Located on the secluded Noonu Atoll, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection offers the white sands, clear blue waters and peaceful atmosphere that travellers dream of finding in the Maldives.
Home to just 50 villas, most with their own private pools, the resort feels serene, intimate and wonderfully removed from the busier, more family-focused properties found elsewhere in the country.
Its reasonable price point also makes it a more accessible option for couples and friends looking for total luxury without the eye-watering rates charged by some of the Maldives’ most famous resort brands.
Yet Noku’s beaches, views and wildlife are every bit as beautiful.
Some of the highlights of my stay included sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean, watching giant fruit bats emerge at sunset, and enjoying homemade Maldivian curries accompanied by the sound of waves lapping against the shore.
However, one of the most memorable parts of my visit was discovering what lies beneath Noku’s bright blue waters, and learning how the resort is working to protect it.
Committed to ocean conservation
The typical image of the Maldives is one of white-sand islands surrounded by clear, bright blue water. But creating this postcard-perfect appearance can sometimes come at a cost to wildlife.
During my stay, I learnt that some resorts remove seagrass from their surrounding waters because its dark patches are considered ‘unsightly’.
While this might create the pristine appearance guests expect, it can cause serious damage to the local marine ecosystem.
Molly Evans, the resident marine biologist at Noku Maldives, explained that seagrass is a vital source of food for sea turtles and many other marine species.
‘Turtles can eat up to two kilograms of seagrass per day,’ she told me on a tour of their facilities.
‘It also plays an important part in preserving the water quality of the ocean. Like rainforests, seagrass absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, so removing it is almost like a form of deforestation.’
Noku Maldives is one of more than 30 resorts in the country to have signed a pledge to protect and preserve up to 80 per cent of its seagrass meadows.
‘The expansive areas of seagrass that surround Noku are one of the reasons why we have such a large turtle population,’ continued Molly.
‘Sadly, some of the other resorts signed the pledge after they had already removed most of their seagrass, so we have some of the largest meadows in the local area.’
Molly is also a representative of the Atoll Marine Conservation Centre, one of the few locally run marine conservation NGOs in the Maldives.
Her work at Noku Maldives includes monitoring and researching the island’s turtles, establishing and maintaining coral restoration projects, and leading guest activities such as beach clean-ups and talks about turtles and seagrass.
I was lucky enough to join her later for a guided snorkelling session.
Swimming directly from the beach, we quickly reached colourful coral filled with thousands of tropical fish. After exploring the coral wall for what felt like only a few minutes, Molly pointed out a beautiful green turtle swimming beneath us.
I emerged from the water feeling thrilled, exhilarated and as though I had seen the very best of the Maldives.
For those who want to explore further beneath the surface, an impressive 34 dive sites can also be reached easily from the resort.
Blissful peace and quiet
Noku is the first Vignette Collection property from IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives and despite being part of an international hotel group, it has an intimate and relaxed feel. With only 50 villas, there is plenty of space to enjoy the island without ever feeling crowded.
Days can be spent swimming, snorkelling, relaxing beside a private pool or walking along the soft white beach. The spa is another highlight, with treatments that use ingredients from the island, including fresh coconut oil. I tried a massage and came away feeling lighter than air.
Another standout feature is the Sunset Island Echoes experience. Each evening, guests are invited to gather on the beach while members of the team share stories about Maldivian history and folklore.
Above all, it was the genuine warmth and helpfulness of the team that made my stay so special. From the young interns to the general manager, everyone I met made me feel welcome and at home.
Supporting the local community
Alongside its marine conservation work, Noku runs a number of community and sustainability projects through its Means for Good programme.
One of the most distinctive is its arrangement with a local fisherman, who visits the island each week with his daily catch. The resort commits to buying everything he brings, providing him with a reliable source of income.
The resort also celebrates local produce through its mobile Kurumba Bar, which travels around the island handing out complimentary fresh coconuts.
Alongside its beautiful beaches, peaceful atmosphere and wonderful team, Noku’s commitment to protecting its natural surroundings made my stay feel even more special. I left feeling that I had experienced the Maldives at its very best.
Getting there
Direct flights to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, depart from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with a journey time of about 4 to 4.5 hours.
From Malé, guests travel to Noku by seaplane with Trans Maldivian Airways. The journey time varies depending on the number of stops, but the flight is an unforgettable experience in itself.
For more information and current rates, visit ihg.com/vignettecollection/hotels/us/en/noonu-atoll/mlevi/hoteldetail.
