Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru — All‑Inclusive Plan Guide 🍹🏝️
Overview ✨
- Concept: A refined, boutique all‑inclusive centered on three daily meals, quality beverages by the glass, and serene, barefoot island time.
- Vibe: Intimate and romantic with elegant toes‑in‑the‑sand dining, sunset cocktails, and superb house‑reef snorkeling. Expect quality over quantity (not a huge dine‑around roster).
- Accuracy note: Inclusions, hours, and brands vary by season/contract and may be tied to special offers. On arrival, request the latest All‑Inclusive Fact Sheet and Beverage List.
What’s Included ✅
- Meals 🍽️
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant (commonly Ilaafathi)
- Buffet or à la carte/menu‑of‑the‑day format depending on occupancy.
- Rotating international themes with Maldivian touches.
- Dietary support: Vegetarian/vegan/gluten‑free/halal handled with notice; basic allergen guidance.
- Beverages (by the glass during outlet hours) 🥂
- Alcoholic: House spirits (e.g., vodka, gin, rum, whisky, tequila, brandy) from the plan list; house beer; house wines by the glass (red/white; rosé when listed).
- Cocktails: A selection of classic and Banyan Tree signatures; mocktails also included from the AI list.
- Non‑alcoholic: Soft drinks, listed juices, and still/sparkling mineral water by the glass.
- Hot drinks: Regular tea and brewed coffee; some AI contracts include espresso‑based coffees (espresso/cappuccino/latte) during outlet hours—confirm on arrival.
- Important: Only labels printed on the current AI Beverage List are included.
- Bars & Venues 🍸
- Naiboli Bar (main bar) for AI beverages during posted hours (typically late morning to late evening).
- Main restaurant beverages during meal periods per plan.
- In‑Villa & Minibar 🧊
- Daily bottled water replenishment.
- In‑room tea/coffee facilities (kettle + sachets).
- Minibar: Some AI contracts include a once‑daily basic restock (water/soft drinks/beer); brands/quantities vary—confirm at check‑in.
- Activities & Facilities 🌴
- Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) complimentary for the duration of stay or a daily window (policy varies).
- Non‑motorized watersports: Typically kayak and SUP (weather permitting; time limits may apply).
- Fitness center access; casual evening entertainment on select nights.
- Island essentials: Wi‑Fi, beach towels, sun loungers.
- Sister‑Island Access (Nice‑to‑have; subject to policy) 🚤
- Short boat shuttle to nearby sister island (Dhawa Ihuru) is often available. Dine‑around or shared‑facility access may be offered under certain packages or promos—confirm current entitlements and booking rules on arrival.
What’s Not Included ❌
- Dining & Service
- Private dining (beach/sandbank/in‑villa), “Destination Dining,” floating breakfasts, chef’s tables, and special event/holiday menus.
- Premium/supplement dishes (e.g., lobster, wagyu/prime cuts, premium seafood platters).
- Additional à la carte venues or dine‑around at sister island beyond any explicit inclusion/credit on your booking.
- Room service/in‑villa dining and any delivery/tray fees.
- Beverages
- Ultra‑premium/aged spirits; reserve/cellar wines; champagne/sparkling by the bottle; craft/rare labels not on the AI list.
- Fresh‑pressed juices/smoothies and specialty coffees if not printed as included.
- Bottled service, pitchers/carafes, and take‑away to villas beyond standard minibar policy.
- Any items not on the current AI Beverage List or consumed outside AI hours.
- Activities & Wellness
- PADI/SSI dive center services: dives, courses, equipment rental, and boat fees.
- Motorized watersports, private lessons/charters, fishing trips.
- Banyan Tree Spa treatments and private/specialty yoga or wellness sessions.
- Excursions: dolphin cruises, reef/manta/turtle snorkel safaris, sandbank picnics, island hopping, sunset/night fishing (unless explicitly included in your contract).
- Professional photography, weddings/vow renewals, bespoke/private events.
- Transfers & Other Services
- Speedboat transfers to/from Malé (often packaged by tour operators; not inherent to AI).
- Laundry, boutique purchases, medical/clinic services.
- Government taxes/service charges on paid items.
How the Plan Works (Fine Print) 📝
- Identification: Expect a wristband or room‑card flag for plan verification.
- By the glass: Included beverages are served by the glass at designated venues during operating hours; sharing/take‑away is not permitted.
- Lists rule: Only items on the printed AI Beverage List are included; off‑list items are chargeable.
- Hours: Bars typically operate from late morning to late night (often ~10:00–23:00/00:00); buffet/à la carte meal times are fixed—on‑island schedules prevail.
- Start/End: Benefits generally begin at check‑in and conclude at checkout; early arrivals/late departures may have limited coverage—confirm locally.
- Reservations: Any dine‑around (if offered), special themed nights, and popular time slots should be reserved early. Missed bookings typically count as used.
- Alcohol policy: Service for guests 18+ only; responsible service rules apply.
Families & Style Notes 👨👩👧👦💛
- Audience: Romantic, couples‑leaning island; family‑friendly but with minimal children’s programming.
- Kids on AI: Buffet meals included; alcohol excluded. Mocktails/soft drinks per the Beverage List.
- House‑reef: Easy access with multiple entry points—supervise young or less‑confident swimmers near jetties/reef edges. Baby cots and life vests typically available on request.
Smart Value Tips 💡
- Photograph the AI Beverage List at check‑in to target included wines/cocktails you’ll enjoy and avoid off‑list charges.
- If an Ihuru dine‑around is available during your dates, book it on day one; pair with sunset drinks at Naiboli Bar.
- Spa fans: Use AI for daily value and plan one or two paid spa rituals—Banyan Tree Spa is a highlight.
- Snorkel often? Bring a well‑fitting mask; resort gear is available, but personal fit is more comfortable for daily use.
- For a celebration, budget a premium bottle or private beach dinner while letting AI cover everyday meals/drinks.
Quick Compare: HB / FB / AI ⚖️
- Half Board (HB): Breakfast + dinner; most beverages chargeable beyond standard water/tea/coffee at meals.
- Full Board (FB): Breakfast + lunch + dinner; beverages largely chargeable.
- All‑Inclusive (AI): FB meals + a curated beverage list by the glass at designated outlets during posted hours, plus snorkel gear, non‑motorized watersports, and resort facilities per current policy.
