Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

This was our 5th stay at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and it was nothing short of exceptional. Everything was flawless and the improvements made over the past three months are clearly evident — from the elevated quality of the food to the seamless operation of the new dining venues, every detail has been thoughtfully refined. Kudos to David and his team! What truly sets this island apart, beyond its barefoot luxury and authentic Maldivian atmosphere, is its people. The team embodies a rare combination of warmth, professionalism and genuine joy in what they do. Their positive attitude is infectious, and it’s a joy to witness such a motivated group working together like a clockwork. A heartfelt thank you goes to Lynn, Fipit, Sejal, Nafiz, Ayman, Nazeer and Zihan from Saffron, as well as Roy and Alisa from Madi Hiyaa — and of course, all the lovely ladies from the Spa, who made every moment feel like pure indulgence. Furthermore, Liu deserves a special mention as well as she made us feel welcomed and cared for from the very first moment we stepped onto the island. Management should be incredibly proud to lead such a capable and devoted team — their passion and commitment are the essence of what makes this island so special. In summary: we can’t wait to return!

20 min boat ride to absolute authentic Maldivian & Thai bliss. Small enough to feel like your own private island . Immense attention to detail with no request to big.

Nothing not to like . Beautiful beach , clean sea & soft sand .

Great service and lovely rooms

This island is pure magic—white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation, all complemented by the perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. Our room was not only spacious and comfortable but also integrated into the island’s charm, with an open-air bathroom and an outdoor shower. The location is ideal, especially for those with early flights, as it’s conveniently close to Malé. You can make the most of your stay right up until the last moment. A standout feature is the new bar—an incredible spot to unwind with a drink while watching breathtaking sunsets. The marine lab is another highlight, offering engaging activities like reef cleaning, which gives guests a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing the Maldives and a chance to contribute. For snorkeling, the reef at the sister island, Ihuru, is spectacular. We encountered sharks, rays, turtles, and a dazzling variety of colorful fish—a truly unforgettable experience. Lastly, a special mention to Rajesh at the barbecue—his kindness and exceptional cooking skills added an extra touch of hospitality that made our trip even more memorable.

As returning guests, we felt that the attention to detail had slipped compared to our previous visits. For instance, the turndown service was inconsistent, and we had to request more tea for our room after running out, which we hadn’t experienced before. We also preferred the previous dining experience, where the menu changed daily, offering more variety. The current setup includes numerous supplements, which can make the options feel somewhat limited unless you’re willing to pay extra on top of what’s already included.

Lovely resort, our second stay and we will be back. Beautiful sea, snorkelling and grounds, lovely staff and quiet ambiance. Fabulous new outdoor buffet setting a couple of nights a week.

New restaurant arrangement. One Japanese and one Thai. No other option unless you speak directly with the (very helpful) super talented, head chef. Very restrictive menus plus added supplements on most options. The supplements were probably the most unexpected and left a bad feeling. Understand this is being reviewed.