Villa Park Sun Island Resort
A 1.6 km South Ari island in the whale shark protected area, 17 minutes' flight from Malé
About this stay
Staying at Villa Park Sun Island Resort means waking up to the sound of the ocean, with direct access to a private beach just steps from your room. The days here are filled with choices, from exploring the vibrant house reef with a snorkel to diving deeper into the clear waters of the Ari Atoll. For those seeking relaxation, the spa and wellness centre offers a tranquil escape, while the swimming pool with its sea view provides a refreshing alternative. Evenings can be spent enjoying the resort's facilities, perhaps a game of tennis or a stroll through the lush gardens, all within the serene environment of a private island.
- Inside the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, whale sharks year-round
- Domestic flight of about 17 minutes to Maamigili, then about 10 minutes by speedboat
- 462 villas on a 1.6 km island, formerly Sun Island
- House reef accessible from the beach; diveOceanus dive centre
- Kids club; under-12s not permitted in overwater villas
- Guest rating 8.8 from 590 reviews
Our take
Villa Park sits on Nalaguraidhoo, a 1.6 km island inside the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, where whale sharks are recorded throughout the year. Getting there is a domestic flight of about 17 minutes to Maamigili, then roughly 10 minutes by speedboat; a seaplane of about 35 minutes is the alternative. With 462 villas, the former Sun Island is a big resort, and I would only book it if you value its location and the house reef off the beach more than intimacy. Seven venues and plans from bed and breakfast to Premium All Inclusive give choice, but expect a busy island. Guests rate it 8.8 from 590 reviews.
- ✓Check which buffet your villa uses: Maaniyaa, the open-air buffet, is listed for Beach Villa guests, while others eat at Southern Star.
- ✓Book the whale shark trip through the dive centre, diveOceanus, early in the stay: the protected area is next door, but no sighting on a given day is guaranteed.
- ✓Expect manta rays on the programme too: the resort lists them as a frequent feature of its dives and snorkel trips, alongside the whale sharks of the protected area.
- ✓Ask for villas 351 to 358 only if you are four adults: those are the Two Bedroom Overwater Suites, and children under 12 cannot stay over the water.
Why we love it
- Direct beachfront access from the resort
- Vibrant house reef for snorkelling
- Comprehensive spa and wellness centre
- Private island setting for ultimate relaxation
Why guests love itVilla Park works for families who want a large island with plenty to do rather than a small, quiet one. There is a dedicated kids club, a large lagoon pool, a tennis court. Children under 12 are not allowed in overwater villas, so families take a Beach Pool Villa or the Two Bedroom Beach Pool House, which sleeps six with its own pool. The house reef is reached straight from the beach, and teenagers who snorkel well can join the whale shark trips in the protected area. At 1.6 km long, the island means walking or cycling between villa, pool and restaurants, so ask for a villa close to the main facilities with small children.
Guest reviews
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