🏨 Maldives: how all-inclusive works at Lily Beach Resort and Spa

The resort sits on its own island, Huvahendhoo, in South Ari Atoll. The seaplane from Malé takes 25 minutes, and along the way you see a scattering of atolls from above (as of 09/2026, official resort website).

Lily Beach Resort and Spa operates on an all-inclusive basis. Food, drinks, and some excursions are already included in the rate, so the budget is planned upfront rather than as you go. Below we break down where the island is, what villas are offered, what to do on the reef, and what affects the price.

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How to get to Huvahendhoo

💡 In short:

You reach the island by seaplane from Malé or by a combination of a domestic flight and a speedboat.
The all-inclusive rate covers meals, drinks, and some excursions on the island.
Prices and rates: 09/2026, verified on the Lily Beach website.

Huvahendhoo Island lies in South Ari Atoll, in the Indian Ocean. The resort occupies the entire island, so you will have no neighbors. There are two ways to get here from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé.

The first option is fast: the seaplane lands right at the resort's pontoon, and the flight takes 25 minutes according to the official website (as of 09/2026). Flights operate only during the day, so if you arrive in the evening, you may be kept overnight in Malé.

The second option is cheaper but longer, and suits those who are not in a hurry. First you take a domestic flight to Maamigili Airport, then you take a speedboat to the island itself. The resort books both options.

Important: the transfer is paid separately from the rate. The exact amount is confirmed at booking, because seaplane prices change by season. Check in advance which option fits your flight time, and compare flights to the Maldives.

Accommodation: nine villa types

Guests are offered nine villa types, and all of them face the water (as of 09/2026, resort villa catalog). Six categories sit on the shore a couple of meters from the ocean. The other three are built on stilts directly in the lagoon.

Entrance to a beach villa amid tropical greenery

The price range is wide, so choose based on your vacation style. Beach Villa suits a couple or a family with one child. Beach Family Villa is designed for vacations with children. Beach Residence with Pool offers a separate living room and a private pool. Deluxe Water Villa and Sunset Water Suite are chosen for the overwater terrace, from which you descend a ladder straight to the reef.

Comparing categories for your dates is easy on Trip.com: view Lily Beach villas on Trip.com.

Reef activities

The reef starts a couple of meters from the shore, so with a mask you snorkel right off the beach. The house reef is home to hundreds of tropical fish species and rays. For active guests, the island offers windsurfing, catamaran sailing, and wakeboarding.

Prodivers dive center

Beginners should stop by the Prodivers water sports center. Here they set you up with gear and an instructor for your first dive. Experienced divers head out to the outer sites of South Ari, where the chance of seeing a whale shark is higher.

Clownfish in sea anemone tentacles underwater

Hamacland platform

A floating platform called Hamacland sits on the turquoise water. Here you spend a couple of hours together, away from the beach noise. This format suits a calm day with no activities.

Penguin semi-submarine

For those who don't want to dive, the Penguin semi-submarine is available. You watch marine life through transparent glass without getting in the water. Sessions run during the day and in the evening, and you choose the duration at booking.

Dhoni boat trips

A separate option: a trip on a traditional dhoni boat to a neighboring Maldivian island. You get to know the local culture and everyday life of a fishing village.

Tamara Spa

After an active day, guests head to Tamara Spa. The treatment pavilions stand over the water and feature a shower, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room (as of 09/2026, resort Wellness section). Programs include classic massage and Ayurvedic treatments.

Excursions and instructor-led programs are convenient to review in advance: diving and excursions on GetYourGuide.

Dining: all inclusive

Meals are included in the rate, so there is no extra charge for dinner at most venues. The island has restaurants with different cuisines, and almost every one offers dishes for children.

Lily Maa

The main restaurant, Lily Maa, operates as a buffet. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are served here, and the wine list and selection of spirits are very extensive.

Chocolate pastries with strawberries on a buffet

Tamarind and Teppanyaki

Southeast Asian cuisine is served at Tamarind. At the Teppanyaki restaurant, the chef prepares meat or seafood right in front of you on a Japanese teppan griddle.

Evening dining room at Tamarind restaurant with gold chandelier

Les Turquoise D'Aqua and bars

The Les Turquoise D'Aqua restaurant stands over the water and serves a tasting menu with a view of the night ocean. The AQVA bar suits a cocktail by the lounger. Vibes has a children's playground, and The Spirit Bar keeps a wide selection of drinks for the evening.

Beach dinner

Separately, the resort organizes a private dinner on the sand. The table is shaped like a Maldivian dhoni boat, and the sails above it create a secluded atmosphere.

Cost of a vacation

The Lily Beach rate is called the Platinum Plan. It already includes meals, drinks, and three excursions per stay. The official website in September 2026 shows a Family Getaway offer from $450 per day (as of 09/2026, resort offers).

The final price depends on the villa category, season, and number of guests. Beach Villa will cost noticeably less than Beach Residence with Pool. The difference is easy to see in the Trip.com search.

Wooden loungers by the pool under tropical trees

Count the transfer and insurance separately. Medical policies rarely cover diving, so before purchasing, compare insurance terms.

Tours and tickets in Maldives

Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.

See offers on Kiwitaxi

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Is the transfer included in the cost of the vacation?

No, the transfer is paid separately from the rate. It is best to request the price in advance, along with your travel dates.

What is the difference between Beach Villa and Deluxe Water Villa?

Beach Villa sits on the shore, while Deluxe Water Villa is built on stilts in the lagoon. The second category is more expensive, but offers more privacy and ocean views.

What is included in the Platinum Plan rate?

The rate includes meals and drinks at most venues on the island, as well as three excursions per stay. Dining is served buffet-style or à la carte, and extra charges are almost never needed. Private dinners and some water activities are paid separately.

Can you snorkel right from the shore?

Yes, the house reef starts a couple of meters from the island's beach. A mask and snorkel are enough to see fish, rays, and corals near the shore. For scuba diving you need an instructor, and one is arranged at the Prodivers center right on the island.

When is the best time to go to Huvahendhoo?

The dry season with less rain falls in winter and spring, while short downpours are more frequent in summer. In high season prices are higher, so it is best to book a villa in advance. The reef is accessible year-round, but underwater visibility depends on the weather.

In short: what to book

A quick summary of choices. If you are on a honeymoon, take the Sunset Water Suite with an overwater terrace. If you are traveling with children, look at Beach Family Villa and the Vibes restaurant with its playground. If you are going for diving, Beach Villa is enough: the reef is nearby either way.

You can book the trip as follows: book a villa on Trip.com, diving and tours on GetYourGuide.

Lily Beach Resort and Spa: what is included in the all-inclusive rate