Fresh from opening in September 2023, Joy Island is a 40-minute speedboat ride from Malé. Its USP is the epic 'Extreme All Inclusive' package, which includes unlimited cocktails and premium alcoholic drinks, two excursions, a dinner on the sand and more.

Cocogiri Maldives
Although a 75-minute speedboat journey from Malé, checking into Cocogiri makes the journey oh-so-worthwhile. Thatched beachfront villas blend seamlessly with the white Maldivian sand, while the high-end Pool Jacuzzi Water Villas come with a private spa bath overlooking the reef.