maldives - Elegant Resorts and Villas

Elegant Resorts & Villas of
MALDIVES
Resorts, Retreats and Pool Villas
East China
Sea
Nepal
Bhuta
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
HAA ALIF ATOLL
12
China
India
Philippine Sea
Thailand
Sudan
Ethiopia
Palau
Hanimaadhoo
Uganda
NOONU ATOLL
Singapore
Kenya
Rawanda
Indonesia
Indonesia
Arafura Sea
Funadhoo
Gulf of
Carpentaria
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Madagascar
Botswana
RAA ATOLL
Australia
South Africa
Naifaru
9
BAA ATOLL
Great Australian Bight
8
Maldives and her Neighbours
MALÉ ATOLL
SOUTH ARI ATOLL
6
4
7
1
5
MALE
2
3
10
SOUTH MALE ATOLL
11
Felidhoo
the maldives
A perfect string of atolls, each with one dazzling resort
Located to the west of Sri Lanka, the 26 atolls which make up the Maldives contain 1,192 tiny
coral islands, infinite sandbanks and reefs that stretch 820 kilometres north to south across the
equator and 120 kilometres east to west. This dazzling necklace of atolls cradles textbook desert
islands, pampering resorts and some of the world’s most amazing dive sites.
The Maldives is famed for its unique underwater beauty. Many of the resorts have excellent house
reefs and just a short swim from the beach, snorkellers too can effortlessly experience some of the
most incredible underwater life on our planet.
Muli
One atoll, one resort, and nowhere else to go, as Robinson Crusoe might have said, except to
plunge into a sparkling turquoise lagoon!
WHEN TO GO
Kudahuvadhoo
ZHAA ATOLL
The climate is tropical and has two significant seasons: the north-east monsoon from December
to May is light and fairly dry while the south west monsoon from June to November occasionally
brings brief downpours followed by sunshine. The temperature ranges from mid 20’s to mid 30’s,
the highest being in April and May.
ESCAPING TO PARADISE
Due to the geographical nature of the Maldives, 99% sea and just 1% land, transport is via speedboat
or scheduled flights around the clock. Seaplanes operate during daylight hours only; however
provide a spectacular view of the sparkling deep blue sea and dazzling atolls below.
LAAMU ATOLL
The Elegant Resorts & Villas Collection
Elegant Resorts & Villas have carefully selected a suite of resorts in the Maldives. Each has been
chosen for their unique style, location and facilities.
NORTH HUVADHOO ATOLL
13
North Male Atoll
1 Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef Maldives
south ari atoll
11 LUX Maldives
South Male atoll
2 Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
3 Cocoa Island
4Huvafen Fushu
5 Jumeirah Vitavelli
6 ONE&ONLY Reethi Rah
7 Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Haa Alif Atoll
12 The Beach House at Iruveli
baa atoll
8 Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
9 Anantara Kihavah Villas
14
2
ADDU ATOLL
Speedboat
Seaplane
North Huvadhoo Atoll
13 Park Hyatt Maldives
Addu Atoll
14 Shangri-La’s Villingil Resort
Plane
Island experiences
Beyond the Ordinary
Elegant Resorts & Villas of the Maldives caters for
sophisticated travellers across all generations. We have
first-hand knowledge of resorts that are outstanding
in terms of their accomplished style and dizzying
levels of pampered comfort. Moreover, we have a fine
appreciation of those resorts that weave castaway magic
in surroundings of unspoiled natural beauty. The atolls
and resorts of the Maldives provide an opportunity
to live out a Robinson Crusoe fantasy in an exquisite
setting. Artful design, quality and minimizing the impact
of tourism on the natural environment are the bywords
for the ever more opulent resorts of the Maldives.
RELAXATION & REJUVENATION
As soon as you book your flights for an escapist holiday, the effects
of anticipated pleasures are palpable. When it comes to the Maldives,
luxury is part of the scenery and you need only to choose which
layer of the luxury stratosphere best suits your needs: affordable,
hedonistic, chic or unashamedly romantic luxury. We present this
portfolio of dreamy resorts so that you can choose where to disappear
into relaxing isolation. The quintessential beauty of the destination
seeps into your psyche and into every bliss-seeking fibre of your being.
The atolls are picture perfect and the resorts are simply perfection.
