Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Maldives, Indian Ocean

Star 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.

Board basis options

Bed & Breakast: includes at Saffron.

Half Board option: includes breakfast at Saffron, and lunch or dinner. Bottled water and selection of coffee/tea included for lunch and dinner.

- Lunch is applicable at; - Sangu Garden (buffet or 3-course set menu: starter, main course and dessert) - Madi Hiyaa (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert)

- Dinner is applicable at; - Sangu Garden; operates 3 times a week on Special Themed Nights (vuffet or 3-course set menu: starter, main course and dessert) - Madi Hiyaa (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert) - Saffron (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert).

Full Board option: includes breakfast at Saffron, lunch and dinner. Bottled water and selection of coffee/tea included for lunch and dinner.

- Lunch at; - Sangu Garden (buffet or 3-course set menu: starter, main course and dessert) - Madi Hiyaa (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert)

- Dinner at; - Sangu Garden; operates 3 times a week on Special Themed Nights (vuffet or 3-course set menu: starter, main course and dessert) - Madi Hiyaa (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert) - Saffron (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert).

All Inclusive option: includes breakfast at Saffron, lunch and dinner. Unlimited soft drinks, selection of juices, tea/coffee, mineral water, selected brands of beer, selected cocktails, selected house pour international brand spirits & wines served by the glass at all restaurants and at the hotel bar, Naiboli.

- Lunch at; - Sangu Garden (buffet or 3-course set menu: starter, main course and dessert) - Madi Hiyaa (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert)

- Dinner at; - Sangu Garden; operates 3 times a week on Special Themed Nights (vuffet or 3-course set menu: starter, main course and dessert) - Madi Hiyaa (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert) - Saffron (3-course meal: starter, main course and dessert)

- afternoon tea with a selection of light refreshments

- Mini-bar: soft drinks and beer will be replenished every day. Other beverages such as selected brands of spirits & wines from the minibar will be replenished every 5th day of stay

- 20% off on Destination Dining

- 20% off on diving and Water Sports Activities

- 20% off on body massages only at Banyan Tree Spa (except promotional packages).

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.

Madi Hiyaa (Japanese restaurant and bar with a sea saltwater infinity pool. Serving lunch and dinner). Saffron (Thai restaurant, breakfast and dinner). Naiboli Bar (appetisers, light meals and refreshments). Sangu Garden (lunch and dinner). Destination dining*.

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 (2908)
  • Very good (257)
  • Average (60)
  • Poor (26)
  • Terrible (30)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect choice

Apr 1, 2025 David W

✅ Stunning Natural Beauty & Soft Beaches 🌴🏝 The resort is set on a private island with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. Perfect for kids to play, build sandcastles, and explore the beach. The snorkeling experience is fantastic, with vibrant marine life, including tropical fish and sea turtles. ✅ Spacious & Private Villas 🏡 The… Read more
✅ Stunning Natural Beauty & Soft Beaches 🌴🏝 The resort is set on a private island with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. Perfect for kids to play, build sandcastles, and explore the beach. The snorkeling experience is fantastic, with vibrant marine life, including tropical fish and sea turtles. ✅ Spacious & Private Villas 🏡 The beachfront and overwater villas offer excellent privacy and direct access to the beach or lagoon. Some villas have private pools, making them ideal for families with children. ✅ Family-Friendly Services 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The resort is well-equipped for families, offering baby chairs, kids’ menus, and attentive staff who are patient and friendly with children. Activities like fish feeding, arts and crafts, and beginner snorkeling sessions keep little ones entertained. ✅ Delicious & Diverse Dining Options 🍽 A variety of cuisines, including Asian, Western, and fresh seafood BBQ, cater to different tastes. The breakfast spread is excellent, and customized kids' meals are available upon request. ✅ Exciting Water Activities 🚤 From kayaking and snorkeling to dolphin-watching and eco-tours, there’s plenty for families to enjoy. The resort also has a sea turtle conservation program, which is a great way for kids to learn about marine life. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Isola fantastica

Mar 31, 2025 francesca d

Una dimensione di sogno e di assoluto benessere. La villa vista mare con jacuzzi e piscina interna è molto confortevole. I ristoranti (ben tre) sono tutti ottimi, quello giapponese, poi, si affaccia sul mare e si può vedere un bellissimo tramonto. La spa è fantastica e si possono ricevere anche trattamenti di agopuntura. C’è la palestra e anche… Read more
Una dimensione di sogno e di assoluto benessere. La villa vista mare con jacuzzi e piscina interna è molto confortevole. I ristoranti (ben tre) sono tutti ottimi, quello giapponese, poi, si affaccia sul mare e si può vedere un bellissimo tramonto. La spa è fantastica e si possono ricevere anche trattamenti di agopuntura. C’è la palestra e anche sessioni di yoga. Abbiamo fatto bellissime escursioni grazie al Marine Centre. Comodo all’aeroporto. Consigliatissimo! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Vabbinfaru…An absolute gem!

