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Reviews of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru 5 stars

Male City, North Male Atoll, 08110 Male, 08110 Male City, Maldives

#7 of 30 hotels in Male City

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 152 hotel reviews

9.2

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.5

  • Comfort

    9.7

  • Location

    9.7

  • Facilities

    9.3

  • Staff

    9.7

  • Value for money

    8.6

  • Free WiFi

    9.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 27 August 2025

    10
    Worth value
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Facility Worker

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 August 2025

    8.0
    A good place for relaxation with reasonable price
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    -

    The staff were amazing especially Fatima and Shuja they were trying to assist us and make the stay memorable. Food was good different cosine for dinner every night. Island is a bit small but so calm and good place for relaxation

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 June 2025

    10
    Excellent place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The island was exceptional as was the service and amenities. Everything worked smoothly and we enjoyed it thoroughly.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 May 2025

    10
    Beautiful reef
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The resort has a great house reef (thanks to not having built over-water villas on it) where, just snorkeling, we saw a turtle, an eagle ray, a sting ray, and multiple reef sharks.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 May 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Wellbeing Sanctuary Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 6 nights

    If there is anything to critisize at all it would be the portion size in the Japanese restaurant. The food is super tasty but if you are very hungry in the evening after a day full of snorkling the portions could be a little bit bigger.

    This resort is amazing. We stayed for one week with our baby in one of the wellness villas. Before our trip we were nervous that the expirience might not be as good as in the pictures but once we arrived it was even better than we imagnied. Every single staff member is super friendly, very professional and always there to assist. The whole island is very clean and well taken care off. The 3 (4) restaurants offer a good variety of food options for reasonable prices. The ocean is amazing and the reef for snorkling is just minutes away where we were able to see turtles, sharks and a crazy amount of fish. There are many smaller activities available on the island and some of them were free of charge for us because of our wellness villa. We want to say a special thanks to Ali from housekeeping and to Sejal and Fipit from hospitality staff who took extra care of us during our stay. We highly recommend this resort and hopefully one day we will able to come back. Thanks to everyone who made our stay so special!

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Beachfront Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything, the villa, staff, food all amazing

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 22 April 2025

    10
    It was the best holiday we've ever had with my family
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Grand Beachfront Pool Villa - Free transfer
    • Stayed 6 nights

    I have to say, our holiday was perfect, but if I have to say one comment, it would be the food selection. On the island, there are two restaurants, a Japanese and a Thai and a buffet bar 3 times a week. The buffet dinners were excellent, huge selection and very delicious. The only downside is the selection of the food, regardless if you are on half board/full board or all-inclusive, you have to pay the extra fee after certain meals, not all foods are included, and for that reason, the selection of the food was very limited.

    The island is very peaceful and not overcrowded at all. I highly recommend Marine Lab and Henry's exceptional presentation about marine life and conservation. There are lots of opportunities for snorkelling, diving and other water sports. The staff were super kind and helpful. We would like to make a special thank you for the staff to make our holiday perfect, especially, Okta, Henry, Hassan etc.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 April 2025

    9.0
    Excellent staff with perfect service
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Grand Beachfront Pool Villa - Free transfer
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location and the Staff

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2025

    10
    Simply the best!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Beachfront Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 9 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This was our 5th stay at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and it was nothing short of exceptional. Everything was flawless and the improvements made over the past three months are clearly evident — from the elevated quality of the food to the seamless operation of the new dining venues, every detail has been thoughtfully refined. Kudos to David and his team! What truly sets this island apart, beyond its barefoot luxury and authentic Maldivian atmosphere, is its people. The team embodies a rare combination of warmth, professionalism and genuine joy in what they do. Their positive attitude is infectious, and it’s a joy to witness such a motivated group working together like a clockwork. A heartfelt thank you goes to Lynn, Fipit, Sejal, Nafiz, Ayman, Nazeer and Zihan from Saffron, as well as Roy and Alisa from Madi Hiyaa — and of course, all the lovely ladies from the Spa, who made every moment feel like pure indulgence. Furthermore, Liu deserves a special mention as well as she made us feel welcomed and cared for from the very first moment we stepped onto the island. Management should be incredibly proud to lead such a capable and devoted team — their passion and commitment are the essence of what makes this island so special. In summary: we can’t wait to return!

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 March 2025

    10
    20 mins boat ride to authentic bliss & care
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Grand Beachfront Pool Villa - Free transfer
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing not to like . Beautiful beach , clean sea & soft sand .

    20 min boat ride to absolute authentic Maldivian & Thai bliss. Small enough to feel like your own private island . Immense attention to detail with no request to big.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 15 March 2025

    9.0
    A truly magical stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    As returning guests, we felt that the attention to detail had slipped compared to our previous visits. For instance, the turndown service was inconsistent, and we had to request more tea for our room after running out, which we hadn’t experienced before. We also preferred the previous dining experience, where the menu changed daily, offering more variety. The current setup includes numerous supplements, which can make the options feel somewhat limited unless you’re willing to pay extra on top of what’s already included.

