“Ultimate opulence, romance and perfect waves … what more do you want?”
About Niyama Private Islands Maldives
The obscenely beautiful atolls of the Maldives need no introduction. Their beauty makes them one of the most sought after holiday and honeymoon locations on the planet, and as you’re probably aware, they also have a very healthy selection of perfect waves.
The Islands themselves sit to the south west of India and Sri Lanka in the Arabian Sea, which itself forms part of the Indian Ocean. A holiday here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s much more than a regular surf trip with the boys … save that for Indo. The Maldives are all about treating yourself to a little bit of luxury and they are best done with spouse/partner/family in tow.
The ultra opulent Niyama Private Islands is located in the atoll of Dhaalu, on the southwestern section of the ring of atolls that make up the greater Maldives. It’s remote location ensures the local waves remain relatively empty and there are plenty to go round.
In terms of skill level, there are waves for everyone at Niyama Private Islands. There are also tailored surf programs available to ensure you get the most out of your stay. In general the waves are mellow and playful, but can also be challenging at times. Perfect for beginners, but also for experienced surfers looking to test the levels of their performance. There’s a reason Niyama is frequented by World Tour surfers looking for a haven to regenerate in between events – recent guests include Owen Wright, Matt Wilkinson and Gabriel Medina, who love the long walled left which peels along directly out front of the resort.
As mentioned earlier, a trip to the Maldives is best done in the lap of luxury, and Niyama Private Islands defines that statement. We’re talking world-class spa, nine separate restaurants, one of which sits below the water and another half a kilometre out to sea, and world famous DJ’s playing private parties kinda luxury. The other big feature? Well, the hint is in the name. The resort has not one but two islands for you to choose from – Niyama Play and Niyama Chill. As you can probably guess Play is all about high energy and fun experiences for the adventurous couple or family, while Chill is all about switching off and settling into blissful abandon. Play, chill or even indulge in a bit of both, the choice is yours.
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Pricing & Packages
2018 Rates
All Rates US Dollars
| Room Type | Room Guest Capacity | 7 Nights Price USD | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Studio | 2A +2C OR 3A +1C | $4,178 | Enquire now |
| Beach Studio with Pool | 2A +2C OR 3A +1C | $5,267 | Enquire now |
| One Bedroom Beach Pavillion with Pool | 2A + 2C OR 3A | $12,540 | Enquire now |
| Family Beach Suite with Pool | 2A +3C OR 3A +2C | $9,193 | Enquire now |
| Two Bedroom Beach Pavillion with Pool | 4A + 2C | $26,748 | Enquire now |
| Three Bedroom Family Beach Pavillion With Pools | 6A + 2C OR 8A | $32,599 | Enquire now |
| OVER WATER | |||
| Water Studio with Pool | 2A +1C OR 3A | $6,350 | Enquire now |
| Deluxe Water Studio with Pool | 2A +1C OR 3A | $7,439 | Enquire now |
| One Bedroom Water Pavillion with Pool | 2A + 2C OR 3A | $11,702 | Enquire now |
| Two Bedroom Ocean Pavillion with Pool | 4A + 2C | $22,988 | Enquire now |
| The Crescent | 20 PEOPLE | $3,343 pp based on 20 people | Enquire now |
- All prices are quoted per person twin share in low season April 9 – July 27 & 27 August – 30 September. Enquire with Soul Surf Travel for rates outside of these periods.
