3. ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXE
The island nation’s latest addition, The Emerald Resort & Spa, offers both unmatched luxury and unlimited cocktails – what more could a girl want?
After a 40-minute seaplane ride from the Malé International Airport, I’m met with the beaming smiles of the attentive staff who instantly scoop my bags into the waiting buggy and offer me a refreshing drink.
As the buggy makes its way out onto the pontoon lined with overwater bungalows, I actually weep at the sheer beauty of the property and the pink sky in the background.
The Emerald has 120 villas, 60 on the island and 60 directly over the sea, constructed from natural materials like bamboo, natural stone and long-lasting Langhi Langhi leaves to blend harmoniously with the natural environment.
My overwater bungalow is 168 square metres, meaning there is enough room to park three cars in the bathroom without so much as bumping the giant bathtub or stunning dual-sink vanity. There’s a dressing room, outdoor shower and comfy beanbags that hover on netting just above the calm water below. A ladder leads down to the gently lapping waves and I can’t resist the urge to jump in.
If you do decide to venture away from your own personal slice of ocean, there is an infinity pool on the beach, where staff serve fresh fruit skewers and delicious cocktails under luxe huts. I select an Aperol spritz, my first of many that day, which is served with a side of olives.
Luckily, the resort’s six restaurants are also exquisite, otherwise it would be tempting to return and simply enjoy the snacks from the free minibar, which is replenished daily.
Aqua offers buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner and Brazilianthemed Amazònico is the place to go for melt-in-your-mouth meats prepared in the open kitchen. While this resort comes with a price tag to match the wow factor, the fivestar, intuitive service is outstanding. Every little luxury is included in the price, with experienced sommeliers and waiters on hand to ensure your experience is perfect.
Buggies regularly whiz around the island, picking up guests who’d prefer not to walk, and each villa has pushbikes for those who want to navigate the over-the-water pathways on two wheels.
Every room at the resort is just as luxurious as the next, with some beach villas equipped with indoor/outdoor pools and spas, and the shoreline just metres from the luxurious king beds. There are also two tennis courts, a dive centre offering snorkelling and
day trips, as well as a kids’ complex for those travelling with their little people in tow.
On my second day, I tear myself away from my book to visit the Emerald Spa.
I opt for the signature relaxation massage and experience bliss like never before.
The only downside is the long walk back to my villa, covered in oils that are all pooled at my feet by the time I get back, but the intense humidity is a very small price to pay for barefoot luxury at its best.