Review: Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah

July 23, 2025

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Wednesday newsletters always feature a hotel or flight review.

I recently enjoyed a sublime holiday in the Maldives with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, which manages three properties in the archipelago. You can read my trip reports here:

Review: Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah (today)

A true private island escape, Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah captures the imagination and redefines Maldivian luxury. From the moment you book, this exclusive-use island becomes entirely yours. Set within the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Voavah accommodates up to 22 guests with seven spacious bedrooms, a private spa, and an on-site dive school. At the heart of the island is a stunning two-story beach house, surrounded by powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs—exquisite, even by Maldives standards. Guests also have exclusive access to Voavah Summer, a 19-meter (62-foot) private yacht, perfect for exploring the protected Baa Atoll. From diving with whale sharks and snorkeling with manta rays to swimming with turtles, fishing for your dinner, visiting local islands, surfing undiscovered waves, or cruising into unforgettable sunsets—Voavah offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments.

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah features in my top 10 list of the most stunning villas in the Maldives.

Have you ever stayed at Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info and photos below my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

Among the handful of ultra-luxury private island experiences in the Maldives, Four Seasons Voavah stands out as the best private island in the Maldives. Unlike Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island and the Waldorf Astoria’s Ithaafushi Private Island, both of which are situated just off the shores of their respective main resorts, Voavah is entirely detached—set in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, with no neighboring resort infrastructure in sight. This gives guests a level of true seclusion the others simply can’t match. Additionally, Voavah is the only natural island among the three, preserving its lush tropical vegetation, mature palm groves, and soft, expansive beaches shaped by nature—not by developers. This results in an authentic Maldivian island experience, where guests are immersed in raw, untouched beauty and surrounded by thriving marine life. For those seeking the most private, immersive, and environmentally rich island escape in the Maldives, Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah is the undisputed leader.

Nestled just a breathtaking 35-minute scenic seaplane journey from Malé International Airport, Voavah is a rare private island sanctuary located within the pristine Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Baa Atoll is celebrated worldwide for its extraordinary biodiversity and is one of the largest and most ecologically important coral reef ecosystems in the Maldives. This vibrant marine environment is home to an abundance of marine species, including graceful manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles, and hundreds of species of colorful reef fish. Its protected status ensures that the coral reefs here remain among the healthiest and most vibrant in the world, offering guests a truly immersive underwater experience. Whether you’re snorkeling through shallow lagoons teeming with life or diving deep alongside majestic manta rays, the surrounding waters of Baa Atoll are a breathtaking playground for marine exploration.

Just a quick 5-minute speedboat ride from its sister resort, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah combines exclusive privacy with convenient access to additional luxury amenities and services. Privacy and security are paramount at Voavah, with only a single discreet entry point, continuous 24/7 security patrols, state-of-the-art CCTV, and advanced night vision surveillance cameras ensuring absolute seclusion. For those seeking heightened protection, the island is fully equipped to host your personal security team, providing dedicated accommodations and facilities tailored for their comfort and operational needs. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an exclusive escape, Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah promises unrivaled tranquility and luxury in a breathtaking natural setting.

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah is a breathtakingly beautiful, tiny natural island (350 x 60 m or 1,150 x 200 ft) that feels like a secret treasure nestled in the heart of the Maldives. Surrounded by powdery white sandbanks that shimmer under the tropical sun, the island offers a pristine beachfront that stretches gently into the warm, turquoise lagoon waters. The soft, powder-fine sand invites barefoot strolls along the shore, where the gentle lapping of waves creates a soothing soundtrack to your day. The island’s lagoon is a spectacular palette of blues and greens, crystal clear and calm, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply floating in serene isolation. Vibrant coral reefs lie just beyond the shallow waters, home to kaleidoscopic schools of tropical fish and swaying sea fans that paint an underwater masterpiece. Despite its small size, Voavah’s natural landscape feels expansive, with lush tropical foliage framing the beach and providing patches of shaded tranquility.