FAMILIES, FRIENDS & SIGNIFICANT OCCASIONS
Forty years ago no one had heard of the Maldives. Now there is an atoll
and a resort for every occasion. Resorts that provide both affordable
and high-end luxury are perfect for families and for friends whose
taste for good living in exotic climes is shared. For grown-ups there are
palette-pleasing meals, glorious wine cellars, cruisey cocktail bars, butler
service, yacht excursions, limpid lagoons and thrilling sunsets. Children
become engaged with the destination through creatively planned kids’
clubs. For absolutely everyone, there are infinite pools and experiences
of discovery above and below the clear surface of the water.
ROMANCE, NUPTIAL BLESSINGS & HONEYMOONS
The Maldives is a wellspring of unspoiled horizons and romantic
locations. It is an inspiring destination, perfect for anyone who is
contemplating a proposal, a wedding or a honeymoon, Romance is a
breeze when you can have a private candlelit dinner on a beach, soak
up the sun and solitude beside your own private pool or sail into the
sunset on a luxury yacht. Celebrate a new life at sunrise with breakfast
delivered to your villa or a pampering massage for two. In our long
experience, extraordinary accommodation and the intoxicating
beauty of the Maldives add up heady success when it comes to how
the heart is travelling.
SUNSHINE & SANITY
The people of ancient Rome believed that the Sun’s rays, exercise,
fresh air and water kept them hale and hearty. Little has changed over
centuries to debunk that notion and most of us love to plan holidays
far removed from indoor routine, constant work or just winter’s
chill. The Maldives basks in year round sunshine and is blessed with
atmospheric lagoons and turquoise seas. So, physical, mental and
emotional well-being are nourished by the Maldivian climate and
geography alone but there are also amazing resort spas to pamper
and please, programs that promote well-being and aesthetic design
and architecture to wrap the soul luxurious serenity. Elegant Resorts
and Villas knows all their curative quirks.
3
VIVANTA by Taj Coral Reef Maldives
A pocket-sized island for thoughtful soul mates and sea lovers
This atoll and resort is the embodiment of all the desert island dreams you have ever fantasised about. The
palm-dotted sands and achingly blue seas are graced with a boutique resort that is a lovely blend of minimal
chic, earthy luxury and local craftsmanship. Its secluded beach and overwater bungalows pay respectful
homage to the aquatic setting. In every villa, wide glass doors open either straight onto the silky beach or
onto a deck and ladder into the sea. Muted hues of blue, green and white plus natural slate, stone and carved
wood textures are the elements of design used to maximize the notion of a castaway fantasy.
You can keep your feet in the sand by dining barefoot in a private sandbank location or you can seek slightly
higher ground in the vast dining and bar pavilion, open to the sea breezes. The pavilion is an inviting vision
of white wood and copper lanterns and incorporates an open kitchen plus there’s a glamorous small bar,
back-lit with pink and mauve hues to mirror shades of the setting sun. Catch that sunset from the bar gazing
across the seductive pool. Otherwise you can seek the inner sanctum of the wine cellar for a cooler and more
intimate ambience and there’s also the option for a delicious in-villa barbecue.
Guests can slip out to dive sites, sail about on the resort’s glass-bottomed boat or just be tempted to languish
the day away in the charming Jiva spa.
It’s an all-inclusive tariff but there is more! Around five, each evening there is an onshore gathering of
stingrays. Like butterflies they carefully avoid your feet and ankles by turning up their fins and gliding past
and they will eat fish from your hands.
Disconnect from reality for a while and be moved by nature and high-end hospitality - without the sting in
the tail!
50 mins
main pic the Charm Beach Villa at dusk; left from top the Indulgence Water Villa bathroom; the Indulgence
Water Villa private deck and daybeds; enter your Indulgence Water Villa; Spoil yourself at the Jiva Spa.
4
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
barefoot decadence on the edge of a languorous lagoon.
Brilliant design and a brilliantly vast lagoon bring this exclusive island into the realms of castaway
perfection. Attention to detail and impeccable service are the rigorously applied trademarks of Taj
Exotica’s Maldivian outpost. The resort, just 15 speedboat minutes away from Male Airport, is simple,
uncomplicated escapism: no gimmicks, excellent dining, friendly rather than suffocating staff and the
seductive blue of a lagoon that casts an unearthly mantle of calm over the entire resort.
