Experiencing the freshly rebranded Villa Resorts in the Maldives

A few years ago, I visited what was then known as Paradise Island and Sun Island, part of the hotel group ‘Villa Hotel & Resorts.’ Since last year, the Maldivian, family-owned hotel group has rebranded with a simplified name, ‘Villa Resorts,’ with Paradise Island now called Villa Nautica and Sun Island renamed Villa Park. As part of the transformation, the group is expanding its portfolio to seven properties, with two new islands currently in the works (Villa Haven perhaps being the most exciting one for me personally). Each resort sub-brand has been given its own unique personality, reflected in everything from bespoke typography and imagery to curated colour palettes and branding. Each resort has been reimagined with a distinct concept, featuring enhanced amenities, elevated service, innovative experiences, and refined branding. This year, I was lucky enough to be invited back to both Villa Park and Villa Nautica, giving me the perfect chance to see how they’ve evolved over the past few years. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the key differences between the two and the changes I noticed during my stay.

Which one should I pick?

Villa Nautica: For those who love a sleek, cosmopolitan twist to their island retreat, Villa Nautica delivers a chic, maritime-inspired experience. With stylish overwater villas, infinity pools, and a sophisticated design aesthetic, the resort feels like a luxury yacht club set against the stunning backdrop of the Indian Ocean. From high-end dining to thrilling water sports, Villa Nautica is perfect for travellers looking for a vibrant, social atmosphere with a refined edge. It’s where adventure meets luxury, all while embracing the beauty of the Maldives. Villa Park: The ultimate escape for those seeking a tropical paradise with a laid-back yet luxurious vibe. Set on a lush island surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the resort blends Maldivian charm with modern comfort. Think overwater and beachfront villas, endless palm-fringed pathways, and a focus on nature-inspired relaxation. Whether you’re snorkelling through vibrant coral reefs, indulging in a beachfront spa treatment, or dining under the stars, Villa Park is all about effortless island living with a touch of elegance.

Welcome treat at Villa Nautica

How do you get there?

Villa Nautica: Offers a 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, making it one of the most accessible island resorts in the Maldives. Speedboats run frequently and offer flexible timings, making it a great option for those with late-night or early-morning flights. If you’re after a seamless, hassle-free arrival, this is as easy as it gets.

Villa Park: Getting to Villa Park is more of an adventure, but the journey is well worth it. It starts with a 30-minute domestic flight from Velana International Airport, followed by a short coach or buggy ride to the jetty, and finally, a 10-minute speedboat transfer to the resort. While it may sound like a bit of a trek, Villa Park’s team takes care of everything from the moment you land, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition to island life.

What activities or excursions can you do?

Villa Nautica: If you're the kind of traveller who likes your days packed with action (followed by a cocktail or two), Villa Nautica has plenty to keep you entertained. From jet-skiing across glassy waters to parasailing with panoramic views of the atolls, it’s all about high-energy fun here. The resort also offers diving and snorkelling excursions to nearby reefs, dolphin cruises, and even sunset fishing trips for those who fancy trying their luck at sea. For something a little more grounding, the spa is a must-visit – especially for their Signature Voyager treatment, which blends rhythmic massage techniques with essential oils to leave you feeling like melted butter. Think yacht-club vibes with a Maldivian twist.

Villa Park: Villa Park might feel a little more connected to nature, but don’t mistake that for slow-paced. It’s a vibrant, activity-rich resort with something for everyone, especially families. Think lush gardens to explore, bird sanctuaries tucked between palm-lined paths, and a kids' club packed with activities for little ones. The island itself is impressively large, and hopping on a bike to cycle from one end to the other quickly becomes part of the fun – you could spend a morning just exploring all the hidden corners. There’s snorkelling, water sports, and even an on-island farm. Whether you're after adrenaline or just want to wander through tropical greenery before lunch, Villa Park brings the best of both worlds.

What type of cuisine can I expect?

Villa Nautica: Villa Nautica offers a diverse culinary experience that caters to various tastes. Start your day at Bageechaa, the main restaurant serving buffet-style breakfasts, lunches, and dinners with a mix of continental, Asian, and Maldivian dishes. For seafood lovers, Farumathi provides ocean-view dining with a variety of seafood options, including Maldivian lobster. Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Fukuya Teppanyaki, where chefs prepare your favourite dishes live. Ristorante al Tramonto, located at the end of the main jetty, offers Italian dining with panoramic ocean views, perfect for a romantic evening. Guests staying in water villas can enjoy meals at The Lagoon, an overwater restaurant serving international cuisine with stunning sea views. Tucked away near the jetty, Dhaavani Coffee Shop at Villa Nautica became my go-to pit stop for a pick-me-up. Open 24/7, it serves up their signature ‘Press & Pot’ blend, created in collaboration with Deluxe Coffeeworks – and yes, it’s as good as it sounds. Whether it was a mid-morning caffeine fix or a post-snorkel iced latte, this cosy little spot hit the mark every time. Ideal for those who like their Maldives mornings with a side of espresso.

Villa Park: Villa Park presents a variety of dining options set in picturesque locations. Maaniya offers open-air dining with globally-inspired dishes, ideal for guests in Beach Villas. Sun Star provides authentic Thai cuisine in an overwater setting, perfect for enjoying the tranquil lagoon. For Italian fare, Al Pontile serves freshly made pasta and hand-stretched pizzas with sunset views. Southern Star combines Oriental, South Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines in a beachfront setting with a waterside verandah. For a unique experience, ZERO offers treetop dining with a zero-food-miles menu, featuring ingredients harvested from the island's organic gardens. Additionally, Teppanyaki provides an interactive Japanese dining experience with live cooking on the beach.

Press & Pot Coffee Shop

Final Thoughts If you’re torn between Villa Nautica and Villa Park, the good news is, you really can’t go wrong. Each resort offers a completely different flavour of the Maldives, yet both deliver on comfort, quality, and that signature barefoot luxury the region is known for. Villa Nautica brings a slick, design-led energy that feels like a floating coastal retreat with a cosmopolitan twist, while Villa Park embraces a more grounded, nature-rich experience surrounded by lush greenery and reef-lined shores. Whether you’re a couple after cocktails at sunset or a family chasing the next island adventure, the new Villa Resorts rebrand proves that the Maldives isn’t just about where you stay, it’s about how you want to feel when you’re there. What stood out most to me though, is how thoughtfully the rebrand has been executed. It doesn’t feel forced or overly polished – just a natural evolution that still honours the Maldivian spirit. A subtle glow-up, if you will.

Book your next stay at Villa Resorts by visiting: villaresorts.com

This stay was gently offered by Villa Resorts. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.