Maldives Insider - 2021

2021

MALDIVES

Aerial view of CROSSROADS Maldives

EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE ISLAND COMMUNITY

Three become one at CROSSROADS Maldives, where a trio of exotic private islands showcase two iconic resorts, creating a one-of-a-kind luxury lifestyle destination beyond compare

T

he surprises keep on coming at CROSSROADS Maldives where a trio of lush tropical islands connect a duo of luxury resorts, making it the first — and largest — integrated lifestyle destination in the archipelago. For travellers eager to dip their toes into azure blue Indian Ocean waters, it’s just a short 15-minute speedboat journey from Velana International Airport; a bonus for travelweary families.

Nestled between the jaw-droppingly spectacular Kaafu Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, the hardest choice guests have to make is whether to stay at SAii Lagoon 2 Hotels & Resorts

Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton or Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Both resorts are bursting with amazing entertainment, superb facilities and a choice of couple friendly or family-minded accommodation options.

Colourful, high-spirited and playful is an apt description of the SAii Lagoon Maldives vibe, with the resort’s contemporary feel incorporating a touch of design whimsy that extends across all its facilities. Also occupying its own island, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives holds unique appeal for every generation with its musical roots delivering young-at-heart nostalgia, from the overwater villas to

multiple themed restaurants.

Connecting the two resorts via overwater footbridges is The Marina @ CROSSROADS, the enigmatic, activityfocused heart of this one-of-a-kind island community. Overlooking the 30-berth yacht marina with its stateof-the-art facilities, this is the starting point for a wealth of exciting Maldivian adventures, retail opportunities and culinary experiences.

Younger guests will love the immersive fun at The Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp, with a jam-packed schedule of engaging activities that also showcase local Maldivian culture. Explore

MALDIVES INSIDER x CROSSROADS MALDIVES

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton

Sansation Beach Club

Olhuveli

undersea and natural wonders with both feet on dry land at the Marine Discovery Centre and Maldives Discovery Centre.

Five-star PADI certified underwater fun is the name of the game at Best Dives, or stay above the water and discover a new favourite activity, from wakeboarding and seabobs to the thrill of big game fishing.

If that’s a smidge too much exertion, the chilled-out allure of Sansation Beach Club, which transforms from a laidback oceanview hotspot to a lively after-dark venue, is hard to beat.

Nibble away to your heart’s content but do cherry pick your dining itinerary, with a global collection of acclaimed venues all vying for your appetite. A seafood mustdo is Ministry of Crab — the Maldivian outpost of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurantsranked chain — housed in a stunning colonial-inspired setting. Nihonbashi Blue is another award-winning name to grace The Marina, serving up traditional Japanese cuisine, while newly opened Jiao Wu, with its theatrical show kitchen, is inspired by the best of Cantonese cuisine. Kebab & Kurry is the place for a hit of gourmet Indian spice (do try the sensational Keralan prawn moilee curry) with Kinkao Thai Bistro taking its umami credentials to new, creative heights. Come back down to earth and tuck into a classic tomahawk at Carne Diem steakhouse, but don’t leave the islands before you’ve tasted retro fame with a rock ‘n’ roll dining experience and some late-night live music courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe — grab an iconic t-shirt from the shop on your way out!

Find out more at crossroadsmaldives.com 3 Hotels & Resorts

Curated to suit your every mood with perfect bliss and luxurious comfort, the Premium All-Inclusive Heritance Aarah invites you to a tropical seclusion with a gastronomic offering like no other.

MALDIVES

T: +960 6580222 | E : res.aarah@heritancehotels.com www.heritancehotels.com/aarah

First LEED certified building in the Maldives Best luxury all-inclusive resort at Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021 Top resort in the world - CNT Readers’ Choice Awards 2020 Middle East Gold Medalist at Culinary Olympics 2020 ‘Best of the Best’ top 25 All-Inclusive Resort in the world. Trip Advisor 2021

Local and International COVID-19 regulations apply. For more details on our safety precautions, log on to www.aitkenspencehotels.com/spencesafe

