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A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
LONELY PLANET WRITER, TOM MASTERS RECOMMENDS EIGHT UNIQUE MALDIVES RESORTS AND INSISTS THERE’S ONE FOR EVERY TRAVELLER
THE MALDIVES is a collection of over 1,000 tiny islands peeping up from the cobalt blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It is one of the few destinations in the world that looks even more spectacular than the holiday brochures. Th ough famous for its exclusivity, this island republic, in fact, offers a huge amount of choice when it comes to accommodation – in terms of both price and catering to the needs of specific clientele.
It is fair to say that the Maldives is not a destination for the independent traveller. In fact, unless you remain in the capital of Malé, visitors are unable to stay anywhere but a resort. However, there is a mass of variety: from the most simple resorts (though they are still three-star calibre), to the mind-blowing best, so few travellers will mind the “resort” tag. But with over 100 to choose from, where to begin can be a bit of a challenge. We hope these top recommendations for eight different types of travellers will help.
1 COOL COUPLES
There’s something very Hollywood about the One&Only Reethi Rah and its incredibly glamorous clientele, so if you’re looking for a week in one of the world’s most stylish resorts, this is probably the place for you. Its enormous villas are scattered about the large island in secluded spots, designed to ensure total privacy from prying eyes or the neighbours.
The bar here is abuzz with a young, beautiful and extraordinarily wealthy crowd – but despite that, it remains a relaxed place, with some stunning public areas, including what must be the country’s most amazing infinity lap pool that juts out right into the ocean.
This is the best choice for those who want to holiday alongside glamorous things, with the bonus that you may end up being new best friends with an A-list star or two.
One&Only Reethi Rah, Medhufinolhu Island, North Malé Atoll, tel +960 (0) 664-8800, www.oneandonlyresorts.com
2 UNDERWATER TOURISTS
Diving anywhere in the Maldives is a treat, but those who are very serious about scuba diving should head to Addu Atoll at the southern tip of the archipelago. Th is is the only part of the country unaffected by the coral bleaching that occurred in 1998. While the coral is recovering admirably everywhere else, dive here and you can be sure you’ll be blown away by the colours, variety and density of the marine life.
Handily, there is a fantastic little resort on this most remote of atolls, which is very much focused on diving. Equator Village is one of the country’s most unusual properties, converted from a former Royal Air Force base barracks. It’s one of the least expensive hotels in the Maldives (although that still means three-star!), and boasts beautiful gardens and extremely friendly staff. The choice of dive sites is incredible, with over 30 within easy reach of Addu Atoll. Even better, you will most likely have them all to yourself as a guest of the only holiday resort here.
Equator Village, Gan Island, Addu Atoll, tel +960 (0) 689-8721, www.equatorvillage.com
3 SPA JUNKIES
Nearly every hotel in the Maldives has a spa; with some so vast that they are virtually resorts within a resort – their pampered guests spend days on end being oiled and massaged, leaving only time to sleep. However, the spectacular Huvafen Fushi possesses perhaps the single most impressive spa in the country.
A jaw-dropping place to stay anyway, the LIME spa’s centrepiece is two incredible underwater glass treatment rooms where you (or you and your partner) can lie down and be treated while hundreds of brightly coloured fish swim around you.
It’s an incredible experience – and for non-divers, about as close as you can get to encountering life on the reef without getting wet. Coupled with an extensive treatment list, LIME gets our vote as the best spa in the Maldives.
Huvafen Fushi, Nakatchafushi Island, North Malé Atoll, tel +960 (0) 664-4222, www.huvafenfushi.com
4 TRENDY ECO-TRAVELLERS
Who says that ecologically-sound resorts have to be any less comfortable than the rest? Soneva Gili is all about luxury and saving the earth – rather than costing it. Every villa sits over water and there is direct access from your bedroom door to the warm waters of the beautiful lagoon. And what astounding villas – these stunning spaces are vast, fashioned from ethically sourced wood and decorated in a gorgeous Swiss Family Robinson style.
Most revolutionary of all is that only the bedrooms have air-conditioning; the rest of the villa is totally open to the elements.
