The Best of the Maldives
The Maldives have to be one of the most breath-taking destinations in the world; tiny coral atolls surrounded by turquoise lagoons teeming with rainbow coloured fish and offering some of the most fabulous accommodation.
Whether you want the most spacious over-water villas where you can spend hours gazing out to sea, gourmet food served under the stars or even the world’s first under-water night club, our specialists have hand-picked their favourite Maldivian hideaways.
Sister to the iconic Huvafen Fushi, Niyama is a playground for the young and young at heart. With its Explorers kids club, little guests are split into four age groups and entertained with interactive and immersive activity programmes all in the care of fully qualified childcare professionals. The contemporary, spacious villas, some with private pools are a haven after busy days on jet skis and seabobs or try your hand at kite or wind surfing. Meal times beckon to a range of uber cool dining venues, including underwater playground Subsix, reached by speedboat and also playing host to the twice weekly 'Underwater Glow Party', for those who fear sleep is for the weak!
You’ll still be dreaming about the food at Soneva Fushi long after you’ve left this little piece of paradise. The pick of the restaurants is ‘Fresh in the Garden’ – perched at canopy level and accessed along a rope bridge which shows off the organic fruit, herb and banana plantations below. Menus are created from organic produce and you will enjoy mouth-watering dishes as the sun sets through the palm trees surrounding you. To top it all off, wander along to the Observatory for a little post dinner star gazing.
Surf’s up in the Maldives. Six Senses Laamu is the only resort in the untouched Laamu atoll and it’s fast becoming a surfing hot spot. Beginners can try a surf lesson on the gentler breaks, where no wet suit is required because of the stunning warm waters. More experienced riders enjoy having the surf to themselves including the challenging Yin Yang, one of the Maldives’ most famous waves, which breaks just off shore.
With its spacious, luxurious pool villas featuring everything you could wish for, Anantara Kihavah feels like a home away from home. You can easily spend your days hidden away in the privacy of your villa but, if you prefer a little more activity, you’ll find an abundance of leisure and water activities, a fabulous spa and even an underwater restaurant. And with their great children’s club, younger guests will enjoy the holiday of a lifetime too.
For those who don’t have a huge budget but still want to experience true luxury in the Maldives, look no further than Baros with its pristine beaches, lovely villas, excellent dining options and a fantastic house reef. Even at such good value, Baros doesn’t compromise on quality or service, and it is also conveniently located only 25 minutes from the airport, enabling guests to maximise their holiday.
One of the newest resorts in the Maldives, Ozen Life Maadho offers total peace of mind on holiday with its all-inclusive, luxury ‘Indulgence’ plan, ensuring you are not stung by hidden costs and extras once you arrive. Unique in its offering with included fine-dining, premium wines, champagnes and branded spirits, a choice of complimentary excursions and even spa treatments or scuba dives, Ozen is the ideal choice for active families and couples seeking fun, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You can even enjoy a speciality seafood meal amongst the colourful tropical fish in underwater restaurant M6m!
Made up entirely of over-water villas, Gili Lankanfushi is renowned for its top-class service and strong sustainability ethos. Experience this romantic and secluded atmosphere, with some villas accessible by walkway and some even only accessible by boat. Date night possibilities abound, from moonlit dinners on the deck of your villa, to venturing underground to the Gourmet Cellar, to sample the finest wine and excellent malts.
A truly experiential resort, there is no need to check your phone while staying at JOALI, designed as an art-immersive, luxurious island retreat focusing on sustainable glamour, created with world-renowned artists and local artisans. With an art studio, immersive culinary experiences, yoga, wellness and many more unexpected touches, this is a firm favourite for those wanting to switch off from the outside world and be immersed in their Maldivian retreat.
We recommend COMO Maalifushi to any of our guests, simply because it offers something for everyone. Especially when it comes to holistic wellness, COMO Maalifushi is the place to be. Feel the sea breeze drift through the open-air yoga pavilion at the COMO Shambala wellness retreat Take relaxation to new heights with eight overwater double treatment rooms, steam rooms, a gym and pool.