🌴 How to Get to W Maldives [2025 Guide]
📍 Where is W Maldives Located?
W Maldives is a luxury 5-star resort located on Fesdu Island in North Ari Atoll, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and turquoise lagoons. Known for its chic design, overwater villas, and world-class dining, it’s a favorite for honeymooners and luxury travelers.
Since the resort is in the Ari Atoll, reaching it requires a scenic seaplane journey from Male.
✈️ Step 1: Arrival at Velana International Airport (Male – MLE)
When you arrive at Male International Airport (MLE), the W Maldives airport team will welcome you. From there, you’ll be escorted to the W Lounge or seaplane terminal to prepare for your onward journey.
Unlike resorts near Male that use speedboats, W Maldives is further away, so the seaplane is the only standard transfer option.
🛩️ Step 2: Seaplane Transfer to W Maldives
- Route: Male ➝ W Maldives (Fesdu Island, North Ari Atoll)
- Duration: ~25–30 minutes by seaplane
- Cost (2025): Around USD $500–$600 per adult (round trip)
- Availability: Daytime flights only (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM), as seaplanes don’t operate after sunset
The seaplane ride offers breathtaking aerial views of lagoons, atolls, and islands—a highlight of your Maldives trip.
🚤 Alternative Transfer: Domestic Flight + Speedboat (On Request)
If your international flight arrives after 4 PM, you may not catch a same-day seaplane. In that case, the resort can arrange:
- Domestic Flight: Male ➝ Maamigili Airport (~20 minutes)
- Speedboat: Maamigili ➝ W Maldives (~70 minutes)
This route takes longer but ensures late-night arrivals can still reach the resort.
📌 Transfer Summary
| Transfer Type | Route | Duration | Cost (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seaplane (default) | Male ➝ W Maldives | ~25–30 mins | $500–$600 per adult | Scenic, daytime only |
| Domestic flight + speedboat | Male ➝ Maamigili ➝ W Maldives | ~1.5–2 hours | ~$400–$500 | Only for late arrivals |
🌟 Why Stay at W Maldives?
W Maldives isn’t just a resort—it’s a playground for luxury travelers. Here’s why it stands out:
- 🏝️ Overwater Villas & Beach Retreats – Chic design with private pools and stunning views.
- 🐠 House Reef Access – One of the best snorkeling and diving reefs in the Maldives.
- 🎶 Vibrant Atmosphere – Unlike traditional serene resorts, W Maldives has a lively vibe with music and events.
- 🍸 Gourmet Dining & Bars – Trendy restaurants and the famous WET® Bar for cocktails by the pool.
- 💆 Luxury Wellness – The AWAY® Spa offers signature treatments over the water.
🏝️ Travel Tips for 2025
- Always share your international flight details with the resort at least 72 hours in advance.
- Seaplanes operate only during daylight hours, so plan flights accordingly.
- If arriving late, request the domestic flight + speedboat option.
- Keep a handbag with essentials, as seaplane luggage limits are stricter (usually 20kg checked + 5kg hand luggage).
- Book transfers through the resort for smooth coordination.
🙋 FAQs: Getting to W Maldives
Q1. How do I get to W Maldives from Male Airport?
👉 The standard transfer is by seaplane, taking around 25–30 minutes from Male.
Q2. How much does the transfer cost to W Maldives?
👉 In 2025, round-trip transfers cost about USD $500–$600 per adult by seaplane.
Q3. What if I arrive in Male at night?
👉 Since seaplanes only fly during the day, the resort arranges a domestic flight to Maamigili + speedboat transfer for late arrivals.
Q4. Can children travel on the seaplane?
👉 Yes, children can travel safely, and discounted fares usually apply for kids.
Q5. How far is W Maldives from Male?
👉 The resort is about 120 km from Male, reached in ~30 minutes by seaplane.
✨ In 2025, reaching W Maldives is all part of the adventure. Whether you take the scenic seaplane ride or opt for the domestic flight + speedboat, your journey will be just as memorable as the stay itself.