Huvafen Fushi

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WELCOME TO THE MALDIVES

Y

ou’ve seen the Instagram feeds (while sick with envy) and marvelled at the barely believable images of Ivory-hued sands, pellucid waters and incredible over-water villas, but nothing beats actually being there. A dream destination where you can switch off and succumb to the charm of Mother Nature, there’s something for everyone in the Maldives, from watersports and spa treatments to gourmet dining — even metres beneath the ocean. The cachet of staying on your own private island is hard to beat, and many resorts are thoughtfully designed to create an illusion of castaway seclusion. Whether you’re looking for a 21st century Robinson Crusoe experience (think water slides) or fully immersive indulgence, our hand-picked collection of standout resorts will ensure you find your Maldivian mojo.

5 Welcome

CONTENTS 08

Huvafen Fushi Maldives

09

Kurumba Maldives

20

Sun Siyam Olhuveli JA Manafaru

22

10

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

13

Soneva Fushi Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

14

Kuramathi

Soneva Janii

Siyam World Maldives Adaaran Club Rannalhi

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton

16

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

19

Joali Being

24

30

Kandolhu Maldives

32

Six Senses Laamu One&Only Reethi Rah

Six Senses Laamu

26 27

Velassaru

28

Heritance Aarah

29

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi The Nautilus Maldives

GETTING THERE

The Maldives is served by a number of GCC-based airlines, including Emirates, Fly Dubai, and Etihad Airways. Flights arrive into Velana International Airport in Malé, and the onward journey to your desired resort depends on how far away it is.

Some are close enough to zip to on a speedboat, while others will organise a seaplane for a seamless connection to your destination.

WEATHER FORECAST

Joali Being

6 Contents

The equatorial climate features two main seasons, with sunshine assured in both. From November to April the weather is fairly dry, whereas May to October brings with it the occasional (and usually brief) rain shower. During the day, temperatures tend to hover around 30°C and will then dip to the mid-20s at night.

THIS WAY TO PARADISE

Milaidhoo Island Maldives

From the new to the iconic, find your perfect resort for a holiday to remember...

7 Hotels & Resorts

Huvafen Fushi Maldives In the North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from the airport, is the stunning Huvafen Fushi, where absolute luxury abounds. Did we mention yet that it has an underwater spa, submerged eight metres below the surface to offer spa-goes a real once-in-a-lifetime experience (unless you head here for more than one treatment, which you definitely will). The accommodation offering is split into bungalows and pavilions, and on the 8 Hotels & Resorts

beach or overwater. They’re big, beautifully designed, and you’ll find us cocooned in the gargantuan Cube With Pool, replete with a private steam room and sauna.

DON'T MISS...

Checking out the rare vintages at Vimum.

It’s not just the spa that’s submerged at Huvafen Fushi, but the wine cellar tool, a first for the Maldives.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

The Two-Bedroom Ocean Pavilion With Pool stands atop the turquoise ocean, affording its guests soul-stirring vistas.

Kurumba Maldives If you simply can’t wait to set foot in paradise, this is the resort for you — a mere 10-minute speedboat ride away from the airport, a service that’s available around the clock. That means more time to enjoy the ample attractions on offer — from snorkelling (try it at night for a whole new perspective) to scuba diving; shark safaris to dolphin cruises; and from trips to local islands to learn of the local culture, to nightly entertainment

under the stars. This is a resort that promises much and delivers plenty, particularly if you have the kids in tow.

There are dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs to ensure nobody misses out.

DON'T MISS...

The opportunity to go all-inclusive, to take away the fear of the final bill as you indulge in paradise.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

The spacious Family Villa looks out to the ocean. It’s a view to soak in from your private pool.

“This is a resort that promises much and delivers plenty” 9 Hotels & Resorts

Soneva Jani The overwater villa was (and remains) ubiquitous in the Maldives, a hard-totop guest experience. Then Soneva Jani birthed the Water Retreat, upping the ante by adding huge water slides to the overwater accommodation offering – and a retractable roof over the master bedroom, allowing you to sleep under the stars without eschewing the comfort of your bed. Since then, the resort has added the slightly larger Water Reserves, the ultimate in over-water living. You won’t be surprised to learn, then, that the other offerings here are also a cut above – exceptional dining and wellness options underpinned by visiting Michelin-starred chefs and worldclass practitioners; aquatic adventures 10 Hotels & Resorts

replete with turtles and dolphins; and a technology-free kids’ club so that they can fully appreciate their idyllic surrounds. Whether young, old, or somewhere in the middle, this is the Maldives resort of your wildest dreams.