Most of the 64 elegant villas are lagoon villas that provide spectacularly romantic views of the Indian
Ocean, views that are best enjoyed from the private, overwater sun decks. Beach villas are steps from the
lagoon, with tropical outdoor showers, style conscious bathrooms, private walled gardens and plunge
pools. Every villa has air-con and cleverly quiet overhead fans whilst room service is of the “anything you
desire” complexion.
Fanned around a central courtyard garden and surrounded by the lagoon in a series of themed treatment
pavilions, the signature Jiva Grand Spa is an oasis of aromatic oils and exotic bathing experiences. The
treatments mimic what Indian royalty once considered their private domain of indulgent healing and
wellness. It’s a (literally) sensational palace of privacy worth reading up on before you book. There’s
everything in this dreamy spa land from intense balms for frayed souls to a complete lifestyle overhaul.
Sustenance of another kind is found in the two fine restaurants. All day dining at 24 Degrees comes with
an interactive kitchen that serves up eclectic Asian cuisine whilst the Deep End menu and décor hint at a
gourmet Mediterranean lifestyle. When you tire of the beach or the myriad of water sports, ease back in
the Equator Bar for high tea in the afternoon, heady sundowners or past prandial pleasures.
For the ultimate byte of bliss, download yourselves into the appealingly fragile dimension of this
stunning hideaway.
15 mins
main pic romantic dining at the Ocean Pavilion right from top the stunning Deluxe Lagoon Villa soak
tub; the romantic Dining Ocean Pavilion; the Beach Villa sundeck; the Deluxe Lagoon Villa with pool.
5
Cocoa Island
Utterly Chic
At Cocoa the style is deliberately restrained, a simple yet sophisticated mix of the
contemporary and the indigenous. There are just 33 converted “dhoni” boats as
used by the Maldivian fishermen. Each of the dhoni sits offshore overhanging the
lagoon. The inside-outside space merges on the horizon-side with floor to ceiling glass
windows opening up to a substantial deck for slipping in and out of the water. The
same decks ensure privacy for lounging in the sun or a quiet place for alfresco dining.
In-room facilities are decadent in their detail. Guests can choose between air-con
or overhead ceiling fans. Beds are draped in the finest Italian linen. Other facilities
include flat screen plasma with satellite, DVD & CD minbar and more.
The Shambhala cuisine is considered a crucial element of the Cocoa experience,
designed to maximise energy and well being with the use of organic foods. The
Shambhala theme continues at the Shambhala Retreat where there is an open air
pavilion for yoga practise on the sunrise side of the island. In addition there are four
treatment rooms, steam and a hydrotherapy pool.
The house reefs which encircles Cocoa, delineates a gin clear lagoon that is rich with
sea life. It is a sea without currents, making Cocoa Island also an ideal choice for
families.
30 mins
clockwise from top left the stunning infinity pool; the Dhoni Loft Suite interior; the Dhoni Suite exterior; food is a focus, using beautiful, organic produce; the villa’s sundeck.
6
Huvafen Fushi
An experience like no other
Dedicated to delivering an experience beyond each guest’s wildest dreams, an
experience like no other, your escape to paradise begins at Male airport. After being
greeted by your “Thakuru”, your Maldivian butler, step aboard a luxury speedboat
and skim across the Indian Ocean to Huvafen Fushi.
Set within its very own lagoon, Huvafen Fushi is a naturalist’s wonderland where the
stunning environment above and below the waterline is an attraction within itself.
There are 43 “naturally modern” bungalows each showcasing their own distinctive
design of high tech comfort and top line detail. Facing the lagoon with direct access
onto the sand, the Beach Bungalows have freshwater pools, decks and sumptuous
day beds from where you can laze and soak in the ocean views.
Lagoon bungalows, with their split level layout, lead into the tropical waters and
feature a private deck with sala and a separate sun bathing deck with spectacular
panoramic views. Your Bose surround-sound, with DVD and plasma, also has
speakers in the bathroom and on the deck, so chill to your favourite tunes from the
fresh water of your infinity pool.
The colours and textures of the sea provided Aquum Spa with the inspiration
to make its mark on the world spa scene. Aquum Spa has two underwater spa
treatment rooms; the others are above with a view. When not being used for
the very latest in spa therapies, reserve the underwater pavilion for a private and
romantic candle lit dinner.