- All prices include breakfast
- All prices include all government taxes
- Children under 16 Eat for FREE from buffet or children’s menu. Children dining off adult menus will receive 50% off
- 2 x children under 12 receive complimentary seaplane transfers
Meal Plans
| Type | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Half Board | FREE between JAN 9 - DEC 19 | FREE between Jan 9 - DEC 19 |
| Full Board | $170 | $85 |
Seaplane Transfer
| Seaplane Transfers | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Above 12 yrs of age | $560 |
| Under 12 years of age | $280 |
| Under 2 years of age | Free |
Surf Passes & Packages
| Surf Passes | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Surf Vodi | Free | |
| Surf Kasabu 1 pass | $200 | |
| Surf Kasabu 3 pass | $525 | |
| Surf Kasabu 5 pass | $750 | |
| Surf Kasabu 10 pass | $1,000 | |
| Transfer/Guide to other breaks | 4 hours | $880 |
| 8 Hours | $1,600 |
Learn to Surf Courses
| Course | Price |
|---|---|
| Introductory Sessions | FREE |
| Beginner Lagoon Session | $90 per hour |
| Beginner Coaching Course | $190 per hour |
| $490 for 3 hours |
Other Surf Services
| Surf Services | Price |
|---|---|
| Surf Guide | $150 per hour |
| Private Seaplane Taxi | $60 per minute |
| Private Seaplane Taxi | $12 per minute |
| Private Coaching | $150 per hour |
| Sightseeing Boat Trip | $30 non surfer |
| Board Rental | $60 per day |
| Board Rental | $200 per week |
| Special Offers |
|---|
| 35% Discount on bed & breakfast rate available all year except Christmas period and receive complimentary half board meal upgrade |
| 25% Discount on bed & breakfast rate over the Christmas school holidays for Family Beach Suite with Pool and Pavilions |
| Kids fly, Stay & Eat for FREE. (Minimum 4 nights stay required) Offer is valid for children under 16 |
| Stay 10 nights or more and receive a $750 resort credit voucher |
| Repeat guests enjoy a 10% discount off bed & breakfast prices |
| If you're celebrating a Honeymoon, Birthday or Anniversary you receive a free bottle of champagne and a 60 minute massage |
Accommodation
Accommodation & Facilities:
134 studios, suites, and pavilions dot both islands or extend out over the azure lagoon at Niyama.
If riding waves is high on your priority list, and of course it is, you might want to take a look at Surf Corner. Located right on the beach, surfers can chill out in customised Surf Beach Studios, Surf Beach Studios with a pool, or a Surf Family Beach Suite with a pool, ranging from 135 to 255 square metres.
These studios and suites are custom built with surfers in mind. Each is fitted with a surfboard rack and stocked with surf amenities and necessities, including bicycles with surfboard racks and dedicated television channels displaying up-to-the-minute surf reports and live feed of the surf at Vodi. Each room is equipped with a king bed and Deli-In with full-size refrigerator overflowing with gourmet treats, as well as Thakuru (butler) service.
Other room types available at Niyama include:
Water Studio with Pool
Modern studios set over water with direct lagoon access from private sundeck and a private pool. (175 sqm)
Deluxe Water Studio with Pool
Even more spacious over water studios with the addition of a soothing Jacuzzi to complement your private pool. (190 sqm)
One Bedroom Water Pavilion with Pool –
Cutting-edge design indoors and out – king bedroom, living and dining areas, private sundeck, infinity pool and outdoor Jacuzzi. (340 sqm)
One Bedroom Beach Pavilion with Pool –
Decadent and relaxed pavilions with extensive space and a white sand beach setting. (400 sqm)
Two Bedroom Ocean Pavilion with Pool –
Ideal for families or couples travelling together. Two bedrooms flank contemporary living areas, spacious sundecks and a sprawling infinity pool. (515 sqm)
Two Bedroom Beach Pavilion with Pool –
Two bedrooms, a sunken living area, dining area with cocktail bar and lavish-but-secluded outdoor spaces including private pool and Jacuzzi. (635 sqm)
Three Bedroom Family Beach Pavilion With Pools –
Set on a secluded beach and featuring two private pools, jacuzzi, spa treatment room, three bedrooms and lush living spaces. (770 sqm)
The Crescent –
Over-water seclusion for up to 14 adults and 8 children. A playground of five ultra chic villas, all with private pools. Features a private chef, 2 dedicated Thakurus (butlers), a housekeeper and complimentary diversions, including sunset dhoni cruise, private barbecue and movie under the stars, and island drumming night.
The Surf
All this luxury is good, but let’s face it, you also want to surf right? Ok let’s break it down.
