£260 per room, per night
The Standard feels refreshingly different in the Maldives, and we particularly love how it combines a superb house reef with a vibrant atmosphere that never takes itself too seriously.
The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives in Raa Atoll brings a more contemporary, social energy to the Maldives while retaining the privacy, space and natural beauty expected from a luxury island retreat.
Life here unfolds around a naturally protected lagoon and a vibrant house reef that wraps around much of the island. Guests move easily between beach, lagoon and overwater spaces, with the resort deliberately encouraging both relaxation and connection. One moment might be spent snorkelling directly from the shore, the next over a long lunch by the water or an evening cocktail as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean. It feels less formal than many Maldivian resorts, yet remains unmistakably high end.
Rather than relying on traditional notions of barefoot luxury, The Standard introduces a fresher approach. Music, dining, wellness and social experiences play a larger role in the stay, creating a resort with its own personality rather than simply another collection of villas above a lagoon.
The resort's 115 villas are positioned either along the shoreline or above the lagoon, each with a private plunge pool and generous outdoor living space. Beach villas sit amongst tropical vegetation with direct access to soft white sand, while overwater villas extend across the lagoon with uninterrupted views and direct access to the sea.
The larger Two Bedroom Lagoon Beach Villas and Two Bedroom Lagoon Over Water Villas work particularly well for families and groups, while the Ocean Overwater Villas place guests directly above some of the island's clearest water. Throughout the accommodation, the emphasis is on outdoor living, privacy and making full use of the surrounding seascape.
Six restaurants and bars provide plenty of variety throughout a stay. Kula serves international cuisine throughout the day and acts as the resort's main dining venue, while Guduguda focuses on Maldivian cooking in an overwater setting inspired by local traditions. BBQ Shak brings a more relaxed beachside atmosphere centred around grilled seafood and meats.
Joos Café offers lighter dishes, juices and coffee during the day, while Beru Bar combines cocktails, music and lagoon views in a distinctive overwater setting complete with a glass floor. Todis Bar provides a quieter alternative for sunset drinks and informal gatherings by the water.
The lagoon and reef shape much of the daily rhythm. Snorkelling can be enjoyed directly from the island, while diving excursions explore the wider reefs of Raa Atoll. Kayaking, paddleboarding and windsurfing are all available, alongside fishing trips, dolphin cruises and private excursions.
Back on land, guests can cycle around the island, enjoy tennis, take part in cooking classes or settle in for open air movie nights. The resort also hosts regular live music, social events and evening entertainment, giving it a more lively character than many neighbouring resorts.
The Standard Spa is one of the resort's defining features. Facilities include a communal hammam, aroma steam room, treatment rooms, relaxation areas and a programme of daily yoga classes. A fully equipped fitness centre complements the wellness offering, providing a quieter counterpoint to the more social side of the resort.
The resort is reached by a 35 minute seaplane journey from Malé and enjoys a favourable position within Raa Atoll. Its protected lagoon, accessible house reef and proximity to some of the northern Maldives' most rewarding dive sites make it an excellent choice for guests looking to combine marine experiences with a more contemporary resort atmosphere.
£260 per room, per night
The Standard feels refreshingly different in the Maldives, and we particularly love how it combines a superb house reef with a vibrant atmosphere that never takes itself too seriously.