DON'T MISS...

Dinner in the unique setting of the island’s own observatory, where the inhouse astronomer will be your guide to the stars that light your memorable meal.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

It would be remiss not to take the chance to book a room that affords you the opportunity to slide from your bedroom into the crystal-clear lagoon below. Yep, it’s a Water Retreat or Water Reserve for us.

T H E F I R S T N AT U R E I M M E R S I V E WELLBEING ISLAND RETREAT IN THE MALDIVES Designed as a nature immersive wellbeing retreat with 68 private pool villas and the island’s wild forest remaining untouched, JOALI BEING offers personalised transformative programmes and unique transformational spaces, including hydrotherapy, movement, and sound healing experiences.

there is joy in weightlessness

Bodufushi Island | Maldives Joalibeing.com

A PREMIUM ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT www.dhigali.com

Siyam World Maldives

With 4km of flawless beaches, and an even longer house reef for spectacular snorkelling, Siyam World Maldives is one of the nation’s largest (and newest) island-resorts — and its most varied, too. There are 21 accommodation categories to choose from, many with private pools, personal ‘katheeb’ (butler) and uninterrupted ocean views.

Room rates are all-inclusive, so you can dine with abandon at the 14 bars and restaurants, which serve everything from tapas to sushi, as well as local Maldivian delicacies. As for activities, take your pick from beach bootcamp, sunset meditation, the inflatable obstacle-course of Siyam Water World – and much more.

DON'T MISS...

A glimpse of the Milky Way, on a stargazing session led by an expert astronomer.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

With its very own water slide into the ocean, a Lagoon Villa is ideal for families (and big kids, too).

“Plan in everything from sunrise fishing to sunset cruises”

Adaaran Club Rannalhi

The South Malé Atoll is generally considered the best snorkelling destination across Maldivian waters, and Adaaran Club Rannalhi sits right at its tip.

So, if aqua adventure tops your wishlist, then head here to get your fix of giant manta rays, striking whale sharks, and soft-natured sea turtles. Keep the itinerary action-packed when you opt for this fun-loving resort by planning in everything from sunrise fishing to sunset cruises.

And if you feel like exploring further afield, you can embark on an islandhopping adventure, visiting a trio of neighbouring islands.

DON'T MISS...

A chance to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Maldivians when you day trip to the local town.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

Feel like you’re walking on water when you stay in one of the over-water bungalows.

They have glass porthole floors, so you can watch sea life glide on by.

13 Hotels & Resorts

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton One of the archipelago’s bestconnected resorts, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton combines breathtaking natural beauty with the buzz of a shopping, dining and entertainment hub. It’s one of the three islands at Crossroads Maldives – putting extra spas, bars and boutiques just a short walk away – and is a 15-minute speedboat hop from Malé and the airport. So you won’t have to wait long to dip your toes in the huge infinity pool, or slip into the ocean from your overwater villa. In the resort itself, you’ll find three restaurants and an exclusive beach club – all with a colourful island-inspired aesthetic.

DON'T MISS...

The fragrant curries, fresh noodles and spicy salads at Mr Tomyam – the hotel’s top-rated Thai restaurant.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

With the sand literally on its doorstep, a King Beach Villa offers front-row ocean views – yet remains handy for the resort’s restaurants and amenities.

14 Hotels & Resorts

AWAKEN TO A NEW REALITY www.huvafenfushi.com

/////////// Sun Siyam Vilu Reef Totally in tune with its idyllic location, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef is a haven for wildlife – as well as discerning guests.

The surrounding reef offers fantastic diving and snorkelling, while the treetops bustle with exotic birds.

