Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa
A private island in Raa Atoll — 1.2 km of beach, 100 hectares of lagoon.
An island resort on Faarufushi Island
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa sits on its own 7-hectare island in Raa Atoll, about 186 km from Malé and reached by seaplane. The property is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and runs as a 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive resort. The island has 1.2 km of white sandy beach and a 100-hectare lagoon wrapping a coral reef described as one of the finest in the Maldives. Across 80 villas — 38 on the beach, 42 overwater — 70 have private pools. Architecture throughout uses natural stone and wood in a minimalist style.
Who this stay suits
A full-service all-inclusive island resort with a serious house reef, multiple dining options, and private-pool villas across every category.
Best for
- Couples wanting overwater villas with sunset views
- Families — dedicated two-bedroom beach villas available
- Divers and snorkellers with a top-rated house reef
- Travellers who want all-inclusive with no compromises on space
Less suited to
- Budget-conscious travellers — rates start above $1,100 per night
- Those who prefer a short, simple transfer to their resort
The island and its lagoon
Seven hectares of private land, 1.2 km of beach, and a 100-hectare lagoon. The coral reef surrounding the island is among the best-preserved in the Maldivian ecosystem, accessible directly from the shore.
Overwater villas
Forty-two villas sit directly on the water. The Sunset Water Villa with Pool is positioned for evening light over the Indian Ocean. All overwater categories run 172–230 m² and include a private pool on the deck.
Beach villas and family options
Thirty-eight beach villas line the white sand, including two-bedroom family configurations with private pools. Rooms have walk-in showers, open-air 'under the stars' shower options, and king-size beds.
Design and architecture
Stone and wood run through every structure. The approach is minimalist rather than decorative — clean lines, natural materials, and a scale that keeps the island feeling open rather than built-up.
Dining and bars
Five restaurants are on the island, with outdoor dining areas and a bar. All-inclusive rates cover meals and drinks. Tea and coffee makers are in every room for in-villa mornings.
Wellness and activity facilities
The Emerald Spa is on site, alongside a gym and sports centre. A Diving Centre and Water Sports Centre handle water-based activities. There is also the Dolphin Kids Club for younger guests.
Rooms & suites
Beach Villa
120 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed
- Entire bungalow
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
Water Villa with Pool
172 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Pool with a view
Sunset Water Villa with Pool
172 m² · sleeps 3 · 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Pool with a view
Superior Water Villa with Pool
230 m² · sleeps 3 · Bedroom 1: 1 king bed and 1 sofa bed Living room: 1 sofa bed
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Pool with a view
Inside Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa
Amenities at Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- Room service
- 5 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
Great for your stay
- 5 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- View
- Bath
- Terrace
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bidet
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Outdoor dining area
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Patio
Getting there
Emerald Faarufushi is approximately 186 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. The only transfer mode is by seaplane, which the resort coordinates as part of arrival. Seaplane transfers are daylight-only, so late-arriving flights typically require an overnight in Malé before continuing to the island.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
With a 4.9/5 Google rating across 134 reviews, Emerald Faarufushi scores consistently across the board. Guests rate it among the best properties in Raa Atoll, with the house reef, villa quality, and all-inclusive value coming through as recurring positives in written feedback.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Emerald Faarufushi from Malé airport?
The transfer is by seaplane. The island is approximately 186 km from Malé. The resort arranges an airport shuttle as part of arrival logistics — confirm seaplane scheduling directly when you book.
Is this an all-inclusive resort?
Yes. Emerald Faarufushi operates as a 5-star Deluxe All-Inclusive resort. Meals across the five restaurants and drinks at the bar are included in the rate.
How many villa categories are there?
There are seven villa categories in total — beach villas, beach villas with pool, two-bedroom family beach villas with pool, water villas with pool, sunset water villas with pool, superior water villas with pool, and a two-bedroom presidential beach villa with pool.
Do most villas have a private pool?
Yes. Seventy of the 80 villas have private pools overlooking the ocean. Only the standard Beach Villa category does not include a pool.
Is the resort suitable for families with children?
Yes. There are two-bedroom Family Beach Villas with Pool designed for families. The Dolphin Kids Club is also on site for younger guests.
Is there diving available at the resort?
An on-site Diving Centre operates at the resort. The house reef surrounding the island is considered one of the finest coral reefs in the Maldivian ecosystem, making it accessible for snorkelling as well.
What is the starting price for a stay?
Rates start from $1,174 per night for a Beach Villa. Overwater villas with private pools begin at $1,570, and the Superior Water Villa with Pool starts at $2,011 per night.
Is there a spa at the resort?
The Emerald Spa is on site, available to all guests. The fitness centre and sports centre are also on the island for those who want structured exercise during their stay.
What restaurants are available?
There are five restaurants on the island, plus a bar. Outdoor dining areas and a beachfront setting mean most meals can be taken in open air. All dining is covered under the all-inclusive rate.
Is Wi-Fi available across the resort?
High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, including in villas.
Is Emerald Faarufushi part of any hotel group or collection?
The resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, an independent collection of high-end properties. It is not affiliated with a major hotel chain.
What is the best time of year to visit Raa Atoll?
Raa Atoll's dry season generally runs from November to April, when conditions for diving and snorkelling are at their clearest. The resort operates year-round — confirm current seasonal conditions when booking.