How I Made Four Seasons Private Island Feel Worth the Price

Stepping off the Four Seasons Flying Triggerfish seaplane onto the sugar-white sands of Voavah Island, I felt like I had entered another world. Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah is an exclusive-use sanctuary in the Baa Atoll, and from the moment of arrival I was enveloped in a sense of total privacy and luxury.

I had hesitated at the idea of spending around $40,000 per night (with a two-night minimum) on a vacation, but as I waded through the warm turquoise shallows and was greeted by my personal Island Chief and a team of smiling staff, I began to see exactly how this place justifies its cost.

This is my story of how Voavah proved to be worth every penny, offering an unparalleled blend of exclusivity, world-class service, and bespoke experiences that redefine luxury travel.

A VIP Welcome to Paradise

My journey began long before I set foot on the island. Flying into Malé’s Velana International Airport on a commercial flight, I was met immediately by Four Seasons representatives who whisked me through immigration via CIP fast-track service.

Within minutes, I boarded Four Seasons’ eight-seater VIP seaplane for a scenic 35-minute flight across the atolls. As we skimmed low over luminous reefs and deserted sandbanks, anticipation built.

Upon landing, the plane’s floats kissed the lagoon and glided to a stop by a tiny jetty. A warm welcome committee stood waiting – including the Island Chief (think of them as a private general manager/concierge), my butler, and even the executive chef.

This wasn’t a standard hotel check-in with a front desk; it was personal. Tropical drinks in hand, we strolled down the pier under swaying palms, and I was officially off the grid – Voavah was mine and mine alone for the week.

In that first hour, I realized a big part of Voavah’s magic is the seamless arrival and absolute privacy. The island has just one entry point and 24/7 security ensuring no one comes or goes without notice, so high-profile guests (or anyone seeking anonymity) can slip in and out under the radar.

Even transfer options were tailored to privacy: some guests arrive by private jet to a nearby airport and hop a quick 20-minute seaplane, avoiding the main Malé hub. In my case, the journey itself – flying over the Maldives’ famed blue expanses – set the tone for something extraordinary.

By the time I set foot on Voavah’s beach and the seaplane roared off into the sky, I felt like the only person on Earth. And in a way, I was – this five-acre island playground was exclusively mine and my small group’s for the duration.

The Exclusivity of a Personal Island

Voavah Island is a 7-bedroom private retreat that you can only book in its entirety. That means whether you come with a group of 2 or 20, no other guests will be there – it’s your island.

In my case, I traveled with a few close friends, and we had more space than we knew what to do with. The accommodations are divided among a Three-Bedroom Beach Villa, a Two-Bedroom Water Villa, and additional suites in the Beach House, comfortably sleeping up to 22 guests in total.

Each villa and room exuded laid-back glamour: think soaring thatch roofs, airy living spaces, private pools and decks, and décor that blends local Maldivian charm with sleek modernity.

I stayed in the Beach Villa’s master suite, waking up each morning to panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling glass. My friends occupied the overwater bungalows, complete with a 17-meter infinity pool over the lagoon – perfect for Insta-worthy sunrise swims.

What struck me was not just the luxury of the villas, but the sheer freedom that comes with having a whole island to ourselves. We could use any facility at any time without ever bumping into strangers.

There’s a gym and library in the central Beach House, but I preferred doing sunrise yoga on a deck over the water, serenaded by gentle waves. We played our own music by the pool without worrying about anyone else, and strolled the beaches at midnight under the stars in total safety.

Voavah sits in the middle of the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, far from any other resort. The sense of seclusion is absolute – all you see is open ocean and uninhabited islands on the horizon.

It’s a natural island too, with lush jungle in the interior and broad white beaches encircling it. Walking around, I felt like a castaway millionaire discovering a private paradise untouched by the outside world.

Yet, despite the Robinson Crusoe vibe, we never felt isolated in a worrisome way. For one, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the nearest sister resort, was just a short boat ride away if we craved a change of scene or a night out.

Knowing we had access to a full luxury resort nearby (with its restaurants, spa, and even a Marine Discovery Centre) was reassuring, though in truth we only ventured there once because Voavah itself kept us endlessly entertained.

More importantly, the island came with a dedicated team of 25 staff living on-island to cater to us. That brings me to the real heart of what makes Voavah worth the splurge: the people and the personalized service.

