with the sun. In keeping with the island’s conservation-mindedness, the use of protected and rare natural materials such as mother of pearl and corals has been avoided.
Voyage of discovery The multi-sensory, globally-inspired design experience extends from the use of carefully considered natural resources to a unique selection of artefacts gathered from Asia and beyond. The result is an enticing and eclectic ‘at-home’ feel, with key pieces to draw the eye and steal the heart. The Beach House is accented with Arabic influences. A swinging day bed for six surrounded by extra large sofas encourages communal lounging. Ornate latticework walls embedded with LED lights and candles make for atmospheric evenings, while the lack of walls allows for unrestricted views and a strong connection to the surrounding nature. Isolated in the middle of the lagoon, The Water Villa feels distinctly Southeast Asian with its high-backed ‘Peacock’ chairs and woven fishing baskets from Malaysia and Vietnam fashioned into lamps and side tables. The Ocean of Consciousness Spa features artefacts that enhance the marine concept and connect to the Indian Ocean, from an ornate Rajasthani mirror to large nautical carvings. Simple yet mystical, the spa design encourages the mind to free from its confines and embrace a place of higher consciousness. The Three-bedroom Beach Villa is beautifully understated, with large open spaces and extreme ocean views on three sides to create a true sense of remoteness. No distant islands mar the perfect ocean views, including the endless vistas from the large bathtub in the master bathroom. Unique touches such as the sundeck submerged in the pool enable maximum ocean-inspired relaxation and repose.
Across the island, an eclectic array of wall art, gathered from international travels throughout China, India, Bali and Thailand, centre on the ocean, largely inspired by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives conservation projects: a large ceramic bas-relief of turtles; an intriguing abstract piece comprising cable ties fashioned into coral shapes to reflect the creation process of the resorts’ coral reef regeneration project (which uses cable ties to attach the coral fragments to coral frames to ‘build’ new coral reefs); and beautiful carvings of octopi, swordfish, starfish and more.
Island adventures for all Voavah, located in the central Baa atoll, opened in December 2016, becoming the world’s first exclusive-use hideaway in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This secluded two-hectare haven transcends the private island experience by being “entirely yours” from the moment of booking, with seven bedrooms, a Beach House, a dive school and a 62-foot (18.9 metre) yacht offering ultimate privacy for up to 20 guests at a time. As the private island is solely available for exclusive-use, younger guests can fashion adventures on a daily basis to keep the energy high. Kids can explore the island reef through personalised snorkeling or swimming classes, or become members of the PADI Seal Team through specialised lagoon-based
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