Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Luxury overwater villas and beachfront dining in the South Atoll.
An island resort on South
This 5-star resort occupies its own private island in the South Atoll, a short speedboat ride from Malé. It offers a collection of sea-view villas and suites, many with private pools and sundecks. The island is situated within one of the largest natural lagoons in the Maldives, providing calm, clear waters. The resort features multiple dining venues and a spa, with a focus on service and natural surroundings.
The honest verdict
A luxury island resort experience with overwater and beach villas, multiple dining options, and a focus on service.
Best for
- Couples
- Diving and water sports
- Relaxing spa treatments
- All-inclusive stays
Maybe not ideal for
- Those seeking budget accommodation
- Travellers who prefer local island stays
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.
Lagoon and beach setting
The resort sits on Emboodhu Finolhu, an island set within a large natural lagoon. This provides calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and water sports, along with direct access to a private beach area.
Overwater and beach villas
Accommodations range from Sunrise Overwater Villas to expansive Two Bedroom Sunset Beachfront Suites. Many feature private pools, balconies, sea views, and direct access to the lagoon or beach.
Multiple dining experiences
Four restaurants and two bars offer diverse options, from international and Pan-Asian cuisine at 24 Degrees to romantic waterfront dining at Deep End and Mediterranean seafood at Mediterraneo. The Equator Bar is ideal for sundowners.
Spa and wellness
The J Wellness Circle offers signature therapies, yoga, and meditation sessions. Guests can also use the fitness center or enjoy the main infinity pool.
Rooms & suites
Sunrise Overwater Villa
71 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
Overwater Villa with Pool
94 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
Sunrise Oceanfront Villa with Pool
193 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Pool with a view
Sunset Beach Villa with Pool
200 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
One Bedroom Sunrise Overwater Suite with Pool
195 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Attached bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
One Bedroom Sunset Beachfront Suite with Pool
270 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Attached bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
Two Bedroom Sunset Beachfront Suite with Pool
365 m² · sleeps 2 · Bedroom 1: 1 king bed Bedroom 2: 1 full bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Attached bathroom
- Private pool
- Balcony
Standout features
Inside Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Amenities at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 2 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Beachfront
Great for your stay
- 2 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- View
- Bath
- Free Wifi
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Balcony
- Terrace
Getting there
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa sits on South in Kaafu Atoll, about 10 km from Velana International Airport (MLE) — roughly a 15-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
South sits in Kaafu Atoll. Kaafu (North & South Malé Atoll) is the most accessible region, a short speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
Things to do nearby
- Embudu Finolhu Outsideattraction1.1 km
- Embudu Channel / Embudu Expressattraction1.7 km
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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.
Guests frequently comment positively on the service, with 200 of 215 mentions being positive. The property itself also receives strong ratings. Dining and the natural environment are other areas guests highlight.
- Things to do3.6
- Restaurants3
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 18 · average 9.8
They wrote about: staff, breakfast, cleanliness
Reviews scoring 7–9: 2 · average 8
They wrote about: staff, room, cleanliness
No reviews in the selected score range.
Guest reviews summarised from Booking site partners.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 3:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
- Check-out
Until 12:00 PM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
- Groups
When booking more than 4 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
- Accepted payment methods
Cash
As published by the booking provider · always reconfirm with the property
Frequently asked
How do I get to the resort?
The resort is a 15-20 minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport (Malé). This transfer is arranged by the property.
What types of rooms are available?
Accommodation includes Sunrise Overwater Villas, Overwater Villas with Pool, Sunrise Oceanfront Villas with Pool, Sunset Beach Villas with Pool, and various one and two-bedroom suites with private pools.
What dining options are available?
There are four restaurants: 24 Degrees (all-day dining), Deep End (waterfront dining), Mediterraneo by Jeffrey Vella (Mediterranean seafood), and a Pool Bar & Restaurant. The Equator Bar serves drinks.
Is all-inclusive dining offered?
Yes, all-inclusive packages are available at the resort.
What activities can I do?
Activities include snorkeling, scuba diving with PADI courses offered, and various water sports on the lagoon. The resort also has a kids club.
Can I go snorkeling directly from the resort?
While there are snorkeling opportunities, the property's location within a large lagoon suggests specific boat excursions might be best for exploring nearby channels and reefs.
Is the resort family-friendly?
Yes, the resort offers a kids club with complimentary and paid activities, and has larger suite options suitable for families.
What is the best time of year to visit?
The dry season, from December to April, typically offers the best weather with sunshine and lower humidity. However, the Maldives is a year-round destination.
What is the price range for rooms?
Prices start from $718 USD for a Sunrise Overwater Villa and increase for larger suites and villas with private pools.