Signature Luxury Travel & Style
MALDIVES
Magical moments await you in the picture-perfect atolls of these ‘treasure islands’
There’s a reason the island nation of the Maldives is known the world over as a dream holiday destination. Its position just north of the equator means it’s warm all year in and out of the water, and the natural wonderland is home to some of the world’s most beautiful resorts.
More than a thousand tiny islands make up the 20 atolls of the Maldives, a long and narrow country stretching over a surprisingly large 300 kilometres southwest of India. A 40-minute seaplane ride from the airport takes my husband and I to LUX* South Ari Atoll, one of the larger islands in the Maldives, at two kilometres long and 100 metres wide. Although there are 193 villas, they are tucked discreetly away along the beachfront in lush tropical foliage or overwater off curved boardwalks at either end of the island.
Living it up at LUX* The gorgeous LUX* Villa echoes the refined beach style of the rest of the resort, but its proportions are a little grander and inclusions a cut above. The spacious deck and infinity pool stretch to the horizon, the enormous bathroom is jaw-dropping and the dining and lounge areas – inside and out – are designed as much for entertaining as they are for relaxation, while the living area inside has a glass floor.
You can opt for in-villa dining or eat at one of the seven restaurants and five bars. Buggies ply the sandy road leading from one end of the island to the other, stopping to give guests a lift along the way, or you can zip around by bike, electric or not. We soon get into a routine of rising early for excellent coffee at Café LUX* followed by a session at the impressive fitness club (mainly to justify lazing about and eating too much for the rest of the day).
Sophisticated quirks abound at LUX* Resorts the world over and LUX* South Ari Atoll is no exception. A boardwalk – complete with hanging sofas – leading to the Japanese restaurant and bar, and the East Market buffet restaurant, also leads to a restroom that will make you laugh out loud in delight. Part disco, part bathroom, portholes in the floor open to the sea and clever murals, strobe lights and music transport you to another world. There’s even a photo booth in there.
There are other surprises hidden where you least expect them: a dugout dining area here, a hanging chair suspended over the water there and even a wishing tree. Write your innermost desire on a ribbon and string it up in the tree for all
to see. The Maldivians believe the tree has magical powers that come into their own on the full moon.
More than 500 white-uniformed staff keep this peaceful all-inclusive resort looking its best and it runs like clockwork. When we’re not relaxing by the pool, we’re strolling along a secluded beach, kayaking and snorkelling around the lagoon, indulging in a massage in an overwater spa villa, or zipping about on jet skis. We spot an elusive whale shark on one snorkelling expedition and go fishing at sunset, stretching out on the roof of the traditional-style boat to gaze at the stars when we’ve reeled in our fill of fish.
Sophisticated LUX* may be, but it’s far from pretentious; the vibe is laid-back but refined.
LUX* is about to take luxury to new heights with the opening of LUX* North Male Atoll in early 2019. Its ultra-contemporary penthouse villas have been designed with more than a hint of jet-set glamour, and the LUX* Superpanache yacht has a private chef and butler on board.
Spoiled at Soneva Jani
We arrive at Soneva Jani by speedboat, its majestic overwater villas rising mirage-like from the aqua water. Our own Mr Friday greets us by name as we step onto the boardwalk. We can call him day or night, he tells us, handing us a mobile phone.
The castle-like villas – all whitewashed wood and wow-factor – flank a boardwalk snaking to the dining and bar areas at The Gathering. We plunge into the villa’s saltwater pool to cool off and marvel at the blue sea stretching out endlessly before us.
A sunken dining area with a glass floor offers dining with a difference, but there’s an open-air dining area upstairs if you prefer. From there, the flick of a switch sends water shooting down the slide which deposits you, hooting with hilarity, into the ocean. Climb up the ladder and you’re back on deck, ready to relax in one of several poolside lounging areas.
A sunken bath on the deck off the bathroom could only be better by candlelight and for that reason, I can’t wait until nightfall. Until then, there’s a massage to be had; my therapist uses sound, crystals and Thai massage to lull me into a state of deep serenity.
We’re treated to a private dinner on the rooftop of the overwater observatory the first night, gazing up at the stars and moon through the giant telescope between courses. Soneva is an expert at creating unique experiences, whether watching the sun go down from the coolest outdoor bar I’ve ever seen, watching a movie from a daybed at the remote overwater cinema (Mr Friday takes us there and picks us up), or enjoying an idyllic beach barbecue the chefs have prepared just for us.
A snorkelling trip just outside the reef surrounding Soneva’s lagoon submerges us into a Nemo-like underwater world; dolphins frolic around us, champagne in hand, on a sunset boat cruise; and we ride bikes along the boardwalk bound for one of the chilled rooms at The Gathering at every opportunity. There, waiting to be devoured, are gourmet ice-creams, homemade chocolates and French cheese. Now that’s what I call living the good life.
Travel file
Accommodation
In Singapore, stay at the new Sofitel City Centre, a chic oasis with an Asian twist. In the Maldives, stay at the stylish LUX* South Ari Atoll and Soneva Jani. Soneva has also launched Soneva in Aqua, a twobedroom yacht, while LUX* will open a new highend resort, LUX* North Male Atoll, early next year. lux.com soneva.com accorhotels.com
Getting there
Singapore Airlines flies to Male via Singapore. Stay overnight to break up the journey. Seaplanes depart regularly for islands throughout the Maldives.