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah’s accommodations comprise just seven sumptuous bedrooms spread across three distinct residences — all featuring private pools and elegant, modern design:
- Designed with refined contemporary elegance, the Beach House is located at the heart of the island. The residence’s ground floor features living and dining areas, a fully equipped kitchen, a convenient pantry for light snacks, a library and a gym. Perched on the upper level of the Beach House are two mezzanine suites, each offering unobstructed ocean vistas. In addition, the upper floors also features a bunk room sleeping four children, and a loft lounge/game room, ideal for families or groups.
- The private island’s most impressive accommodation, the three-bedroom Beach Villa sits on the north shore with direct beach access. It accommodates up to six adults and two children in three separate pavilions. The main pavilion houses the master suite offering stunning 360-degree ocean views through three walls of glass as well as a private study (convertible into a children’s bedroom). Additional features include spa-inspired bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and multiple living and dining areas arranged for ultimate privacy.
- Positioned on the southwest side at the end of a long jetty, is a two-bedroom Overwater Villa, whihc houses twin pavilions bedroom suites flanking a large living and dining space. The master suite boasts a large bathroom with dual vanities and an ocean-view soaking tub. Outside, you’ll find a 17 m (56 ft) infinity pool, ocean hammocks, loungers, and direct access to the water.

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah offers unparalleled dining flexibility with a fully equipped kitchen and elegant dining area, allowing guests to enjoy meals casual or chic, indoors or alfresco, banquet-style or poolside — the choice is yours. Whether hiring a private chef, cooking yourself, or indulging Four Seasons’ award-winning culinary team, menus can be tailored to any cuisine from Maldivian to Italian or Moroccan. Enjoy poolside barbecues, lively beach parties, and themed nights like Bollywood, Lobster Celebrations, or Maldivian Fisherman’s Feasts — or simply request your own special event. In-villa dining is available anytime, day or night, complemented by chutney, shisha pipes, pool competitions, and stargazing soirées for a truly immersive experience. Guests can also visit the nearby Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru—just a 15-minute speedboat ride away—for access to an array of world-class restaurants and bars.

For ultimate relaxation, The Ocean of Consciousness Spa at Voavah offers a serene overwater sanctuary. Featuring just one couples treatment room, the small spa is perched above the turquoise lagoon, inspired by the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda and developed in collaboration with the renowned Ayurvedic retreat at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. Guests can indulge in a variety of treatments including soothing massages with locally sourced herbal oils, rejuvenating facials tailored to individual skin needs, and unique crystal bowl sound healing sessions that promote mental clarity and emotional balance. The spa’s tranquil setting is enhanced by daily sunrise yoga classes held on a dedicated platform over the water, combining breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement to awaken body and mind. Personalized wellness consultations allow for bespoke rituals designed to restore harmony and vitality, ensuring a deeply holistic and restorative experience amid the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Ocean.

Preserving cultural heritage is fundamental to Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah’s commitment to long-term sustainability and community engagement. The island actively supports the vibrant traditions of the Maldives by employing local Boduberu (big drum) bands, whose rhythmic performances bring to life the rich cultural dance heritage during special events and celebrations. Voavah also collaborates closely with a cooperative on the nearby island of Fulhadhoo, which produces the intricately crafted coral frames essential to its Reefscapers coral propagation project—an innovative initiative aimed at restoring and preserving the fragile marine ecosystem. Additionally, the island champions the Maldives’ last remaining lacquerware artisans, a rare group of five families from Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll. These skilled craftsmen keep alive centuries-old techniques of creating exquisite lacquerware through on-site workshops, live demonstrations, and sales, allowing guests to connect with and support this unique cultural art form. Through these partnerships, Voavah not only helps sustain local livelihoods but also fosters greater appreciation and preservation of Maldivian heritage for future generations.