The resort has occupied this island for 20 years, but still feels fresh and luxurious: a handful of beach suites sit between the coconut palms, while stilted villas overlook the turquoise lagoon. The on-site scuba school offers guided dives for beginners and pros alike, as well as canoeing, windsurfing and banana boat rides – while land activities include everything from tennis and yoga, to moonlit movie screenings on the beach.

DON'T MISS...

The speedboat ride to Sun Siyam Iru Veli, to spend the day on Vilu Reef’s sister resort – another fivestar retreat.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

You can step right onto the sand from a Jacuzzi Deluxe Beach Villa, and snooze on its sea-facing sofa swing.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Swaying palm trees, ocean-view infinity pools, dazzling white sands… Sun Siyam Iru Fushi ticks off every possible Maldives wish-list, and much more besides. A pristine beach encircles the whole island, with low-slung hammocks and secluded sunloungers, while the all-villa accommodation offers private pools and Jacuzzis galore. Feeling adventurous? Maybe you’ll start the morning with a nature walk through the tropical gardens – before a day of scuba diving, watersports and island hopping in a dhoni sailing boat. Meanwhile, the spa specialises in Ayurvedic treatments, 16 Hotels & Resorts

plus one-to-one yoga sessions and guided meditation – ideal for easing into the languid pace of island life.

DON'T MISS...

A family-friendly snorkelling trip to a reef famed for its clownfish, where you can search for your own little Nemo and Dory.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

Maldivian sunsets are always glorious.

As the day draws to a close, retreat to the whirlpool of a Sunset Horizon Water Villa for the best view on the island.

AUTHENTIC HOSPITALITY MEETS LAIDBACK LUXURY

www.kandolhu.com

NATU RALLY MALD I V E S www.kuramathi.com

Joali Being A mere 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé is all that separates you from the unique Joali Being, an island utopia built from the ground up using biophilic (a love of nature) design principles. This is a well-being sanctuary on another level, one where each guest is greeted with an initial in-depth consultation on arrival to ensure their wellness programme — based on the island’s four key pillars: mind, skin, microbiome, and energy — is designed bespoke. Then it’s off to sample the extraordinary wellness facilities (Hydrotherapy Hall, Sound Therapy Hall, and Herbology Centre included) before dinner at the openplan, three-kitchen Flow (ingredients

sourced for sustainability, of course) as the sun sets on just another day in paradise.

DON'T MISS...

The chance to check out the island’s turtle conservation sanctuary — one of just three in the Maldives.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

How about the Four Bedroom Wellbeing Private Ocean Residence?

It marries a well-being room and ‘movement zone’ to what are jawdropping, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Customised minibar included.

19 Hotels & Resorts

Sun Siyam Olhuveli Every evening, the jetty of Sun Siyam Olhuveli is surrounded by manta rays, which come to feed on its planktonrich waters. That’s just one of the ways that this resort — set on a trio of islands — sits in harmony with its natural surroundings: even the humblest dwelling has beautiful beach views, while the three swimming pools are set in lushly-planted gardens. The lagoon is the centrepiece of the resort, where you can try flyboarding, paragliding, kitesurfing and more, all with expert tuition. While families are welcome and kids are cosseted, there are plenty of adults-only spots too — including a seaview infinity pool, selected restaurants and overwater villas.

DON'T MISS...

The chance to scuba dive on the shipwreck at Vaavu Atoll, surrounded by vibrant shoals of fish. It’s a short boat ride away from the resort.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

From the open-air (yet utterly private) bathtub of a Two Bedroom Beach Suite, you can look to the skies while you bathe.

“You can sip your morning coffee in the private pool ”

JA Manafaru

When you step off the seaplane, you’ll kick off your shoes and forget all about them — because JA Manafaru is a paragon of barefoot luxury.

Naturally, it’s fringed entirely by a paradise beach, upon which sit several restaurants and dining venues, plus an infinity swimming pool (one of three) with stellar sunset views. Inland, hidden from view by blossoming fruit trees, lies a cluster of secluded villas, each with their own swimming pool and spa pavilion. Just offshore, two crescents of over-water villas jut out 20 Hotels & Resorts

into the Indian Ocean, orientated to face either sunset or sunrise — and surrounded, of course, by sparkling gemstone-blue shallows.

