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The Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort is a spectacular 4-star resort located in the Gaafu Alifu atoll of the Maldives. When planning my bucket list trip to the Maldives, there were a few factors that influenced my hotel choice. I wanted an adults-only resort, overwater villas, all-inclusive, and I needed it to be somewhat affordable. The Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort ticked all the boxes, plus had rave reviews (4.8 stars on average) online.
I visited in 2024, which is after the resort underwent a big renovation and became adults-only and all-inclusive.
Getting to the resort requires a scenic 40-minute domestic flight from Male airport to Koodoo domestic airport, followed by a short 10-minute speedboat ride. From the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for a special experience.
Mercure Maldives Rooms and Villas
There are 69 villas at the all-suite Mercure Maldives, each with its own slice of paradise. Two villa types (the beach and beach pool villas) are located on the white sand beach and are not over water. For a classic Maldives overwater bungalow experience, you’ll need to book the overwater villa, overwater sunset villa, or overwater sunset pool villa. If you’re spending all the money to fly over to the Maldives, the overwater villas are definitely worth the upgrade charge.
I booked an overwater sunset pool villa, which was by far the best room type at the resort. This airy bungalow is perched at the end of the jetty and has its own private pool. Sipping a drink in the pool while watching the sunset is an unforgettable experience. Pro tip: Bring an inflatable raft for your pool to make lounging even more relaxing.
The bungalow is designed for romance with indoor and outdoor showers, an oversized soaking tub overlooking the lagoon, a private deck with loungers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s even a window in the floor that lets you watch the sealife below your room, and when you’re ready to join them, steps off the back of the deck lead directly into the crystal-clear waters. When you want to shut out the elements, air conditioning and blackout curtains help you get a good night sleep.
A few downsides that I thought were important to note in the rooms:
- The villas have queen-sized beds, which can be tough if you’re used to a king-sized bed at home like I am!
- The pool isn’t heated and can be a little bit chilly if the day is overcast or you want to use it at night.
Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort Restaurants
Since the resort is pretty isolated, it’s important that you like the food here. There are enough restaurants at the Mercure Maldives that I didn’t get bored with the food during my stay.
The main restaurant, Alita, serves international cuisine buffet-style for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is very American-style, with pancakes, waffles, and eggs. I loved taking my breakfast out to the open-air patio overlooking the water—it’s the most relaxing way to start every day. Expect to find different themed food stations each time with an emphasis on grilled meats, seafood and local produce. There are also themed nights held at Alita that liven up the regular dining experience.
For contemporary Italian, head to Vista. At this overwater restaurant, every table has spectacular ocean views. Open for lunch, afternoon drinks, and dinner, this was my favorite dinner spot. I loved the handmade pasta bowls that can be customized by picking the type of pasta and the sauce. There’s also karaoke, chess, and darts here for some after-dinner entertainment.
The pool bar is the resort’s most casual option, and offers snacks and drinks by the pool. This is the place to go if you’re craving something simple like a sandwich.
Take advantage of the private dining options offered at the Mercure Maldives—the floating breakfast, served on a giant tray in your own pool, is cheesy but a must-do.
Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort Atmosphere
Undeniably, the biggest draw is the resort’s idyllic island setting. The grounds have been carefully designed to blend into the existing foliage while accentuating the island’s inherent natural beauty. Wandering the snaking sandy pathways, you’ll chance upon swaying coconut groves, vine-covered ruins and hidden tidal pools.
The pace on Gaafu Alifu Atoll is relaxed yet attentive service prevails. Guests spend lazy afternoons swinging on hammocks, diving from the long poolside jetty or borrowing snorkelling gear from the Activities Hut to explore the nearby reef. Staff get to know you by name quickly and greet you with a smile. The whole island has an exclusive, private hideaway feel.
If you’re looking for wild beach parties or jam-packed activity programs, Koodoo isn’t the best fit as it mostly attracts couples on honeymoons.
Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort Amenities
As an island oriented towards rest and relaxation, recreation facilities focus on enhancing your enjoyment of the stunning natural environment. Gaafu Alifu Atoll is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Maldives, so make sure you join an expedition while you’re here. The resort has a program for first-time divers to be able to go out, but the snorkeling is really just as fun.
Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, sailboats, and Jet Skis are all available at the resort.
On land, the resort has surprisingly great tennis and volleyball courts as well as cooking classes and live entertainment.
Of course, while on a romantic vacation, you have to treat yourself to a couples’ massage. The Suvadiva spa offers outdoor massage tables that let you get rubbed down under the warm sun and cool breezes (all while maintaining total privacy).
How to Get to Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort?
I flew from Los Angeles to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. There are no direct flights from Los Angeles to the Maldives, so I had to connect in London. The whole journey, with layovers, took around 24 hours. From Malé, I then had to take a short (55-minute) flight to Koodoo island, where the Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort is. There are about five flights a day, which makes it easy to arrange the final leg of the trip.
If you have a long layover in Malé, guests of the Mercure Maldives have access to a lounge in the airport which makes the wait easier.
Mercure staff picked me up at Koodoo Airport for a short golf cart ride to the resort. The total trip from Male International to the resort took about five hours. Not having to take an additional boat ride from this airport (like at many other Maldives resorts) was a huge perk.
It’s a long journey, but it was absolutely worth it—however, you’ll definitely want to stay for at least a week to recover from all the travel.
Is the Mercure Maldives Koodoo All-Inclusive?
The resort is all-inclusive. All food and drinks were included, including many premium wines. Activities and unlimited non-motorized watersports were also included, but you’ll have to pay for things like spa treatments, motorized watersports, and excursions.
I loved touches like having a minibar in the room that was refilled daily (and customized to what I liked).
Is the Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort by Mercure Adults-Only?
Yes, the resort is adults-only. All guests have to be 18 or older. I loved that this created a quiet and peaceful atmosphere that wasn’t interrupted by kids screaming or splashing in the pool.
Mercure Maldives Koodoo Resort Cost
I booked my hotel on Agoda, which had the lowest price when I was shopping around. For an all-inclusive overwater villa with pool in January, I paid around $900 per night.
The Best Time to Visit the Maldives
The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit the Maldives. During these months skies are typically sunny with very little rain and highs of around 86 degrees. Humidity levels can get high at points but there are still cool breezes that make it comfortable. The weather is ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, and water sports. December and January can be the busiest tourist months, so prices may be a bit higher.
I recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons of November and May, when you can get some great deals and still have good weather.
Avoid visiting in December through March, which is the monsoon season.
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