OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi Review: A Fun & Affordable Maldives Island Resort

Are you looking for a fun and affordable resort to visit in the Maldives? Do you want all the glamour of over water villas, soft white sand and all inclusive amenities? The Oblu Ailafushi might just be for you.

We visited this resort back in April as a family of three (two adults, one teenager) and we absolutely loved it. I wanted to write this Oblu Xperience Ailafushi review so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive and encourage you to book your next adventure to the glorious Maldives.

The Oblu Xperience Ailafushi is located on a stunning island in the North Male Atol, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Velana airport. It’s a great choice for families due to its affordability and vibrant atmosphere. That said, there’s plenty to do for all ages.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission if you book through one of them at no extra cost to you.

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Where Is OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi Located?

The location of OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi was what attracted me to the resort in the first place. Based on Ailafushi island in the North Malé Atoll it’s one of the few luxury islands that can easily be reached by a quick speedboat trip from Velana International Airport in Male.

It’s stunning tropical island location is postcard perfect, just as you imagine the Maldives from all the travel sites. Whilst it’s considered medium sized compared to other Maldivian islands it’s only 560 metres long and 180 metres wide. The island is exclusively the resort which is standard for the Maldives.

How Close is it to Malé International Airport

Most of the other affordable resorts I found in the Maldives required either a sea plane from Velana which is not ideal after a long international flight and will significantly add to your already stretched Maldives budget. Or a much longer speedboat transfer (some over an hour) which not only adds significant time to your journey is also not ideal for anyone travelling with seasickness. Plus we were only staying for four nights so the thought of eating into our vacation time with yet more travel definitely did not appeal.

You’re likely to have experienced a long and tiring flight to reach the Maldives so make sure to read my tips on traveling long haul before you set off.

Unusually for the Maldives, the speedboat price is included in your room rate when your on the Fushi plan. Every little helps!

I loved how simple it was to arrive – we were greeted by a representative at the airport, wheeled our luggage out to where all the boats were waiting, popped on our life jackets and we were on our way. Our suitcases were taken on a separate and seamlessly arrived in our villa after check in.

Arrival Experience at the Oblu Ailafushi Resort

The exceptional hospitality begins moment you pull up to the wooden pier. Once we’d dropped a couple of honeymooners at the islands over 18 sister resort – The OBLU SELECT Lobigili we were greeted with applause from staff, helped off the boat and led to reception.

Before we checked in we were all given a fresh fruit juice and went through the welcome talk. This thankfully did not take too long and simply explained where everything was in the resort, what was included in the Fushi Plan (and not included!) and specifics relating to dining timings etc.

Then it was time to check in, pay our island tax – 16% TGST (Tourism Goods and Service Tax), a 10% service charge, and a “green tax” of $12 USD per person, per night before we could finally explore and catch our first views of the lagoon and our overwater villa.

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Rooms and Villas at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi

There are several OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi rooms to choose from but for us it wasn’t tricky. We all stubbornly wanted an overwater villa. Not knowing if we will return to the Maldives it felt like an opportunity not to be missed, these just aren’t available most places. In reality we should really have booked a beachside villa, they looked a bit more spacious and better value. The water villas are probably more suitable for couples and we travel as a family of 3. That said I was not disappointed with our water villa.

For this Oblu Xperience Ailafushi Review I shall mainly cover the overwater villas but I also had a good look at the other options so have included them below.

Water Villas

This is the quintessential Maldives experience. Rows of fresh white villas snaking along a wooden jetty balanced on stilts in the sea. It’s a very special experience and sometimes you’ve just got to go for it.

The your private entrance to your overwater villa opens into a small corridor with your storage space, life jackets, coffee maker, in room safe then it’s into the brightly decorated main room with a large bed. As we had our teen daughter with us, she had a small double sized pull out bed – basically just a mattress. This took up quite a lot of space in the room and wasn’t actually that comfortable.

To one side is floor to ceiling window with a door opening to your outdoor terrace above the ocean. This is the main attraction and is home to a simple day bed, outdoor shower and wooden steps leading down into the sea.