“The villas uphold the Soneva philosophy of ‘Intelligent Luxury’,” says manager Jean-Christophe Nager. “Even some of the revenue generated from our laundry service is donated to the neighbouring island for the development of the local community.” Soneva Gili and Six Senses Spa, Lankanfushi Island, North Malé Atoll, tel +960 (0) 664-0304, www.sixsenses.com
5 ACTION FAMILIES
There aren’t too many resorts that strike the balance between being child-friendly and overrun with the little darlings – but Kuredu does just that. One of the largest resort islands in the country and located in the largely undeveloped Lhaviyani Atoll, a short seaplane flight from Malé, Kuredu is a place where it would be hard for even the most energetic to get bored. It features the Maldives’ only golf course, a football pitch, almost endless water sports and a host of land-based pursuits. In fact, your wallet is the only limit to how much fun you can have.
“The size of the island and the huge variety of activities we offer make Kuredu a very natural choice for families,” says executive assistant manager Chris Nargunam. However, don’t assume that there is no escape from the kids.
“Almost 88% of the island has retained its natural vegetation, meaning it’s an ideal choice for guests who seek peace and quiet.” Kuredu, Kuredhoo Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, tel +960 (0) 662-0337, www.kuredu.com
LUXE SAILORS
In a luxury market as crowded as that of the Maldives, it might be considered hard to pick a winner in this category. But Dhoni Mighili gets the gold medal.
Th is gorgeous creation boasts a simple concept that has been beautifully realised: the hotel has customised six traditional dhoni boats (the Maldivian version of the Arab dhow) to provide stunning floating hotel rooms that are able to meet you at the airport! Back at the island itself, each dhoni belongs to its own villa – so guests effectively have the choice of two residences during their stay.
“Dhoni Mighili represents luxury on a surreal level,” says island host Brendan Corcoran. “We have disposed of many traditional trappings like check-in and signing bills and concentrated on fulfilling your vacation dreams.”
Taking it to an even higher level, this is the only island in the Maldives where you can book the entire place outright for the ultimate luxury retreat.
Dhoni Mighili, Mushimasmingili Island, Ari Atoll, tel +960 (0) 666-0751, www.dhonimighili.com
HAPPY HONEYMOONERS
It’s hard to imagine a setting more romantic and memorable than tiny Makunudu, a long-time favourite of honeymooners. The island features gorgeous white beaches and thick jungle-like vegetation, amongst which lurk gorgeous traditional thatched-roofed bungalows, offering all the modern necessities (although TVs have been purposefully excluded for obvious reasons).
“For years, honeymooning couples came and planted trees on the island as a memorial to their time here,” says the resort’s manager, “and you can see how thick the vegetation has become as a result – we’ve actually had to stop the practice!”
Th is is the ideal location for liaisons, promising quiet, private evenings by the beach and a wonderfully relaxed, intimate atmosphere. In addition, thanks to the French chef, the food here is also excellent. While the resort’s simplicity means that it will never compete with the jet-set style resorts in terms of luxury, Makunudu remains an enchanting slice of paradise perfect for newly-weds. Makunudu, Makunudhoo Island, North Malé Atoll, tel +960 (0) 664-6464, www.makunudu.com
CHIC SOLOS
The W brand has already established itself with its famously chic city hotels in New York, LA and Mexico City. However, last year, it opened the most talked-about new island resort in the Maldives, aiming itself – shock, horror – at singles. Th is might not be an unusual angle anywhere else, but in the honeymoon and wedding capital of the world, the concept is both highly ambitious and much needed.
Romantic meals and early nights are definitely not the only nightlife option. 15° Below is the W’s 24-hour underground bar and nightclub, providing some much-needed high-tempo diversions without disturbing the tranquillity of the rest of the resort.
Above the ground is one seriously chic resort for a jet-set crowd – take your pick from over-water retreats or beach villas (all with their own private pools), the choice of three fabulous restaurants, a gym for working off those calories and a luxurious spa.
W Resort and Spa, Fesdhoo Island, Ari Atoll, tel +960 (0) 332-9489, www.whotels.com
For more information Ion what to do and where to stay, pick up a copy of Lonely Planet – Maldives (6Thedition) or go to the useful websites www.visitmaldives.com and www.maldives.com
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