Two different things get called "in-villa dining" at most resorts, and it's worth knowing the difference before assuming either is automatically included.
Standard room service
Most resorts offer conventional room service — ordering from a menu to be delivered to your villa — as a standard, often complimentary option, similar to any hotel, though hours and menu range vary by property.
Private set-up dining
The more distinctive Maldives version is a fully set-up private dining experience — a table arranged on the beach, your villa deck, or another scenic spot, often with dedicated service for the evening. This is generally a separate, bookable (and usually paid) experience rather than standard room service, and one of the more popular add-ons for anniversaries, honeymoons and proposals (see our getting married guide).
Booking ahead matters
Sunset-timed and beachfront private dining setups are limited by both weather and demand — booking early in your stay, rather than waiting until the final night, gives more flexibility if your first-choice date or time isn't available.
What it typically costs
Private dining setups are almost always priced separately from your meal plan (see our resort dining guide), regardless of whether you're on half-board, full-board or all-inclusive — treat it as a specific add-on to budget for rather than an extension of your existing plan.