DON'T MISS...

Want to really get away from it all?

On a ‘Castaway’ boat trip, you’ll be whisked to a far-flung desert island — yours to explore for the day.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

Earlybirds love the east-facing Sunrise Water Villas, which catch the first sunshine of the morning. You can sip your morning coffee in the private pool.

www.kurumba.com

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives From the underwater tunes at the swim-up bar, to the curated vinyl collection (and premium headphones) in your suite, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is the spot for music lovers, where paradise comes with a pitch-perfect

22 Hotels & Resorts

soundtrack. As well as an abundance of classic Maldivian perks — the white-sand beach, the stunning infinity pool, the snorkelling and scuba trips — the resort hosts live gigs, DJ sets, pool parties and beach barbecues.

The morning after, Rock Spa offers salvation in the form of a ‘Synchronicity Massage’, a soothing full-body treatment set to its very own playlist.

DON'T MISS...

The chance to follow the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, by rocking out on a Fender Stratocaster — delivered straight to your door.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

The Rock Star Villa has a glass floor, so you can spy on the sea life without getting your feet wet.

LUXURY UNDRESSED

www.velassaru.com

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas While yes, you could spend your entire holiday snoozing under a coconut palm, or floating in your own private swimming pool, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is full of wild wonders you won’t want to miss – including a house reef teeming with manta rays, sea turtles and colourful coral. Its top-rated PADI dive centre puts you closest to the action, but you’ll also get a great view from the underwater restaurant, or the glass-bottomed whirlpool bath of your sunset-facing villa. Other activities include everything from stargazing to sports (badminton, tennis, Muay Thai and more) — plus dolphin spotting on Ocean Whisperer, the resort’s 24-metre luxury gulet.

"It's the Water Retreats we adore, complete with water slides” Soneva Fushi

For a castaway experience with a fivestar twist, Soneva Fushi’s ‘Signature Experiences’ really capture the magic of its tropical setting: think overnight glamping on a deserted sandbank, private surfing lessons on the atoll’s smooth breaks, and seafood suppers with sand between your toes. Out on the lagoon, you can whizz through the crystalline shallows on speedy eFoil boards, or enjoy effortless snorkelling on a SEABOB water-scooter. For dolphin sightings and easy access to the house reef, choose a villa on the sunset side of the island; meanwhile, the sunrise side offers endless ocean views. It's the Water 24 Hotels & Resorts

Retreats we adore, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms and complete with water slides.

DON'T MISS...

Candlelit romance at Fresh in the Garden, the resort’s treehouse-style restaurant. Its menu is inspired by the Mediterranean, featuring fresh herbs and vegetables grown in the very Eden it overlooks.

ROOM WITH A VIEW… More of a mansion than a villa, the Private Reserve features nine bedrooms and two swimming pools — with a canopy-level upper deck, from which you can stargaze.

DON'T MISS...

The incredible array of Ayurvedic spa treatments and wellness therapies – plus reiki, meditation and energy healing with genuine experts. The aerial yoga, practiced in a soft fabric sling suspended over the ocean, will elevate your sun salutations too.

ROOM WITH A VIEW… Thank goodness the private ‘villa hosts’ (butlers) of the Over Water Villas are oncall 24 hours a day — you won’t want to leave your sea-view infinity pool.

Kuramathi Kuramathi was one of the first islands in the Maldives to welcome guests, and its well-honed offering is what keeps them coming back. It packs a lot into its 1.8km length — from a house reef chockful of vibrantly-hued fish to a superb spa, kids’club, sports centre, watersports aplenty and nightly entertainment. Who says there’s

nothing to do in the Maldives?

But it’s when it comes to dining that Kuramathi really excels. If you’re too much of a fussy eater to find what you like at one of the nine a’ la carte restaurants, there are also three buffet restaurants. Though wherever you choose to dine, head first for a glass of bubbly at the brilliant Champagne Loft, home to some forty labels.

DON'T MISS...

The chance to take a night dive in the fish-filled house reef, to check out a 40-metre wreck. It's an awesome experience.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

Perched on the edge of the sandbank, the Thundi Water Villa with Pool guarantees a stunning sunset is yours to behold.