Guests at Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah enjoy exclusive use of Voavah Summer, the exquisite 19 (62 ft) Horizon E62 yacht that perfectly marries sleek, contemporary design with comfort and luxury. Her streamlined exterior profile exudes sophistication, while the handcrafted two-cabin interior features rich wood finishes, plush seating, and thoughtful details that create an intimate, super-yacht ambiance. Thanks to an innovative hull design, Voavah Summer delivers exceptional handling and a smooth ride even in choppier seas, making every journey comfortable and exhilarating. Whether embarking on a fishing expedition in search of the region’s abundant marine life, island hopping through secluded atolls, dolphin watching amid playful pods, snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, or enjoying a romantic Champagne sunset cruise, the yacht offers a private and immersive way to explore the stunning Voavah surroundings. The experienced crew caters to every need, ensuring personalized service and seamless experiences on board, complete with refreshments, snorkeling gear, and sun loungers for ultimate relaxation.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah is not just expensive—it’s ultra-luxury on an entirely different scale with nightly rates starting around $50,000 USD for the exclusive full-island buyout (and they are even higher during peak season). While the nightly rate may seem staggering at first glance, it’s important to consider what that price includes: a fully private island exclusively for your group of up to 22 guests, complete with seven luxurious bedrooms, a private yacht (Voavah Summer), a dive center, spa, and full staff including chefs, housekeepers, and marine biologists. For ultra-high-net-worth groups seeking absolute seclusion and bespoke experiences, it offers an unmatched level of exclusivity and service. That said, the cost is undeniably high and geared toward a very specific clientele. Even for large groups, the per-night rate translates to well over $ 2,000 USD per person, and that’s before factoring in service charges, GST, green taxes, and optional extras like seaplane transfers or curated excursions. For smaller groups or couples, the value proposition becomes more difficult to justify—you’re paying for the whole island, whether you use it or not.

Voavah operates strictly as an exclusive-use private island, meaning you can’t book individual villas or rooms—the entire island must be reserved in full, whether you’re a couple or a party of twenty-two. This guarantees total privacy and seclusion, but it also significantly limits flexibility. Smaller groups, such as couples or families, must still pay the full premium regardless of how many rooms they use, often leaving much of the space unused. With seven bedrooms accommodating up to 22 guests, the island is clearly designed with larger groups in mind. There’s no option for à-la-carte pricing or partial occupancy—Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah is a one-size-fits-all luxury experience with an all-or-nothing booking model.

At just around five acres (two hectares), Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah is remarkably compact for a full-island resort. While it offers complete privacy and exclusivity, its physical footprint is small, with all facilities—including the seven bedrooms, spa, gym, dining areas, and communal spaces—clustered close together. The tiny island size and the compact layout creates a more intimate, estate-like atmosphere rather than the expansive feel of larger island resorts. Guests seeking long beach walks, vast green spaces, or diverse landscapes may find the setting more limited in scope. However, Voavah is thoughtfully designed to maximize the sense of space, offering a private yacht (Voavah Summer), secluded sandbank excursions, and access to the nearby Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru—just a five-minute boat ride away. Landaa, significantly larger and home to additional restaurants, wellness programs, and marine experiences, complements Voavah’s curated seclusion with greater variety and miles of beaches to roam.

MY VERDICT

Location: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Pool: 10/10
Rooms: 10/10
Food: 10/10
Breakfast: 10/10
Spa: 9/10
Service: 10/10
Wow factor: 10/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall experience: exceptional – 9.7/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Save money: read here my tips for getting the best deal at a Four Seasons Hotel (and/or receive many free perks).

Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best weather in the Maldives is between January and April, which also means high season (and skyrocketing hotel rates). The monsoon runs from May to October, peaking in June. It is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season as there is nothing to do on a rainy day except drink, eat, work out, or scuba dive. Especially November and December, which are often labelled as dry season months, have been very unsettled in recent years.

HOW TO GET THERE

Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah is easily reached by a 35 min seaplane flight from Male International Airport (MLE). Check the Wikipedia page of Male International Airport for an updated list of airlines that offer flights to Male International Airport.