A 25-Person Team at Your Fingertips

One could argue that the real luxury of Four Seasons Private Island Voavah isn’t the villas or the setting – it’s the staff. We had a 25-person on-island team led by our Island Chief, and their sole focus was to tailor every moment to our desires.

I’ve stayed at some high-end hotels before, but nothing compares to this level of intuitive, around-the-clock service. It felt like having an army of genies granting wishes, often before we even realized we had them.

Even before the trip, the personalization began. A few weeks prior, the Four Seasons Voavah reservations team set up a conference call with me (and my group) to go over likes, dislikes, special occasions, and any requests.

They knew I was a foodie who loves Japanese cuisine and that one of my friends had a birthday during the trip. They noted our preferred wine varietals, the fact that I’m an early riser, and even that I love marine biology.

No request was too small or too eccentric – as they said, “limitless island living starts here”. By the time we arrived, it was clear this info had been relayed to the on-site team, who used it to surprise and delight us constantly.

For example, on our first morning, I wandered into the Beach House kitchen at 6 AM looking for coffee. To my amazement, a barista was already there and handed me a perfectly made flat white (with a foam heart on top) with my name etched in cinnamon.

He somehow knew I liked to watch sunrise alone, so he had a tray of pastries and coffee sent to the pavilion at the jetty for me – I hadn’t even asked.

Another day, after we mentioned offhand that we loved Maldivian grilled fish, the chef organized an impromptu beach barbecue that very night, complete with lanterns strung in the palms and a local Boduberu drum band to entertain us (a wonderful nod to Maldivian culture).

It felt spontaneous and magical, but I realize it was all expertly orchestrated behind the scenes.

No matter the hour, someone was available to fulfill requests. Our Island Chief checked in with us daily to see what we wanted to do, but there was no rigid schedule; it was all “Your Day, Your Way.”

One evening, we felt like a movie night – so they set up a projector and screen by the pool, with loungers, popcorn, and cocktails for a private under-the-stars cinema.

Another time, I casually mentioned I’d love to try kite-surfing. By the afternoon, the staff had arranged for an instructor and equipment, and I was literally kitesurfing off my own island.

From arranging 10 jet skis on demand to even sourcing a special sand wheelchair for one of our group’s elder members, the team did it all with efficiency and genuine enthusiasm.

The ratio of staff to guests meant we were never kept waiting for anything – yet the service never felt overbearing or intrusive. Staff members seemed to melt into the background whenever we wanted privacy, magically reappearing the moment we looked around for assistance.

Dining Under the Stars

Perhaps the most memorable aspect of Voavah was the dining experience. There is no on-island restaurant in the traditional sense – instead, every meal is an event customized for you.

Ahead of our arrival, we had discussed broad meal preferences, but the reality far exceeded expectations. We essentially had our own private executive chef and a culinary team at our disposal. Each day, they would propose menu ideas or respond to our cravings in real-time.

One day we felt like sushi and sake for lunch; another day we were in the mood for an Italian pizza party – everything was possible. The chef had stocked ingredients from all over the world based on our preferences (yes, my requested Japanese miso and fresh sashimi-grade fish were flown in).

There was an emphasis on local seafood too: we enjoyed lobster caught that morning and yellowfin tuna grilled to perfection on the beach.

Our dinners became theatrical experiences in stunning settings. One evening, we had a sandbank dinner – the staff ferried us at sunset to a tiny, powdery sand cay just off Voavah. There, in the middle of the ocean, they had set up a beautiful table with tiki torches and a champagne bar on ice.

We dined on a seven-course Maldivian feast under a sky exploding with stars. On another night, back on Voavah, they transformed the pool deck into a “Moroccan Nights”-themed party since we’d mentioned our love of Moroccan cuisine.

Imagine vibrant lanterns, plush floor cushions, and a menu of tagines and couscous – all conjured out of thin air. And yes, if you prefer a simple casual meal, that’s easy too: we had a few laid-back beach BBQ lunches and one night of comfort food with wood-fired pizzas and pastas, eaten with our toes in the sand. The key was every meal was tailored to us, whether casual or extravagant.