“Stunning sunsets are yours to behold from your villa” 26 Hotels & Resorts

Velassaru Those postcard-perfect pictures you see of sand-ringed, postage-stamp-sized islands alone in the translucent ocean?

That’ll be Velassaru; paradise found, just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé.

The accommodation here is as varied as it is fantastic, offering up a choice of bungalows, suites and villas, either on the powder-soft sand or overwater. You’ll also find ample choice when it comes to dining — take your pick from the live cooking stations at Vela to the flipping

good fun at Teppanyaki, and plenty more besides. Don’t worry, you can stretch out that bulging waistline at one of the complimentary sunset yoga classes.

DON'T MISS...

The chance to whisk your significant other off to a secluded sandbank for the ultimate romantic dinner.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

No prizes for guessing the view that greets you at the Water Villa, but it’s jawdropping all the same.

“The accommodation here is as varied as it is fantastic” ,

27 Hotels & Resorts

Heritance Aarah The 40-minutes by seaplane that separates Malé from this slice of paradise is just enough time for you to build excitement for what awaits when you touch down. And what awaits is hearttugging — ivory-hued sands, lapped by waters the colour of Listerine, in an area of spellbinding natural beauty. Choose from Beach Villas to the grand Ocean Residence, with plenty more in between.

And for dinner, take your pick from multiple restaurants - serving everything from seafood through to Sri Lankan.

But why burden yourself with tough decisions? Go Premium All-Inclusive and you can get your fill of all your heart desires — drinks, food, a massage, and excursions, including the likes of diving and a dolphin cruise.

DON'T MISS...

Shaking up a storm at the bar by taking a cocktail-making masterclass with the resort’s mixologist.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

The Family Pool Beach Villas are both spacious and sea-facing — you can also view the ocean while enjoying a bath.

28 Hotels & Resorts

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Though it’s just a 30-minute yacht trip from Malé and the airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi feels fabulously far-flung: a trio of islands dotted with stylish villas and suites, and multiple sugar-soft beaches around a peaceful lagoon. For families, the youth club and activities will keep the kids entertained while you hit the spa, soak in the swimming pool (there are two), or explore the islands by catamaran. There are 11 restaurants to choose from, each in a spellbinding spot: like the sunset-view terrace of

Amber, the Arabian-styled village of Yasmeen, and the treetop ‘nests’ of Terra – for incredible stargazing while you dine.

DON'T MISS...

The adrenaline rush of an X-Jetblade, the under-feet hydro sport – or the X-Jetpack, which flies up to 15 metres into the air. The watersports centre is full of great gadgets, including Seabobs and jetskis too.

ROOM WITH A VIEW… Why have a villa, when you can hire Ithaafushi Private Island? This nine-bedroom sanctuary is totally separate from the main resort, with five swimming pools and a string of spectacular beaches.

The Nautilus Maldives With just 26 villas on the entire island, you can spend a whole fortnight at The Nautilus Maldives and rarely see another soul.

Indeed, the only crowds you’ll encounter are the whale sharks and manta rays of Hanifaru Bay – an incredible dive spot that’s just a 30-minute boat ride away. Guests are encouraged to follow their own rhythms, with no set time for dining and no activity timetables: instead, each experience is completely bespoke, whether that’s a seaplane tour of Baa Atoll, or a sandbank barbecue beneath the stars. The accommodations are secluded and spacious, with butler service and private pools in each one.

DON'T MISS...

The over-water dining pavilion at restaurant Zeytoun, which features four private jetties – each with a table set for two.

ROOM WITH A VIEW… Described as a ‘castle’ by the resort, the three-bedroom Nautilus Mansion is located right on the beach, and features a traditional Maldivian undolhi (swing-bed) overlooking the waves.

29 Hotels & Resorts

Kandolhu Maldives You’ll have to hop on a seaplane to reach Kandolhu, but in just 25 minutes you’ll reach an island that Mother Nature would rightly rank amongst her finest work.

