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My 100th Country; The Maldives! Niyama Private Islands Maldives Review

Well, it was 7 years in the making but my 100^th country was finally upon me. It was time for my Niyama Private Islands Maldives Review. One of the top 10 hotels I’ve stayed in during my journey to every country.

A journey that started off with a stint in medical research in Belfast to pay for my one-way ticket to Thailand (you know, where you get locked up in a hospital and take experimental drugs for money? Yup, I did that for 32 days) ended with me in quite a different stage in life, in travels and in business with a dream villa in Thailand, and an Everest summit in the bag. Time for some luxury, I earned it.

So the flipflops were still on. But the destination and style were a little different. I was celebrating my 100^th country in luxury, real luxury. I was off to the Maldives baby. And not just any hotel in the Maldives but arguably the most luxurious hotel of the lot, Niyama; Nature’s playground. Home to the best beaches in Maldives. Let’s relive the experience.

Luxury on Arrival

The Niyama Maldives does it differently. There’s a reason why this THE destination when people are celebrating something big.

Sure, traveling comes in various shapes and sizes. But when it’s time to celebrate a momentous occasion like this, it’s worth going the extra mile. So with my girlfriend by my side, I boarded the plane in Kuala Lumpur and headed for Male, the Maldivian capital.

And so it began. A gentleman standing at arrivals with an iPad with my name on it set the tone for the next 4 or 5 days.

Private lounges

He guided us effortlessly through the airport and into the sanctuary of the Niyama Private Islands lounge. And this wasn’t your average “airport lounge” with sad peanuts and instant coffee. This was next-level indulgence—complimentary sushi laid out like art, fresh tropical smoothies on demand, high-end sandwiches that wouldn’t look out of place in a Parisian café, and Wi-Fi fast enough to upload 4K drone footage while you sip your mocktail. Sitting there, feet up, watching the seaplanes come and go, I started to realize: this wasn’t just a holiday. This was an experience carefully engineered to spoil you at every turn.

Luxury, when done right, doesn’t scream. It whispers. It anticipates. And,iIt delivers comfort and class before you even know you need it. And that’s exactly what Niyama did from the second we touched down. It’s rare to be this cared for, this immersed in ease. But that’s the difference between nice and world-class. Between “treating yourself” and stepping into a parallel universe where everything is just right.

It felt like stepping out of the chaos of real life and into a cinematic version of how travel should be—effortless, elegant, and unforgettable. And honestly? If you’re going to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, this is how it should be done. Welcome to Niyama. Welcome to the Maldives. And, welcome to the definition of luxury.

Taking a Sea Plane

Soon my James Bond moment had arrived. I boarded the seaplane and off we set. Traveling by seaplane in the Maldives is highly recommended, it doesn’t come cheap at $500 per person but in for a penny, in for a pound.

And you get a real insight into just how beautiful this part of the world is. Flying over all the various atolls, seeing the most electric blue seas, and expansive coral formations is something I’ll never forget. All of that, and with the excitement that in 40 minutes I’ll be arriving in one of the most luxurious hotels on the planet, complete with an underwater bar, no less.

40 mins came and went and we landed the seaplane to be greeted by the GM of the hotel on the cute, wooden jetty.

The Resort Layout

Niyama Private Islands Maldives is uniquely spread across two separate islands, aptly named “Play” and “Chill,” each offering a distinct vibe. It sleeps around 150 people, but has around 350 staff so everything is catered for. A quick buggy tour of the island, then to our water bungalow and I had arrived in heaven.

Connected by a wooden bridge over turquoise waters, “Chill” is all about serenity, spas, and relaxation, while “Play” delivers adventure, water sports, and family fun. Despite its size, the resort feels incredibly intimate thanks to thoughtful design and lush vegetation. You truly feel like you have the island to yourself—luxury and privacy in perfect harmony.

ABSOLUTE PRIVACY

The islands specialize in privacy though. I was convinced that the resort was almost empty until speaking to the manager on day 3 to find out it was running almost at full occupancy!

The design of the entire place leaves you feeling like you have the whole Maldives to yourself. Unreal.

The Rooms

Back to the room… Wow wow wow!

If you stay in the Maldives, you have to stay in a water bungalow.

That was my only rule when planning my trip. Wooden stairs straight into the Indian ocean from your balcony. That’s something special. As is a bathtub overlooking the sea, and the open-air shower, the huge bed with Bose surround sound speakers, unlimited movies on the extractable flatscreen, complimentary iPad, and a private plunge pool. Anyway, it’s tough to do it justice so check out my video walkthrough….

Stepping into a Water Pool Villa at Niyama Private Islands Maldives is like entering a dreamscape where luxury meets the infinite horizon. Perched above the tranquil turquoise lagoon, these overwater sanctuaries offer an unparalleled connection to the ocean’s serenity.

Pool Villas

Each villa spans approximately 175 square meters, featuring a spacious sun deck with a private infinity pool that seems to merge seamlessly with the sea . From your deck, descend directly into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim or lounge on the deck’s sunbeds, soaking in the panoramic views.

Inside, the villa boasts contemporary design with a king-sized bed, an oversized soaking tub, and a rain shower, all complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ocean vistas. Modern amenities include a Nespresso machine, a popcorn maker, and a high-tech entertainment system, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay.

For those seeking an elevated experience, the Deluxe Over Water Pool Villa offers additional luxuries such as a Jacuzzi at the water’s edge and a larger living space of approximately 190 square meters .

With personalized Thakuru (butler) service attending to your every need, a stay in Niyama’s Water Pool Villa transcends traditional luxury, offering an intimate and immersive Maldivian escape.

Facilities at Niyama Per Aquum

Kicking back in the Maldives isn’t really about doing ‘stuff’. It’s more about recharging, relaxing and eating the most amazing food imaginable. 

