The legend of Raa Atoll holds that it was discovered by a sailor thrown off course by a storm. Today, it hosts the five-star all-inclusive resort of RAAYA By Atmosphere…

A 45-minute seaplane from Malé, the large, natural island of Raa Atoll is home to RAAYA By Atmosphere. Set against forest-fringed, butter-cream beaches skirting aquamarine waters, the resort has a knockout all-inclusive RAAYA Plan™ (transfers, adventures, dining and spa treatments are all covered), and its 167 villas spread across seven categories offer much more than the traditional beach and overwater options, including Deluxe Ocean Pool digs, two-bedroom beach havens for families, and, the ultimate draw, the RAAYA Residence – an ultra-luxurious, ultra-exclusive 849sqm retreat with spacious quarters, a private infinity pool and an ocean-facing deck. Here’s why, whichever you choose, you can’t go far wrong.

Storytelling splendour
In 1954, it’s said that an artist called Seb sailing from Bangkok to Goa was shipwrecked by a freak storm. He discovered refuge on Raa Atoll, turning disaster into a dream that travellers can luxuriate in today. The Island Explorers’ Program retraces Seb’s journey through curated island discoveries, from hidden treasures to artistic remnants. There’s even a shipwreck play area inspired by Seb’s arrival, and an Artists’ Zone in the same spot that the artist found creative brilliance himself, according to his journal. Here, guests can build and paint a miniature traditional dhoni boat and race it on the water at the resort’s Village Square as part of the RAAYA ritual, a gesture to Seb’s deep connection to the beautiful island. Other adventures including guided nature walks through the mangrove forests that gave the artist solace and climbing to the top of the resort’s three scenic towers to his favourite lookout spots (Seb 1, Shipwreck 0). 

Enchanting experiences
If you’d like to continue channelling your inner Seb, there’s plenty more island magic. Don a pair of flippers and a snorkel or take a lesson at the diving centre before plunging into an underwater fairytale. Keep the adrenaline pumping with windsurfing and sailing or, for aquatic chilling, there’s canoeing and standup paddleboarding on tranquil, turquoise waters. Those after a taste of local life shouldn’t miss the traditional sunset fishing excursion, while romantic types can admire skies splashed in orange and pink on a sunset cruise. Prefer to explore on land? The RAAYA Hub has a padel tennis court, football ground and beach volleyball, the skate circuit is the definition of island cool, and families can make memories at mini golf, surrounded by swaying palms. The perfect winddown? A yoga class at the peaceful open-air pavilion, followed by a healing massage inspired by local botanicals at the spa.

Foodie feats
With four restaurants and four bars, there’s just as much dining decadence as there is adventure and serenity here. In the resort’s vibrant Village Square, The Village restaurant takes inspiration from the Italian coast in both look and taste and serves everything from slow cooked free-range poussin to pasta dishes such as seafood fregola. For an indulgent date night, there’s Middle Eastern fine dining at Mizāj, where moghrabieh, a traditional Lebanese stew, and Moroccan lamb tagine are highlights. Meanwhile, Ampers&nd brings beachfront cabanas, live music and Pan Asian delights such as Maldivian crab kamameshi, a superb spin on the comforting Japanese rice dish that’s cooked in a cast iron pot. Be sure to toast your luck with classic-come-creative cocktails and superior sunsets at its rooftop bar. Can’t choose? Contemporary, all-day eatery RAAYA Life offers buffet bliss in the form of live cooking stations dishing out Asian, European and Maldivian cuisine, which you can enjoy while admiring sights of the sea.   

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include a generous baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Maldives holiday now with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due seven weeks before departure for long-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.

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