Worth noting: while the island rate includes the use of the kitchen and chefs, we opted for the full-board meal plan so we didn’t have to think about individual meal costs. It runs about $250 per person per day, and covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner (alcohol is extra).

Given the sheer quality and personalization – and the fact that we could request any cuisine at any time – this add-on was well worth it. One surprise on my friend’s birthday: the team organized a Boduberu drumming performance after dinner, then brought out a cake crafted to look like a coral reef (almost too pretty to eat).

It’s these little touches, delivered with sincere joy, that made the high price tag fade away in our minds. We felt not like hotel guests, but like honored friends.

The Entire Atoll is Yours

By day, Voavah spoiled us with an array of water activities and excursions, all included in the stay. The island comes with its own 19-meter private yacht, the Voavah Summer.

Having a yacht at our disposal 24/7 was a game-changer. We took it out on multiple days – sometimes just for a leisurely sunset cruise with champagne, other times for more adventurous pursuits. One morning we ventured to a nearby site in the Baa Atoll known for manta ray gatherings.

With a marine biologist from the Four Seasons team on board, we snorkeled in azure waters amid graceful manta rays gliding in loops, an absolutely transcendent experience for a wildlife lover like me.

On another outing, the crew took us deep-sea fishing at dawn; we caught a sailfish (which we released) and a tuna that the chef later prepared as sashimi.

Even right off the beach, the house reef around Voavah was teeming with life – reef sharks, colorful parrotfish, clownfish hiding in anemones, and vibrant corals.

Some afternoons I simply grabbed a snorkel and explored the coral gardens a few yards from our shore, marveling that such an untouched underwater world was essentially our private aquarium.

For certified scuba divers, Voavah offers diving too (with instructors and gear ready on request). We did a couple of dives at spectacular reefs a short boat ride away, and it felt as though we were diving in a pristine bubble with no other dive boats in sight.

Of course, the classic Maldives water sports were also on the menu. Jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, X-Jetblades, Seabobs – you name it, it was there.

A dedicated watersports team was always on standby to set up equipment or give lessons. One friend tried X-Jetblades, those Iron Man-like jet boots that let you fly out of the water – within minutes the instructors had him hovering a few feet above the lagoon, laughing like a kid.

Meanwhile, I took a serene glass-bottom kayak ride one morning, and on another day learned the basics of kite surfing with expert guidance (and a rescue dinghy discreetly shadowing me just in case).

Knowing that all these activities were included – no signing waivers and rental forms, no extra charges piling up – made us feel free to enjoy everything spontaneously. We were like kids in the world’s most exclusive playground, except everything was arranged just for us.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the team even offered to shuttle us over to Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru for an afternoon so we could enjoy their larger resort facilities – we took them up on it once, popping over for a change of scenery at the big pool and a beachside lunch at Landaa’s restaurant.

Yet by the end of that outing, we couldn’t wait to get back “home” to our private island. It’s funny how quickly you get used to having total privacy; even seeing a few other guests at Landaa felt almost jarring after days of solitude. Voavah had utterly spoiled us.

Spa Days in the Maldives

No luxury island escape would be complete without some indulgent spa and wellness experiences, and Voavah excels here in a very intimate way. The island’s Ocean of Consciousness Spa – a name that intrigued me from the start – is an overwater spa pavilion where you can literally watch fish dart below through glass panels as you get a massage.

It has just one couple’s treatment room, meaning the spa is exclusively yours whenever you book a service. One afternoon, I scheduled a deep tissue massage after a long day of snorkeling.

The therapist had been flown in from the award-winning spa at Landaa Giraavaru and was well-versed in Ayurvedic treatments. As she kneaded away the muscle tension, I listened to the sound of gentle waves and singing bowl music, feeling every stress melt away.

We also tried a unique sound healing session with crystal bowls (something I’d never done before) – lying on mats in the open air, with a therapist creating resonant tones that seemed to vibrate through the floor from the ocean below. It was transcendent and left us in a state of serene bliss.

Every morning, if we wanted, the staff arranged sunrise yoga on a wooden deck over the water. I attended twice, joined by a yoga instructor who guided me through gentle poses as the sun peeked over the horizon.

Between the fresh sea breeze and the views of rays occasionally jumping in the distance, it was the most picturesque yoga session I’ve ever experienced.

