Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is a gorgeous island with fantastic beaches, great snorkelling, luxurious accommodation and exceptional food. But what makes this resort unique is the island’s marine centre which raises baby green sea turtles in an effort to protect this much loved but endangered species. This is the only facility of its kind in the Maldives and guests are invited to observe the tiny baby turtles in the marine centre and the daily feeding at the turtle sanctuary by the reef. A great choice to learn more and get involved with marine conservation in the Maldives.
The Island
Beaches at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru are really very good indeed, wide with powder white sand virtually right round the island. It takes around 15 minutes to walk around the perimeter of the island. Snorkelling is good too with the house reef surrounding around 50% of the island and easily accessible from a number of points on the beach. The island is visited virtually every day by a family of sting rays and a mature green sea turtle who was raised in the turtle sanctuary. The Marine Biology Lab on the island is the first of its kind to be funded and built by a private resort. Guests can join specially trained in-house divers to monitor programmes such as reef and species inventory checks, and even sponsor their own coral gardens.
Dining is a delight at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. We were really impressed by the main beachfront restaurant Ilaafathi which offers an enviable selection of high quality food, all beautifully presented. The selection and preparation of fresh fruit at breakfast is probably the best we have ever seen – try the Dragon Fruit – delicious! Banyan Tree’s sister island Angsana Ihuru, is located 5 minutes away and regular complimentary shuttle boats transport guests between the two islands. To extend dining options, guests can dine at Riveli restaurant or Velaavani Bar on Angsana Ihuru.
Transfer
Accommodation
Oceanview Villa 180 sqm
With its private outdoor jet pool on a wooden patio and a garden pavilion, the Oceanview Villa delivers unparalleled privacy in a walled garden. The Oceanview Villa also comes with a recessed sitting area perfect for a lazy afternoon lounging and a sundeck to top up that golden tan. An outdoor shower is also available for those who prefer an al fresco experience.
Beachfront Villa 120 sqm
The stylish interiors of the Beachfront Villa are designed to be bright and breezy. The villa opens onto a spacious sundeck at the front that leads to the powder-soft beach and into the lush bathroom at the back with an outdoor jet pool and outdoor shower. A sala extends out to the sea providing a perfect shady spot for a siesta.
Deluxe Oceanview Villa 220 sqm
Featuring a generous walled landscaped garden, the Deluxe Oceanview Villa comes with an outdoor jet pool, outdoor shower, a recessed sitting area, sundeck and an extended garden pavilion.
Deluxe Beachfront Villa 120 sqm
Each of the 15 Deluxe Beachfront Villa comes with an extended bathroom and features a beautiful landscaped walled garden with an extended sundeck, an outdoor jet pool and outdoor shower. The sea is literally at your doorstep with an exclusive outdoor sala that extends right out to the sea.
Vabbinfaru Villa 220 sqm
For those desiring space and privacy, the Vabbinfaru Villa is recommended, with its luxurious bedroom, outdoor shower, outdoor terrace, large landscaped garden with ocean views, al fresco living pavilion, and an extended sala in front of the villa.
Facilities
The house reef is accessible around approximately 50% of the island. There are areas where it is close to the shore but the section next to the turtle enclosure does involve a reasonable swim from the beach. We found it to be rewarding if not spectacular. Mature green sea turtles who were once raised on the island often come back to visit, so chances of snorkelling alongside a turtle are high. Beginner snorkelling lessons and daily guided snorkeling excursions (minimum four snorkellers) are offered by the resort. Borrowing snorkeling gear including fins, masks, snorkels and life jackets are complimentary for guests. It is also possible to snorkel the house reef at Angsana Ihuru which is reached by a 5 minute complimentary boat transfer. This is definitely one of the best house reefs in the Maldives and we thoroughly recommend giving it a try.
Dive Centre
As a five-star Gold Palm Resort dive centre, Banyan Tree offers the full range of PADI courses and engages diving instructors who are highly professional, enthusiastic and PADI certified. Courses and dives are conducted in small dive groups with teaching in different languages including English, French, German and Japanese. Daily morning two-tank trips depart at 8.30am for two dives in two different locations, returning around 1pm. Dive sites are decided based on weather conditions and the experience level of the divers that day. Full day dive trips with minimum of six divers, head out for three dives at three different locations at North and South Malé Atoll, with lunch provided onboard. Private whale shark trips to South Ari Atoll are organised upon request with the Marine Centre.
Marine Centre
A Marine Biology Lab on the island is the first of its kind to be funded and built by a private resort. Guests can join specially trained in-house divers to monitor programmes such as reef and species inventory checks, and even sponsor their own coral gardens. The laboratory is equipped with instruments for research in coral biology and ecology, and green sea turtle conservation. We loved seeing the baby green sea turtles in the marine centre and then swimming out to the turtle enclosure to watch the older turtles being fed. This is a very unique experience in the Maldives. On most afternoons, a family of stingrays swims up to the beach to be cared for by conservation officers. We found this to be not only fascinating but extremely informative.
