Travel Explorer Magazine (AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 EDITION)

‘Visitor numbers to the
Maldives have increased 17%
compared with the same
period last year’.
The Maldives continue to be one of
the most popular destinations for
winter luxury with visitor numbers
up by 17% in the first 3 months of 2016
compared to the same period in 2015.
One of the exciting new openings in
the Maldives is Milaidhoo (pictured
left), sister property to Baros, opening
in the Baa Atoll this winter. This 5-star
boutique property has just 47 villas and
3 residences and has a more grown
up, relaxed luxury feel, only accepting
children over 9 years old. Located
within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,
the resort is encircled by a white
sandy beach and coral reef, repeating
its beautiful natural environment.
Swim amongst whale sharks and
manta rays, enjoy gourmet food on
your half board or all-inclusive plan,
make use of your Island Host and
dine next to your private pool and 180
degrees’ ocean view.
The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
is due to open in 2017, the brand’s
first Indian Ocean hotel. This family
friendly resort will also be home to
the John Jacob Astor Estate - named
after the founder of the original St
Regis in New York and said to be the
largest villa in the Maldives at 1,540
square metres!
Soneva’s second Maldives resort
(Soneva Jiri) is also due to open this
Autumn with one villa set around its
open private lagoon.
For families, Lux* South Ari Atoll in
the Maldives has reopened after a
3 month long refurbishment of all
villas, restaurants and public areas.
Plus, there will be a larger spa and a
new Beach Club concept.
On Mauritius, a firm family favourite
and a resort where Oliver has stayed,
Beachcomber’s Paradis Golf Resort &
Spa has 5 new ‘Deluxe Family Suites’,
located on the beachfront with 2
bedrooms.
In the Seychelles, Four Seasons
have announced they will be taking
over operations at the well-known
Desroches, due to re-open in Spring
2017 following extensive renovations.
Part of the project will include the
development of the islands Marine
Conservation Discovery Centre, and
maintaining the work of the giant
tortoise sanctuary which has seen
the population rise to around 100.
This will be the second Four Seasons
resort in the Seychelles but one of
their smallest hotels in the world with
just 40 beach suites and 11 villas.
One of our favourite smaller hotel
chains is Six Senses, with their barefoot
luxury concept. You won’t find marble
floors and gold taps here, instead reimagined
railway sleepers, telegraph
poles and tin mine basins to create
spacious, environmentally conscious
luxurious unique accommodations
respecting their surroundings. Voted
by Telegraph readers as the World’s
Best Hotel group in 2016 it is easy to
see why. Their unique concept has
made it’s way to the Seychelles this
year with the opening of Six Senses
Zil Pasyon and further properties are
due to open in Cambodia, Fiji, Bali
and a further resort in Thailand.
In Dubai, after years of construction,
the Jumeirah Madinat Resort finally
opens the Al Naseem hotel this
December. This 4* hotel, the fourth
in the Madinat resort offers a more
contemporary design compared to
the existing three properties.
And finally, we have heard good
reports about the Waldorf Astoria in
Ras Al Khaimah. Located just an hour
north of Dubai airport it is convenient
and less developed than its Emirate
neighbour.
ANGUILLA
Nathan’s opinion...
“Our winter months are also a great time to holiday in the Caribbean. Earlier this year I visited Anguilla for the first
time. One of the more exclusive Caribbean Islands, the island has a special charm to it and is one of the friendliest the
Caribbean has to offer. Famous for its beautiful white sandy beaches, luxury hotels and top class restaurants we can
certainly highly recommend the beautiful island of Anguilla for a special luxury holiday.”
AUTUMN / WINTER 2016 | TRAVEL EXPLORER | 23