For more advanced wellness, we had the option of consulting an Ayurvedic physician who visits Voavah (on-call from Landaa’s wellness center). One of my friends did an Ayurvedic consultation and learned some fascinating insights about her dosha and diet.

The fact that even specialized wellness and beauty services – like bringing in a Rossano Ferretti hair stylist for a makeover or a visiting yogi master – could be arranged impressed me. On lazy afternoons, we often simply lounged by our villa’s pool or napped in the shaded hammocks around the island.

The entire atmosphere of Voavah encourages you to slow down and just be. Without any schedules unless we made them, we rediscovered simple pleasures: reading on the beach, taking leisurely swims, or enjoying an impromptu picnic on a hidden corner of the island.

It was the kind of deep relaxation that no crowded resort, however luxurious, could have given us.

Worth Every Penny

By the end of our stay, I understood why a place like Voavah carries a hefty price tag – and I found it worth it. The value here isn’t in gold-plated fixtures or gaudy displays of luxury; it’s in the once-in-a-lifetime quality of experiences and the complete personalization of every moment.

We calculated that split among our small group, the cost per person was actually comparable to staying in a top suite at a five-star resort – but that would never have given us a private 5-acre paradise or a yacht to ourselves. At Voavah, every dollar spent translated into memories and privileges you simply can’t obtain in a normal hotel setting.

The exclusivity alone is priceless – knowing that it was just us on the island allowed a level of relaxation and freedom (and yes, fun!) that is hard to replicate. We danced like nobody was watching around a beach bonfire, because truly nobody was.

We explored the reef as if it were our personal aquarium. We had staff who not only provided impeccable service, but also became genuine friends by the week’s end – from the bartender who knew our favorite cocktails by night two, to the boat captain who taught me how to fish Maldivian-style, to the housekeeper who left origami towel creations and fresh jasmine in our rooms each evening. These human touches made us feel at home in paradise.

Privacy and security were also vital for peace of mind. One member of our party is a public figure who usually can’t escape paparazzi – here, not a single drone or camera could intrude on us.

The island’s measures (discreet security patrols, CCTV, even night-vision cameras along the perimeter) ensured total privacy without being overt. For high-end travelers who value discretion, that alone may justify the cost.

In terms of logistics, Four Seasons made everything effortless, which is part of the value proposition. From the moment we expressed interest in booking, the reservations process was bespoke and handled by a dedicated manager.

We traded many emails to tailor the stay exactly as we wanted – it never felt like we were just making a hotel reservation, but rather planning a completely personalized expedition.

They handled all the little details: seaplane scheduling, special equipment we requested (they even sourced a particular vintage of wine I inquired about), and coordinating our arrival with a smooth airport transit. This concierge-level pre-planning meant that once we were on Voavah, we didn’t have to worry about a thing – the team had it all prepped.

There are certainly additional costs beyond the base rate, and one should go in with eyes open about that. The island’s nightly rate (which varies by season) includes the accommodations for up to 22 guests, the private yacht usage within the atoll, all the included water sports, diving, fishing, most activities, and even the airport fast-track service.

But food is typically extra (either via the full-board meal plan we chose or pay-as-you-go), alcohol is extra, and the transfers by seaplane are charged separately. Spa treatments and specialty activities like scuba courses or bringing in live entertainment also add to the bill.

We found that once on island, however, we weren’t really incurring unexpected charges aside from alcohol and spa, because so much was already covered. For instance, all those water sports, the daily use of the yacht, and even excursions like our manta ray trip were part of the package – unlike at many resorts where each activity would cost a small fortune.

In a sense, Voavah operates like an all-inclusive private superyacht on land. Knowing that encouraged us to fully indulge in everything without constantly signing cheques, which was liberating.

Practical Tips for Planning a Stay

If you’re considering a bucket-list stay at Four Seasons Private Island Voavah, here are some practical things to know (from my experience):

• Booking Process: This isn’t a property you can just book online in a few clicks. It’s best to contact Four Seasons directly or through a luxury travel advisor. Every booking is customized, and a Four Seasons reservations manager will guide you through the process. They’ll discuss your group’s needs, preferred dates (the island can be booked for just a couple nights or for weeks), and any special requirements. Because the rate can vary by season and availability, you’ll get a tailored quote. Expect to pay a significant deposit upfront due to the exclusivity.

