Location
Amilla Beach Villa Residences rises on the edge of the Baa Atoll, home to some of the richest waters in the Maldives and a biosphere reserve protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011. The house reef, only a few strokes away form the beach, offers easy access to a magical underwater world; a short swim brings snorkelers and divers alike to the Blue Hole, an amazing natural phenomenon populated by myriad marine life, providing a spectacular underwater experience. And just a short speedboat journey away are some of the Maldives’ most famous marine sites – among them Hanifaru Bay, famed as a phenomenal feeding area for manta rays and whale sharks in certain seasons.
Baa Atoll
One of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, the Baa Atoll is formed from some 100 coral reefs, teeny islands and sandy cays that, from the air, look like a pair of pearl necklaces. One of 26 natural atolls in the Indian Ocean and now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, its protected waters harbour an extraordinary diversity of marine life, including some 250 species of stony and soft coral, over 1,000 types of reef fish, as well as the endangered Hawksbill and Green turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. Amilla Beach Villa Residence guests may gain riveting insights on this magical underwater world, courtesy the island’s resident marine biologist who runs conservation and educational programmes and sometimes accompanies dive and snorkelling excursions.
Hanifaru Bay
One of the Maldives’ most famous marine sites, Hanifaru Bay is renowned worldwide for harbouring one of the largest seasonal gatherings of manta rays. It’s also believed to be the only place in the world to see their spectacular cyclone feeding; during the west monsoons (from May until November), large amounts of plankton wash into this funnel-like lagoon, attracting as many as 200 manta rays as well as whale sharks spiralling in a free-for-all feeding frenzy. Amilla Beach Villa Residence guests may have the chance to witness this in the company of the knowledgeable resident marine biologist.
Blue Hole
Another on-the-map Baa Atoll site is the Blue Hole. This natural phenomenon – aerial photos show how accurately it is named –is part of Amilla’s house reef, and is within swimming distance of the shore. The coral-lined underwater chimney that narrows from 22 metres to seven metres provides a spectacular experience for divers and snorkellers alike, who may spot myriad marine life including Hawksbill turtles, triggerfish and perhaps the resident Guitar shark.
Getting There
Over 30 international airlines operate daily flights into Male international Airport (which occupies its own island and is considered one of the safest airports in the world). Arriving at Male for the first time can be magical, with the vista of myriad lagoon-rimmed islands revealed during the plane’s descent. And we’ll be there to meet you on landing, to help you on the last wonderful leg of your journey to Amilla Fushi.
Male to
Amilla Beach Villa Residences
Sea Plane
Private Yacht
Speed Boat
Watersports
Amilla guests have a seemingly limitless choice of water sports at their fingertips. Skim the lagoon surface on a windsurfer, wakeboard or monoski. Jetski to a deserted sandbank and parasail towards the sky. Hold tight on a ‘ ‘high roller’, and snorkel behind a Seabob. Trim the sails of a catamaran or dip the oar in a kayak. Or just charter a captained speedboat or traditional dhoni for a private tour of the atoll isles. Enjoy such water sports solo, with friends, or in the company of one of the recreational team who are also happy to share their passion with enthusiasts.
Diving
Perched on the end of the jetty is HUB – Home of the Underwater Biosphere, created in partnership with luxury dive pioneers Dive Butler International. Amilla’s dive epicentre is home to a 15-strong international team of marine conservationists and dive professionals (who speak a dozen languages between them). The warm crystal-clear waters of the Baa Atoll biosphere offers exceptional diving that will appeal to novices as well as experienced divers. Here you can book a private personal scuba guide or join a group to dive one of 30 sites in the atoll. A wide range of SSI-certified courses is on offer, including specialty courses taught by seasoned professionals in partnership with Dive Butler.
Excursions
H.U.B. (Home of the Underwater Biossphere) runs a busy programme of weekly excursions designed to stimulate interest in this unique marine environment. Sunrise fishing, dolphin watching, sandbank visits, turtle safari, manta snorkelling, full moon cruise, speedboat stargazing – there’s an excursion to engage every age, day and night.
Tennis managed by Lux Tennis
Take advantage of Amilla’s two floodlit hard tennis courts and enjoy a game with family and friends in this idyllic island setting. It’s the ideal time to invest in private or group lessons as well as sparring-partner session with our tennis professionals.
The Emperor Beach Club
The Emperor Beach Club is Amilla’s recreational epicentre and a magnet for all manner of activities. There’s table tennis and pool tables in the shade of a thatched pavilion, a badminton court, beach volleyball court, mini futsal and a football stadium in the island’s centre. Frisbee and Pétanque make for casual beach games and giant chess becomes contemplatively competitive in the forest shade. The arts & crafts studio lets budding artists explore their creativity, and an acclaimed artist-in-residence programme gives guests the chance to have private lessons with well-known painters from around the world. Within the clubhouse is a library with good selection of reading material, an iMac, arcade games and a billiards table. A jukebox provides an alternative to the resident DJ spinning island-smooth beats from his own beachside cabana outside. Equally popular are alfresco movie nights, with beanbags on the sand and popcorn under the stars.
The Sultan’s Village Kids Club
It might be difficult to tear kids away from the Sultan’s Village Kids Club. This delightful space has a playground and shallow wading pool in its own fenced sand garden, as well as a clubhouse overflowing with toys, books and games. The cheery team deserves accolades for their inventive schedule of activities, from round-the-island pirate treasure hunts to make-your-own-pizza to snorkelling trips in the company of our marine biologist sporting shimmering mermaid fishtail. Childcare service is available at small additional cost on guest account, whether at the Kids Club or for in-villa babysitting. There’s no age limit here – though tweens and teens, while always welcome, may prefer the sports and recreational facilities of the Empire Beach Club.
Shutterfish Photography Studio
We encourage you to be present for every magical moment at Amilla Fushi – and we’ll help you capture those precious memories too. After advising guests what to wear, the resident Shutterfish photographer will take you to some of the island’s most scenic spots and shoot away against the stunning tropical scenery. A day later you’re invited to the studio for a viewing and to make your selection. And if you love them all, you can acquire a digital and print package and pack them all!
Amilla Yacht Club
Amilla Fushi’s place on the international superyacht circuit has been firmly anchored with the opening of the Amilla Yacht Club.The club and its marina facilities allow for refuelling, provisioning, maintenance and repairs, while yacht owners and their guests take some shore leave. Three berths are available in the marina for yachts up to 20 metres and larger yachts are welcome to anchor outside the reef. Membership benefits include access to facilities and discounted rates for accommodation, dining, excursions and watersports at both Amilla Fushi and sister resort Finolhu.Membership of Amilla Yacht Club is by invitation only. Discretionary membership is also extended on a complimentary basis to guests booking a pre-purchased credit stay of seven nights at Amilla Fushi or 10 nights at sister resort Finolhu.
Amilla Glamping
Amilla has created a bedroom under the stars. Amilla glamping is taken to new levels. Located on a secluded area amongst the jungle foliage, luxurious, waterproof and climate-controlled inflatable pods lets you immerse with nature. This chic and hip experience includes access to well-appointed bathrooms, showers, plunge pool and steam room.
