Maldives Insider

MALDIVES
INSIDER
Find your perfect slice of paradise by immersing yourself
in our edit of the very best resorts in the Maldives
2019

JAresorts.com /Manafaru @JAManafaru_Maldives

Ultimate luxury getaway
IN THE MALDIVES
Cast away all stress and crinkle your toes in the sands of a tropical island
haven in an ultra-luxurious, private island with luxury beach villas and
water bungalows. Explore 7 world-class restaurants and bars and step
underground for a decadent tasting experience amidst lava stone.
Discover the layers of island life with a variety of unique experiences, soar
above the scenery by seaplane, dive underwater to meet colourful sea life,
swim, spa, play and indulge as you muse over the magic of JA Manafaru
For bookings and more information
email reservations.manafaru@jaresorts.com

EDITORIAL
Chief Creative Officer
John Thatcher
Managing Editor
Faye Bartle
Contributing Editor
Claire Malcolm
ART
Art Director
Kerri Bennett
Senior Designer
Hiral Kapadia
COMMERCIAL
Managing Director
Victoria Thatcher
General Manager
David Wade
Commercial Director
Rawan Chehab
Senior Advertising
Manager
Mia Cachero
PRODUCTION
Production Manager
Muthu Kumar
Cover image
Conrad Maldives Rangali
Island © Justin Nicholas
INSPIRED BY
Reproduction in whole or in part
without written permission from
HOT Media is strictly prohibited.
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liability for omissions or errors
in Maldives Insider.
Tel: 00971 4 364 2876
Fax: 00971 4 369 7494
Welcome to Maldives
Kick off your shoes and get set
to unwind, as barefoot bliss
is synonymous with a visit to
this spectacular 1,200-island
archipelago. Expect a surfeit of powderwhite
sand beaches, azure waters and
palm-fringed atolls home to vibrant marine
life. A dream destination where you can
switch off and succumb to the charm of
Mother Nature, there’s something for
everyone here, from watersports and spa
treatments to gourmet dining and cultural
exploration. The cachet of staying on your
own private island is hard to beat, and
many resorts are thoughtfully designed to
create an illusion of castaway seclusion.
Whether you’re looking for a 21 st century
Robinson Crusoe experience or fully
immersive indulgence, our hand-picked
collection of standout resorts will ensure
you find your Maldivian mojo.
GETTING THERE
Maldives is served by a number of
GCC-based airlines, including Emirates
and Etihad Airways. Flights arrive into
Velana International Airport in Malé, and
the onward journey to your desired resort
depends on how far away it is. Some are
close enough to zip to on a speedboat,
while others will organise a seaplane for a
seamless connection to your destination.
WEATHER FORECAST
The equatorial climate features two main
seasons, with sunshine assured in both.
From November to April the weather is
fairly dry, whereas May to October
brings with it the occasional brief rain
shower, after which the sun will reappear
to dry things up. Daytime temperatures
hover around 30°C and dip to the mid-20s
at night.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
5 Welcome

6
of the best
Maldivian
experiences
Don’t miss these once in
a lifetime discoveries…
1. Rock those castaway
vibes. Liberate the
senses with a boat ride
aboard a traditional
dhoni and a day spent
unwinding on your very
own desert island (p9).
2. Unwind like a local.
Enter a state of deep
relaxation with a fragrant
oil massage as part of
the dhivehi-beys (local
medicine) tradition (p13).
Baros Maldives
Contents
7
RESORTS WE RATE
Curate your dream Indian
Ocean holiday with our selection
of world-leading resorts and
experiences in the Maldives that
have been designed to put you
back in touch with nature.
8
Baros Maldives
Reethi Faru Resort
9
One&Only Reethi Rah
10
JA Manafaru
13
Park Hyatt
Maldives Hadadaa
14
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon
Resort & Spa
16
W Maldives
JW Marriott Maldives
Resort & Spa
19
Centara Grand Island Resort
& Spa Maldives
20
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives
Mövenpick Resort
Kuredhivaru Maldives
22
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The Westin Maldives
Miriandhoo Resort
24
Six Senses Laamu
26
Milaidhoo Island Maldives
Anantara Kihavah
Maldives Villas
28
Velaa Private Island
29
Soneva in Aqua
30
Heritance Aarah
32
Fairmont Maldives
Sirru Fen Fushi
3. Spa with the fishes.
Soak in the sight of the
vibrant Indian Ocean
marine life from the
bubbling serenity of a
glass-bottomed Jacuzzi
(p29).
4. Be at one with the
water. Swim with
dolphins, snorkel among
shoals of fish and catch a
rad surf wave (p24).
5. Learn the secrets
of Maldivian cuisine.
Discover an endless
variety of home-grown
ingredients and dine on
the freshest flavours with
take-home tips from
culinary masters (p10).
6. Explore an eclectic
arts scene. Celebrate
the beauty of the natural
world and dive down
to visit a one-of-a-kind
underwater art gallery
(p32).
6 Contents

RESORTS
WE RATE
Secluded retreats, family hotspots and
hidden hideaways – find your bliss in
this Indian Ocean archipelago
Milaidhoo Island Maldives
7 Hotels & Resorts

