Imagine the clearest turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. Your toes are warm in the sand, the sun is on your face and the soft sea wind rustles the tropical greenery. Take a dip in your villa’s private pool before you head out to snorkel amongst the manta rays. You’re in the Maldives. Heaven on Earth really does exist. Here is my pick of the very best the Maldives, I guarantee you will fall in love with these heavenly resorts.
1. Milaidhoo Island Maldives
The brand new Milaidhoo Island Maldives (pictured above), opened in November 2016. Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives you’ll find 30 over-water villas and 20 additional villas among the tropical greenery along the beach. Each villa comes complete with private freshwater swimming pool and your own personal concierge.
Though the resort is boutique its dining options are on a grand scale. Choose from 3 restaurants and 2 bars throughout your stay. A modern take on “island influenced” cuisine will be offered in the signature restaurant, and the impressive wine list will please any connoisseur.
Idyllic beaches, world famous diving and snorkeling, fishing trips and cultural excursions are just some of the memory-making activities Milaidhoo will offer. This is a place to take it easy and take a dip with your dolphin, whale shark and manta ray neighbors within this protected marine area. Pack your bags, paradise has been found.
2. Soneva Fushi Resort, Maldives
Soneva Fushi Resort, is also located in the stunning Baa Atoll island archipelago, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Eco-chic villas are hidden among dense tropical foliage and are the stuff of romantic Robinson Crusoe fantasies. In fact, many are built to resemble tree houses. All open to their own private stretch of sugar white sands, and most boast their own private seawater swimming pools. Service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday butlers who know what you want before you do!
Activities include a Six Senses spa, private beach with watersports facilities, bikes to borrow, observatory, open-air cinema, floodlit tennis court, badminton, snooker table, group yoga and tai chi classes, jogging trail, board games, ice-cream parlour, library, stash of CDs and DVDs, free Wi-Fi. In rooms: flatscreen TV, DVD player, preloaded iPod and dock, binoculars, air-conditioning, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities. The resort can also organise scuba diving, motorised watersports, and local boat trips.
3. Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
Awarded the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award of Best Hotel in the World for 2015, Gili Lankanfushi resort is just a short boat ride from Male Airport. With its philosophy of “no news, no shoes”, it’s clear that Gili Lankanfushi prides itself on being a place where you can leave all day to day cares behind and relax.
Choose from luxurious water villas, spacious residences with their own mini wine cellars or impressive complexes that can house all the family or even have their own private gym. Villas on jetty 3 are generally considered to be the most peaceful and boast the best sunset views. Jetty 1 is a great choice if you like the idea of snorkelling right by your villa.
When it comes to dining, there’s a lot of choice at Gili Lankanfushi, not to mention some truly exceptional culinary experiences. Dine on the beach surrounded by lanterns or in the garden where much of the produce is grown.
The stunning pool with its luxurious loungers almost melts into the ocean, and it’s there that you’ll find a lot of the best activities. With the clear waters and abundance of coral, colourful fish, little sharks and rays, even just wading in the shallows is an adventure. For those who want to explore the sea life further, snorkelling and diving are very popular. Gili Lankanfushi is the perfect resort for anyone wanting to discover the breathtaking beauty and total relaxation of the Maldives.
4. Loama Resort Maldives at Maamigili
Loama Resort Maldives at Maamigili is located on the beautiful Raa Atol which is just 700 meters in length. Easily reached by a 45 minute sea plane journey, the island boasts a long history and several artifacts from the Ching dynasty were unearthed during the construction of the hotel.
Loama Resort Maldives features 105 elegantly appointed beachfront and over-water guestrooms including 5 luxurious suites, each one commanding spectacular views of the shimmering Indian Ocean. Choose between Beach Villas with outdoor deck and private outdoor bathtub nestled amidst lush natural foliage just steps from the Indian Ocean and over-water Ocean Villas built on stilts. Described as “like entering a living rainbow”, when sunlight illuminates the crystal clear waters of the lagoon, a dazzling multi-coloured marine world springs to life. Ocean pool suites have all this as well as a private pool.
There are 6 gastronomic venues at Loama resort which offer a variety of flavours from around the world, from authentic Thai to a delicious barbecue on the beach with spectacular ocean views.
Activities include snorkelling, sunrise and sunset fishing by traditional Dhoni, scuba diving and private island picnics are just some of the other activities on offer. The water sport centre offers kayaks, paddle boards as well as a Jetski.
5. Reethi Beach Resort, Maldives
Located on the island of Fonimagoodhoo, Reethi Beach Resort is a beautiful hideaway in the north east of Baa Atoll. With a white sand beach, lagoon and lush vegetation, this really is the perfect paradise setting.
Accommodation is built from natural materials in the traditional Maldivian style, while the various bars and restaurants are designed to make the most of their surroundings. Reethi & Delux villas are located by the beach, and Water Villas, built on stilts out on the lagoon. All villas offer natural wood finishes and dedicated sun loungers at the beach. The Reethi & Delux Villas have partially open air bathrooms and their own private terraces with deck chairs. Water Villas are slightly larger and have similar amenities but with direct access to the lagoon.
The dress code here is relaxed and informal, and the restaurant settings truly spectacular, with wonderful ocean or garden views. The Reethi Grill offers the opportunity to enjoy “live” cooking as well as fusion cuisine, with both a tandoori and a wood-fired pizza oven in use. Alifaan is great for casual snacks during the daytime, while beach bars offer a range of juices, cocktails, ice cream and more.
As well as the swimming pool and magnificent beach, Reethi Beach Resort offers an excellent spa, incredible diving as well as windsurfing, catamaran sailing or try your hand at sailing a traditional Maldivian Dhoni.
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