Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the South Ari Atoll, this refined all-inclusive resort is set amidst crystal-clear lagoons. A haven of total privacy and island calm, designed for travellers seeking complete disconnection in the Maldives. Private ocean-view villas are located on the beach or suspended over the water, offering couples and families direct access to the rich surrounding marine life.
Prime location
Unique marine experiences in the Ari Atoll, surrounded by lagoons with crystal-clear waters
Ocean access
Nearby protected waters offer exceptional opportunities for water adventures
Private villas
Spacious beach and over-water villas guarantee privacy, comfort and endless ocean views
Sunset experience
Carefully designed spaces invite you to enjoy beautiful sunsets and unforgettable evenings
Cuisine on another level
Savour Mediterranean-inspired cuisine by the sea from curated menus
Premium all-inclusive
Personalised benefits, premium-brand drinks, activities and services to enhance every moment of your stay
“El Meliá Whale Lagoon Maldives es un resort precioso y las instalaciones son espectaculares
Quiero destacar la amabilidad de todo el personal del hotel. Desde la llegada nos hicieron sentir muy bienvenidos con una atención cálida y cercana.
El personal del restaurante fue especialmente atento y siempre estuvo dispuesto a ayudar con una sonrisa, haciendo que cada comida fuera una experiencia muy agradable. La comida es de buena calidad, variada y está muy bien preparada.
La habitación estaba siempre limpia y bien cuidada, y el servicio en general fue excelente. Sin duda, la hospitalidad del equipo es uno de los puntos fuertes de este resort.
Pero mi experiencia se ha visto empañada por varios detalles.
A las 18:00 quise bañarme en la playa y el socorrista me dijo que no estaba permitido. Llamé a recepción para confirmarlo y, al principio, me dijeron que sí podía bañarme. Sin embargo, cuando les comenté lo que me había dicho el socorrista, cambiaron su respuesta y me indicaron que no podía entrar al agua, ni siquiera en la orilla. Me pareció una información contradictoria, especialmente cuando el mar estaba completamente tranquilo. Es frustrante pagar por una villa a pocos metros de la playa y no poder disfrutar de ella cuando do te apetece.
También quisimos hacer un upgrade de habitación, pero el equipo de reservas no mostró mucho interés en ayudarnos.
Por último, el agua caliente tiene un tiempo limitado y, en ocasiones, el agua sale de color marrón, algo impropio de un resort de esta categoría.
Una pena, porque el lugar es increíble, pero estos detalles deslucen la experiencia.”
Dustin Lofing7/29/2026
5/5
“Lisa and Staff,
Thank you for one of the most unforgettable vacation. The setting was perfect, the location was nothing you could ever imagine, and the resort and staff made it that much more memorable! We were here for our anniversary and let’s say we were not the only ones celebrating it, as it felt like the staff all knew, and felt like they celebrated it with us.
As we got off the plane in Male’ they had a person waiting for us to get us on the seaplane as quick as possible. The seaplane into the resort was a highlight in itself.
As soon as we arrived to Whale Lagoon, the staff welcomed us like we were one of them. Akabota got us checked in at their beautiful welcome venue right off the beach. She was very informative and wanted to make our stay special. Our villa was something we could only imagine with lavish surrounding and a view that seemed like a paradise never seen before. The staff put everything over the top and we got to know them like they were our paradise family with remembering our drink habits each day, seeing we were always taken care of by the pool, beach, or villa. Mithum and Aiham were our top guys at the Breeze Bar! They went above and beyond with our trip.
For food it was incredible from our breakfast/lunch with Munefa/Hussain/Nadeen. Sursesh and Aiham gave us an unforgettable anniversary dinner on the beach in front of our villa with a remarkable seafood spread. Our villa was one of the suites with private pool and steps away from the crystal clear waters. The gentlemen that handled our villa was always surprising us with clean villa and welcome treats as we walked in from enjoy the day and evening! He always took care of us but was quiet to never interrupt our stay.
