The hype
Travelers universally praise the pristine cleanliness and the Italian food quality, but many note the service speed can be inconsistent.
Baglioni Resort Maldives
$750-1200/ night
Book this if You want the Maldives' turquoise waters served with a side of authentic Italian aperitivo and Ferrari sparkling wine.
Why People Love It
- Legit Italian hospitality—staff greet you with 'Buongiorno' and the pasta is handmade
- The house reef is accessible directly from the beach and teeming with sharks and rays
- Recently transitioned to a 'Luxury All-Inclusive' model that actually includes premium liquor
Quick Take: It’s a slice of Milan dropped into the Indian Ocean, which means the food is incredible but the 'island time' service can sometimes feel a bit too relaxed.
Reviewed by @norwegiantravelcouple: I still can't get over this morning at Baglioni! We ordered the floating breakfast to our private pool, and honestly, the photos don't do the turquoise water justice. It was the most romantic start to our day, just drifting with coffee and pancakes while watching the horizon.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'golf cart rumble' in the water villas is a real sleep-disturber for light sleepers; bring earplugs or book a beach villa.
- You are a foodie who refuses to compromise on dining just because you're on an island
- You appreciate a 'barefoot luxury' vibe where dressing up for dinner means a nice linen shirt, not a tuxedo
- You want a great house reef without needing a boat trip
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Twice daily service (morning clean + turndown). Meticulous attention to sand removal.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Stone surfaces and rain showers are kept free of mold and soap scum.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition. The resort is relatively new (opened 2019) and well-maintained.
- Linens & towels: Frette linens (Italian luxury brand) – crisp, high thread count, and fresh.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh flowers and sea breeze; rooms are neutral and fresh.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Golf carts rumbling on wooden jetties (affects Water Villas)
- Waves crashing under overwater villas (soothing to some, loud to others)
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort is on Maagau Island in Dhaalu Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé.
- Green Tax is $6 per person, per night, payable at the resort.
- Drone usage is strictly prohibited to protect guest privacy.
What to pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory for protecting the coral)
- European power adapter (Type G/L often used, though many rooms have universal)
- Floaty linen outfits for the 'White Party' nights often held at the beach bar
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sunset Water Villas (odd numbers usually face sunset) for the best views
- Beach Villas on the sunrise side for better natural shade and quieter mornings
Rooms to avoid
- Water Villas closest to the main island connection (high cart traffic noise)
- Beach Villas near the generator/staff quarters (humming noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a quiet room assignment. Specifically, if booking a Water Villa, please place us as far down the jetty as possible to minimize golf cart noise. If in a Beach Villa, we prefer a unit away from the generator and staff areas.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the seaplane transfer included in the room price?
No. It costs approximately $509 per adult and $319 per child (roundtrip) and must be arranged via the resort.
Is the food actually good?
Yes. Unlike many all-inclusives, the Italian food at 'Gusto' and Japanese at 'Umami' are restaurant-quality, not buffet slop.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, there is a Kids Club (ages 3-12) and family beach villas, but the vibe is definitely more 'romantic couple' than 'Disney resort'.
Do I need to bring cash?
Not really. Everything is charged to the room. You might want small USD bills for tipping staff directly, though a service charge is added to bills.
Is there a house reef?
Yes, and it's excellent. You can snorkel directly from the beach or your water villa and see sharks, rays, and turtles.
What is the 'Green Globe' status?
The resort is Green Globe certified, meaning they produce their own drinking water (no plastic bottles) and have active coral restoration projects.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Ferrari' aperitivo hour at the pool bar is the best time to grab a drink—authentic Italian sparkling wine with snacks.
- ✨
Ask for a table on the deck at Umami for the best chance to see reef sharks swimming below while you eat sushi.
- ✨
The 'Golden Sandbank' excursion is worth the extra cost for a private castaway experience.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Italian time' service concept is real—don't expect your espresso in 2 minutes.
💡The wooden walkways get incredibly hot; you will burn your feet if you don't wear flip-flops.
💡The 'All-Inclusive' wine list is good, but the really famous Italian vintages are locked behind a paywall.
💡Mosquitoes can be present despite fogging—lush vegetation comes with a price.
💡The seaplane terminal lounge in Malé is a nice perk, but the wait can still be long depending on flight schedules.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Baglioni Resort Maldives is located and what's nearby.