Niyama Private Islands hotel review: Surf's up and family fun awaits at Maldives resort

The Maldives used to be known as a honeymooners' escape, but now it is a prime destination for families too. For those looking for a tropical escape that ticks the family-friendly box and also has plenty for adults to do, Niyama Private Islands – a Minor hotel – could be a good choice.

Spread across two islands – one called Play and the other called Chill – the resort offers a blend of relaxation, fun and adventure with epic marine life on its doorstep, and is reachable by seaplane from Male International Airport.

The National checked in to see what is on offer.

The welcome

Stepping off the seaplane on to the resort’s jetty, the team are waiting to greet us and take us to the open-plan central lobby. We’re given a welcome drink and cold towel – appreciated after the hot seaplane journey – before being whisked off to our room in a golf cart. A message written in the sand welcomes us to our home for the next few days, and check-in formalities are easily completed in the room.

The neighbourhood

Lying in the very south of the Maldives archipelago, Niyama Private Islands attracts holidaymakers looking to escape it all. As well as the 45-minute seaplane flight, it can be reached via a 35-minute domestic flight to Dhaalu Atoll, followed by a seven-minute speedboat transfer.

Because it spans two islands, the resort offers plenty of space to stay and play, avoiding the cabin fever that can arise on some of the nation's smaller islands.

The room

There is a choice of beach and overwater villas at Niyama Private Islands, and we are in one of the beach family pool villas. Accessed directly from the sandy pathways that criss-cross the island, the one-bedroom villa has a huge living room lined by a mammoth mini-bar area with lashings of crisps, chocolate, biscuits and sweets on display. It also includes the usual tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as a popcorn machine – bound to be a hit with little ones. The interior design is little sparse and I cannot shake the feeling that the room seems unfinished, but it leaves plenty of space for children to run around.

In the equally spacious bedroom, there is a very comfortable king-size bed and a small seating area, plus a large writing desk for anyone, like myself, who needs to work while in paradise. The standout feature has to be the open-air bathroom which looks like it has been imported directly from a luxury spa. The star of the show is a huge soaking tub and stepping stones that lead to a rainforest shower framed by tropical foliage, along with a glass-clad separate shower and WC, twin basins and vanity spaces. There is also a small indoor bathroom, in case you do not fancy venturing outside in the middle of the night.

Sliding doors off the bedroom and living room lead to the front of the villa where an outdoor dining area, swing chair and circular lounger large enough for the whole family await. A temperature-controlled swimming pool is surrounded by leafy foliage with views towards the ocean.

The scene

Guests are a mixture of couples and families, plus surfing enthusiasts, thanks to the epic swells that grace the island.

The resort's popularity with the surfing community has been steadily rising ever since Gabriel Medina, whose floating surfer image defined the 2024 Olympics, caught some waves here a few years back. On the tip of Play island, the resort embraces its surfing community, channeling surf club rather than luxury resort vibes – think beanbags in the sand and laid-back attire. This is also the best place on the island to drink in the sunset.

Children are well looked after at Niyama Private Islands at the Explorer kids' club, one of only a handful of resorts in the Maldives to cater to children as young as 12 months. The supervised club's facilities include a sleeping room for babies, outdoor splash pad and playgrounds, and offers children's lunches and an ever-changing host of daily excursions including boat trips and treasure hunts.

While children play, adults can make a beeline for Drift Spa where I indulged in a relaxing massage, accompanied by the sounds of nature. Cycle paths lead guests to make plenty of discoveries, such as the coral nursery where visitors can see the resort's efforts to restore the island's coral reefs. The resort’s location in the Dhaalu Atoll means it boasts amazing marine life, which even beginner snorkellers can experience at the sheltered Blue Hole.

A small souvenir shop stocks essentials and there are boutiques offering resortwear and gifts, plus an air-conditioned business lounge.

The food

With nine restaurants, there is lots on offer. Breakfast is served in the Epicure restaurant, where most people arrive by bike, with plenty of cycle parking right outside. Daily shots of vitamin-boosting juices are offered on arrival, and there is a huge buffet spread with everything from fruit, eggs and pastries to an ice cream cart. Highlights include Subsix, an underwater restaurant where lunches are served alongside a window into the Indian Ocean.

Guests can eat in the jungle at Nest restaurant, a treetop-style venue specialising in Asian food. Diners sit at tables six metres in the air, and among serpentine vines on the forest floor. Fairy lights set the scene and birdsong is piped into the venue, although this seems slightly unnecessary since we are surrounded by nature. The menu spans Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian with a wide sushi selection. To start, try the Nest sharing platter, which includes papaya salad, lobster spring rolls, chicken satay and Vietnamese spring rolls ($55). The green curry vegetable saitan ($45) packs a perfectly mild punch, and the traditional Javanese nasi pecel ($45) is a tasty peanut-inspired rice dish that offers something different.

The service

Staff are friendly and thoughtful. Birthday treats are left in the room for my husband, and when we head to the Surf Shack for sunset, the DJ notices that there are no shaded places for us to sit with our one-year-old and promptly asks some waiters to move things around to accommodate us.

You do need to get used to island time though. Things here do not tend to happen quickly.

Highs and lows

With plenty to do, you will not get island fever at this twin-isle resort, and its first-rate children's facilities mean they will want for nothing.

A little TLC would not go amiss in some of the villas which are starting to show their sunbeaten age.

The insider tip

Check the freezer, it is chock-full of complimentary ice cream that is replenished daily, something we sadly only discovered on our last day.

The verdict

A lush Maldivian escape that feels more natural than many of the archipelago's other resorts, Niyama Private Islands is a family hit.

The bottom line

Rates from Dh2,587, including breakfast but excluding fees. Check in is from 2pm and check out at noon. Guests arriving at Velana International Airport on international flights after 3.15pm will need to take a domestic flight transfer rather than a seaplane.

This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects standards during this time. Services may change in the future

• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain

• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister

• Could the UAE drive India's economy?

• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it

• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture

• The National announces Future of News journalism competition

• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come

• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain

• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister

• Could the UAE drive India's economy?

• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it

• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture

• The National announces Future of News journalism competition

• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come