Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

The Maldives – Atoll de Malé Nord

The 26 atolls of the Maldives archipelago form a string of 1,200 islands spread over 800 kilometers from north to south. The particularly pleasant all year round climate, the long stretches of white sandy beachesand the incredible and unique marine depths attract more than 800,000 visitors annually.

To welcome them under the best possible conditions, the Maldives has invented the island-hotel concept. Each of its most beautiful islands has one and only one hotel, and the promise of beaches surrounded by coconut palms as well a sea that is as warm as it is crystalline. The archipelago’s most frequented atoll is Malé North. It’s here that we find the country’s capital, Malé and the international airport of Hulule which has an island all to itself.

The atoll’s 52 islands offer guests incomparable luxury and totally intact nature. In the tropical forest which partially covers them, visitors can discover numerous exotic animals and marine depths overflowing with multi-colored fish as well as fantastic coral reefs.

A little piece of Heaven on Earth

The Malé atoll, in the heart of the Maldives, is home to the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru located on a small, very green island bathed by turquoise waters teeming with fish of all colors. Vabbinfaru in the local language means “round island surrounded by a reef.”

Opened in 1995, it was one of the first five star establishments in the Maldives. This small boutique hotel is characterized by one of the most breathtaking coral reefs in the Maldives.

48 villas, each named after a local fish, are spread throughout the lush garden of coconut palms, blending in perfectly with their environment. Built in typical Maldivian style with thatched roofs, their design is sober but luxurious. Bathed in natural light thanks to their large bay windows, they all have direct access to the beach and an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean.

The interiors with canopy beds, soft and light cotton curtains that sway in the breeze, wood, palm leaves and touches of Asian décor make each room a veritable haven of peace.

They all have Jacuzzis and outdoor showers.

The same natural materials are found in the bathrooms including bamboo and black marble stones. There’s no TV here since guests live in total communion with nature, and no swimming pool since the sea is just steps away with marine depths that create the world’s most beautiful aquarium.

The spa however, is one of the most famous in the Maldives, with therapies originated in Thailand, Indonesia, China and other Asian countries. Its five bamboo pavilions, perfectly integrated into the sumptuous tropical garden, contain treatment rooms that open onto the outside.

Everything here has been designed to assure guests of absolute serenity.

After a long massage in total peace and privacy, where the only sounds are the palm leaves swaying in the breeze, a dip into a bath of flower petals is a sheer delight.

Elected one of the finest culinary addresses in the Maldives, the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has only two restaurants, although in conformity with the intimate spirit that reigns over the island, guests can order their dinner which can be served in their private villa by a butler.

And for honeymooners, the Banyan Tree has thought of everything. Just 15 minutes from the island, on an immaculately white sandbank, a table is set upon request. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy the last rays of sun before dining in total intimacy, thus ending an unforgettable evening on a little piece of Heaven on Earth.

The Banyan Tree’s awareness and concern for the protection of the environment is characterized by its raising of skate fish and turtles, both endangered species, and its scientific research center for the reinsertion of coral. Guests can visit these breeding areas and watch the skate and the turtles at feeding time.