The Dhaalu Atoll is exposed to different swell direction than the more traditional Maldivian surf areas of the North and South Male Atolls. While they work on Southeast swells, the waves at Niyama rely on Southwest swells. The good news is that these are usually more consistent, bigger and more powerful. They are also more consistent outside the traditional surfing season.
While you can reasonably expect to have perfect sessions throughout the year, the most favourable wind directions usually occur from October to May and the biggest swell from April to October.
Another major drawcard is that there are no other resorts in the area that serve surfers, and due to Niyama’s remote location very few charter boats watch the area. This means during your stay you’ll usually be enjoying uncrowded surf.
There are three main waves easily accessible from Niyama and these are:
Vodi (Niyama)
Vodi is a walled up left perfectly suited to performance surfing. Conveniently it also breaks directly off the resort, so all you need to do is walk to the top and jump in. Think Pasta Point without the crowds and you’re getting the idea. Vodi is also the most consistent wave in the area.
When it’s doing its thing, Vodi is not typically suited to beginners; it’s more the domain of intermediate and advanced surfers due to its down-the-line nature.
When it is small however, even beginners can get out there. It’s also a perfect time to break out the fish or longboard for an enjoyable and relaxing session.
Kasabu
Kasabu is a friendly, world-class righthander located on the opposite side of the channel from Niyama’s Play Island. About ten minutes in a speedboat will get you in the lineup.
Out on the corner is where the intermediate and advanced surfers will enjoy long rippable walls. As the wave makes its way down the point it mellows, and towards the lagoon is the perfect place for beginners to get amongst it.
When a decent swell rolls in however, Kasabu changes mood, opens up and offers perfect grinding barrels.
Hocus Pocus
5-10 minutes speedboat ride to the east of Nimaya you’ll find Hocus Pocus, the most challenging of the waves in the immediate area. Hocus is a hollow and challenging right which offers tubes over some very shallow reef. The waves here are fast and only for the advanced.
Should you want to go searching further afield, there are a host of other waves within a half hour speedboat ride of the resort that should quench your thirst.
If you’re looking for a surf experience you’ll remember for a lifetime, you could always jump in Niyama’s private seaplane to discover and surf secret spots. The seaplane allows surfers to jump in directly behind the waves anywhere on the ocean, and swim back to the plane for the scenic journey back to the resort.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your time in the water FLOAT, Niyama Private Islands’ water sports operator, offers an variety of tailored surf programmes and services to suit every surfer.
They also employ their very own ‘surf guru’, Zac Zocher. Born in South Africa, and raised on the beaches of Australia, Zach is a lifelong surfer and the perfect man to get you sorted.
“From beginner coaching courses to various surf pass options that offer on-demand boat transfers to surf points located away from the resort, I am on hand. I’m even there to coax first timers into the surf or use video analysis to help intermediate surfers get to the next level,” says Zach.
Dining
Dining at Niyama is paradise for foodies and hungry surfers. There is a culinary experience and restaurant for almost every conceivable mood. Perhaps you want to Hover over the water while you dine or maybe you’d rather submerge beneath the waves and watch tropical fish lazily swim by while you dine. You can also sit among the treetops or dance with the flames. All you need to do is select the vibe you’re feeling and enjoy.
Blu – Family style dining on Play. Mediterranean-inspired dishes and poolside ice cream parlour.
Epicure – All-day dining on Chill. International cuisine in a casual chic setting by the infinity pool.
Edge – Modern fine dining, set half a kilometre out in the ocean and accessible only by boat.
Nest – Asian avant-garde cuisines in a surreal tree top setting. Teppanyaki, Thai, Chinese and Indonesian.
Subsix – Underwater playground for champagne breakfasts, subaquatic lunches, weekly glow parties, wine tastings and destination dining.
Getting There
Getting There:
Niyama Private Islands is a 40-minute seaplane journey south of the capital of Malé. A resort representative will greet you on arrival Malé International Airport, where they will assist you with check-in for your seaplane transfer.
Please note that seaplanes only operate during daylight hours. Guests arriving after 3:30 pm will be transported to the resort the next day. For such arrivals, it is suggested to book an overnight stay near the airport.
Please see Pricing & Packaging for prices.