Expect barefoot luxury less than one hour from the runway.
Convenience is key. Less than an hour after touching down at Velana International Airport in the Maldives, I’m sinking my toes into sun-warmed sand as the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean glitter invitingly in the distance. It’s no surprise that the Maldives continues to captivate travellers from across the globe. The allure is undeniable: powder-soft beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and an overwhelming sense of serenity that seems to cast a spell the moment you arrive. Enter: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa.
Opened in 2022, Hilton's latest Maldivian resort marks a milestone for the global hospitality brand. Its flagship property in the island nation is one that blends Hilton’s polished pedigree with an unmistakable sense of place. Set on a reclaimed island just a short speedboat ride from Malé, the resort offers a seamless arrival that skips the usual seaplane transfer and gets you beachside in record time.
The architecture here embraces its surroundings. With a collection of 109 beach and overwater villas, the design is a harmonious fusion of contemporary lines and Maldivian tradition. Think thatched roofs, timber finishes, and open-plan spaces that blur the lines between inside and out. Sandy pathways, dappled in shadows from frangipani and palm trees, snake their way through the dense foliage, with guests pedalling between spa sessions and sunset cocktails on baby blue bikes.
Astounding abodes
My villa — a One Bedroom Overwater Suite with Pool — is a revelation. Suspended above the shallows, I’m greeted by panoramic views that stretch across a never-ending palette of blue. The interiors are understated yet indulgent, with low-slung seating, floor-to-ceiling windows, and glass panels underfoot, offering glimpses into the marine world below. The bedroom is anchored by a cloud-like double bed angled perfectly to maximise the view, leading out to a sprawling deck complete with a private plunge pool and overwater hammock nets swaying just above the waves.
The bathroom is just as impressive — a calming sanctuary with a freestanding tub, dual vanities, and both indoor and outdoor rain showers. Every detail has been considered, from the soft lighting to the bath salts ready for a long evening soak as the sun dips beneath the horizon.
Destination dining
Dining is a standout at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. Habitat, the resort’s all-day dining venue, presents a bountiful breakfast buffet that’s as photogenic as it is satisfying. Expect tropical fruits sliced to order, golden pastries, pillowy pancakes, and Maldivian staples like fiery curries. The setting is equally spectacular, with alfresco tables dotted along a terrific terrace that hugs the shoreline.
Origin, the resort’s signature overwater restaurant, offers a refined take on Italian cuisine, where handmade pastas and truffle-laced risottos are served above a lagoon teeming with blacktip reef sharks that glide silently beneath the waves. At Sip Tea Lounge, the ritual of tea is reimagined with an extensive selection of premium blends alongside innovative tea-based cocktails that blur the lines between tradition and mixology. As the sun sets, the scene shifts to Eden Champagne & Gin Bar, a chic adults-only enclave where rare vintage bubbles and artisanal gins are poured under a canopy of stars.
By night, Beach Shack offers a romantic grill restaurant where Wagyu steaks and fresh-caught fish are flame-kissed in an open kitchen just steps from the sea. Guests dine barefoot amidst flickering lanterns, casting a soft glow across the sand.
Elsewhere, Aura Pool Bar & Cocktail Lab deserves a special mention. It’s the first cocktail lab in the Maldives and is dedicated to infusion, distillation, and clarification. The menu offers everything from clarified Piña Coladas to Smoked Negronis, crafted with flair and served beside a shimmering infinity pool. The menu includes poolside fare and light bites ranging from poke bowls and sushi to nachos and bombastic burgers.
Rest and relaxation
For those in search of rejuvenation, the overwater Amingiri Spa is a tranquil retreat. Treatment pavilions float above the turquoise lagoon and are named after wildflowers. Each comes with its own glass panel beneath the massage bed, allowing you to gaze into the depths of the ocean as shoals of fish glide beneath you. It’s an immersive wellness experience that feels utterly attuned to the Maldivian vibe, providing hammam rituals, body treatments and facial care.
Activities abound, from diving excursions to paddle tennis, basketball, and a state-of-the-art gym. Families are well catered to with a vibrant kids’ club, an art centre and a beautiful boutique, while a luxurious residence is currently under construction, promising even more indulgent stays for larger groups in the near future.
On the water, glass kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and snorkelling adventures take preference. Yet, the daily dolphin cruise is the true highlight — arguably one of the best in the archipelago. As the sun begins to set, pods of spinner dolphins leap and twirl in the boat’s wake, their acrobatics drawing gasps and applause from sunburnt tourists.
The verdict
Catering to Middle Eastern travellers, Hilton Maldives Amingiri ensures cultural sensitivity and elevated comfort throughout the experience. Many of the villas offer complete privacy, ideal for couples and families alike. The proximity to the Gulf — four hours from the UAE and Saudi — makes it convenient for long weekends or Eid holidays. And with private in-villa dining, and shaded beachfront lounging, the resort understands and accommodates the nuances of regional preferences with ease.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri is the latest resort in Hilton’s impressive Indian Ocean footprint, which offers everything from ultra-luxe escapes to laid-back island living. In the Seychelles, Mango House and Waldorf Astoria Platte Island offer a new level of secluded sophistication. While Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa in Mauritius is renowned for its idyllic beachfront setting.
With thoughtful design, exceptional dining, and a location that’s both accessible and idyllic, Hilton Maldives Amingiri is a resort that delivers barefoot luxury with effortless charm. Whether you’re in search of romance, wellness, or simply the chance to disconnect from the world, you’ll find it here, suspended between sea and sky.
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for reservations and more information.