Last Updated on September 16, 2024
5-star boutique spa resort – a jewel in the Indian Ocean
The Maldives are formed by a necklace of 26 coral atolls with 1,192 islands which stretch across the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and the equator, some are inhabited, others are private resorts, and there are still many uninhabited islands. It’s the perfect place to escape and, resorts like Kagi Maldives Spa Island offer everything you could need to relax and enjoy a holiday in the sun. 
For many years I have dreamed of exploring this tropical paradise, escaping the madness of city life to visit these beautiful islands. I was only too delighted to get the opportunity to stay at Kagi Spa Island, which is situated at the tip of the North Male Atoll, in close proximity to Male’s Velana International Airport and easily accessed by boat or seaplane. We flew from London Heathrow to Male, a long but pleasant flight, with one change at Doha.
We were met at Male by the Kagi team and escorted on a 45-minute speed boat ride to the island, where we received a refreshing fruit punch and a warm welcome from the lovely friendly staff who throughout our visit provided exceptional hospitality.
Kagi is a small charming island which was once used as a picnic destination, it’s lined with palm trees and surrounded by soft white sandy beaches and crystalline turquoise waters and majestic blue skies; a real jewel in the Indian Ocean, an oasis of calm, relaxation and beauty. This 5-star boutique spa resort creates the perfect balance between peace, healthy living and a luxurious holiday experience, a place where you are able to completely relax and unwind in seclusion and comfort.
Kagi Spa was opened by the successful Crown and Champa Hotel group in November 2020. This elegant and eco-minded resort has been thoughtfully designed by architect Yuji Yamazaki. Simple, clean design using different tones of natural wood and stone, creating open and airy spaces which blend beautifully with the natural environment, showing its commitment to sustainability as well as providing luxury and comfort. There are no electric buggies or bicycles, and there really is no need as you can walk around the entire island in just five minutes.
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Accommodation at Kagi Spa
There are three different types of villas you can stay in on Kagi, a Beach Pool Villa, a Lagoon Villa or an Ocean Villa, all with the same design, differing only because of location, as described in their names. Each villa has a luxury indoor and outdoor bathroom and a secluded deck with a small plunge pool and a stunning uninterrupted view out to sea.
We stayed in an Ocean Villa which boasted a spacious bright breezy contemporary-styled bedroom. Decorated in natural hues, the villa had cream-painted walls and an ash wood floor, light wood furniture, a comfortable king-sized bed dressed in crisp white linen, with a sofa, desk and wide screen wall hung TV.
Doors opened onto a private veranda furnished with sun loungers, parasol, table and chairs and earthenware pots with tropical green plants. And, your very own dipping pool.
If you want to push the boat out and follow the latest instagrammable trend, I recommend having a floating breakfast. This upscale room service breakfast was brought to us on a special tray which floats on the water in your private pool. The ideal morning pick-me-up, with a winning combo of a refreshing dip, fresh coffee and a breakfast of your choice. (Please note, I have spared you a shot of me in the pool first thing in the morning!)
There are steps from the villa which take you directly into the sea. We swam from here daily, the water is the perfect temperature and it’s crystal clear. As it’s right on the coral reef, you don’t have to go far to see the extraordinarily vibrant sea life.
At the rear of the villa is a stylish grey marble shower room with a twin sink, bespoke aromatic Kagi bath products and wooden racks hung with fluffy white towels and bathrobes. However, bathing doesn’t end here as the sliding door opens onto the private outdoor wooden decked area with a bathtub and rain shower. This was such a treat, there’s something really special about bathing in the open air.
Facilities include excellent Wi-Fi (far better than I get in London), IDD telephone, IPTV, Bluetooth soundbar, personal safe, with multiple universal socket outlets. Swimming towels, beach bag, slippers and hairdryer are provided.
There’s a well-stocked bar with red, white, rose and sparkling wines, spirits, soft drinks and mixers and a selection of snacks, (all included in the Premium All-Inclusive package). Water bottles, a Nespresso coffee machine, tea-making facilities and a selection of teas, are all replenished each day. The room was spotlessly clean and was serviced daily, plus there was a nightly turndown service. Sometimes we arrived back at our villa to find our bed prettily decorated with flowers or clever animal towel sculptures, and we looked forward to the delicious culinary delights which were delivered every evening.
Restaurants and dining at Kagi Spa
There are four different dining options at Kagi Spa each with its own personal style.
Noo Faru is the main restaurant which serves breakfast and dinner it is housed in a contemporary designed open plan area, spacious and airy with high wooden beamed ceilings hung with wooden fans, stone flooring, stone pillars, modern furnishings and wooden tables and chairs. The floor-to-ceiling doors open right onto the decked terrace providing expansive views of the Indian Ocean and allowing cool sea breezes to flow through space.