Niyama Private Islands Maldives offers an impressive array of facilities catering to relaxation, adventure, and family fun. Guests can indulge at the Drift Spa, featuring overwater treatment rooms, steam rooms, and plunge pools. For the active, there’s a 24-hour gym, tennis courts, and a water sports center offering activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing. Families will appreciate the Explorers Kids Club, providing supervised activities for children. With diverse dining options, including the underwater Subsix restaurant, Niyama ensures a luxurious and memorable stay for all. 

Staying Active

So, if you’re a more active type (like me), then Niyama has got to be the choice. Where other resorts get a little lazy with the fact that people only want to sunbathe and drink, Niyama goes above and beyond. Keeping you occupied at every conceivable turn. The gym is a fully functional fitness centre, not just some box ticker like many hotels seem to have. There are yoga and stretching classes each morning for the earlier risers too.

The games room keeps kids (and big kids) occupied with table tennis, snooker, PlayStations, and Xboxes. There is super fast wifi on the WHOLE island. I have no idea how they do that, Niyama is 40 mins seaplane from Male, the Capital, which itself is a few hours flight from mainland India. That means to keep in touch with loved ones (read: showing off and making everyone else ridiculously jealous) is really easy too.

The island has an on-site marine biologist where you can learn about the coral reef, and even adopt and replant some coral complete with biannual updates on your new baby’s progress. Nice touch. There is also a scuba and watersports centre where you can dive until your heart’s content, jet ski, sail. You name it, Niyama has it.

Food At Niyama

The restaurants were on a whole new level.

One evening Jaa and I spent on a romantic table for 2 on the beach, 10 feet from the ocean. It was a seafood BBQ buffet that had to be seen to be believed. Unlimited prawns, swordfish, lobster, salmon all freshly imported daily. I have no idea how Niyama maintains this level of quality, so I gave up being impressed and just ate and ate until I nearly popped.

Breakfast each day blew my mind. The largest buffet I have ever seen in all my hotel stays around the world. Every conceivable breakfast food, from every country, culture, and corner of the world is on display. I woke up excited every day just to get there.

And if I ate a little too much? No probs, the staff will drive me back to my room in the golf buggy just in time for a post-breakfast nap.

Dining at Niyama Private Islands Maldives is a culinary journey that transcends traditional resort fare. With nine distinct venues, guests can indulge in a variety of global cuisines set against breathtaking backdrops. Experience avant-garde Asian dishes amidst the treetops at Nest, or savor innovative Nikkei cuisine six meters below sea level at Subsix, the resort’s renowned underwater restaurant . For those seeking Mediterranean flavors, Blu offers family-style dining by the beach, while Epicure provides all-day international cuisine in a chic, poolside setting. Edge, accessible only by boat, presents a fine dining experience over the ocean, featuring modern Indian Ocean delicacies .

Complementing these are unique options like Tribal, showcasing African and South American flavors, and The Deli, perfect for gourmet grab-and-go treats. Whether it’s a romantic dinner under the stars or a casual beachside meal, Niyama ensures every dining experience is memorable.

Tribal

There are a number of restaurants on the island, on my second night, I ate at my favorite – the African themed Tribal restaurant. It’s the only African themed restaurant in all of the Maldives and to be honest any other resort would be mad to challenge them.

This place was perfect. The quality (and quantity!) of meat on display was amazing. I ordered a huge steak and I confess ordering a steak in the middle of the Indian Ocean was a bit of a gamble given how far would have to travel to get here but no such worry necessary. The best steak I’ve ever eaten in my life. The drinks flowed (delicious imported red wine recommended by the knowledgeable host), as did the desserts until it dawned on me that through my stay at Niyama this was, without doubt, the best I’ve ever eaten over a 3 or 4 day period in my life.

Home!

Unfortunately, my 3 nights/4 days came and went all too fast. I couldn’t have dreamt about celebrating my 100^th country anywhere better in the world.

So thanks for being so awesome Niyama, I fully intend coming back here to celebrate visiting every country in the world. See you in a few years!

🏝️ Niyama Private Islands Maldives – FAQ

Q: Where is Niyama Private Islands located?

A: Niyama is located in the Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. It’s a 40-minute scenic seaplane flight southwest of Malé International Airport.

Q: How do I get to the resort?

A: After arriving in Malé, guests are transferred via a direct seaplane to the resort. The flight costs around $500 per person round trip and is an unforgettable part of the experience.

Q: What kind of accommodation is available?

A: Niyama offers both beachfront villas and iconic overwater bungalows. All come with private pools, luxury amenities, and full privacy.

Q: Are children welcome at Niyama?

A: Yes! Niyama is family-friendly and even offers a dedicated children’s club, Explorers, for young guests.

Q: What dining options are available?

A: There are 9 restaurants, including Subsix (underwater), Nest (tree-top Asian), Edge (ocean fine dining), Tribal (African/South American fusion), and Epicure (all-day international).

Q: Is Wi-Fi available throughout the resort?

A: Yes. Niyama offers fast and reliable Wi-Fi even in its most remote corners—even out overwater.

Q: What activities are available at the resort?

A: Guests can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, yoga, marine biology sessions, coral adoption, spa treatments, and a world-class gym.

Q: Is Niyama suitable for honeymoons or romantic trips?

A: Absolutely. With ultra-private villas, candlelit dinners, an underwater restaurant, and couples’ spa packages, Niyama is made for romance.

Q: What makes Niyama unique compared to other Maldivian resorts?

A: Niyama is one of the few resorts that has two islands—Play and Chill—catering to both adventure seekers and those craving relaxation. Its design offers a high level of privacy, even when the resort is at full capacity.