From the moment the yacht approached the North Malé Atoll, my breath was stolen by the sight of One&Only Reethi Rah —a haven of luxury and tranquility nestled amidst a necklace of coral atolls and lagoons. The leisurely 45-minute journey aboard an Azimut luxury yacht had been a spectacle in itself—gliding through a vast turquoise sea dotted with emerald islands, each more enchanting than the last. Yet nothing could prepare me for the arrival: a private island so immaculately designed that it felt like nature and art had conspired to create paradise.
My home for this extraordinary retreat was a Water Villa, perched elegantly over the Indian Ocean, its stilts disappearing into the depths below. Designed by the legendary Jean-Michel Gathy, the villa embodied the philosophy of merging luxurious modernity with natural surroundings. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by a serene space of timber and stone, where sunlight poured through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors. The spacious open-air terrace was my sanctuary. It featured plush sun loungers, a netted hammock that floated over the ocean’s gentle waves, and steps leading directly into the water. Every morning, I would descend those steps into the shimmering lagoon, where the ocean seemed to hold its breath in an embrace of stillness and clarity.
The attention to detail at One&Only Reethi Rah was astonishing. Even the architecture of my villa paid homage to its Maldivian roots, with its coconut palm thatched roof crafted by local artisans. Inside, bold Asian influences mingled with tropical materials like teak and mahogany, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. Every element felt purposeful, from the silk accents on the cushions to the softly glowing lighting that transitioned effortlessly from day to night.
My days began leisurely with breakfast at Reethi, where buttery croissants appeared at my table fresh from the oven, their flaky layers irresistible when paired with the house-made mango and chili jam. Coffee, brewed to perfection, accompanied the gentle sound of the ocean —a reminder that time here existed only to serve indulgence. From there, my options were endless: yoga on a paddleboard over tranquil waters, snorkeling with green-shelled turtles at the resort’s turtle rehabilitation center, or simply lounging on the terrace, where the changing hues of the ocean provided a meditative rhythm to my thoughts.
The island itself, sprawling across six kilometers of coastline, offered twelve immaculate beaches, each more stunning than the last. Yet, privacy was never compromised. Whether I walked barefoot along the shoreline or explored the island’s lush greenery, the tranquility made it feel as though I were the only soul here. My dedicated butler ensured that everything—from a surprise champagne picnic to my private yoga session—was executed with effortless grace and personalization.
Evenings were a culinary journey. One night, I dined at Hoshi, an homage to Japanese artistry, where the chef’s omakase menu featured delicate sashimi that melted on my tongue. Another night took me to Botanica, where I savored farm-to-fork creations beneath a canopy of stars in a hidden garden alive with the scent of herbs and flowers. And then there was the moonlit private dinner on my villa’s terrace, a feast of freshly grilled lobster paired with wine chosen by the sommelier.
For all its grandeur, what truly sets One&Only Reethi Rah apart is its seamless blending of luxury and nature. Jean-Michel Gathy’s vision of an aquatic sanctuary comes alive here, where the island’s breathtaking beauty is preserved and celebrated. It is a place where every moment is curated yet effortlessly relaxed, and every detail is designed to soothe the soul.
Leaving this paradise was bittersweet. As the yacht carried me away, the island grew smaller but remained vivid in my mind —a place where the line between dream and reality blurred. One&Only Reethi Rah is not just a destination; it’s an experience, a memory, and a longing to return.