The breakfast was a plentiful affair with a buffet offering continental and cooked breakfast options with eggs cooked to order, a wide variety of bread, pastries, cakes, cold meats and cheeses, yoghurts, bircher muesli, and an amazing choice of tropical fruit. Fresh vegetable and fruit juices, coffee and teas can be ordered at your table.
Dinner whets the taste buds with an array of international dishes ordered from the al la carte menu, although the chefs were more than happy to cater for any special requests. They also have an incredible verdant herb garden used by all the restaurants on the island.
Nonna is the resort’s Italian restaurant and the brainchild of the Italian Executive chef Denis Placereani, a highly experienced and well-travelled chef who is also a scuba diver and photographer. It sits above Noo Faru accessed via a stunning wooden staircase; a sweeping wood-clad open space with a balcony terrace looking out to sea. Here Chef Denis pays tribute to the rich heritage of Italian cuisine with his personal twist, sourcing the finest local produce from farmers and fishermen and creating authentic Italian dishes. We dined at Nonna (which is open only for dinner) on a couple of occasions and relished the simple, fresh and unpretentious food, which was rich, bold and textural with heaps of flavour.
Ke-Un is a world-fusion restaurant with an Asian leaning. This intimate dining venue is situated in a lovely setting directly on the beach. It has a wooden beach shack feel with high beamed ceilings, wood floors and tables which lead out onto the veranda. The food is bold and flavoursome, deliciously spiced aromatic dishes taking inspiration from the geographical ‘ring of fire’ from the fragranced cuisine of East Asia to the fiery flavours of South America and Oceania. Ke-Un is only open for dinner.
Spa Corner is located in the serene Baani Spa. The restaurant is open for lunch only serving nourishing and health-conscious dishes, the perfect post-swim lunch. The menu offers a selection of wonderful imaginative salads, sushi boards, wraps, ceviche and gyoza and a great choice of fresh pressed fruit and vegetable juices. We particularly loved the chef’s homemade Palio bread which was so delicious we had to ask for the recipe.
Spa and wellness at Kagi Spa
Baani Spa – Baani means ‘The Ocean Swell’ in Dhivehi the Maldivian Local Language, with a symbolical meaning of a personal journey to a healthy and joyful living. This truly elegant and aesthetically designed circular building incorporates both indoor-outdoor spaces. It sits on sturdy stilts above the water providing a place of calm and serenity.
Here with Kagi’s ‘Pure Life’ concept Baani Spa offers a host of restorative treatments, along with a gym, a yoga studio, a boutique selling Baani Spa skincare and well-being products and the Spa Corner restaurant area. Post-Covid, people are thinking more of their health. At Kagi guests can experience mindfulness-based stress reduction, sound healing and meditation, yoga and stretch classes and personalized lifestyle and health coaching.
We loved Uday’s daily yoga classes, it was such a joy to be able to practice yoga in the peaceful studio with full-length glass doors opening onto the sparkling blue lagoon. The sound healing was also a magical experience which allowed you to drift into a wonderful meditative state. The skincare and body treatments are also well worth indulging in, I highly recommend a blissful Balinese massage at the hands of their expert masseurs.
Diving and Water Sports at Kagi Spa
Kagi’s diving school is run by Euro-Divers who are able to provide scuba diving and snorkelling experiences for beginners to certified divers. We were given a fantastic snorkelling introduction (Complimentary snorkelling equipment is provided during your stay) by one of the team who took us around the island’s lively coral reef to explore the dazzling underwater world which is teeming with diverse marine life and a colourful feast for the eyes. Don’t miss the chance to see corals, sea turtles, reef sharks and thousands of tropical fish.
After the introduction, we were able to snorkel around the reef directly from our veranda. Watersports include the Stand-Up Paddle Board, which is similar to being on a stepper in the gym… great fun!
They also have catamarans and kayaks, we took out the transparent bottomed kayak, from which we were able to see the crystal-clear water and sea life beneath us. For those who like more action, Kagi offers windsurfing for both professionals and novices.
Excursions at Kagi
We went on the Dolphin Cruise which was a totally enchanting experience, the light in the Maldives is quite exquisite, whether it’s sunrise, midday or sunset. I really wasn’t expecting to see any dolphins, but suddenly they arrived in pods, swimming and jumping happily alongside our boat. After their visit, we watched the sunset over the Indian Ocean. A truly magical experience.
Kagi Maldives Spa Island welcomes guests aged 12 and over.
PREMIUM ALL- INCLUSIVE PACKAGE Like going on holiday – only better.
Kagi Maldives’ “Premium All-Inclusive Package” is an assortment of special experiences and benefits including a sunset dolphin cruise, a selection of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, dine around options.
Kagi Maldives Spa Island North Malé Atoll, Maldives
