Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
A private island on one of the Maldives' largest natural lagoons
An island resort on South
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa occupies Emboodhu Finolhu, a private island in the South Atoll roughly 15–20 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. The resort sits within one of the largest natural lagoons in the Maldives — calm, shallow water that stays glass-clear across its full width. The 64 sea-view villas and suites range from overwater rooms with private pools to two-bedroom beachfront suites. Four restaurants, two bars, a PADI dive centre, and the J Wellness Circle spa are all on the island. Rates start from $796 per night, with an all-inclusive plan available.
Who this stay suits
A full-service private-island resort where butler service, overwater dining, and a genuinely large calm lagoon are the main draws.
Best for
- Couples after overwater-villa romance
- Families wanting a kids club and calm shallow water
- Divers and water-sports enthusiasts
- Guests who want multiple dining options without leaving the island
Less suited to
- Travellers on a tight budget
- Those who prefer exploring local island life over a self-contained resort
The lagoon setting
Emboodhu Finolhu sits in one of the largest natural lagoons in the Maldives. The water is shallow and calm across its full span — good for swimming, snorkelling, and water sports without the chop you get on more exposed atolls.
Overwater and beach villas
All 64 accommodations have sea views. Thatched-roof overwater villas include private pools directly above the lagoon. The largest villa, the Rehendhi Presidential Overwater Suite, spans 500 sq m with a private infinity pool, two salas, and a hammock deck.
Four restaurants, two bars
24 Degrees handles all-day dining with a live teppanyaki counter. Deep End and Mediterraneo by Jeffrey Vella both put tables at the water's edge. The Pool Bar & Restaurant covers casual meals. Equator Bar runs sundowners, cocktails, cigars, and sheesha on a sunset-view patio.
J Wellness Circle spa
The spa runs signature therapies alongside yoga and meditation sessions. It sits on the island alongside the resort's infinity pool — the logical retreat on a rest day between dives.
Ocean Dive Center
The on-site PADI dive centre runs courses from complete beginner through rescue diver level. The calm lagoon is useful for early open-water sessions before heading to outer reef sites.
Rooms & suites
Sunrise Overwater Villa
71 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
Overwater Villa with Pool
94 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
Sunrise Oceanfront Villa with Pool
193 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
- Pool with a view
Sunset Beach Villa with Pool
200 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- 1 room
- Private pool
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Pool view
One Bedroom Sunrise Overwater Suite with Pool
195 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Attached bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
One Bedroom Sunset Beachfront Suite with Pool
270 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 king bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Attached bathroom
- Balcony
- Sea view
Two Bedroom Sunset Beachfront Suite with Pool
365 m² · sleeps 2 · Bedroom 1: 1 king bed Bedroom 2: 1 full bed
- Private suite
- Private kitchenette
- Attached bathroom
- Private pool
- Balcony
Experiences on & off the island
Inside Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
Amenities at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- 2 restaurants
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Beachfront
Great for your stay
- 2 restaurants
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- View
- Bath
- Free Wifi
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Balcony
- Terrace
Getting there
Taj Exotica sits on Emboodhu Finolhu island, about 10 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. The transfer is by speedboat and takes 15–20 minutes. The resort coordinates arrivals directly, so it is worth confirming your speedboat time when you finalise your booking.
Resort speedboat transfers typically run $100–250 per person round trip, booked through the resort. Confirm the fare when booking.
Across 986 Google reviews, the property scores 4.6/5. Service is the most-discussed topic — 200 of 215 mentions were positive. The property itself drew positive remarks in 133 of 145 cases. Dining scored well (101 of 118 positive), and nature — meaning the lagoon and reef — was almost unanimously praised at 73 of 76 mentions.
- Things to do3.6
- Restaurants3
- Airport access1.6
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Taj Exotica from the airport?
The transfer is by speedboat and takes 15–20 minutes from Velana International Airport in Malé. The resort arranges this directly; confirm timings when you book.
How far is the resort from Velana International Airport?
The island is approximately 10 km from the airport. The speedboat transfer covers that in 15–20 minutes.
What types of accommodation are available?
There are nine villa and suite categories, from the 71 sq m Sunrise Overwater Villa to the 500 sq m Rehendhi Presidential Overwater Suite. Options include overwater villas with private pools, beachfront suites, and a Lagoon Villa with direct lagoon access.
Is all-inclusive available?
Yes. An all-inclusive plan is available. The resort also offers a free breakfast option. Check directly with the resort or your booking platform for current plan details and what each covers.
What restaurants are on the island?
Four: 24 Degrees (all-day dining with a teppanyaki counter), Deep End (candlelit waterfront dining), Mediterraneo by Jeffrey Vella (overwater Mediterranean seafood and grill), and the Pool Bar & Restaurant. The Equator Bar and Pool Bar serve drinks and snacks.
Can I learn to dive at Taj Exotica?
Yes. The Ocean Dive Center on the island is PADI-certified and runs courses from complete beginner up to rescue diver level. Experienced divers can also arrange guided dives from the same centre.
Is there a kids club?
Yes. The Explore Taj Kids program runs both complimentary and paid activities. The calm, shallow lagoon also makes the resort practical for families with younger children.
What water sports are available?
The resort's private lagoon has water skiing and watercraft rental (extra charge applies). Snorkelling and scuba diving are also available. The calm lagoon conditions suit most water-sports activities.
Is there a spa?
Yes. The J Wellness Circle offers signature therapies, yoga, and meditation sessions on the island.
What does the resort cost?
Rates start from $796 per night. Prices vary by room type, season, and meal plan. The Rehendhi Presidential Suite will be considerably higher. Check current rates through the resort directly or your preferred booking platform.
What payment methods are accepted?
The resort accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
Is there 24-hour service available?
Yes. The front desk operates around the clock, and 24-hour in-villa dining and butler service are available throughout your stay.