The master chef and his team tempt at every turn with flavoursome light and
healthy cuisine, always served in stunning settings. Destination dining in secluded
areas of the island and beyond is also a must.
30 mins
clockwise from top left a birds eye view of Huvafen Fushi; the warmest of welcomes; the Lagoon Bungalow with private plunge pool; bathe with a breathtaking ocean view.
7
JUMEIRAH VITTAVELI
An oasis of poetic views and privacy
The hotels of the UAE have caused a stratospheric shift in elegance and opulence;
therefore it is no surprise that Jumeirah has now created an oasis of luxury, not in
the desert, but in the calm seas of the Maldives, where the average daily temperature
is also a balmy 30 degrees Celsius. Setting the bar for pure escapism is the success
of this intimate Jumeirah resort where the astounding natural beauty of the atoll,
the pristine beach and lagoon have been successfully married in to the stunning
architecture.
Beach based or suspended above the lagoon, the villas take jaded travelers to
Jumeirah heaven – and quickly. The resort is a short boat ride away from Male but
just beyond the horizon of civilization. The beach villas have their private beach
access, private wrap around pool, deck and sala day beds and the beach suites are
equipped with two generous bedrooms, rooftop terrace and a separate living room.
The lagoon suites allow for an extra dimension of privacy with their split level living
space and accessible only by Dhoni. Naturally all lagoon suites and villas enjoy direct
access in to the lagoon.
Centrally located are three sumptuous restaurants and a poolside bar with a 360
degree view where cocktails are made to celebrate the exquisite days, the ethereal
sunsets or the simple joy of not having to heed time at all. Time spent away from
the abundant coral reef surrounding the resort, can be enjoyed at the serene and
calming environment of the spa or at the activity center that incorporates a fully
equipped gym. For the younger guests, a family swimming pool and a delightful
kid’s and Teen’s club awaits you.
If you are looking for limitless indulgence and privacy, the three bed roomed
presidential suite is an ideal hideaway with its own private jetty, two swimming
pools, a private spa and gym.
30 mins
main pic the Beach Villa edging the ocean; bottom from left the decadent Lagoon Villa bathroom; the “Samsara” Restaurant; take a luxurious rose petal bath in the Beach Suite.
8
One&Only Reethi Rah
Unashamedly Big and Beautiful
This all-villa resort offers an unrivalled level of style and sophistication. Nowhere else
in the Maldives is there a resort with as much space and exclusivity as One&Only
Maldives at Reethi Rah. It is set on one of the largest islands in North Male’ Atoll.
Adorned with endless white sand coves and turquoise bays, there is ample space to
grace each and every villas with an ocean view, a generous private veranda and an
overwater deck or stretch of powder-soft sand. The 130 Villas are each exquisitely
designed and decorated with a touch of Thai.
There is a choice of dining options at Reethi Rah and the emphasis is on Island chic.
The main restaurant is set in thatched overwater pavilions with a cellar housing
9,000 bottles of the world’s greatest wines
There is a concerted effort to spoil all members of the family with KidsOnly and
dedicated staff for babysitting and activities for teens.
One&Only luxury yacht brings guests directly to the resort from Male.
Set apart from the rest of the resort, ESPA Spa is set within tranquil gardens and
manicured lawns. The Spa includes a crystal steam room, an ice fountain and a
yoga pavilion.
75 mins
Main Pic the gorgeous open plan villas; Right from top the Spa - Your massage room; the Water Villa’s tub with a view; the Grand Beach Villa with your own private pool.
9
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Surf, dive or sail to the Island Spa for treatments, day and night
The ambience of this respected Four Seasons landmark resort owes much to its lush and well-manicured
gardens, its sandy pathways and thatched roof villas that echo the layout of a Maldivian village. Inside the
the villas it’s all Bose systems, Nespresso machinery and creature comforts with a light and pleasing touch
of Maldivian design. Beach villas have plunge pools and verandahs that drop onto ivory white sand. The
twice as large stilt-supported villas, some with pools, hover above turquoise water bring blissful privacy
and a just right remoteness from the central areas of the resort.
The trump card of Kuda Huraa is the fantasy spa on its own private island, accessible only by Dhoni (or
you can swim out) where innovative treatments for men, women and children are delivered in pavilions
with wraparound views and glass floors. Watch the watery depths while you are being pampered, if you
can keep your eyes open! Cancel the return boat because you will probably just float home in a haze of
bliss. Unique night spa treatments after ten in the evening see you transported to a star lit lounge and
then soothed with an open-air massage ritual that is linked to the lunar cycle.
