Explore Avani+ Fares Maldives: Overwater Bungalows, Snorkeling Reef & Stunning Infinity Pool

Welcome to the brand-new Avani+ Fares Maldives, which opened in April 2023.

As my seaplane took off from the lagoon outside Male International Airport, I immediately saw why the Maldives is a quintessential honeymoon destination. Postcard-worthy, palm-fringed islands appeared below me, as well as ring-shaped coral islets and beautiful stretches of white sand — to call it romantic would be an understatement. The beauty of this place is what draws couples from around the world, looking for carefree beach days, pampering, and privacy.

I came alone, though, to see the brand-new Avani+ Fares Maldives resort. After a full day of travel, it took a 35-minute seaplane and a quick boat transfer to get to the private island in the Baa Atoll. However, the resort that greeted me was well worth the trek.

Avani+ Fares Maldives

• The resort offers more than 15 accommodation types, including studios, villas, and pavilions.
• Avani+ Fares is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, allowing guests to snorkel along the beautiful house reef full of colorful fish and coral.
• Among the property’s seven restaurants is the Maldives’ first kids’-only restaurant.

The latest offering in the Avani Hotels & Resorts portfolio, which features more than three dozen hotels around the world, this private-island Maldivian retreat is a welcomed addition to a destination known for pricey, five-star resorts with overwater (and even underwater) bungalows. There are overwater residences here — in fact, the resort offers 10 secluded villas with private sundecks and plunge pools overlooking a duo of stunning lagoons — but Avani+ Fares Maldives was designed to cater to everyone, including families, friends, and solo travelers. Therefore, it begins with an impressive variety of accommodations.

“Guests can choose from over 15 different types of studios, villas, and pavilions, ensuring a personalized experience for every type of traveler,” Riaan Sinclair-Drever, the property’s general manager, shared. Larger or multigenerational groups, for example, might prefer the four-bedroom beach pavilion, accommodating eight adults and four children.

My own one-bedroom beachfront villa was nestled under the lush canopy of palm trees, which I found quite advantageous given the heat. A short, meandering path connected the villa to a white-sand beach. With the ocean just steps away, I didn’t spend much time in my private plunge pool. However, I did enjoy a few refreshing evening dips, and I discovered another enjoyable feature of the pool—you can have breakfast served here on a floating tray, creating a major Instagram moment.

The decor aligns well with Avani’s contemporary aesthetic, which emphasizes comfort and luxury — characterized by sleek modern furnishings and ocean-inspired colors. In the bathrooms, a walk-in shower cabin opens to a spacious outdoor area, featuring a second shower and a soaking bathtub—an idyllic setting for stargazing with a glass of Champagne.

Moreover, one unique amenity here is that Fares is part of an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as one of 61 islands in the Baa Atoll. It’s a true marine wonderland, complete with a vibrant house reef bursting with wildlife. Guests of all ages can explore this beauty with provided snorkeling equipment. Therefore, it’s wise to pack an underwater camera, as you will want to capture pictures of reef sharks, corals, and fish that are so colorful they seem to have swum out of a Pixar movie.

“We have one of the most exceptional house reefs, as well as Fares Reef and Hanifaru Bay close by, and we offer diving lessons for guests to learn right here,” Sinclair-Drever states.

Water sports are a major aspect of the resort’s activity program. In addition to a comprehensive dive center with classrooms, the resort features a water activities center with top-notch equipment. Glass-bottomed kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available, and if you’re seeking bigger thrills, you can try e-surfboarding, waterskiing, or Jet Skiing. I chose an inflatable sofa ride pulled by a speedboat across the lagoon’s turquoise waters—an exhilarating experience after two decades. Another day, I went manta ray snorkeling in the middle of the ocean and encountered several spinner dolphins.

Moreover, the resort features the first kids’-only restaurant in the Maldives, where everything, including the tables, chairs, and countertops, is child-sized. Additionally, there are kids’ and teens’ clubs, along with a splash park, ensuring that the resort’s youngest guests have a fantastic time.

The dining experience was exceptional for both adults and kids. During my five days on the island, there was never a food craving I couldn’t satisfy at one of the resort’s seven restaurants or via in-room dining. Some standout options included pan-Asian cuisine, fresh seafood, and an array of kombuchas that I enjoyed each afternoon. You must try the chef’s house-made chocolate-covered orange peels, which were irresistible. The resort’s Swiss chef, aiming to reduce food waste, creatively repurposed leftover orange peels.

Furthermore, the best dining location is certainly on the beach. On my final evening at the resort, tables adorned with candles were set up before the stunning beachfront infinity pool, allowing guests to enjoy spectacular sunset views while dining on a multicourse meal.

While many resort guests would call it a night after dinner, my evening was only beginning. I participated in karaoke right there on the beach; I can now officially say that singing Celine Dion feels entirely different on a white-sand beach in the Maldives.

My experience merely scratched the surface of what the resort offers its guests. Live music, beach dinners, DJ sets, and fire shows enhance the atmosphere. Moreover, diving into the largest collection of rum in the Maldives is a delightful bonus.