Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Review
North Malé Atoll

If you're looking for a modern, design-forward resort in the Maldives with spacious villas, stunning overwater facilities, and signature Jumeirah service, this is the one to know about. Jumeirah Maldives, known for its clean aesthetic and refined luxury, is not your typical Maldivian resort. And that's exactly why we loved it.

In this in-depth review of Jumeirah Maldives, we’ll share our personal experience staying in one of the Lagoon Pool Villas, what makes this resort unique, and why it's an excellent choice whether you're a couple or a family.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives drone view 1
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives drone view 1

Quick Facts

Class:

Location:

Transfer Type:
Transfer Duration:

Island Size:

Total no. Villas:

Highlights:

★★★★★

North Malé Atoll

Speedboat or seaplane
1 hour or 20-25 minutes

Medium

67

• Spacious villas
• Rooftop terraces

Jumeirah-level service
Sleek architecture

Reviewed by Florian

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives swing
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives swing
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives palm tree
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives palm tree
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives sunset
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives sunset

First Impressions and the Island Setting

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives stands out immediately thanks to its ultra-modern architecture, with crisp white lines and sleek villas inspired more by Miami Beach than traditional Maldivian design. The resort sits on a gorgeous private island surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water and offers an elevated sense of calm.

The atmosphere is peaceful and refined, never crowded or loud. Whether you're lounging on your villa rooftop or relaxing by the main pool, the entire experience feels exclusive, bright, and effortless.

Despite its bold look, the island still feels natural and lush, with plenty of greenery and soft white sand. For guests seeking something a little different than the traditional thatched-roof aesthetic, Jumeirah Maldives delivers a refreshing change while still embracing all the beauty of the Maldives.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives drone view 2
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives drone view 2

Our Lagoon Pool Villa: Spacious & Modern

To start this review of Jumeirah, let’s focus on where we spend a big amount of our time.

We stayed in a Lagoon Pool Villa, and it exceeded our expectations in terms of design, space, and comfort.

The villa is incredibly spacious, with separate zones for sleeping, living, and lounging. The living room is fully enclosed and features a sliding door, which is a rare layout in Maldivian one-bedroom villas.

This makes it an ideal setup for couples (Jumeirah is one of our favorite resorts for couples in the Maldives) or small families, as the living room can easily become a second bedroom for one or two children without sacrificing privacy.

The interiors are clean and modern, with neutral tones, large windows, and all the amenities you would expect from a luxury brand like Jumeirah.

One of our favorite features was the private rooftop terrace, perfect for sunbathing, sunset cocktails, or even stargazing at night. It adds a second outdoor living space and is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy maximum sunlight and privacy.

The private pool faces the lagoon and offers direct access to the water, and the sundeck is equipped with loungers, an outdoor shower, and cozy shaded spots. Every detail is designed to make you feel relaxed, pampered, and at home.

While we did not have the chance to try a beach-villa, we walked in front of many and they are really amazing. If you like open-view beach villas and want lots of space, they will be absolutely perfect.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa pool
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa pool
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa bedroom
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa bedroom
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa welcome gift
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa welcome gift
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa bathroom
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa bathroom
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa living
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives overwater villa living
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives drone overwater villas
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives drone overwater villas

Dining & Restaurants

Let’s continue this review of Jumeirah resort Maldives with the dining options.

The food at Jumeirah Maldives is a true highlight. Across all venues, we found the ingredients to be fresh, the menus creative, and the settings stunning.

The standout for us was Shimmers, the beachside Mediterranean restaurant. We loved the vibrant, flavorful dishes and relaxed, chic setting. The service was excellent and the atmosphere lively without ever being too busy. It’s the kind of place you want to return to every day.

Breakfast was particularly memorable. Served in a beachfront setting, it combines à la carte options with a beautifully presented buffet. While the variety isn’t the largest in the Maldives, the quality is excellent and the setting makes every morning feel special.

The resort also offers Kayto, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant with a fine-dining feel, and Glow, a casual all-day dining spot perfect for relaxed meals and lighter fare.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives beach breakfast
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives beach breakfast
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives shimmers drink
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives shimmers drink
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives shimmers restaurant
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives shimmers restaurant
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives restaurant
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives restaurant
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives breakfast restaurant
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives breakfast restaurant

Spa & Wellness

Jumeirah Maldives features an overwater spa, which is beautifully designed and feels incredibly tranquil. The treatment rooms face the lagoon, and the sound of the water beneath adds a calming rhythm to the experience.

The menu includes a mix of therapeutic and signature treatments, and we thoroughly enjoyed our massage session. The atmosphere is quiet, intimate, and restorative.

The gym is also located overwater, which makes even a workout feel special. The gym is well-equipped and offers stunning sea views that almost distract you from the exercise.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives spa
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives spa
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives spa reception
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives spa reception
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives spa interior
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives spa interior

Activities & Excursions

There’s plenty to do at Jumeirah Maldives, from water sports and diving to tennis and movie nights. The resort also offers well-curated excursions, and one of our favorites was a jet-ski snorkeling adventure that we wanted to cover in this review.

We took a jet ski out to a nearby reef, where we enjoyed a guided snorkel session in deeper waters. On the way back, we stopped at a nearby sandbank, where we were able to relax in total seclusion, surrounded by nothing but turquoise water. It was a truly magical moment.

In terms of snorkeling around the island, it’s not the easiest due to strong currents. However, if you’re a confident swimmer, there’s a lot of marine life to see, including reef fish, rays, and sometimes turtles. We recommend going out with a guide if you're not used to current-heavy snorkeling spots.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives painting activity
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives painting activity
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives boat
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives boat
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives snorkelling dive
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives snorkelling dive

The Main Pool & Atmosphere

There are two pools on the island; one by the Glow restaurant and the other being the Main Pool area near Shimmers restaurant - We loved both! The Main Pool area is simple, elegant, and most importantly, quiet. There are just a few well-spaced loungers around it, and it never felt busy or loud.

It’s a peaceful spot to relax between spa treatments, before dinner, or after a morning swim. The design is clean and luxurious, just like the rest of the resort, and it’s a refreshing change from the overcrowded pools often found at larger properties.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives pool
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives pool
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives main pol
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives main pol

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Spacious, modern villas with thoughtful layouts and private rooftops

  • Ideal one-bedroom setup for couples or small families

  • Beautiful overwater spa and gym with ocean views

  • Outstanding food, especially at Shimmers

  • Peaceful island setting, very quiet and upscale

  • Easy access from Malé via speedboat or short seaplane

  • Excellent Jumeirah service, professional and warm

  • Stylish, unique design that stands out from traditional Maldivian resorts

Cons:

  • Snorkeling around the island is limited due to strong currents

  • Not the best option for those seeking a very traditional or rustic island feel

  • The island is not particularly large, so some may find fewer walking trails or beach areas compared to larger resorts

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives beach model
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives beach model

Final Thoughts: Jumeirah Maldives Review Conclusion

If you’re looking for a modern, spacious, and stylish resort in the Maldives, Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives checks all the boxes. From the privacy of your rooftop terrace to the overwater spa and peaceful main pool, every moment feels curated for comfort and quiet luxury.

It’s an excellent choice for couples seeking space and design, as well as for families wanting flexibility in a one-bedroom villa setup. The food is outstanding, the service lives up to the Jumeirah name, and the location allows for both ease of access and a true island escape.

Feel free to contact us for more information or to book your stay at Jumeirah Maldives with the most competitive rates.

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives beach lounge
Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives beach lounge

Jumeirah Olhahali Island Resort Tour