Pristine white beaches, brilliant blue lagoons, palm trees and the teeming marine life are all things promised by travel brochures for tourists stoked to visit the Maldives. An archipelago that barely peaks over the Laccadive Sea hosts some beautiful and eclectic hotels.
Here are a few over-the-top offerings.
Fancy an island for yourself?
CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI
B&B: RS2,800,000 (FOR SEVEN NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY 2017)
FROM AIRPORT: 40-MINUTE SEAPLANE RIDE
Th French group Cheval Blanc’s Maison is anything but average. The decked-out beach front villas, expansive white rooms and bold decor have the effect of transporting you to a modern French vacation home – one with the ocean at your doorstep, that is.
On an island of its own, the Owner’s Villa can be reached only by private speedboat. The four-bedroom retreat meets all your needs – and possibly more – with its spa accompanied by a yoga master, gym, grand piano and private bar. Curated art and carefully picked crafts complete the in-villa décor while staying true to its French origin through the Art de Recevoir – the art of receiving – service. The villa comes with a personal butler, Majordome, and a culinary team to prepare personal favourites from the day’s fresh catch. The in-house ‘alchemists’ sketch out your holiday plans. The fourth room is tucked away in the jungle, away from the main villa, for added privacy.
Cruise your way through Soneva
Soneva Jani
RS2,700,00 (FOR SEVEN NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY 2017)
FROM AIRPORT: 35-MINUTE SEAPLANE RIDE
Soneva Fushi
B&B RS1,900,000 (FOR SEVEN NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY 2017)
FROM AIRPORT: 30-MINUTE SEAPLANE RIDE
What better way to explore a country than to cruise from one island to another resort on a yacht charter? This is founders Sonu and Eva’s ‘Must do Maldivian discovery’, a six day itinerary. Start your journey at Soneva Fushi; after a few days at the resort, hop aboard Soneva in Aqua and cruise over to Soneva Jani.
What awaits you is a playground of possibilities: think water slide installations, exploring the planets at the observatory, a cinema at the beach under the stars and eco-friendly rooms.
If their experimental tasting rooms, organic wines, meals fresh from the island’s garden and Robinson Crusoe-style castaway picnics aren’t enough, their chocolate room will satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with 50 flvours of homemade ice cream, gourmet cheeses and charcuterie, and chocolate confections by in-house chocolatiers.
Embark on a culinary journey across the seas
Per AQUUM Niyama
B&B: RS820,000 (FOR SEVEN NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY 2017)
FROM AIRPORT: 40-MINUTE SEAPLANE RIDE
Niyama’s twin isles ‘Chill’ and ‘Play’, connected to each other by footpath, offers a culinary tour across the continents, with the ocean as its final stop.
Have your pick from an assortment of popsicles, ice creams and fresh juices by the pool at Blu, while a teppanyaki table and the world’s most expensive coffee, Black Ivory, awaits you at the Nest. Asian cuisine by the banyan trees; Central and South American and African cuisine and concoctions; and fresh coffee from Yirgacheff, Ethiopia, roasted on the spot, take you on a culinary journey halfway around the world. For fresh seafood, hop on a boat to Edge, the overwater restaurant.
The underwater Subsix restaurant reveals panoramic views of the surrounding reef through glass panels. From the blue glow of the lagoon to the anemone-inspired chairs and the chandeliers, the restaurant spares no details.
Wellness atop a treehouse
Amilla Fushi
B&B: RS1,208,000 (FOR SEVEN NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY 2017)
FROM AIRPORT: 30-MINUTE SEAPLANE RIDE
Nestled within the UNESCO biosphere reserve is Amilla Fushi, with its residence-style grand vacation homes.
Overlooking the island’s jungle canopy with its own infiity pool is the Wellness Tree House by Bodyism. A holistic approach to wellness, Bodyism by James Duigan takes you on a ‘Clean and Lean’ lifestyle experience. A special wellness menu showcases healthy bites, teas and fresh pressed juices, and yoga and meditation is practiced, complimented by spa sessions and wellness classes by the team.
Step out of the comfort of your home, and your dive butler will take you on a tour exploring the oldest ecosystems in the world – coral reefs and its residents, and swimming with whale sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, the biggest manta feeding ground in the world.
Become one with the ocean
Per AQUUM Huvafen Fushi
B&B: RS1,000,000 (FOR SEVEN NIGHTS IN FEBRUARY 2017)
FROM AIRPORT: 30-MINUTE SEAPLANE RIDE
How about a day at Lime, the world’s first underwater spa? Schools of fish swim by as therapists work their magic on you. At night, the reef comes alive and the hunt for food is on. A glass of champagne in hand, let the fish take centre stage and put on a show for you.
During your stay, set sail on a Dhoni – a classic Maldivian sailing boat, stopping by an isle for a drink and canapés, and having the crew take you to the best diving spots. Or better yet, get an overview of the island on a seaplane. Let the resident marine biologist to take you on a journey of ocean conservation and even plant your own coral at the island’s ‘Adopt a Coral’. As a last stop, lend a hand at the Manta ID Program.
The resorts can be reached via seaplane, domestic flight or speedboat from Ibrahim Nasir International airport. the price per night varies according to the season. the prices given above are according to www.booking.com for the last week of February 2017. It does not include transfer charges.