Mar 30, 2025 Candys J Hengoed, United Kingdom

This was our 17th visit to the Maldives and I think we have now found an island that ticks every single box. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru truly is amazing in every sense. Where do I start! It has retained that traditional old school Maldivian rustic style with heaps of class and ambience. It only has 49 rooms so it feels spacious and it’s just so… Read more
This was our 17th visit to the Maldives and I think we have now found an island that ticks every single box. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru truly is amazing in every sense. Where do I start! It has retained that traditional old school Maldivian rustic style with heaps of class and ambience. It only has 49 rooms so it feels spacious and it’s just so pretty. No ugly water villa structures spoiling the views and noisy seaplanes constantly taking off and landing. It has gorgeous talcum powder sand and well established greenery. It just had a magical serenity that is hard to explain. We were in room 1 which was one of the larger Wellbeing villas and it was an absolute delight. Completely private and the decor was gorgeous. Everything in the room was first class and beautifully maintained. Every attention to detail was met from the fluffy pillows to the gorgeous lighting. The little gifts left at turn down were so special too. They did everything to make you feel valued and important without being overbearing with their service. It’s a hard balance to achieve but they did it with bells on! The food was divine and they also catered to my finicky ways! Because I’m not a fan of Japanese cuisine the chef often personally prepared alternatives for me. Nothing was too much trouble for them. A definite highlight for us was the snorkelling. This is why we are so passionate about the Maldives and we were blown away here. Not only did we experience “fish soup” we were also delighted by the condition of the reef. There were underwater cliffs of healthy coral which was a sight to see. The marine centre was so passionate and caring and it shows. My husband enthusiastically joined a reef clean up to remove the pin cushions and crown of thorns . He was keen to help and thank you Henry for suggesting it. We also joined a snorkelling trip to see BIG sharks as well as some huge sting rays. Best snorkelling trip we have made by far in the Maldives! The journey was an adventure in itself. We sped past Male and under the new bridge. Saw a pod of dolphins and then arrived to the sight of huge sharks and rays. I can honestly say I was a little nervous at the sight of so many but the guides were extremely professional and it was an experience I will never forget. The guides also videoed us whilst under the water which was an excellent touch as it meant we could just enjoy it without having to faff about with a GoPro. The footage was amazing! We enjoyed fresh fruit on the way back whilst whizzing through the water on a fast speedboat. Out of this world from start to finish. In addition, we loved to nip over to Iruhu on the speedboat. It literally took 2 minutes and we loved to snorkel over there as the reef was even closer than at Banyan. You can practically roll off your lounger and be on the drop off. You can get a drink over there and we also had lunch there but we always loved returning to our little Vabbinfaru paradise! The entertainment is low key but appropriate. They had 2 singers who were excellent and gave the evening a relaxed and elegant atmosphere . They also had Boru Beru shows and even a beach bonfire one evening. I could go on forever about this little gem of an island. The staff were so attentive and I know it’s a current trend to name particular staff members on TA but I won’t because I would need to name every single one of them. We definitely plan to return next year. We have now found the place that ticks all our boxes . I can’t recommend it enough Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Relaxing island paradise in Maldives.

Mar 30, 2025 Chris V

Amazing island paradise. Chilled vibe. Great food and welcoming and friendly staff. Snorkelling with turtles and many different species of fish was wonderful. The Saffron restaurant for Thai food was our favourite, and not forgetting the coconut and mango smoothies from the bar in the afternoon.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Small island, big Heart

Mar 29, 2025 Michaela M Czech Republic

I've visited 87 resorts, but Banyan Tree Vabinfaru has a charm that keeps us coming back again and again. The resort is absolutely stunning, can not be described, it must be experienced. The perfect resort to end your vacation. Beautiful, comfortable villas where everyone has absolute privacy. Absolute peace all around you. Banyan itself is so… Read more
I've visited 87 resorts, but Banyan Tree Vabinfaru has a charm that keeps us coming back again and again. The resort is absolutely stunning, can not be described, it must be experienced. The perfect resort to end your vacation. Beautiful, comfortable villas where everyone has absolute privacy. Absolute peace all around you. Banyan itself is so peaceful that is feels like your own private island. Luxurious shower products that smell beautiful and retain the Banyan tree signature. You won't find it at any other resort!!! We are very happy that the resort has not changed. Extra cleanliness in every corner of the island. The finest sand at every step. If any tresort is truly berefoot, it is Banyan tree Vabinfaru. Don't hesitate to visit this resort. You will be thrilled. Read less