Villa Park (Ex.Sun Island Resort & Spa)

#maldiveshotel
After visiting over 15 resorts across the atolls, I can say this with certainty: Villa Park on South Ari Atoll** isn’t just another Maldivian escape.
It’s one of the most *authentic*, *spacious*, and *soulful* islands I’ve ever called “home” for a week.

Once known as *Sun Island*, this reimagined resort has kept its heart while quietly upgrading its soul. And honestly? It’s better than ever.

✅ **Why We Loved It:**

📍 **A 1.8-km private island** — one of the largest in the Maldives.
You can walk for hours without seeing another guest. Want total solitude? Find your own stretch of powder-white sand. Need adventure? The house reef is alive with life.

🐠 **Snorkeling from the beach — no boat needed.**
We saw:
→ Turtles gliding past like old friends,
→ Blacktip sharks patrolling gently at dusk,
→ Clownfish dancing in anemones,
→ Reef rays resting on the sand.
This is one of the best **natural snorkeling spots** in South Ari — and it’s right outside your villa.

🏡 **Accommodation that works for everyone:**
→ **Beach Bungalows**: classic Maldivian charm — thatched roofs, wooden decks, steps from the water. Perfect for those who want simplicity with style.
→ **Ocean Villas**: modern overwater sanctuaries with glass floor panels, private terraces, sun loungers, and direct lagoon access.
→ **Family Suites**: spacious, airy, ideal for slow travel with kids (yes, it’s family-friendly!).

🍽️ **Food that surprised us:**
The main restaurant, **Coral**, offers a generous buffet with:
→ Fresh lobster and grilled tuna,
→ Tropical fruit platters (pineapple, papaya, mango),
→ Indian curries, Maldivian tuna dishes, pasta, burgers.
And yes — the desserts are average, but who needs cake when you have ocean views?

🍹 Sunset Bar** — toes in the sand, cocktails in hand, live acoustic music under the stars. This was our nightly ritual.

🧘♀️ **Wellness & Activities:**
→ Free yoga at sunrise,
→ PADI dive center (whale shark & manta excursions — must-do!),
→ Complimentary bikes to explore the island,
→ Spa treatments with coconut oil and herbal wraps.

📱 **Modern comfort meets island life:**
Free Wi-Fi, AC, minibar, smart TV — all included. But here’s the magic: you’ll forget them. The real luxury is falling asleep to waves and waking up to dolphins playing offshore.

⚠️ Real Talk (No Filter):
- Rooms are not brand-new, but well-maintained. Some wear shows, but it adds character — not discomfort.
- Beach furniture is mostly plastic — not premium wicker, but functional.
- It’s not ultra-luxury or boutique — but it’s not trying to be.
- Crowds? Only near the pool and bar. Head to the northern tip — and you’ll find pure peace.

💡 Who Is Villa Park For?**
✔️ Families who want space, safety, and fun
✔️ Couples seeking beauty without pretense
✔️ Snorkelers & divers chasing marine magic
✔️ Travelers who value **connection over perfection**

Will you come here?!