VARU by Atmosphere

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Virgin rating

The hotel

Imagine this - waking up in a private piece of paradise in the Indian Ocean, surrounded by palm trees and soft white sand. You don't need to imagine that when you're at VARU. But it's not just about spending your days relaxing in the warm sun by the pool or on the beach, you can spend your days trying out the action-filled water sports, snorkelling on the two included excursions per day you can take a dive and see the wonderful sea life as many times as you like. All of that is topped off with a choice of 4 restaurants including 3 fine dining options, such as Kaage the award winning Maldivian restaurant, NU serving Mediterranean Sea Food and Charcoal Beach Grill all part of the plan based on length of stay, plus luxury spa treatments included based on length of stay and more. And that's before you step into your own private villa, complete with your own pool if you wish. Staying with the family, then upgrade to one of the magnificent Majlis Suite Villas, complete with 3 bedrooms and private pool and garden.

Amenities

  • Snorkelling
  • Tennis
  • Windsurfing
  • Babysitting service
  • Honeymoon
  • Bar
  • Internet Access
  • No Smoking
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Situated in North Male Atoll. Speedboat transfer time from Male International airport: 40 minutes, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hotel information

108 villas and suites, all with private terrace, TV, bathrobes and slippers, beach bag, complimentary WiFi access, mini-bar and wine fridge (replenished daily), and tea/coffee-making facilities. Beach Villas are 75sqm and are located overlooking the beach, with an open-air bathroom, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 people.

VARU Plan includes: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Premium brands of spirits, beer, cocktails and wines at Bay Rouge, Lime & Chili, and three speciality restaurants: Charcoal, Nü and Kaagé. Champagne welcome drink on arrival. In-villa mini-bar stocked with beer, soft beverages, and a selection of snacks as well as an exclusive wine chiller – replenished daily. Gala dinners every Friday at Lime & Chilli with food, cocktails and beverages, and live entertainment. Themed brunches and live cooking stations. Full access to the Sports and Recreation Centre, with weekly activities including yoga and pilates. Complimentary use of non-motorized water sports, snorkelling equipment, and two snorkelling excursions daily (on pre-registration basis, weather permitting). Complimentary excursion (sunset cruise or stargazing cruise) and sunset fishing trip (once per stay, for stays of four or more nights only, terms and conditions apply). One complimentary 45-minute spa treatment (applicable for adults over the age of 15 years only, only valid on stays of four or more nights). 20% discount on first two regular dives (on pre-registration basis, weather permitting). 

Please note: dining in the speciality restaurants is dependent on the length of stay. For a stay of 3 nights: one meal per stay, 4-5 nights: two meals per stay, 6-7 nights: three meals, and 8-10 nights: four meals per stay. 

Please note: all-inclusive ceases at 11am on the day of departure.


Room upgrades

Beach Villas with Pool are 90sqm and are on the beachfront, with a private pool on the verandah, an open-air bathroom and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 people.

Water Villas are 93sqm and are located on the water with steps down into the lagoon, a glass-enclosed rain shower and bathtub with views of the lagoon, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Water Villas with Pool are as above, but have a 10 square metre private pool on the deck, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Two Bedroom Beach Villas are located near the Lime & Chili Restaurant, just steps away the beach. Ideal for families with 2 king-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults and 2 children or 3 adults and 3 children, or 2 adults and 4 children.

Two Bedroom Beach Villas with Pool are 170sqm and are on the beachfront, with a private beach garden, a private pool on the verandah, an open-air bathroom and 2 king-size beds, sleeping 4 adults and 2 children or 3 adults and 3 children, or 2 adults + 4 children.

Water Suite with Pool is 155sqm and is located on the water at the end of a wooden jetty with uninterrupted sunset views, with steps down into the lagoon, private pool on the deck, glass-enclosed rain shower and bathtub with views of the lagoon, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Majlis Suite is 329sqm and is located on the beach front with a private terrace opening out to the beach, 45-metre private plunge pool, a separate living and dining room and mini-library, two bathrooms, and 2 king-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults and 2 children, or 3 adults and 3 children, or 2 adults and 4 children.

  • Booking Bonus: Book by 31 Dec '24 to receive up to 15% off the accommodation cost between 1 Nov '24–17 Oct '25. 

    Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. Blackout dates apply. Terms and conditions apply. 

  • Booking Bonus: Book by 15 Dec '24 to receive up to 5% off the accommodation cost between 12 Nov–23 Dec '24, when staying in a Water Villa with Pool.  

    Terms and conditions apply. Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. Blackout dates apply. 

LIME & CHILI (International buffet restaurant with live cooking stations, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner), NÜ (over-water à la carte Mediterranean seafood restaurant, open for lunch on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Dinner every day except Friday), CHARCOAL (à la carte beach grill, open for dinner every day except Friday), KAAGÉ (Maldivian cuisine, open for lunch on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, and dinner every day except Friday), BAY ROUGE (pool bar open for drinks throughout the day, serving snacks daily from 4.00pm-6.00pm).

Daily DJ music or live entertainment. Engaging events organised on a weekly or seasonal basis. Indian Ocean Gala Dinner every Friday, and themed brunch on Tuesdays with live music and performances. 

Outdoor swimming pool. ELENA over-water spa* with a range of treatments*, single use steam sauna pod, saltwater infinity pool, salon, and relaxation area. Air-conditioned gym. Yoga. Pilates. Snorkelling, windsurfing (guests must clear a windsurfing competence check), kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, and water bikes. Motorised water sports*. PADI certified scuba diving*. Tennis court, beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis (floodlighting*), billiards. On The Move Kids Club. 

