Oblu Xperience Ailafushi
Overwater villas and an under-ocean restaurant, 15 minutes from the airport
Rates from our booking partners
We may earn a commission from bookings made through this site, at no extra cost to you. We are not the property and bookings are completed on the partner's site.
An island resort on Malé
Oblu Xperience Ailafushi sits in the Malé Atoll, roughly 13 km from Velana International Airport and reachable by a 15-minute speedboat. Its name comes from the Dhivehi word for 'family island', and the design follows through: 268 villas across four categories, a kids club with its own pool, and an all-inclusive Fushi Plan that covers dining at Element X and drinks at X360 Bar. The property runs a full entertainment and activity calendar alongside on-island dive facilities, complimentary non-motorised watersports, and ELE|NA The Spa, which includes a community garden spa — a concept the resort says is a first in the Maldives. The signature draw is Only BLU, an under-ocean restaurant it bills as the largest of its kind in the country.
The honest verdict
A family-friendly, activity-heavy all-inclusive resort close to the airport, with strong service scores and a lively pool-bar atmosphere rather than a secluded retreat.
Best for
- Families with children of different ages
- All-inclusive travellers who want a short transfer
- Guests keen on diving and watersports
- Couples drawn to novelty dining experiences
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers seeking a quiet, adults-only setting
- Those wanting a remote, far-flung island feel
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
Water villas on a dhoni-shaped jetty
The overwater Water Villas sit on a jetty designed in the shape of a traditional Maldivian dhoni. Each 50 m² villa has a private deck with direct lagoon access, a sea view, and an extra-large double bed.
Only BLU under-ocean restaurant
Only BLU is promoted as the Maldives' largest under-ocean restaurant. It runs a Modern Gastronomic menu and is shared with neighbouring OBLU SELECT Lobigili. Dining here is chargeable outside the standard plan.
X360 Bar and pool cabanas
X360 Bar functions as the main pool bar and sports bar, with a signature cocktail fountain and cabana seating. It runs an evening party programme and is included in the Fushi Plan.
ELE|NA The Spa and community garden
The spa has ocean views and incorporates a community garden — a design the resort describes as a first in the Maldives. Treatments start from $50++ for 45 minutes.
Kids club with its own pool
The kids club is one of the largest at any Maldives resort. It splits across two levels: a lower deck for younger children and an upper level for older kids equipped with PlayStation and Xbox consoles, plus daily guided activities.
Beach villas with garden verandas
The 66 Beach Villas are 50 m² each, steps from the beach, with a private veranda and garden. They sleep two on an extra-large double bed and include a full ensuite, flat-screen TV, and terrace.
Rooms & suites
Beach Villa
50 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Entire villa
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Ocean View Family Room
50 m² · sleeps 4 · 1 king bed and 1 bunk bed
- 1 room
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Water Villa
50 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Entire villa
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Standout features
Amenities at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle (free)
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 3 restaurants
- Beachfront
- Family rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- 3 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- View
- Terrace
- Free Wifi
- Flat-screen TV
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Bidet
- Additional toilet
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
Bedroom
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- Terrace
- Garden
Getting there
Oblu Xperience Ailafushi sits on Malé in Kaafu Atoll, about 13 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) — roughly a 20-minute speedboat. The resort arranges transfers for guests on arrival.
Resort speedboat transfers typically run $100–250 per person round trip, booked through the resort. Confirm the fare when booking.
On the map
Malé sits in Kaafu Atoll. Kaafu (North & South Malé Atoll) is the most accessible region, a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Across 1,293 Google reviews, the property holds a 4.6/5 rating. Service is the strongest theme: 193 of 250 mentions were positive. The property itself scored well (148 of 172 positive), as did nature and surroundings (98 of 118). Dining drew more mixed feedback (120 of 180 positive), and room quality was the most varied topic (39 of 71 positive). Cleanliness rated well at 59 of 69 mentions positive.
- Things to do3.9
- Restaurants2.8
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How far is OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi from Male Airport?
The resort is 13 km from Velana International Airport and the transfer is by speedboat, taking around 15 minutes. Transfers are scheduled to flight arrivals and run 24 hours, making late-night arrivals straightforward.
Is the speedboat transfer included in the room rate?
Under the resort's 'All Inclusive with Free Transfers' Fushi Plan marketed on Booking.com, the speedboat transfer is included. Check your specific booking package, as inclusions can vary by rate type.
What room categories are available?
The resort has four villa categories: Ocean View Rooms (30 m², sleeps 2 adults plus 1 child), Beach Villas (50 m², private veranda and garden), Ocean View Family Rooms (50 m², bunk-bed room linked to master bedroom), and Water Villas (overwater, private lagoon deck).
Is there a family room option?
Yes. The Ocean View Family Two Bedroom connects a master bedroom to a children's bunk-bed room across 50 m², with direct beach access. The resort also has one of the Maldives' largest kids clubs, with its own pool and a gaming level for older children.
What does the all-inclusive plan cover?
The Fushi Plan covers dining at Element X (the all-day buffet restaurant), drinks at X360 Bar, and complimentary non-motorised watersports including stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. A Serenity Plan variant is also available.
How many restaurants are there, and what are they?
There are three dining venues. Element X is the all-day buffet (included in Fushi Plan). Copper Pot Food Truck runs Surf & Turf beach dinners at an extra charge. Only BLU is the under-ocean restaurant, also chargeable. The Wine, Coffee & Pastry Shop rounds out the food options.
What is Only BLU?
Only BLU is an under-ocean restaurant running a Modern Gastronomic menu. The resort promotes it as the largest under-ocean restaurant in the Maldives. It is shared with neighbouring OBLU SELECT Lobigili and carries a surcharge.
Is diving available at the resort?
There is an on-island dive centre. It runs guided shore dives for beginners and organises excursions to dive sites across the wider Maldives. Snorkelling in the lagoon is also possible, and dolphin-watching cruises can be arranged.
What watersports are complimentary?
Under the Fushi Plan, stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing are included. The resort has water sport facilities on site, with further activities and excursions available at additional cost.
Does the resort have a spa?
ELE|NA The Spa has ocean views and a community garden incorporated into its design, which the resort says is a first in the Maldives. Treatments start from $50++ for a 45-minute session.
What fitness facilities are on site?
The resort has a fitness centre, sauna, hot tub, and an outdoor pool. There is also a game room with billiards and darts, plus live music and evening entertainment as part of the activity programme.
What are the dietary options at the restaurants?
Element X's buffet covers Western, Eastern, Far Eastern, and Central Asian sections. The resort lists vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and American dietary options among the dining choices available on site.
Is OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi good?
Guests rate Oblu Xperience Ailafushi 4.6/5 across 1,293 Google reviews. It suits a classic maldives resort-island stay, spa & wellness breaks. Whether it's worth it depends on your budget — check current rates for your dates.
Where is OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi?
Oblu Xperience Ailafushi is on Malé, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
Hotels near Oblu Xperience Ailafushi
- OBLU SELECT Lobigili · Malé · 0.5 km
- Thulhagiri Island Resort · Himmafushi · 2.1 km
- Bandos Maldives · North · 4.4 km
- Malahini Kuda Bandos · Malahini Holdings Pvt. Ltd. 3rd Floor Jazeera Building No.15 Boduthakurufaanu Magu · 4.7 km
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives · Lankanfushi Island · 5.9 km
- The Haven at Paradise Island · Himmafushi · 6.1 km
- Moodhu Surf House · Himmafushi · 7.1 km
- Jail Break Surf Inn · Himmafushi · 7.1 km