It is easy to intend to spend a romantic week or two with a companion, to plough through a stack of
long-anticipated books or just plug into your favourite music. However, as well as the rich variety of
water-based activities on offer, you can learn to surf. A Tropicsurf professional will take anyone from
the age of 6 and over through the necessary skills, first within the calm of the lagoon, then in some un
crowded breaks.
A tropical lomi lomi welcome leads to succulent seafood, crisp-cut pizzas, antipasto treats, and gourmet
Indian and tandoori delicacies. This is one of the most deliciously comfortable and relaxed resorts in the
Maldives, as much the result of many years of hospitable experience as by design.
25 mins
main pic Beach Bungalow with pool; left from top the island garden; the Dolphin Cruise; catch a wave.
10
10
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Reserved for tantric mantras, mantas and mezzes
On all the stunning days when the sun glances off the Indian Ocean, warm, light breezes carry in the
world’s glitterati and the shamelessly trendy.
They set down by seaplane in the sparkling two-kilometre lagoon that surrounds a smart, edgy and über
chic corner of paradise. The twist is that the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, a serious bastion of style,
occupies a natural 44 acre wilderness in the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biopshere Reserve. This glamour
puss resort has set a new design heading in the electric blue firmament of the Maldives. It is a celebration
of saffron, sapphire blue and blazing white, yet retains a relaxed, laid-back air as to effortlessly blend with
its unspoilt surroundings.
If you feel moved to be active here, kite surf in the two-kilometre lagoon, snorkel with turtles, dolphins
and baby lemon sharks or swim with the manta rays and whale sharks that gather en masse at nearby
hotspots from June to October. Join pioneering marine research projects or just hide away in vast
pavilions on the beach, over the water or hidden along dense jungle paths. All the accommodations are
iconically Four Seasons but they are also a romantic and artistic interpretation of rustic, tropical living.
Acres of daybeds and lantern-adorned spaces bring together limpid plunge pools, the transparent lagoon
and ocean horizon in a heavenly confluence.
The rose-tinged light of the Indian Ocean is magically intensified in the white sanctums of the dining
spaces. In the white-washed, sand-floor café glorious antipasti and wafer-thin pizzas are topped with the
catch of the day. The rooftop Moroccan restaurant softly illuminates the lagoon each night, conjuring
aromatic mezzes and intoxicating cinnamon chicken couscous under a blanket of stars.
The Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat is seriously a grown-up affair. In its overwater treatment rooms
and six jungle-clad villas, traditional treatments and tantric massages for two will realign your chakras
to perfection.
Enduring sophistication has been successfully woven into a spectacular, watery reserve.
30 mins
main pic Blu Blu Beach; right from top Beach Villa with pool; chill in a hammock; snorkle with mantas.
11
ANANTARA KIHAVAH VILLAS
A showstopper atoll where reality eclipses fantasy
Within a month of its opening two years ago, this resort attracted repeat guests.
You have to pinch yourself when you see the design symmetry of infinity pools,
wooden pavilions and platforms. Like Botticelli’s Venus, Anantara Kihavah seems
to step, perfectly formed, from the endlessly still sea. Every delicious shade of blue
builds on the illusion of being barely out the sea and yet connected to the heavens.
This resort is ridiculous perfection.
This palm-encrusted island has an undisturbed appearance with the resort hidden
from view by the natural vegetation. There are canopied paths that criss-cross the
island and striking palms that overarch the beachfront villas. There are no motorised
water sports to disturb the peace, the reefs or the rhythms of aquatic wildlife.
After a foot massage in your villa (that’s check in done) you butler quietly takes
over. It is easy never to set foot outside the villa again with spectacular guestrooms
that are a divine mix of modernity and tradition. Wide outdoor terraces with
swinging daybeds or hammocks make them masterpieces of comfort. In the beach
villas sunken garden tubs-for-two come with built-in wine coolers and overwater
villas cheekily boast glass-bottomed bathtubs.