When we were in the room this is where we spent most of our time lounging in the sun and popping in and out of the sea. Piper loved being able to get straight in to the lagoon and we enjoyed spotting the sea life that swam around the wooden beams. The water was fairly calm and beautifully warm although you will not be able to touch the sea bed. Although there were many overwater villas lining the jetty we were often the only swimmers in that part of the lagoon. Be sure to keep an eye on kids of any age and do not go in the water without telling anyone.

Finally the overwater villa has a very large outside/inside bathroom which has loads of space for your toiletries. From your rain shower you can see straight down into the lagoon and spot the fish, it’s quite surreal!

You cannot swim in the lagoon by the villas after sunset for your own safety. Security guards regular patrol the area keeping an eye out and will tell you to get out of the water.

We had emailed the resort a few weeks before we arrived requesting a sunset view villa which was approved. I loved watching the sunset from the day bed and highly recommend you doing the same.

Pros of staying in a water villa

• It’s picture perfect Maldives, a real bucket list experience.
• The steps down to the lagoon almost gives you your own private section of the lagoon to explore.
• The bathroom really is pretty special.

Cons of staying in a water villa

• As a family of 3 we mainly struggled with space and found the lack of storage frustrating.
• This is the most expensive option at the hotel.
• Some rooms are pretty far from the main resort and restaurants. Buggies are regular but not constant.
• The kids bed isn’t all that comfy.

Beach Villas

The beach villas are located right on the soft white sand, just a few steps from the lagoon. They also tend to be closest to the main pool area and restaurants so ideal if you would rater not wait around for buggies.

They have an outdoor seating area with sun chairs and a day bed and small garden. Having a beach/sea view is pretty magical.

Again the main bedrooms are comfy and brightly decorated, home to a small walk in wardrobe and inside/outside bathroom with an outdoor shower. They are a similar set up to the water villas just on the sand.

Pros of staying in a beach villa

• Direct access to the beach.
• Private terrace.
• Same space but cheaper than a water villa.
• Close to all the public areas of the hotel.

Cons of staying in a beach villa

• Again if you’re travelling as a family it can feel a bit cramped.
• The terrace will not feel completely private, other guests will use the paths next to your villa to access the beach.

Ocean View Rooms

Ocean view rooms are the best value for money on Ailafushi island. You can opt for a two bedroom option or a one bedroom. The two bedroom option has a king bed and an interconnecting room with bunk beds – kids of most ages will love it.

One bedroom rooms have just a double bed and bathroom. Both types have a balcony so you can spend time outside enjoying that beautiful view.

Pros of staying in an ocean view room

• These are the best choice for families, you’ll have plenty of space and the kids have their own separate space.
• You’re unlikely to spend much time in your room as you’ll be enjoying the rest of the hotel amenities.
• This is the cheapest option at Oblu Ailafushi.

Cons of staying in a ocean view room

• These hotel rooms could be anywhere in the world, there’s no wow factor.
• The rooms are smaller than the villas so may feel a little snug.

Which Room Type Is Best?

Honestly I would happily stay in any of them. If you’re a couple and your budget allows I would opt for the overwater villas, It’s a special experience and the direct lagoon access is well worth it. I would not recommend them if you have any mobility issues or have young kids – the lagoon is not fenced off.

For families I recommend either a beach villa or two bedroom ocean view room. This will give you more space and a bit of safety reassurance for younger kids.

If you’re on a budget (although nothing is particularly “budget” in the Maldives) then opt for a one bed ocean view room. You’ll mainly be in the public areas of the resort and the rooms still really are lovely.

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Dining at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi

Oblu Ailafushi is an all inclusive island, as part of your package you’ll get 3 buffet meals per day. These are all taken at Element X, the main restaurant. There are other options for OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi restaurants which are not included in your package but I’ll tell you more about them below.

Element X – The Main Restaurant

Element X offers buffet style dining, it’s large, can be chaotic but for an all inclusive, the food is excellent. Element X is kept really clean and has some really beautiful design touches but essentially it is a big, busy restaurant.

The restaurant has an indoor/outdoor feel. The main buffet area and most of the seating options are covered but there are some options which are outdoors. There is no air conditioning in the restaurant due to its open sided design so it can feel quite warm. Food areas which require refrigeration such as cheese, salad, fruit and some deserts were kept in a separate cold room. It was a bit of a relief to go in there!

We never struggled to find a table at Element X but at times we were seated a little further away from the buffet than we would like.