We will be back and enjoying this paradise again as we fell in love with it and the people. It will be even better to see what Melia’ has in store with it for their upcoming remodel as it seems too perfect already, can’t wait!!”
Vanessa Lusa7/25/2026
5/5
“Our honeymoon stay at Meliá was truly a dip into paradise. The location is gorgeous, stunning, breathtaking. The staff kind, welcoming, attentive to all the details. From seeing all types of fishes, rays and sharks to the beautiful pools, corals and reefs, it is amazing for ocean lovers. The buffets were extensive with daily changes to make you feel like you constantly had options from many different cuisines. Special shout out to the spa, which was so spectacular we went back twice.”
Alex Shore7/11/2026
5/5
“Amazing location. Amazing staff. And great for Gluten Free.
My wife and I honeymooned here and stayed on one of the stilted villas over the ocean. We live in Australia and travel a lot, and were unsure if resort life would suit us. But we loved every minute and don't want to leave (waiting for sea plane).
If you like snorkelling, look no further! The reef here is healthy with fish, turtles and even black tip reef shark (very small juveniles, don't worry!). We started every morning like this. And there are plenty of day trips with the local dive team, who are simply great. We weren't lucky enough to see a Whale Shark, but still had the best day searching and snorkelling secluded reefs.
The Island's Bar, wait and all other staff were so kind and thoughtful. And went above and beyond with us.
I must have eaten almost everything on the menu, which is all delicious! My wife, who is coeliac, gave the kitchen notice when we booked. The chefs and waiters looked after her and she had plenty on the menu. It's just sometimes the guests you have to watch our for contaminating spoons etc., but that is hard to control. She liked to arrive early to lessen the risk of cross contamination.
All in all, the most amazing trip. We hope to return 🙏”
Cristian Ardelean7/8/2026
5/5
“Just spend 2 weeks at this resort recently and everything has been excellent.We stayed in a sunset water villa for 14 nights,the room was amazing,spacious with a great view plus a lot of privacy.The villa was kept spotless by Adam and Mohammad,thanks guys.The best part of this resort for me was the staff :big thanks specially to Nadheem,Shateer,Hussain,Rejin and all the rest ,sorry cannot remember all the names and all the chefs in the kitchen, food was tasty as well.At the breeze bar we had the barman’s top man Anis ,Abdullah,Ismail from which we had a great service.We have visited the spa for a90 minutes massage and was brilliant.So because of the staff and the costumer service I will definitely return to this resort without second thoughts.Thanks”
Find out how other hotels in the same area are rated
,regionOfInterest=(5399.6219706,2423.4640953))
,regionOfInterest=(5399.6219706,2423.4640953))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1612.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1612.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1598.2745811,1052.70669))
,regionOfInterest=(1598.2745811,1052.70669))
,regionOfInterest=(3330.5,2220.5))
,regionOfInterest=(3330.5,2220.5))
,regionOfInterest=(3402.5,2269.5))
,regionOfInterest=(3402.5,2269.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2633.39421,5712.249507799999))
,regionOfInterest=(2633.39421,5712.249507799999))
,regionOfInterest=(1243,2165.557456))
,regionOfInterest=(1243,2165.557456))
,regionOfInterest=(4344,2896))
,regionOfInterest=(4344,2896))
,regionOfInterest=(4096,2732))
,regionOfInterest=(4096,2732))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1179))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1179))
,regionOfInterest=(2083,1388.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2083,1388.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1476.5,984.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1476.5,984.5))
,regionOfInterest=(4096,2732))
,regionOfInterest=(4096,2732))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1182.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1771.5,1182.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1433.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1433.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1331.5,1997))
,regionOfInterest=(1331.5,1997))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1142.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1142.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1476.5,984.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1476.5,984.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1000,666.5))
,regionOfInterest=(1000,666.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2548,3822))
,regionOfInterest=(2548,3822))
,regionOfInterest=(4128,2752))
,regionOfInterest=(4128,2752))
,regionOfInterest=(1728,1152))
,regionOfInterest=(1728,1152))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1612.5))
,regionOfInterest=(2150,1612.5))