RAAYA By Atmosphere

Simon Longster

Our 13th Maldives holiday & 11th resort, we visited Raaya on an all-inclusive plus package for 10 days in October and had a really great holiday. Inevitably, comparisons are drawn between different resorts, so here are our thoughts. Our first few hours on the island were frustrating. We were extensively bitten by insects upon arrival and after 20+ hours travelling, being immediately taken on an island orientation tour by buggy without opportunity to freshen up or find some insect repellent was too much. Arriving at our villa, we found we had been allocated half of a two-bedroom Family Beach Villa - not the Beach Villa we had booked. Although very nice and well appointed, we found it lacked storage space (the door to the adjoining room having taken up the wardrobe space) and lacked privacy having a shared veranda. Consequently we felt compelled to take the option to upgrade to a Beach Pool Villa which alleviated the space & privacy issue. We loved our new room & plunge pool - so every cloud has a silver lining. Raaya is a big property but impeccably maintained with wide sandy beaches almost all the way round the perimeter. It's easy to find solitude and feel like you're alone on the island. Electric Buggys circulate frequently or you can walk or cycle round easily. Only opened in 2023, everything is contemporary and still looks new. Food & drinks everywhere on the resort were particularly good, in-room mini-bar included. The wine choice for an all-inclusive package was exceptional and really made a difference to our dining experience. The buffet restaurant offering was varied and we really enjoyed the Asian section but we did find that the food in tureens really wasn't kept warm enough. The menus at the speciality restaurants were good and we had some really very nice meals, particularly at The Village (1 x Dinner) and Ampers&nd (2 x Dinner, 1 x Lunch). The pool area was wonderful on a sunny day - comfortable and plentiful loungers, shade from the trees, umbrellas and canopies if required, good snacks & drinks, sunset views. The start of Oktoberfest lunch barbeque was a real highlight of our stay. But if/when a shower came along, there was really no where to hide and in this respect we found the resort lacked an informal covered area/bar near the pool - if only the Sports Bar had been where the watersport centre is...…. Ampers&nd was a fabulous venue although at times we found it a bit too formal - you really needed to be dressed & dry to go in. Come evening though, with dinner done and a DJ/Singer it really had an Ibiza meets Maldives vibe. Seb's Shack at the South-West end was very laid back and relaxing. Sadly though, both these venues, didn't quite get it right for sundowners. Ampers&nd facing north and the two jetties obscuring the sunset view from the Shack. We found Snorkelling at Raaya disappointing in comparison to many of the other resorts we've visited. The reef drop-off is just too far/inaccessible and out-of-bounds from the island. The daily organised trips are well run and enjoyable but it's just not the same as doing your own thing. But if you're happy with shallow water snorkelling in the Lagoon there were nice areas on the sunrise side. The resort runs an 'Island Host' system and an itinerary of restaurant bookings, complementary spa sessions & snorkelling/boat trips is given to you by your host after arrival. We found it inflexible and nothing we asked to change was possible so we just cancelled things. We really would have preferred to take our chances with availability and created our own schedule. Finally, the highest praise for Raaya, is for it's staff. They really were amazingly friendly and helpful. For us the standouts were Afzal who looked after our wine glasses extremely well, Cindy in Ampers&nd, Supun who seemed to appear everywhere and Nasru at Soaq Pool Bar. Some of the above sounds negative but we don't want that to be the take-away from this review. Raaya is a very nice resort and anybody who visits is almost certain to have a great holiday.

ayanah wagh

Amazing place! Architecture well done by Dar & Wagh Architects! The rooms were stunning! Loved how the pool tiles were the colour of the water, also loved the roofs and symmetry. The private pool to the nice lounge for snacks, to the restaurant Amaya to the pool villas to the beach! Everything was jaw-dropping.

Abdallah Rabie

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Raaya By Atmosphere, and it was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in a stunning tropical location, this resort is the epitome of luxury and relaxation. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and exceptional service. The resort itself is beautifully designed, blending modern elegance with natural beauty. The attention to detail in the architecture and interior design creates a serene and inviting atmosphere. And they offers an impressive array of activities to suit every taste. The resort’s wellness center is top-notch, with yoga classes, a state-of-the-art gym, and a rejuvenating spa. There's never a dull moment, and the staff goes above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable experience. The culinary offerings at Raaya By Atmosphere are nothing short of spectacular. With multiple dining options, each restaurant provides a unique and delightful gastronomic journey. The breakfast buffet is a feast for the senses, featuring a wide variety of fresh fruits, pastries, and made-to-order omelets. For dinner, we indulged in exquisite international cuisine, from Italian to Asian fusion. The seafood is particularly noteworthy, sourced locally and prepared to perfection. Each meal was a culinary delight, complemented by a superb selection of wines and cocktails. One of the highlights of Raaya By Atmosphere is the breathtaking view. Our villa overlooked the crystal-clear waters of the ocean, and every morning we woke up to a stunning sunrise. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery and pristine beaches, making it the perfect backdrop for relaxation and romance. Whether lounging by the pool or taking a stroll along the beach, the scenery is simply mesmerizing. Raaya By Atmosphere is a paradise for those seeking luxury, adventure, and culinary excellence. The impeccable service, diverse activities, exquisite food, and stunning views make this resort a top destination for travelers. I highly recommend Raaya By Atmosphere for anyone looking to escape to a world of tranquility and indulgence. A special thanks to Euan and Philippe for their outstanding hospitality, making us feel welcomed and cared for throughout our stay. Lalit provided the perfect massage, leaving us relaxed and rejuvenated. And Chanchel's delicious juices every morning were a refreshing start to our days and Mo and Eslam at the bar. Thank you to everyone at Raaya by Atmosphere for making our stay unforgettable!

Suntekcam

I've traveled a lot, and I've never experienced something like this hotel. It's like a dream, everything is so perfect, it's like being in a movie. The staff, the care everything is taken of. So new.... I've recommend all of my family and friends. Really worth it. Special mention to Sandeepa, Navod, Chanchal, Amir, Abo, and all the staff that I haven't mentioned. Absolutely everyone, all of the gardeners too, the smile they gift you all the time, the kindness.... I have no words to tell how thankful I am for having being served by them

Mangesh Kumar

Raaya by Atmosphere: An Unforgettable Paradise ★★★★★ Raaya by Atmosphere is an absolute dream come true! From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in a world of pure luxury and tranquility. Our overwater villa was nothing short of breathtaking, with its private infinity pool overlooking the crystal-clear lagoon. The interior was stylish and modern, yet with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The resort's amenities are unparalleled. The spa, Maai, offered an oasis of relaxation with its skilled therapists and indulgent treatments. We indulged in a couples massage that left us feeling rejuvenated. The fitness center was well-equipped, and the yoga pavilion provided the perfect setting for morning meditation. Dining at Raaya was a culinary adventure. Each restaurant offered a unique experience, from the fresh seafood at SALT to the international flavors at AMAYA. The all-inclusive package was incredibly generous, allowing us to savor every moment without worrying about a thing. The staff were exceptional, going above and beyond to ensure our every need was met. Their warm smiles and genuine hospitality made us feel truly welcomed. We enjoyed snorkeling and diving in the vibrant coral reefs, and the water sports center provided endless fun for everyone. Raaya by Atmosphere is more than just a resort; it's a destination that leaves an indelible mark on your heart. We can't wait to return! #RaayaByAtmosphere #MaldivesParadise #LuxuryVacation #OverwaterVilla #AllInclusive #SpaHeaven #CulinaryDelights #UnforgettableExperience