Resort Review: Ayada Resort, Maldives

Staff is 5-star trained and it shows. We were very impressed! Our wonderful butler was accommodating, helpful, professional and quick to resolve any issues. Our room boys were both excellent at their jobs and always left our room clean and tidy. Maaisha and Kubra were so caring and quick with a smile in the restaurant we always looked forward to chatting with them. They are both a credit to the Ayada family.

Sebastian was the executive chef whom we had the honor of conversing with at the outdoor carnival evening. He is a phenomenal chef who does an outstanding job at the magu buffets, which was the only restaurant we ate at during our 9-day stay as our half board was covered there. Breakfast was exceptional and each dinner was a theme night — international, roast, Maldivian, Latino, Asian, Turkish and Italian. There was a great variety offered and everything freshly prepared much of it from the resorts own “ secret garden”. Needless to say, the food was delicious!

We moved from our lovely beachfront room to panoramic ocean pool villa #532 for four nights, which along with 533, are a couple of the best.

The snorkeling was very good. We swim/snorkeled around the island for exercise every day and saw a large variety of sea life including turtles, black and white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, (one time we saw two doing acrobatics together!), morey eels, dolphins and a tropical fish soup of every size shape and color. If you are a serious snorkeler consider bringing your own mask and snorkel; we finally did and it was so much more enjoyable. Also, I wear a rash guard and it was a game change. No more reef damaging sunscreen! The complimentary kayak and paddle boards were a nice addition to the sports offered.

We loved the bikes and enjoyed riding around the island, especially in the evening with the mood lighting in the lush jungle interior.

We played ping pong and pool and worked out at the gym.

I enjoyed the spa twice.

Zero degree was lovely with a very large infinity pool, bar and all kinds of places tucked away to relax in private.

We were given a scrumptious chocolate cake for our anniversary as well as a bottle of wine and chocolates when we arrived. Ayada Resort aims to please and we felt well taken care of!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Maldives. In need of further inspiration? Check out Maren Engh‘s guide, Guide to A 5-Star Maldives Vacation.