With twin islands Chill and Play setting the stage for adventure, relaxation and everything in between, Apple Sharma experienced the reimagined luxury of Niyama Private Islands Maldives.

The Maldives had long been on my bucket list, a picture of paradise I’d often dreamt about. So, I was ecstatic when I finally had the chance to make it happen. The anticipation of turquoise waters, swaying palms and soft sands filled my imagination as I boarded the flight to Malé with my partner, bound for Niyama Private Islands Maldives – a luxury retreat made for relaxing or exploring on your own terms.

At Velana International Airport, Niyama’s ‘Welcome Host’ whisked us away to the resort’s private seaplane lounge – a calm yet plush space where we relaxed before boarding our first ever seaplane ride. Utterly mesmerised, I stayed glued to the window throughout the 45-minute flight, watching the stunning teal-green islands unfold beneath us like a living postcard. 

Touchdown in Paradise

Landing at Niyama’s dock, we were welcomed by the lovely Marketing & Communications Manager, Anjelee Dabydoyal, and her team. The first impression was instantly cinematic, like we’d wandered onto the set of the popular TV show, White Lotus! Niyama has no traditional reception – instead, each guest is paired with a ‘Thakuru’, a personal assistant on call via WhatsApp. Ours was the delightful Shammu, who welcomed us with ice-cold fruit slushies before taking us on a buggy tour.

Dubbed Nature’s Playground, Niyama takes your breath away with its pristine beaches, lush greenery and warm waters in every shade of turquoise. Secluded on its own private peninsula and spread across two islands – Play and Chill – the newly refurbished Niyama is home to 134 villas and pavilions, 10 dining experiences and even its own surf wave.

Our home for the stay was a Deluxe Beach Pool Villa on Chill, where Shammu checked us in and took our dietary preferences. Playful dolphin art greeted us at the door, and inside a beautifully arranged welcome tray with non-alcoholic bubbly and delicious treats awaited. From a hand-written message on the mirror by General Manager, Hafidh Al Busaidy, to matching ‘Chill Play’ flip-flops and hats, every thoughtful gesture made us feel right at home.  

With a breathtaking ocean view framed by swaying palms, our villa featured direct beach access, a plunge pool, a private sundeck and al fresco bathing with outdoor showers and a freestanding tub. Balancing stylish details with homely comforts, the king bed felt like sleeping on clouds, while extras like free wi-fi, a Nespresso machine, large TV and complimentary ice cream and popcorn (my favourite!) added charm. 

After a quick unpack, Shammu collected us for dinner at Tribal, an open-air restaurant celebrating African and Central and South American cuisines. Flickering torches lit a path through the jungle canopy, guiding us to our table. From ostrich and boerewors to lobster on an open flame, the menu offered exotic dishes with bold flavours. Sitting under the stars, with lively music and the sound of crashing waves, I enjoyed some of the best Afro-Latin veggie dishes I’ve ever tried. 

A Taste of Adventure

The next morning, we set off for breakfast on our bicycles – provided to all guests and personalised with our names. Pedalling along palm-lined paths with the ocean breeze on our faces was the perfect wake-up. At Epicure, an all-day dining restaurant overlooking a stunning infinity pool, we were welcomed with fruit smoothie shots before making our way to the buffet. With fresh pastries, tropical fruit, made-to-order eggs, salads, Asian dishes and even a mimosa station – we were thoroughly spoilt for choice. 

Cycling back, we stopped at Pump, the 24-hour gym equipped with state-of-the-art machines. With a promise to return another time, we headed instead to Drift Spa for a 60-minute Niyama Signature Massage. Combining Hawaiian, Japanese and Thai techniques with aromatic oils and the sound of real ocean waves, it was unlike any spa experience I’ve had before.

Suitably relaxed, it was time for underwater lunch at Subsix, Niyama’s famed restaurant six metres below the surface. A pontoon boat took us half a kilometre out to sea, docking at Edge, an exclusive overwater dining venue. Descending a three-tier staircase lit by coral-like chandeliers, we entered another world as we stepped into Subsix, to taste the world’s first underwater Nikkei tasting experience. Dining submerged beneath the waves, with schools of fish gliding past the windows, was simply surreal. The spectacular set menu with paired Japanese drinks complemented the setting perfectly – definitely one of the main highlights of our stay. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying our villa and snorkelling at the Blue Hole nearby. Floating in crystal-clear waters, we were lucky enough to spot a baby reef shark below (harmless, thankfully).

That evening, we joined other guests at Dune, a chic al fresco beach lounge, for a weekly gathering hosted by the Niyama Management Team. With the sky turning golden, mixed drinks in hand and toes in the sand, it was a lovely chance to meet our neighbours and the staff. The resort holds many special events for guests – everything from braais on the beach and Asian street food evenings to underwater glow parties at Subsix and nightly buffet specials across its restaurants.

After drinks, we were excited for dinner – not just any dinner, but one served in a treehouse! At Nest, wooden walkways led us through banyan vines to tables perched among the branches. The menu offered inventive takes on Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indonesian dishes, each presented with flair – the whole setting felt as adventurous and theatrical as the food. It’s no surprise the restaurant has won multiple awards, including the Interior Design Renovation by LIV Hospitality Design Award 2024.

Exploring the Playground

We started the next day with something special: a floating breakfast served in our villa pool. Arranged by Shammu the night before, we tucked into an American set menu of eggs, pastries, fresh fruit and coffee on a floating wicker tray. There’s nothing quite as serene as eating breakfast in a pool with the waves as your soundtrack – a memory that will certainly stay with me!

Following breakfast, we explored Play and its offerings. The resort runs a busy calendar of daily activities, including yoga, beach football, volleyball, kickboxing, painting and fitness classes. We managed a quick knockabout on the tennis court before checking out the Explorers Kids’ Club nearby, which offers plenty to keep young guests entertained.

Cycling on, we passed the coral nursery, where the resort’s marine biologist works with guests to restore reefs. Visitors can even adopt coral fragments to be transplanted back into the lagoon – a thoughtful sustainability initiative.

Further on, a small nook housed Snap Studio, offering professional photo sessions, and Float, the resort’s hub for all things watersports. From jet skiing, diving and kitesurfing to parasailing and glass kayaking, the list seemed endless. Surfing is also big here, with Niyama the only resort in the Maldives with its own private break.

After a busy afternoon exploring the facilities, it was time to relax with Destination Dining – a private romantic dinner on the beach. When we arrived, a beautiful table had already been set up, complete with lanterns and a personal chef. It was the closest thing you can get to dinner on a deserted island, and though a Maldivian downpour added some drama, our waiter appeared instantly with an umbrella to save the evening.

Until Next Time

Our final morning began with breakfast at Epicure, followed by a wander around the island. We mooched around The Lair, a lounge filled with books and DVDs, before heading to the games room for a quick round of table tennis. Nearby shops offered jewellery, clothing and souvenirs – a last chance to take a piece of Niyama home with us. 

Before packing, we couldn’t resist one last stop at Dune for fresh coconut water, a quick photo op and to reflect on our stay. Niyama Private Islands Maldives invites you to chill and play, and that’s exactly what we did – it’s truly Nature’s Playground, with world-class service in a setting unlike any other. 

All too soon, it was time to go. Shammu arranged our seaplane back to Malé, and the staff gathered to see us off. The farewell was as warm as the welcome, leaving us happy, relaxed and already dreaming of our next visit. Thank you, Niyama for making our trip truly unforgettable!

GO: VISIT WWW.NIYAMA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.