MALDIVIAN PARADISE RE-DEFINED AT BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU

REVIEW BY: AUTHENTIC CHICA

 

Without exaggeration, it’s one of the best holidays we’ve ever had from over 40 countries visited! Everybody should visit the Maldives at least once in their life …

 

Have you always dreamt of visiting the Maldives to see pristine islands with white sandy beaches, gracious palm trees and azure blue seas all with your own eyes?  Is it at the top of your bucket list? It has always been at the top of mine and last month, I was finally able to make this dream come true!

 

 

After our 1 week trip to several islands and resorts I can honestly say that the hype is not overrated! The Maldives truly is paradise re-defined!

If you love islands, enjoy luxury and want to experience real paradise, then the Maldives certainly is the perfect destination for you.

 

 

But with a huge offering of resorts on 88 islands being privately owned by prestigious hotel chains it can be quite a challenge to choose.

For me the choice was however quite easy as I love luxury boutique hotels and unique hotel chains with character. Of these chains Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts is definitely one of my favourites. Known as one of the world’s leading players in the hospitality and spa industry with a multitude of accommodations spread out over 28 countries, I had the pleasure to visit a few already.

In their private pool villa resorts I have always experienced an exceptional level of hospitality, service and comfort and their accommodations represent pure luxury and quality combined with authenticity, which matches my taste perfectly!

 

 

HOW TO GET THERE

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is located in North Malé Atoll, close to Malé and only a 20-minute speed boat ride from the airport. The transfer was included with the booking so when we arrived after a long flight we were picked up by their representative which guided us smoothly and swiftly to the island.

 

 

THE ISLAND AND RESORT

As the island is quite small and solely occupied by this resort you can walk completely round it in only 12-minutes, passing by the luxurious beach villas and several piers which are open to free use. The island of Angsana Ihuru is situated right next to it, only a 4-minute speed boat ride away and the free hourly transfer enables guests to use facilities of both islands when you are staying at either one.

 

 

The view upon arrival is unique with one of the most photographed piers in the Maldives, as it is several meters long and offers a wide view over the island and surrounding reef.

The beach in front of the reception is wide, pristine and one of the whitest I had ever seen. And with the brightly coloured yet clear waters surrounding the island, it makes a stunning sight.

 

 

THE VILLA

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers 3 types of beach villas, all with their own pool, direct beach access and all the amenities you should expect from a 5-star resort.

 

 

Our Oceanview Pool Villa was quite spacious, luxurious, yet authentic with Maldivian architectural features and thatched roof. On one side it had a private garden and patio with seating options for breakfast, our own beach pavilion and sun loungers. And on the other side a classy outdoor bathroom with 2 showers, sun loungers, a luxurious private pool with jacuzzi and lots of privacy.

 

 

DINING

Several dining options are offered on this island, with 2 outdoor restaurants situated amidst tall gracious palm trees, and with tables right on the beach sunset dinners are amazing here.

 

 

The destination dining options are numerous as well and the private beach bbq was one of our favourites. Served at your villa, on a private pavilion on the beach or a sandbank. Can a setting be more romantic?

 

 

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has a great chef that serves healthy food of high quality every day including fresh vegetables, fruit and home-made pastries, which was much more than we expected from such remote islands.

 

TOP 5…

I can go on for ages about the resort, but I will limit myself to the 5 most appreciated features:

  • Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts value sustainability and in the Maldives they are very active in preserving and cleaning the reef, which is quite unique for a luxury hotel chain.

 

  • They have a marine lab with an extensive turtle shelter. There’s daily turtle and stingray feeding at 5 pm, it’s truly a unique experience.

 

 

  • Diving and snorkeling is very easy with direct reef access from the beach and offers a large variety of marine life. We swam with a sea turtle and more than five sharks in just one snorkeling tour! And they even have a PADI Gold Palm 5-star Resort Dive Center.

 

 

  • The level of service was exceptionally high. The staff and management are always interested and go out of their way to make you feel at home and comfortable.

 

  • The Spa was excellent, with traditional treatments in a wonderful setting, performed by masseuses trained in Thailand.

 

Although we really enjoyed the privacy of our villa and tranquility of the island, we were also happy with the many activities offered here. The various watersports, the sunset champagne cruise by catamaran and dolphin safaris are a must! Plus of course snorkeling gear was available free of charge throughout our stay.

 

 

Without exaggeration, it’s one of the best holidays we have ever had from over 40 countries we’ve visited! I feel that everybody should visit the Maldives at least once in their life, especially considering the fact that this island nation is so unique, yet volatile, especially as climate change and the rise of sea level is threatening its existence.

 

If you go I can highly recommended a stay at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and combine it with a few days on their sister property at neighboring Angsana Ihuru.

 

XXX Naomi A.K.A. Authentic Chica

 

 

INDULGE MAGAZINE MALDIVES WOULD LIKE TO THANK NAOMI FROM AUTHENTIC CHICA FOR REVIEWING  BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU MALDIVES.

 

Naomi Louwerens is a Social Media Manager, Online Marketeer and Owner at Authentic Chic Travel & Lifestyle PR & Marketing

 

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