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 WiFi, mini-bar* 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 sofa bed 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). Madi Hiyaa (Japanese restaurant and bar with a sea saltwater infinity pool. Serving lunch and dinner).

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 (2713)
  • Very good (252)
  • Average (60)
  • Poor (25)
  • Terrible (27)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great island for snorkelling

Nov 14, 2024 margott667 Liverpool, United Kingdom

Chose Banyan tree because of its reef and sister island for snorkelling. Both were excellent and we saw many beautiful fish, sharks, turtles and rays. The hotel is an excellent 5 star resort. We were welcomed by the team including the GM which was a great start. We stayed on B&B basis which was perfect, good choice for meals in the bar and… Read more
Chose Banyan tree because of its reef and sister island for snorkelling. Both were excellent and we saw many beautiful fish, sharks, turtles and rays. The hotel is an excellent 5 star resort. We were welcomed by the team including the GM which was a great start. We stayed on B&B basis which was perfect, good choice for meals in the bar and Japanese restaurant. Few niggles but the resident manager was on hand to sort. I dived with Yaby who was very professional and had a great Manta Ray dive. Lovely staff, great management, reasonable Internet, good food and drinks, private pool villas - overall excellent. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing

Nov 13, 2024 Flyer44284285147

This is my first journey to Maldives, fanstic sea and it’s a really good place to have fun with family and friends, nice and clean room. Each of us feels comfortable and cool! Appreciate all of the lovely and hospitality people! Will come back later if we have another vacation again!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Unforgettable Well-being That Could Be Even More Well-being

Nov 9, 2024 Voyage63330120330

We had an unforgettable time at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru hotel in the Maldives. Despite being 30 years old, the hotel has maintained its luxurious character and offers privacy in beautifully furnished villas. We especially appreciate the well-being concept and philosophy of healthy relaxation, which is evident at every turn. Their commitment to… Read more
We had an unforgettable time at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru hotel in the Maldives. Despite being 30 years old, the hotel has maintained its luxurious character and offers privacy in beautifully furnished villas. We especially appreciate the well-being concept and philosophy of healthy relaxation, which is evident at every turn. Their commitment to environmental protection through the Marine Lab and efforts to save the coral reef deserve the highest praise. The hotel is currently undergoing renovations, and all villas will be newly furnished, making us even more eager to return. This place is truly a paradise on earth. Finally, I would suggest introducing a package for non-drinkers, which includes freshly squeezed juices and smoothies at no extra cost, along with additional perks—aligning more closely with the philosophy of healthy relaxation. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfection in 3 Nights - If it could be better, I don't really know how...

Nov 9, 2024 milehighdisco Dubai, United Arab Emirates

From start to finish: Superb. The communication, the pickup, being greeted by name at the pier (and staff remembering your name the whole stay), the island, the food and food variety, the STAFF (really, fantastic), the snorkelling, and the benefits of having a second island to expore 1 min boat ride away. The whole experience is just mind-blowing.… Read more
From start to finish: Superb. The communication, the pickup, being greeted by name at the pier (and staff remembering your name the whole stay), the island, the food and food variety, the STAFF (really, fantastic), the snorkelling, and the benefits of having a second island to expore 1 min boat ride away. The whole experience is just mind-blowing. The staff are unbelievably attentive. No matter what you request, even if it's 1 minute before the bar closes, they will accommodate. It is such a small island with so few other guests, you feel like you have that level of luxury of it being your own private island. You rarely see others, especially at night. You can have the whole bar overlooking the sea to yourself. The island can be crossed from one side to the other in 3 minutes via the middle road between bars - and it's a stunning walk at night with the light effects. The rooms are all VERY private, and there is no chance of being seen from outside. Our villa, despite being the "furthest from the beach", was actually a 15 second walk to the beach, which actually was perfect from a privacy perspective. The house reef is not bad for snorkelling, if you're willing and able to swim out 100 meters to the outer rim of it, but that is made up for by the stunning sister island, Dhawa, a 1 minute boat ride away and your room package carries over there as well - so it's like having 2 resorts in one with 8 boats between them every day. Dhawa snorkelling was pretty good. The food options were I think great - the breakfasts were very similar, but the lunches and dinners were always varied and had a nice selection of things, particularly the menu dinner service which I found quite lovely. The room was very well equipped, particularly the mini-bar, and the pool / jacuzzi / outdoor shower were all great touches to an already impressive product. The decor around the island, the bamboo bars, the lanterns, lighting effects, signage, reflects a high standard product. The island layout, design , and vibe were all exactly what I was looking for in a relaxing, fun beach getaway with some snorkel options and nice food / drinks. It was awesome, and I'd love to go back next month, next week, right now. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Thank you

Nov 8, 2024 nils r Neuchatel, Switzerland

Very close to the airport. Amazing place with amazing people. Strongly recommended to anyone. Second time although I usually never go back to the same place however will most probably go back again. Thank you very much for the dream on earth.