    This island is pure magic—white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation, all complemented by the perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty. Our room was not only spacious and comfortable but also integrated into the island’s charm, with an open-air bathroom and an outdoor shower. The location is ideal, especially for those with early flights, as it’s conveniently close to Malé. You can make the most of your stay right up until the last moment. A standout feature is the new bar—an incredible spot to unwind with a drink while watching breathtaking sunsets. The marine lab is another highlight, offering engaging activities like reef cleaning, which gives guests a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges facing the Maldives and a chance to contribute. For snorkeling, the reef at the sister island, Ihuru, is spectacular. We encountered sharks, rays, turtles, and a dazzling variety of colorful fish—a truly unforgettable experience. Lastly, a special mention to Rajesh at the barbecue—his kindness and exceptional cooking skills added an extra touch of hospitality that made our trip even more memorable.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 10 March 2025

    10
    Serene, relaxing and intimate.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Beachfront Sunset View Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 7 nights

    New restaurant arrangement. One Japanese and one Thai. No other option unless you speak directly with the (very helpful) super talented, head chef. Very restrictive menus plus added supplements on most options. The supplements were probably the most unexpected and left a bad feeling. Understand this is being reviewed.

    Lovely resort, our second stay and we will be back. Beautiful sea, snorkelling and grounds, lovely staff and quiet ambiance. Fabulous new outdoor buffet setting a couple of nights a week.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 18 February 2025

    9.0
    We had a fantastic valentines night and were looked after liked royalty - thanks for a great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Wellbeing Sanctuary Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 1 night

    snorkelling on reef wasn't't as good as the resorts

    loved the evening cocktails in the Japanese restaurant - fantastic sunset view. Japanese restaurant amazing dinner.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 February 2025

    10
    Wevenjoyed very much our stay with your smiling friendly staff.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The over-crowded airport.

    The overall ambiance.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 7 nights

    We were looking for privacy and tranquillity, and this place fits that image the best of all the places we have been to. It's just perfect. There's nothing to complain about.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: 13 January 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Beachfront Sunset View Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I liked everything but the dessert were not matching my taste

    The Staff, water, location and the service were amazing

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 January 2025

    8.0
    Soft sand island close to Male.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Beachfront Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 3 nights

    The rooms could need an update now. They're starting to feel a bit old. There's really no great space to put suitcases in the room for instance.

    This was our second visit to this island. We loved the new Japanese restaurant, and the island has lots of very soft sand. The house reef is also good.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 January 2025

    10
    Paradise, Romantic, relaxing and great snorkelling
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Beachfront Sunset View Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 4 nights

    I thought the price charged for the Christmas Eve Gala dinner was excessive, and this was compulsory.

    The staff were very attentive and friendly The villa was beautiful as you could walk straight outside onto the beach into the ocean It felt like paradise Private pool and jacuzzi was amazing Food was good Snorkelling

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 January 2025

    10
    Excellent resort, convenient location close to Male airport, friendliness of all the staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 7 nights

    The resort is a true paradise. Special thanks to the marine biologist Nick and to the chef Rajesh.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 December 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Oceanview Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff is amazing. They never say no.. they always find a way to adress your querries.

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 December 2024

    10
    A gem in the Maldives
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Beachfront Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 9 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing!

    This was our 4th stay at Vabbinfaru, and it truly feels like our home away from home. The recent updates to the villas are moderate but noticeable, maintaining their charm while adding improvements. The new restaurants are fantastic—Saffron provides exceptionally good Thai food, and Sangu Garden blends naturally with the environment, offering a lovely alternative dining experience. What keeps bringing us back is the warm and super-friendly staff, the unique Robinson Crusoe feeling with sand everywhere (and no water villas!), the delicious food, the great house reef, and the private, quiet atmosphere. There were a couple of minor, temporary glitches related to the introduction of the new restaurants. Nevertheless, our concerns were handled swiftly and professionally, ensuring our stay remained memorable. We love this island so much that we’ve already booked our next visit in March! Highly recommended for those seeking a serene and authentic Maldivian escape.

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 December 2024

    10
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Beachfront Sunset View Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Overall beitiful i liked it and will come back again

    Location good and clean with twice house keeping service to keep it clean smiling staff 2 resturants with good place for pictures And availability of ware sports

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 October 2024

    10
    Assolutamente da visitare!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Beachfront Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 9 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Banyan Tree Resort became a true oasis of peace and comfort for us during our vacation. It was an amazing experience! The first thing that stands out is the incredible friendliness and sincerity of the staff. It felt like we were visiting old friends. Everything at the resort is organized to perfection: from impeccable service to cozy villas surrounded by natural beauty. This Hotel definitely deserves 5 stars! I tried the massage and spa treatments and was absolutely delighted—every detail was handled with care and attention. I also recommend the yoga classes and meditation sessions held daily—it’s a real treat for the soul. The room was cleaned twice a day, and I am especially grateful to Najaah for her attentiveness and tact—everything was spotless and neatly arranged. We also tried diving for the first time and were pleasantly surprised by the instructor’s approach. He carefully explained everything, was very attentive, and supported us throughout, showing us the most breathtaking underwater spots. It was an amazing experience that is absolutely worth trying in the Maldives! Banyan Tree Resort is the perfect place to disconnect from the daily hustle, recharge, and find inner harmony. Thank you to the entire team for an unforgettable stay, you are truly the best!

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 October 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Beachfront Sunset View Pool Villa with Free Transfer
    • Stayed 10 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was the 6th time that we’ve been in this beautiful paradise. The place itself is amazing but the most important its the warming and helpful staff that it has.

    Stayed in October 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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