Last Updated on November 12, 2026

NH Collection Havodda Maldives – The Real Maldivian Desert Island Experience

A bit further to travel, but so worth the extra effort. The best finds are always a little bit off the beaten track, and that couldn’t be truer of NH Collection Havodda. As a seasoned Maldives traveller, this is one of my favourite islands; for me, it has it all: fabulous beaches, great swimming, an incredible house reef, excellent food and, importantly, that natural, unspoilt desert island feel. It’s wonderfully laid-back, without the pomp and ceremony of some other resorts, without compromising the quality or warmth of the service.

About NH Collection Maldives Havodda

Situated in the deep south of the Maldives, almost on the equator in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, NH Collection Maldives Havodda is around 250 miles from Malé. Our journey was seamless. The team met us at Malé airport and took us to the comfortable lounge before we took a one-hour domestic flight to Kaadedhdhoo, followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride to the island. You don’t get the classic Maldives seaplane adventure, but what you do get is a beautiful, naturally formed island that feels much more secluded than many islands closer to Malé. On arrival, we were warmly met at the jetty and offered a welcome drink before being taken to our villa.

The island is shaped like a shell and is about 800m long, so it’s easy to get around. We mostly walked, but you can also take a buggy.

Accommodation at NH Collection Maldives Havodda

The island has 120 villas, split between 60 beach villas and 60 overwater villas, which many consider the ultimate Maldivian experience.

Two of the villas are pool suites, larger luxury villas with additional space, making them a good option for families.

We stayed in a Sunrise Beach Villa (there is also the option to stay on the sunset side), and I can’t describe how lovely it was to wake up with sand at our doorstep and the sea just metres away.

It was so peaceful, but the overwater villas promise an equally gorgeous experience, with the bonus of being surrounded by nothing but sea.

All the villas are due to be refurbished over the next 12 months, but we were perfectly happy in ours just as it was. It had a pitched roof, dark wood and white-painted walls, with a super comfortable king-sized bed facing out to sea. I particularly loved drawing back the curtains in the morning, coffee in hand, and watching the impossibly blue sea lapping over the sand.

Furnished with a day bed, desk and suitcase area, and plenty of wardrobe space, plus the usual gowns and slippers, an iron and ironing board, a minibar and coffee-making facilities, and Wi-Fi better than I have at home in London! The bathroom was spacious and stylish, open to the elements, with a double sink, freestanding bath and two showers, one indoors and one outside.

Activities at NH Collection Maldives Havodda

Outside, tropical gardens provide plenty of privacy, and you might get to see a fruit bat hanging from the trees. Complete with a wooden terrace, table and chairs and loungers on the sand. Some villas have their own pools, but honestly, I couldn’t have been happier swimming in the ocean, with its crystal-clear water completing the dream.

People always ask me, “What do you actually do in the Maldives?” I get it. When you’re on a remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, it’s easy to imagine there might not be much to do. But I’m active and not great at sitting still for long, and here at Havodda I wasn’t bored for a second.

Life simply takes on its own laid-back Maldivian pace. An early morning swim in the ocean, or the resort’s swimming pool, a leisurely breakfast, perhaps a game of tennis, futsal or basketball on the multi-purpose court.

There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre, if that’s more your thing, plus a selection of water sports, including sailing. You can also arrange trips to go surfing, visit local islands, or head out in search of dolphins. Or perhaps a game of pétanque?

The well-equipped dive centre has everything you need, with experienced instructors, so divers will be in their element. But for me, the real highlight was snorkelling in the lagoon. NH Collection Havodda is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef, and the dive centre provides snorkels, goggles and flippers for you to use throughout your stay. The staff are helpful, and you can opt for a guided tour of the reef or, if you are confident in the water, find your own way, which I did.

I was blown away by how easy it was to swim just a few metres out from the island and suddenly find myself above a whole underwater world, with an incredible variety of colourful marine life. It felt almost ridiculous that something so spectacular was quite literally on my doorstep.

Reef sharks (big enough to surprise but small enough to be harmless) swam casually past, which was special and slightly scary, but the moment I’ll remember most was swimming alongside a turtle for quite some time. There was something wonderfully peaceful about being in the water together, just watching it glide through the reef. It’s one of those experiences that stays with you long after you’ve left the island.

The main pool has a lovely beachfront setting, with plenty of sunbeds and the poolside Thari Bar, making it an easy place to spend a few hours when you’re not in the sea. There’s also an on-site farm growing organic vegetables and produce for the island’s restaurants, and guests can arrange a visit. I liked the idea of seeing where some of the food we were eating came from.

