Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Just a short hop from the international airport, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru offers it's guests an intimate oasis retreat. The resort is boutique with just 48 villas across the island, each of which comes with it's own private plunge pool and adjoining jet tub. The open plan villas each provide their own unique and picturesque view of the ocean and are intimate enough to make you feel as though you are on your own private island. Spend your days relaxing on the golden sandy beach that surrounds the island or enjoy a range of blissful treatments in the resort spa. Enjoy all day dining in Ilaafathi, serving delightful international cuisines and an evening tipple... or a mid morning refreshment from Naiboli Bar. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is the ideal retreat for those looking for a secluded experience to enjoy those special moments with loved ones.  

Amenities

  • Kayaking
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Water Skiing
  • Windsurfing
  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa

Where is it

Located in the North Male Atoll, just 20 minutes away from the international airport by speedboat transfer.

Hotel information

Consisting of just 48 villas across the whole resort, each with direct access to the beach and a private pool with an adjoining jet tub. Rooms feature tea/coffee making facilities, indoor and outdoor showers, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar* and an in-room safe.

Oceanview Pool Villas are 110sqm and feature all of the amazing amenities mentioned above. Villas have 1 king bed and sleep a maximum of 2 adults. 

All Inclusive includes: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from Ilaafathi restaurant, offering a combination of a la carte, buffet, BBQ and more. 

Unlimited consumption of soft drinks, selection of juices, tea and coffee, mineral water. Select beers, cocktails, wines and house pour international brand spirits. 

Afternoon tea served daily.

Mini bar beers and soft drinks replenished daily, spirits and wines replenished every 5th day of stay.


Beachfront Pool Villas are also 110sqm in size and feature a wooden walkway to the beach along with all the amazing amenities previously mentioned. Villas have 1 king bed and sleep a maximum of 2 adults.

Grand Beachfront Pool Villas are 132sqm and feature a separate living area and open plan design with fantastic views of the beachfront. Grand Villas have 1 king bed and a sofabed and sleep a maximum of 5 people. 

Ilaafathi (International cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Naiboli Bar (appetizers, light meals and refreshments, open 11:00am to 11:00pm).

Snorkelling Safari*. Guided snorkelling*. Snorkelling lesson*. Night snorkelling*. Dolphin cruise*. Wellbeing sessions*. Cooking classes*. Night fishing*. Sunset cruise*. Movie nights. Beach volleyball. Water skiing*. Kayak. Stand-up paddleboarding*. Scuba diving*. 

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (2413)
  • Very good (240)
  • Average (56)
  • Poor (22)
  • Terrible (24)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A slice of heaven on earth

Dec 2, 2023 Mohammad A

A magical experience from the start. Everyone at the resort has been incredible and the photos of the villas do not do them justice, neither do they do justice of the white sandy beaches (which we noticed get tidied up every morning). The spa is a must for every guest as the pampering and the Banyan Special Treatments are out of this world.… Read more
A magical experience from the start. Everyone at the resort has been incredible and the photos of the villas do not do them justice, neither do they do justice of the white sandy beaches (which we noticed get tidied up every morning). The spa is a must for every guest as the pampering and the Banyan Special Treatments are out of this world. Activities such as night snorkelling are once in a life time and this is one of the best places to do them. Special thanks go to Rohan and Hossem from reservations and reception, Lynn, Nafiz and Buddy at the restaurant, Okta and Catherine at the spa and Hood at the marine center. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A real paradise

Dec 2, 2023 Luigi F

A real paradise! Everything was perfect, from the astonishing beach and waters with an amazing marine life to the villa and the staff. Nice selection of activities, good choice of food and fantastic spa services. Definitely recommend!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise

Dec 1, 2023 GIADA85-A

Shuja was the best. thanks for the kindness. Paradise island in the middle of the sea. Beautiful snorkeling esperienze in the sister island near by. Spa tratment the best we ever done in our Life.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I little bit of paradise

Dec 1, 2023 Mark T Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Beautiful island only a short speed boat ride from Male. The whole premise of the Banyan Tree is that it is an understated luxury which is perfectly in keeping with the small, intimate island on which it sits. The rooms are lovely - thatched roofs, outside (and inside) showers, great views out over the beach, great little pools and hot tubs,… Read more
Beautiful island only a short speed boat ride from Male. The whole premise of the Banyan Tree is that it is an understated luxury which is perfectly in keeping with the small, intimate island on which it sits. The rooms are lovely - thatched roofs, outside (and inside) showers, great views out over the beach, great little pools and hot tubs, multiple places to sit and relax in the sun or shade, hammocks etc.. The island has a back-packer feel - sandy paths winding through the trees, sand on the floor in the restaurant. But the standard of food and amenities is exceptional and the new Japanese restaurant with it's infinity pool looking over the reef is just a brilliant place to enjoy the setting sun. What really made it special for us were the staff - truly outstanding. Helpful, smiley, engaged, attentive - particularly Sai (on the barbeque), Nafiz in the restaurant and Habeeb on the reception. If you want parties and night life or banana boats and bling - this is not the place for you. If you want to feel like you are Robinson Crusoe on a paradise Island with unparalleled service and amenities - then head for the Banyan Tree! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Barefoot luxury is about the right word for the hotel.

Nov 30, 2023 Ake_Piwat

Well maintained hotel on a small island. The design of the Japanese Restaurant, Madi Hiya is the highlight. Very friendly and polite staff throughout the resort. A kind gentleman who worked night shift on Nov 28, 2023 was nice enough to entirely wave our misunderstanding snorkeling trip we took. Sorry I didn’t get his name. The fact that this… Read more
Well maintained hotel on a small island. The design of the Japanese Restaurant, Madi Hiya is the highlight. Very friendly and polite staff throughout the resort. A kind gentleman who worked night shift on Nov 28, 2023 was nice enough to entirely wave our misunderstanding snorkeling trip we took. Sorry I didn’t get his name. The fact that this resort has no water bungalow is a plus for my opinion. I can get an infinite view of an ocean anywhere on the island. There is a plus and minus for being close to Male. Plus side is convenient and safe sea plane transportation cost. The minus side is you can see big ship, civilization and tall buildings of the city. Coral reef is dead but still get plenty of large sea animals. The food and beverage is nice but the price is quite high. Everything is imported, so understandable. Buy mean plan is recommended. Cocktail at the Japanese Restaurant is too fusion, it’s a confusion. Sometimes simple cocktails is good enough when you have a stunning sunset view. Our favorite staffs are: Buddy, Sejal at the Japanese Restaurant, Sai at breakfast and the night reception gentleman whose I didn’t get the name. Overall I love the experience. Read less