Drinks are self service with free pour wine taps and hot drink machines. Separate fridges hold beers, water, fizzy pop and juices so you can help yourself to as much as you like. The wine was ok, not great but drinkable with dinner.

Breakfast at Element X

Open 7am – 10am.

Lunch at Element X

Open 12pm – 3pm.

Dinner at Element X

Open 7pm – 10pm.

You’ll find a wide range of international options at each meal service. There are always options being cooked fresh in the open kitchens such as the egg station at breakfast or asian curries and breads at dinner. Options are set out in 5 sections, Western, Eastern, Central, Cold Starters and Pastry, and Bakery. For the kids there is always pasta available with various sauces and on most evenings burgers, nuggets or fishfingers. There are always fries available!

As I said earlier, I thought the food here was excellent, I think I had a different curry (plus lots of other things) each night of our stay. I do find buffet dining can start to feel a bit repetitive after a few days so was glad to try out the other OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi restaurants.

Only Blu Underwater Restaurant

This is an incredibly special dining experience. It’s the largest underwater restaurant in the Maldives and something we had never tried before.

Only Blu is not included in the Fushi plan so you will have to pay extra to visit. It’s $125 dollars per person for a set menu. This includes your choice of wine for each course. I know that sounds like a lot but for the location and quality of food and wine it’s actually great value. There’s also service charge and tax to add onto that so don’t be surprised when you see that on your bill.

The food is absolutely excellent as is the wine pairing – far better than what you get at the buffet. The decor is stunning but understated making the marine life the real star.

Make sure you book Only Blu as soon as you arrive at the resort, or even better from the app before you arrive to ensure you get the time you want. It’s a small and intimate restaurant so walk ins are not recommended. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner most nights. Kids are not allowed to the dinner service so you’ll have to opt for the lunch option – not really a problem as the fish are gorgeous in the daylight. They do offer a kids menu although we did not try this, our teenager easily found things she liked on the main menu.

Whether you visit for lunch or dinner I would aim to book as close to the start of service as possible. This was you should be certain to get a “window” table.

Copper Pot Food Truck

The Copper Pot Food truck offers a more relaxed dining option. It serves up street food style dishes of a very high quality. There’s no indoor seating, just a few tables and chairs located around the truck. It’s pretty much all grilled fish, meat and veggies of a very high quality with lobster and steak all available on the A La Carte menu. Prices start at $55, again, this is not included in the Fushi plan. The Copper Pot is closed on Sundays.

La Promenade Coffee Shop

If like us you get sick of constantly dining at the buffet but can’t stomach the prices at Only Blu everyday, the coffee shop is a good choice. It’s also a good option for light meals and snacks when the main buffet restaurant is closed.

They serve a wide range of freshly brewed coffees, sandwiches, bagels and delicious cakes. You can also buy bottles of wine to enjoy in your villa although these are pretty expensive. Again, the coffee shop is not included in the all inclusive plan.

Bars and Drinks Around the Island

For drinks you’ll need to head to X360 bar. It services pretty much all of the main areas at the resort. The bar itself is relatively small although we never had to wait too long to get a drink. All drinks here are included in your Fushi plan so it was nice not to have to worry too much about costs adding up. You can easily grab a drink and take it out to your lounger by the pool. The bar is located just off the main reception area so there are plenty of quieter places to sit if you what to escape or just get some work done.

The upstairs area is the games room with board games, cards, chess, dart boards and a pool table. Which was great for teenagers staying at the resort.

Each night there is entertainment ranging from Karaoke nights to live bands.

Each day the bar serves a “signature cocktail” from a self pour cocktail fountain which was pretty cool. They also have a popcorn machine, ideal for when you want a little snack and they served complimentary snacks such as samosas each day around 5pm.

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The Fushi Plan™ All-Inclusive Package

OBLU Ailafushi all inclusive option is called the Fushi Plan. Pretty much all Maldives resorts are all inclusive and on researching I think this is one of the best value for money.

What’s Included in the Oblu Ailafushi AI plan

• 3 Meals a day in the buffet restaurant and pretty much all drinks at X360.
• Activities and entertainment
• Return transfer from Male International Airport.
• Nightly entertainment at X360.
• Foam party on select nights at the pool.
• Access to the gym and various group activities (volleyball, Beach football).
• 15 minutes per person per day of non motorised watersports (Kayaking, paddleboard).
• Kids Club.
• Villa mini bar replenished daily.

