By Jodie Mason, CEO at Extraordinary Escapes Maldives
Luxury Maldives Specialist Since 2002
Our mornings at Niyama begin differently to any other resort in the Maldives. The first thing we do isn’t make a coffee or head for breakfast. We reach for the television remote. Not to watch the news, but to switch on the live camera overlooking Vodi, Niyama’s famous surf break. As the first light of dawn spreads across the Indian Ocean, we watch the waves peeling perfectly across the reef. There’s nobody out yet, and the familiar excitement of another sunrise surf is impossible to ignore.
Within minutes we’re in our swimwear, rash vests on, surfboards loaded onto one of Niyama’s brilliant bicycles complete with surfboard racks, pedalling through the palm-lined pathways towards Vodi. It’s one of the things we love most about Niyama. Everything feels relaxed, effortless and designed around making the most of every moment. For us, we always choose to stay in one of the beautiful Beach Villas on Play Island. Being just moments from the surf means we can be in the water before most guests have even woken up.
After an unforgettable morning surfing Vodi, it’s time for breakfast. Although Niyama offers breakfast on both islands, we almost always head across to Epicure on Chill Island. The ride there is all part of the experience, and arriving to see the vibrant yellow umbrellas surrounding the pool instantly puts you in holiday mode. Fresh tropical fruit, pastries, eggs cooked to order and exceptional coffee make it one of our favourite breakfasts anywhere in the Maldives.
Extraordinary Escapes Breakfast at Epicure
The rest of the morning is spent exactly as Niyama intended. We head back to our villa to slow the pace, relaxing on the beautiful beach before wandering across to Deli for a coffee. This is one of those places that’s easy to visit several times a day, whether it’s for freshly baked pastries, artisan coffee or homemade ice cream. Before long it’s lunchtime, and today we settle into Blu on Play Island. With uninterrupted ocean views and relaxed Mediterranean flavours, it’s the perfect place to recharge before another afternoon of adventure.
At 2 p.m. we meet the marine team for a snorkelling excursion to one of the nearby reefs. Slipping into the warm water and exploring colourful coral gardens alive with tropical fish is one of those experiences that reminds us why we fell in love with the Maldives more than two decades ago. Back at the resort there’s just enough time to freshen up before one of our favourite rituals of every stay. As the afternoon fades into evening, we make our way to Surf Shack overlooking Vodi. Watching surfers catch their final waves of the day while enjoying sunset drinks is one of the most relaxed and enjoyable experiences anywhere in the Maldives. It perfectly captures the playful spirit that makes Niyama so unique.
Sunset at the Surf Shack
If we’re celebrating something special or simply feel like a completely different experience, we’ll board the boat across to Edge. Dining over the ocean as the sun disappears below the horizon is wonderfully romantic and showcases another side of Niyama’s remarkable dining collection. Dinner tonight, however, is at Nest. Hidden high amongst the jungle canopy, Nest remains one of the most extraordinary dining experiences in the Maldives. Suspended amongst the trees and surrounded by nature, the setting is every bit as memorable as the exceptional Asian cuisine. It’s an experience we look forward to every time we return.
For us, Niyama isn’t simply somewhere to stay, it’s somewhere to play. Whether it’s chasing perfect waves at sunrise, cycling between the Play and Chill islands, discovering vibrant dining experiences or simply slowing down on one of the Maldives’ most beautiful beaches, every day feels different. That’s what keeps drawing us back. Niyama perfectly balances adventure with relaxation, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the Maldives and making it one of our favourite luxury resorts to return to time and time again.