Migrate from your villa to the pool area and butlers will busy themselves plying
you with fruit, liquid refreshments and cold towels whilst you just ease back on
retro loungers or on huge daybeds. On the far tip of the island and surrounded
turquoise waters, is the stilted-up Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky complex. Sip martinis in Sky until
your cocktail matches the colour of sunset; take teppenyaki at Fire; savour seafood
at Salt or step down into glassy, underwater, gourmet elegance at Sea, where vast
numbers of bottles are cellared.
Fantasies of paradise found include a six-suite overwater spa and the Maldives
longest pool. So, swim off or try to massage away the excesses, time permitting.
35 mins
clockwise from top left pamper yourself in the Overwater Spa; in-villa dining; magical underwater SEA fine dining; the Overwater Pool Villa; an aerial view; the Beach Pool Villa.
12
LUX Maldives
Push the boundaries of activity or addictive stillness
A short seaplane journey from Male is all that is needed to have you skimming
a crystalline lagoon and touching down onto the coral-fringed shores of the large
island of Dhidhoofinolhu. Space allows for choice. You can walk, cycle or hail a golf
cart to enjoy your favourite haunts on this long slice of Maldivian paradise. None of
this scale, however, detracts from the feel of splendid seclusion, natural beauty and
intimate quietude.
Stylishly simple rooms, suites and villas are scattered over the lagoon, along the
powdery beach sands or under evocative, tall palms. Privacy and isolated serenity
characterise all the modern accommodations. Their light filled interiors are brightly
furnished, comfortably laden with amenities and tuned in perfectly to the nightly
soundtrack of the sea that quickly induces a refreshing slumber.
Size also allows for an endless selection of sporting activities: yoga, volleyball, waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkelling and a PADI diving centre so guests can dive in
a protected area that is home to rare whale sharks. There’s also a host of daytime
excursions to other islands. If so much activity means too much exertion there are two
stunning infinity pools for those who plan on more sedate pursuits. Add a sanctuary
with a heated pool, sauna and hammam and indulgence seekers can choose to spa
themselves into tropical oblivion.
The unexpected thrill of this island is the vast array of restaurants and bars. Seven
restaurants offer exceptional island dining minus heavy, overly indulgent extras. The
locations, of course, take best advantage of every gorgeous view on the island. For
instance, Umami, lantern-lit and perched on stilts above the water, offers delicate
Japanese dishes whilst Senses serves an eclectic fusion of Indian Ocean tastes in a
relaxed and informal ambience. The six bars are havens where you can drop anchor to
while away sunsets and star-filled evenings.
25 mins
Main pic the stunning LUX Overwater Villa; left from top the chef’s fresh herb garden; the
Prestige Water Villa bedroom & deck; the Tropical Spa; the LUX pool; wedding blessings.
13
THE BEACH HOUSE AT IRUVELI MALDIVES
Unmistakably luscious
&
delicious
As you head north, fly over some of the most beautiful atolls where the islands become
larger, greener and the beaches more spectacular.
Spread over an idyllic private island in the far north of the Maldives, surrounded by coral
reef lagoons, stunning natural beaches and luscious vegetation, rare in the Maldives, is
The Beach House at Iruveli.
The Beach House has 68 villas, each with private pool. Designed to celebrate traditional
Maldivian style, they feature private outdoor dining areas, open air en-suite bathrooms
and traditional thatched roofing. Beach front villas have a private courtyard and sala for
protection from the sun. Suites and water villas boast the addition of a Jacuzzi. Water
villas have glass panels in the floors to enjoy the spectacular marine life below. Indoors
the villas are equipped with all mod cons. And yes, there is a butler who will tend to your
every need.
Work out at the fully equipped gym or cool down in the infinity pool. Divers can explore
the local ship wrecks and experience spectacular dive spots. Close by are two private
islands. One dedicated to motorised water sports and the other for guests seeking more
intimate experiences and beach picnics.
Dining can be in the romantic over water pavilion, on the beach, in the Asian specialty
restaurant or in the privacy or your villa. Freshly-caught seafood and Maldivian specialties
share the menu with culinary treats from around the globe, complemented by wines
from the island cellar.
Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation is the jungle style Spa with sauna, steam room,
plunge pools and indulgent floral baths. The treatment rooms are dotted intermittently
throughout the foliage to create a truly back to nature experience.
75 mins OR
55 mins +
45 mins
Main pic the spectacular Grand Water Villa; right from top save our coral reefs; the infinity
pool with endless views; the Beach Suite living room; castaway dining; action activities.