I also enjoyed browsing the well-curated boutique, and the island’s spa has an Alchemy Bar where you can book a session to make your own creams and lotions. But I’d highly recommend making time for a massage. The treatment rooms are tucked away among tropical gardens, and I drifted off under my therapist’s expert hands. It was exactly what I needed after all that snorkelling. And if you’re travelling with children, there is a Kids’ Club, with a host of activities to keep them happy and occupied.

Dining at NH Collection Maldives Havodda

Dining at NH Collection Havodda is fantastic, and foodies certainly won’t be disappointed. The quality and care that go into the dining experience really stand out. With Chef Kris at the helm, alongside Indian Chef Pradeep and the team, they focus on guest care.

They take the time to get to know you, are around during mealtimes and are happy to accommodate individual dietary requirements. Nothing feels like too much trouble, and they really do go the extra mile to make sure you’re well looked after.

Reef is the island’s main restaurant, set in an open-air pavilion that stretches out towards the sand, with lovely views across the sea. Breakfast is a real treat, with an impressive choice of Asian and European dishes, excellent coffee, and fabulous homemade breads and pastries.

Live cooking stations serve eggs just the way you like them, while fresh fruit, juices, yoghurts and plenty more add to the tempting spread. It’s the sort of breakfast where you could easily spend far too long deciding what to have.

Lunch is served à la carte, although in high season there’s also a buffet. Dinner is themed throughout the week, with a different cuisine each night, which keeps things interesting and means you’re not eating the same thing night after night.

I particularly enjoyed the curries, which were beautifully prepared by the team, and the fresh tuna, which is abundant in the local waters and tasted wonderfully fresh. And if you’re travelling with children, they’re very well catered for too, with plenty of choice for younger guests.

Other dining options include Pizza Kaage, where Italian-style pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven and served poolside. Perfect for a lunchtime snack.

Surf is on the north side of the island and is the island’s grill and barbecue restaurant, serving meat from around the world alongside locally caught fish, all cooked over charcoal. We had dinner here, sitting by candlelight and listening to the waves, and it was one of the highlights of my stay. Our surf and turf feast included tuna, lobster, prawns and scallops alongside steak and lamb cutlets, all cooked over charcoal. It was quite a feast, and a lovely way to spend the evening.

On Thursday nights, the island hosts a BBQ on the beach with live music, for an additional charge. I thought it was well worth it – sitting with the sand beneath my feet, looking up at the stars and listening to the music made for the perfect evening. There’s also a great selection of food, from sushi and Maldivian curries to grilled meats and fresh fish. And if, like me, you’re a lobster fan, you’ll be in your element!

Head to the Iru Bar at sunset for a cocktail and to watch the sun go down – the sunsets are pretty special, especially with a lychee martini in hand.

One evening after dinner, we were in the mood for a bit of a boogie, and resident DJ Michael was playing some great tunes. We ended up staying for a while, dancing and enjoying the atmosphere.

Lastly, I should mention the staff, who were wonderful and made our stay especially memorable. From the head gardener bringing freshly cut coconuts to our villa to the personalised service, genuine care, and kindness we received throughout, the little touches really made a difference.

NH Collection Maldives Havodda has that rare combination of five-star luxury and a genuine desert-island feel. I really didn’t want to leave this beautiful island. For me, it’s the real Maldivian island experience. I could happily have stayed much longer, and I very much hope I’ll be back.

Fact Box

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort
P.O. Box 2110, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives South Huvadhoo Atoll 17060, Maldives
Tel: +960 684 4888

I travelled to the Maldives from Heathrow Airport Terminal 4, and the journey was effortless thanks to Holiday Extras, with seamless Meet & Greet parking at Heathrow. From arrival to return, the process was smooth and stress-free. Before my flight, I relaxed in Plaza Premium Lounge, a calm and comfortable space with food and drinks on offer—an easy, refined way to start the trip.

Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers – and in 2025 its customers saved an average of £200 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance.

Booking airport parking means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. Twelve days’ Maple Parking Meet & Greet at Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 is available for £124.99 based on arrival on 03/10/2026.

For more information and to book, HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.       

Access to the Plaza Premium Terminal 4 Departures Lounge is available for £57.00 based on arrival on 03/10/2026.

*All costs supplied are the cheapest available rates for the product specified and therefore availability may be limited at this price. Prices are correct as at 07/09/2026.