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Things to Do at OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi

Like many visitors to the Maldives we spent most of our time swimming, snorkelling round our overwater villa or reading books at the pool. We had just spent 11 days exploring Sri Lanka which was full on so we were glad of the break. We did however take part in a few Oblu Ailafushi activities some were complimentary, some we had to pay a bit more for.

Snorkelling and Marine Life

We hired Snorkelling equipment for our stay which wasn’t too expensive and spent a lot of time exploring all sides of the island.

We found the best off shore snorkelling was to be found off the white sand in front of the beach villas near the I love Ailafushi swing. We were literally swimming in the shallows with small black tipped sharks and multiple brightly coloured tropical fish.

Water Sports and Excursions

We also took a short excursion to a nearby reef by boat. Here we swam with larger sharks although not scary ones and many many more interesting types of marine life. This excursion was $70 per person.

Oblu offers many external excursions. The island does not have a house reef so if you really want to see a wide variety of sea-life you’ll need to go on one of these. They are all an additional cost ranging from $70 to $300 per person. You could also just have a snorkelling lesson for $35.

Available tours

• Stingray snorkelling and dolphin spotting
• Nurse shark snorkelling
• Turtle snorkelling with sandbank visit
• Dolphin Cruise
• Bait Fishing
• Local Island Visit
• Male City Visit
• Sunset Cruise
• Night Snorkelling
• Manta Snorkelling
• Shipwreck visit
• Parasailing

15 minutes of non motorised water-sports are complimentary but if you want to use the equipment for longer you can easily hire it by the hour. Just past the pool is a large sea trampoline which was a great energy burner for kids of all ages.

Entertainment

Oblu Xperience Ailafushi is one of the more social islands in the Maldives. You can happily join many group activities during your stay. Wellness fans will love yoga on the beach or high energy Zumba or aqua aerobics in the pool.

The pool party

If you’re just after a good time then the foam party in the pool was heaps of fun with a great atmosphere and load music – you can stay to the edges if you’re wary of the foam or crowds.

They do get a bit raucous, especially when the floating shots get sent out into the pool. There are soft drinks for not drinkers. As much as we loved it this was the only time on the island I got annoyed with some other rude travellers, pushing and shoving for the shots and shouting down the staff member who was explaining some facts about Earth Day. Grrrrr.

Themed Nights

The hotel celebrates at every opportunity so hold special themed nights for most occasions. We were visiting over St Georges day and Earth Day so that was the focus. The hotel held a separate celebration on the main beach area with complimentary cocktails, snacks, seasonal decorations and live music as we all watch the sun set over the sea. After dark there was a pretty impressive fire show and a lovely communal atmosphere.

What wildlife will I see around the resort

I loved that simple walking around the resort meant that we would come across beautiful and unusual wildlife. We would regularly see rays swimming under the bridge near the buffet restaurant.

We also spent about half an hour watching a shark swim amongst a shoal of fish in the lagoon. watching them avoid being eaten was slightly mesmerising.

There were also friendly parrots, majestic waterhens and hermit crabs.

Visiting Oblu Ailafushi with kids

I think this is one of the best resorts in the Maldives for kids. We were visiting with a teenager but there were plenty of children of all ages enjoying the resorts facilities. Oblu Ailafushi is a gorgeous hotel but it’s not a stuffy ultra luxury, super peaceful island meaning that kids (and parents) will not feel on edge or under pressure to “behave”.

There’s plenty to keep the kids busy and being an island means that older kids can wander the resort with friends without fear of getting lost. Our daughter loved the outdoor bowling games and the outdoor chess board. During the early evening there were always kids in the upstairs area of the bar to play pool or darts with.

Of course the pool party was a real treat for the teenagers as was the selection of mocktails to snap for their socials.

There were plenty of options for even the pickiest of eaters at the buffet and she could always grab a bowl of popcorn from the bar if she was hungry during the day.