Complimentary WiFi access. Concierge. 

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: to ensure our customer's safety, we are unable to offer over water accommodation to children under the age of 12. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (4193)
  • Very good (160)
  • Average (34)
  • Poor (7)
  • Terrible (14)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Maldives at its best

Nov 21, 2024 Daniela P Bad Nauheim, Germany

We loved our stay in Varu from the second we landed until the minute we left. We were lucky and had amazing weather almost the whole time, there were no mosquitoes on the island, and this resort fulfilled all our expectations and beyond. The water villa was super private, the food was delicious, the sharks friendly 😄The staff was so accommodating… Read more
We loved our stay in Varu from the second we landed until the minute we left. We were lucky and had amazing weather almost the whole time, there were no mosquitoes on the island, and this resort fulfilled all our expectations and beyond. The water villa was super private, the food was delicious, the sharks friendly 😄The staff was so accommodating and kind, always paying attention to our needs. Mazey as our villa contact person, Hermant at the bar, Balal who took care of our room and Retika in Lime and Chilli, were some of the staff members that made us feel so special. After just a discussion with Antarika, another lovely attendant at one of the á la carte restaurants, we were surprised at the villa the next day with a delicious local fruit plate for breakfast. The guys at the diving center who showed us amazing sea life, particularly Mamnum and Banty, the fun guys at the water sports who gave us tips on kayaking, you made our trip memorable. There was no wish left unmet! Thank you all for your hospitality, it makes a difference! We will back sooner than you think 😃 Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing stay with amazing staff!!

Nov 20, 2024 Sophie M

Just finished a wonderful week at Varu by Atmosphere. Lovely hotel/room and the most amazing staff across the teams on the island! The dive centre guys are brilliant and the hotel staff are so friendly. A special mention to the Nalin, Sanjewa, Mona, the chef at Charcoal Restaurant. The food was divine! Thank you for an unbelievable holiday.… Read more
Just finished a wonderful week at Varu by Atmosphere. Lovely hotel/room and the most amazing staff across the teams on the island! The dive centre guys are brilliant and the hotel staff are so friendly. A special mention to the Nalin, Sanjewa, Mona, the chef at Charcoal Restaurant. The food was divine! Thank you for an unbelievable holiday. Would highly recommend! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Awesome massage very relaxing

Nov 20, 2024 Valerie Y

Dewi and Wang at the Elena spa were very good, best massage I've ever had in my life!! The pressure was just right and they expertly located all of my tight muscles. I feel so relaxed and rejuvenated after feeling like my energy has been depleted after having a long flight. Perfect for when you're also feeling jet-lagged!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Dreams come true!

Nov 19, 2024 KP C

The hotel is amazing. Friendly and attentive staff, excellent rooms and villas, stunning beaches, and an incredible marine world—all leave a lasting impression. A true dream island. I would like to highlight the Bay Rouge restaurant: if you want to make the most of your time at the bar, you need to find a guy named Hemant. He will provide the… Read more
The hotel is amazing. Friendly and attentive staff, excellent rooms and villas, stunning beaches, and an incredible marine world—all leave a lasting impression. A true dream island. I would like to highlight the Bay Rouge restaurant: if you want to make the most of your time at the bar, you need to find a guy named Hemant. He will provide the best service, cocktails, and atmosphere. Feel free to reach out to him with any questions! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Varu is a flawless resort but what really elevates it is the wonderful staff.

Nov 16, 2024 Kieron K Glasgow, United Kingdom

Varu is a perfect paradise. Stunningly beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters all around the island. We stayed in a beach villa with pool which was spacious and luxurious with a huge comfy bed and everything you could possibly need. The accommodation was cleaned twice a day and mini bar replenished with water, beer, wine, soft drinks and… Read more
Varu is a perfect paradise. Stunningly beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters all around the island. We stayed in a beach villa with pool which was spacious and luxurious with a huge comfy bed and everything you could possibly need. The accommodation was cleaned twice a day and mini bar replenished with water, beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks. The cleaning staff do a phenomenal job. The outer deck leads to a gorgeous beach which was perfect for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. Our villa was near the dolphin jetty and was ideal for sunsets and stargazing. The food at Varu was truly exceptional! Lime and Chili restaurant had a vast array of delicious dishes from all around the world catering to all dietary requirements and tastes. The food was always of a very high standard. The staff were fantastic and really looked after us - as vegetarians we really relied on their guidance and advice on new foods to try. Special mentions go to Gurpreet and Pradeep for their culinary expertise and to Heni, Barsha and Christine for such warm welcomes. The specialty restaurants Nu, Charcoal and Kaage were all incredible with five star cuisine and service. We had 3 relaxing stress buster massages each at the beautiful Spa which were so calming - we felt very pampered! The Bay Rouge bar by the pool is impressive with a selection of seating options including comfy swings! Delicious snacks were available here twice per day and the bar has a diverse drinks menu. Staff were always very happy to mix up whatever cocktail we asked for! Special shout out to Nalin (Bar supervisor) for his mixologist skills, great company and conversation. Bay Rouge is a fantastic beach bar but it would be nothing without the amazing staff who are incredibly professional, hard working and friendly. We didn't get everyone's names but would like to mention Rishi, Aflah, Hemant, Sanjeewa, Darocel, Sanjay, Ashia and Ydeep. You guys are all amazing. The entertainment was superb - the house band are brilliantly talented and we enjoyed a taste of Maldivian culture with the awesome drum performances. Varu is a flawless resort but what really elevates it is the wonderful staff. Read less