• Typical Cost: As mentioned, the island starts around US$40,000 per night in low season, plus taxes. Peak season (holidays and winter months) can be higher. There is a minimum stay of 2 nights generally. This rate covers up to 22 guests and most amenities as outlined above. When you break it down per person for a full house, it can be more approachable – roughly $1,800–$2,500 per person per night if you utilize all the bedrooms. Still, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for most (unless you’re a celebrity or mogul, in which case this might be your regular vacation!).

• How to Get There: International flights will land you in Malé (MLE), the capital of Maldives. From there, Four Seasons arranges a private seaplane (or a shared seaplane if appropriate) to Voavah, about 35 minutes flight north of Malé. If you’re flying in by private jet, you can also land at Maafaru International Airport, which is closer, and take a shorter 20-minute seaplane hop. Travel from major global hubs to Malé is improving; there are nonstop flights from cities like Dubai (4 hours), Singapore (5 hours), London (10–11 hours), and seasonal charters from even farther. From North America, expect one or two connections (for example, New York to Dubai to Malé, totaling about 18–20 hours). Four Seasons will coordinate your seaplane timing with your international arrival. We were met at the airport and escorted seamlessly to a lounge before boarding the seaplane – it’s all very VIP and stress-free.

• Best Time to Visit: The Maldives is warm year-round, but it has a dry season and a wet season. The best weather is typically January to April, which is the dry season – you’ll get plenty of sunshine and calm seas (this is also the peak season with the highest rates). The wet season runs May through October, with greater chance of rain and storms, especially in June. However, the wet season is when Baa Atoll comes alive with manta rays and even whale sharks; roughly June to October is manta season at nearby Hanifaru Bay. If seeing mantas is high on your list, you might consider visiting around July–September. We went in early October and did experience a couple of brief rain showers, but also got to snorkel with mantas – an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. Ultimately, aim for November to April for the best odds of perfect weather, unless a specific wildlife encounter in the off-season is your priority.

• Special Requirements: The beauty of Voavah is that they can accommodate just about any request. If you have children, they will arrange babysitters and fun activities (the staff told me they’ve done everything from treasure hunts to setting up a “Little Mermaid” themed party for kids on the beach). If you have security personnel or personal staff traveling with you, the island even has accommodation for up to 6 extra support staff in a separate building. Dietary needs, mobility issues – none of these are a problem given the high staff-to-guest ratio and resources of Four Seasons. Just communicate your needs in advance and they’ll handle it.

Below is a quick-reference summary of key trip details for Four Seasons Private Island Voavah:

Final Reflections

On our last day, as I watched the sunset paint the sky in neon hues from our empty stretch of beach, I tried to savor every second. The staff had set up a circle of pillows and a bonfire for us to enjoy a final night under the stars.

A guitar player (whom they flew in from Malé just for the evening) strummed our favorite songs softly in the background. I remember thinking: How do I ever explain this trip to people back home?

The level of blissful indulgence, privacy, and service we experienced is something you usually only read about in ultra-luxury travel magazines. Yet here we were, living it.

Did Four Seasons Private Island Voavah feel worth the price? Absolutely. In fact, by the end of our stay, the concept of “price” had almost faded – replaced by the value of unique memories: laughing with friends as we failed hilariously at paddleboarding, sharing deep conversations with zero distractions around, encountering wild manta rays up close, and being pampered by staff who anticipated our needs in ways that continually astonished us.

These are moments I couldn’t replicate elsewhere, not even at other Five-Star resorts.

For those fortunate enough to consider a trip to Voavah, my advice, come with people you love, because you’ll have an entire paradise to share among yourselves.

Don’t be shy about communicating what would make your stay spectacular – the team will make it happen, and then some. This isn’t just a place you stay; it’s a place you experience, entirely on your own terms.

As I departed Voavah on that seaplane, watching our island shrink to a green dot in a vast ocean, I felt a profound gratitude. Yes, it was lavish beyond belief, but it never felt superficial or impersonal.

It felt like our own little world, crafted and cared for by people dedicated to excellence. In the realm of luxury travel, Four Seasons Private Island Voavah isn’t just a destination – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chapter of your story.

And for me, that chapter was worth every cent and more, leaving me with memories as endless and brilliant as the Maldivian sea.