It houses just 30 villas, nestled amid thickets of emerald-green foliage, ranging in style from Beach Villas to Ocean Pool Villas. The spa here bows to the romantic vibe via three couples’ treatment rooms, as will the chef, who will devise a dinner menu just for the two of you to enjoy on a private spot of sand. On other nights, take 30 Hotels & Resorts

your pick from five à la carte restaurants.

But be sure to set your alarm for a morning snorkelling adventure in the South Ari Atoll, where you’ll likely spot magnificent whale sharks.

DON'T MISS...

The opportunity to ramp up the romance with a champagne sunset cruise.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

It’s the bathroom we love inside the Ocean Pool Villa — it opens up to a deck and the endless ocean beyond, best viewed from the bath.

“Premium All-Inclusive is a real USP at Dhigali Maldives”

Dhigali Maldives How to better the thought of being on an all-inclusive holiday in the Maldives? Think of being on a ‘premium all-inclusive' holiday in the Maldives, obviously. That’s one of the USPs at Dhigali Maldives, and it means everything you could possibly want is yours without having to open your wallet. You want premium wines and spirits with your meals? Check.

How about a meet-and-greet service and complimentary VIP lounge access

on arrival at the airport? Check.

Dolphin cruise? Check. The minibar in your room? Check. You get the idea.

And with no worries weighing you down, you can hit the island’s 12-room spa to relax in the best possible way.

DON'T MISS...

Snorkelling on the house reef, where abundant marine life will welcome you to warm waters.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

The Dhigali Suite offers up an ocean view framed by swaying palm trees, all from your own courtyard.

31 Hotels & Resorts

Six Senses Laamu In true Six Senses style, this resort offers unbridled luxury with a sustainable twist: its marine conservation projects have garnered multiple awards, and each villa is made from natural materials (with nary a piece of single-use plastic in sight).

As if by reward, Six Senses Laamu is replete with wildlife — including a resident pod of dolphins, a coral reef busy with mantas and parrotfish, and turtles nesting on its magnificent sands. As well as the full gamut of island experiences (watersports, scuba, sandbank dining and more), its activities put Maldivian culture in the spotlight: think dhoni sailing, local cooking classes, and spa treatments infused with island-grown coconuts and herbs.

DON'T MISS...

The chance to get involved with marine conservation — whether that’s spotting turtle hatchlings on the beach (July and August), or joining the Junior Marine Biology Program (ages 6-16).

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

With its outdoor shower, glassbottomed bathtub and aquarium dining deck, a Laamu Water Villa offers multiple ways to enjoy its ocean setting.

“Holidays will never be the same again after staying here” One&Only Reethi Rah When you’ve stayed at One&Only Reethi Rah, holidays will never be the same again. Because how do you top a setting as naturally opulent as this, blessed with twelve pearlwhite beaches, luxuriant gardens, and cerulean ocean as far as the eye can see? Even the palm trees have supermodel looks, with their glossy fronds and picture-perfect poses. But the resort doesn’t rest on its laurels, either: the thatched villas are exquisite, the One&Only Spa is divine, and the

32 Hotels & Resorts

service is impeccable — whether you’re sipping sundowners on Tapasake’s seabreezy terrace, or devouring lunch beside the resort's three swimming pools.

DON'T MISS...

While the resort’s kids’ clubs are fantastic, its family-friendly experiences give you the opportunity to explore together — on dolphin cruises, whale shark expeditions and more.

ROOM WITH A VIEW...

In a Grand Water Villa, you can see the sea from the comfort of your kingsize bed — and sunbathe on a secluded catamaran net, just inches from the ocean.

A STORY OF SECLUDED SUNSETS

# S I M P LY S I X S E N S E S

It was literally paradise sitting outside our villa,

either on the daybed, the sun loungers or the net hammocks.

But best of all was the complete privacy it offered

and the stunning sunset views we enjoyed each evening.

Sam Miller United Kingdom Six Senses Laamu sits in splendid isolation where white sand and turquoise water encircle the tropical island. Luxurious eco-friendly villas are located on the beach or stilted above the lagoon while endless aquatic, culinary, cultural and wellness activities abound.

To reserve your stay, visit www.sixsenses.com or call +960 680 0800