Spa
Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru promises luxurious treatments, unobtrusive service, and an exclusive hideaway that has become synonymous with the Banyan Tree name. At Banyan Tree Spa Maldives, therapists bring the right balance of traditional touch and warm service to the extensive menu of tropical treatments. Luxuriate in any of the five spacious outdoor spa pavilions, each with side-by-side couple massage beds and open-air showers. Three deluxe pavilions feature exotic copper bathtubs handcrafted in Sri Lanka and private RainMist Rooms specially equipped with rain-shower and steam-mist facilities.
Gym
Located above the Marine Lab, with glass windows affording a view of the ocean, a selection of exercise machines ensures that you are not missing out on your fitness regimen. Spin, run or work on your muscles in air-conditioned comfort.
Table Tennis
A table tennis table is located outside next to the main bar.
Shop
Banyan Tree Gallery: A lifestyle retail gallery showcasing indigenous arts and crafts.
Dining
I was really impressed with the quality and range of food at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Service was also excellent.
Ilaafathi
The main restaurant is a large, airy, open sided building with sand on the floor and a thatched roof. Enjoy Maldivian and international cuisine, sumptuous buffet breakfasts and superb set dinners, alongside relaxing ocean views. During the summer months the resort has a high number of oriental guests so expect delicious Japanese sushi and sashimi to also be on the menu. The selection of fresh fruit available for breakfast is the most impressive I have seen at any resort. Enjoy!
Sangu
Adjacent to Ilaafathi is open-air Sangu restaurant, which – weather permitting – opens for barbeque buffet lunches and theme night dinners under a blanket of stars.
Naiboli
Appetizing snacks and cocktails are served all day long at the open-air bar on the beach.
Private Dining
Have a romantic candlelit barbecue dinner in the intimacy of your villa or by the beach, served by your very own private chef and waiter.
Sandbank Dining
Be swept off your feet to a stunning sandbank by speedboat and be ushered to a table of gourmet delights and champagne, with only the moon and torches lighting your feast.
Angsana Ihuru
To double your culinary options, you can also dine at Riveli restaurant or Velaavani Bar on Angsana Ihuru, just a five-minute complimentary boat ride away.
Board basis available at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru are: Full Board
Recreation
The PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Dive Centre offers PADI courses, diving trips, and guided snorkelling excursions.
Water Sports
The water sports centre offers:
- Deep sea fishing
- Night fishing
- Canoeing
- Water-skiing
- Wake-boarding
- Mono-skiing
- Windsurfing
- Catamaran sailing
- Banana boat rides
- Fun-tube rides
Recreational Facilities
- Volleyball
- Table tennis
- Darts
- Reading areas and board games
- Gymnasium
- Private yacht charter
- Marine Lab: Offering daily stingray and turtle feeding sessions, and weekly marine biology classes
- Cooking classes
Spa
Banyan Tree Spa provides an extensive range of massage, body and beauty treatments in a tranquil, tropical environment.
Entertainment
Very low key, such as the weekly Bodo Beru at Naiboli Bar – a drumming music performance from the Maldives, by upbeat musicians in traditional ethnic costumes
Excursions
- Submarine: Explore the underwater world without getting wet! This state of the art submarine will take you on an unforgettable journey beneath the ocean. Available everyday with flexible departure times.
The Diversity of Malé: Visit the capital of the Maldives with a local guide. This includes stops at the fish and fruit markets, the presidential palace, two mosques, as well as time for souvenir shopping. Departs every Wednesday and Sunday at 2pm and returning at 6pm. Please note in respect to local Muslim tradition, that shoulders and thighs should be covered on this trip.
Local island visit: Departing every Tuesday and Thursday at 2:30pm and returning at 5pm. A resort host will accompany you to a selected local Island, to introduce you to the Maldivian way of life. One of the highlights will be a performance of the local boduberu band.
Snorkeling safari: Discover different coral gardens in the Indian Ocean. For beginning snorkelers we can arrange private snorkeling classes or accompanied snorkeling sessions.
Banyan Velaa: Enjoy a ride into the sunset onboard the classic Banyan Velaa or explore the island world of the Maldives on a cruise for several days.
Bird’s-eye view by seaplane: Fly above lagoons and coral reefs to enjoy the stunning view of Maldives from the air during a 15-minute photo flight, on a private seaplane hire.
Prices
All our holidays are bespoke, tailored to your requirements. Because of this we operate a “price on application” system. However, this page will give you an indication of the cost of your holiday.
Guide Prices for 2 Weeks, 2 People, Half Board, Including flights from the UK and seaplane transfers:
| This Resort | Type of Resort | Total Price – High Season | Total Price – Low Season |
| Good Value | £4,750 | £3,600 | |
| Mid Market | £5,700 | £4,100 | |
| Deluxe | £10,500 | £7,500 | |
| Banyan Tree | Luxury | £11,975 | £8,300 |
High season: Early Jan – End April (prices are higher again over Christmas and the New Year)
Low season: May – Mid July