The kids club at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi

The resort features a spacious kids club designed for children aged 4–12. It’s one of the largest kids clubs in the Maldives and even has its own pool. This colourful, multi-level play area includes indoor games, arts and crafts stations, and organised daily activities led by trained staff. Kids can join group games, creative workshops, and fun learning sessions about island life and the marine environment. The kids club at Oblu Ailafushi even has its own dining area with pizza and pasta dishes, perfect for hungry little ones.

Games and Evening Entertainment

Children also have access to arcade games, board games, and outdoor play areas around the resort. In the evenings, family-friendly entertainment such as movie nights and themed activities provide a fun way for kids to wind down after a day in the sun.

Unique Experiences for Young Explorers

For a truly memorable experience, families can also visit the underwater restaurant Only BLU, where children can see colourful reef fish swimming past the glass walls while learning about the marine life that surrounds the island. This is a chargeable experience for kids 12 and under.

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Other Facilities at the Resort

The Large Island Pool

The main social hub of the island is it’s large infinity pool. Located between the beach and the bar it’s a stunning space for a cooling swim and where many of the organised activities take place. It is surrounded by loungers and Bali beds, we never struggled to get a spot during our stay.

Wellness and Fitness

Gym

The resort is home to a gorgeous overwater gym located between Ailafushi and its sister resort the Lobigilli. The views from the treadmills are worth a visit even if you don’t fancy a workout. But if you do it has all the usual equipment you’ll need (including towels and water) and was never that busy.

ELE|NA Spa

We didn’t get to use the Spa at Ailafushi but it looks and sounds amazing. ELE|NA mean elements of natures and the spa focusses on peaceful natural experiences. They offer signatures treatments, body massages and facials and also quick beauty treatments for when you want a quick touch up. A 60 minute massage costs $75 so the prices aren’t extortionate!

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Who Is OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi Best For

Most people will love a stay at Oblu Xperience Ailafushi and hopefully by reading this review you’ll have a good idea of the vibe of the island. It’s not an uber luxurious adults only resort, it’s more for those who like plenty to do on their holidays. It’s also a fantastic option if you’re after a stunning all inclusive Maldivian holiday without having to remortgage your house. Our overwater villa was one of the cheapest I could find when planning our trip to the Maldives.

This is not for you if you are after an in house reef for snorkelling as there is not one at the hotel. You’ll have to take an excursion to find one. You also arrive at the island by speedboat so you’ll not get to experience the typical Maldives seaplane journey over the tiny islands. This was a plus for me as I saw plenty of island flying into Velana airport but I know it’s on some people’s bucket lists.

If you’re after a real foodie experience, again, this is probably not the hotel for you. Apart from Only Blu underwater restaurant, which actually was an amazing feast for the senses, you’ll mainly be dining in the buffet restaurant. The food was consistently good, just not fine dining.

I also recommend looking elsewhere if you after a super romantic vacation. There are always plenty of kids at the resort and not many quiet places to escape to as a couple. If this is what you’re after then I recommend the Oblu Select Lobigilli which is an adults only resort connected to Ailifushi by a wooden over-lagoon bridge. You get all the benefits of the Ailafushi – the underwater restaurant and short transfer time but in a much more peaceful location.

• Families with kids of all ages
• Couples
• Groups of friends
• First-time Maldives visitors
• Travellers looking for affordable luxury

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Final Thoughts: Is OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi Worth It?

I absolutely think that booking Oblu Ailafushi is worth it. It’s a high end 4 star resort and one of the best value in the whole of the Maldives. I absolutely loved the short transfer time, the range of activities and food options. The fact that it was so relaxed and child friendly made bringing our teenager a joy.

Book your stay at the Oblu Xperience Ailafushi

Frequently asked questions about Oblu Ailafushi

How far is OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi from the airport?

Ailafushi island is just a 15 minute speedboat trip from Velana airport. It’s about 12km in total.

Is OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi adults only?

No, it is very welcoming for kids. It’s sister resort the Oblu Select Lobigilli is adults only.

What does the Fushi Plan include?

The Fushi plan includes all your meals in the buffet restaurants, alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, daily entertainment and 15 minutes of non motorised water sports.

Does OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi have water villas?

Yes, Oblu Ailafushi has 106 overwater villas.

When is the best time to visit the Maldives?

The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and ideal for beaches and water activities. December to March is usually the peak period with the calmest seas and clearest skies.