14
Park Hyatt
Privileged, pristine perfection
There is nothing to see here - except abundant natural beauty that will have you
almost swooning! Hyatt has created a remote and dazzling boutique resort that
sits at the cutting edge of chic and sophisticated design. As a Green Globe Build,
it was constructed only at low tide to avoid damaging the fragile reef. It blends
flawlessly with the surroundings yet soars to the greatest heights of breathtaking
in every detail.
Beachfront and overwater villas, with their lofty timber ceilings, are impressive and
light-filled abodes of stone, wood and warm hues by day and are softly glowing
temples of luxury by night. Personal hosts run flower-filled baths, adjust the
loungers on your private sun deck or arrange in-villa meals and private picnics.
The spa is a haven of lime and lemongrass, holistic wellness that offers treatments in
5 ultra lavish villas and where one’s energies are rebalanced to perfection.
At Battuta’s, candlelight, ocean breezes, great wines and signature local dishes are
served up at tables that allow you to keep your toes in the sand. The Dining Room
offers à la carte meals and serious romantics can be served at a private table on the
beach. There is an elegant poolside bar and the architecturally impressive open-air
Dhoni. A white sand floor and comfy sofas make this the ideal place to chill out
but come the cocktail hour, the room and the mood both shift to a warmer plane.
Teeming tide pools, a coral-filled lagoon, acres of fine white sand and sunlight that
dances across the ocean ­– you’d have to be delirious to come here!
Tailored itineraries can have you enjoying a rarely offered visit to a Maldivian farm,
an artisan or gaining insight into the atolls’ formation by exploring a submerged
island or a shifting sandbank with the resort’s own naturalist.
55 mins +
75 mins
clockwise from top left Overwater Villa on the pristine lagoon; step into the lagoon; amazing marine life; Beach Villa, just steps from the sand; the à la carte restaurant and pool.
15
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
Luxury meets romance with a self-congratulatory smile
Shangri-La’s Villingili, is a theatrical stunner on one of the biggest islands in the
southern Maldives. Seven types of spacious villas, jungle shrouded, beach based
or overwater, are all sheltered in unimaginable and intimate privacy. Attention
to detail makes them flashy jewels of sophisticated city style yet they sing of the
natural beauty of the destination.
Two-bedroom beach villas are ideal hideaways for families or friends who love to
travel together but who want some privacy. Two separate bungalows are linked
by a shared courtyard, shared deck and private pool, including sun loungers that
nest in the shallows. Unique tree-house bungalows provide elevated views and the
overwater bungalows concentrate your attention on the sea.
Bridges link five neighbouring local islands so you can explore the culture on
a 17-kilometre stretch by bicycle, dropping in on Maldivian villages en route. At
the resort there are well-signed nature trails great snorkelling, diving, a kids cool
70 mins +
zone, a fitness centre, 2 tennis courts and a nine-hole recreational course amidst
breathtaking views of the ocean.
All the sensory pleasures are catered for with three restaurants and two bars and
lounges, plus dine-by-design options. Dr. Ali is a hub of fine dining that presents
cuisines from the Arabian Gulf to the Indian Ocean an on to the South China Sea.
The cushioned décor, ambient lighting and music of its three rooms transport you
to the place even before your entrée has hit the table.
There is retail therapy in abundance but if that doesn’t appeal you can drift away
into secret dreams at the highest point on the island at “CHI, The Spa village. Get
steamed up, massaged into oblivion or take up a tantric yoga posture.
Sea gaze in the shade or sea graze on the resort’s luxury yacht for lunch at the
equator but you will be left smiling.
5 mins
clockwise from top left the tranquil Tree House Villa; the Tree House breezy bathroom; Two Beach Villa - perfect for families & friends; dine by design; golf by the ocean.
16
Elegant Resorts & Villas
ABN 92 002 144 130 License No. 2TA001389
Level 3, 332 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
T +61 2 8270 4850 E [email protected]
www.elegantresorts.com.au
Front Cover Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa arrivals jetty
Back Cover Shangri-La’s Villingili atmospheric beach settings
Also in the Elegant Resorts and Villas portfolio • Elegant Resorts and Villas
of Tahiti and Her Islands, bali, Mauritius, Seychelles, thailand and Fiji Islands.
Elegant Resorts and Villas also has a collection of Villa for Rentals in Italy.