Baros
Maldives
A Maldivian legend, the resort has
been welcoming guests to its idyllic
shores for five decades. It’s easy to
understand why, with every island
fantasy indulged, from a choice of six
haute-rustically thatched villa styles
(headlined by the textbook romantic
setting of the overwater residences),
to dining at the very edge of the ocean
at The Lighthouse. A swift 25-minute
speedboat ride from Malé airport, the
house reef-ringed island is perfect for
snorkelling adventures. Or, you can
charter a private yacht to venture further
afield in search of dancing dolphin
pods. Back on shore, there’s a delightful
infinity pool, daily life-affirming yoga
sessions and more at Serenity Spa, as
well as three world-class restaurants.
WE LOVE
Row your boat to the overwater Piano
Deck for a spot of culinary seclusion and
a sunrise bubbly breakfast or seafood
sunset dinner for two.
MEMORY MAKER
No need to pack a waterproof camera.
Book a resort reef dive and an
underwater photographer will capture
every memorable marine life moment.
“White sands and lush vegetation
meet impossibly blue waters”
Reethi Faru
Resort
Named after the colourful house reef
that embraces Filaidhoo (the island on
which is stands), Reethi Faru Resort is
where white sands and lush vegetation
meet impossibly blue waters, creating
an all-natural canvas for all types of
holidaymaker. A 45-minute seaplane
journey from Malé, eschew a beach or
overwater stay in favour of a hidden
Garden Villa on the island’s easterly tip,
where contemporary interiors blend
with Maldivian architecture. Marine
conservation is a big deal, with dive
centre guests invited to snap pictures
of manta rays for the resident marine
biologist. Rejuvenate the body with a
papaya and red clay wrap at Coconut
Spa, which should give you an appetite
for the temptations of the resort’s five
restaurants and four bars.
WE LOVE
The candy-striped deckchairs and
isolated setting of the eastern shore sited
Nala Bar. Perfect for a refreshing drink
after snorkelling or kite surfing.
MEMORY MAKER
Clip on a GoPro for stunning shots
of the resort from the air, as you brave an
exhilarating parasailing experience.
8 Hotels & Resorts

One&Only
Reethi Rah
An A-lister favourite in the North
Malé Atoll and a short 15-minute
seaplane ride from Malé, here you
can live and breathe the island
lifestyle from the secluded luxury
of your private beach or overwater
villa. Design influences span
Maldivian, Balinese and Chinese
cultural accents with the Grand
Sunset Residence the ultimate style
showboat, complete with private
pool and chauffeured buggy. Nine
world cuisine restaurants and bars
keep the dining offering fresh, but
it’s the Japanese-tapas-inspired
Tapasake that steals the show with
reef sharks swimming beneath your
feet. Work off those calories on the
climbing wall or in the adults-only
lap pool before discovering the
12 beaches, local dive sites and
Ayurvedic paradise of ESPA Spa.
WE LOVE
The resort is a draw card for fashion
mavens, with its three boutiques
a haven for designer labels and
covetable beach and resort wear.
MEMORY MAKER
Travel to a desert island aboard a
traditional dhoni and rock those
castaway vibes with the wind in
your hair.
9 Hotels & Resorts

JA Manafaru
A teeny tiny island reachable in just over
an hour by seaplane from Malé, this chic
family-focused hideaway is home to
just 84 spacious villas and suites, each
with a private pool and lush outdoor
space. Live large in the two-storey,
three-bedroom Royal Island Suite (with
its own spa facilities, barbecue area and
ornamental pond) and make the resort
your leisure playground with beach
volleyball, a futsal pitch, games room,
infinity pool, and more. Parents can
escape to Calm Spa while kids enjoy
the dedicated Coolzone and Chillzone.
There are seven dining destinations
to discover, including White Orchid by
Michelin-starred chef Da Dong. We say
sign up for a Maldivian cooking class.
WE LOVE
Dine two-and-a-half metres below sea
level at The Cellar, an award-winning
grape cave for 10 guests that offers a
side serving of haute cuisine.
MEMORY MAKER
Get out on the water and stand up
paddle board into the distant Indian
Ocean sunset.
10 Hotels & Resorts

W Maldives is a private island surrounded by white sand beaches,
turquoise lagoons and breathtaking reefs, known to be one of
the best in the Maldives. With 77 luxury villas each with its own
plunge pool and secluded sundeck with a choice of spectacular
overwater views or tropical indulgence to soak up the Maldivian
rays on or off the beach.
Explore the spectacular Indian Ocean aboard our stunning luxury
25 meter two cabin sailing yacht Escape where whale shark
sightings await at sunset or create your own adventure under
the stars with an overnight diving experience.
Experience AWAY Spa before a live band playing at Fish,
our ocean-to-table cuisine or set the stage for the night with
our Resident DJ spinning the latest hits. Fit in a sunset yoga
session overlooking the Indian Ocean or sweat it out with a
W FIT instructor.
For reservations
reservations.wmaldives@whotels.com
+960 6662222
www.wmaldives.com
@wmaldives

explore
a moment of discovery.
enjoying the paradise and the island
vibes of Kuredhivaru, Maldives.

Park Hyatt
Maldives
Hadahaa
The first resort to debut in the Southern
Atoll, Park Hyatt’s eco credentials are
as strong as ever a decade later, with
the 50-villa destination a poster child
for sustainability. This doesn’t come
at the expense of luxury, however, with
minimalist villa design and signature
hospitality framing a sensational natural
landscape. Journey time is around an
hour on a domestic flight from Malé to
Kooddoo Domestic Airport, followed by
a 30-40 minute speedboat ride. Stay in a
Park Sunset Ocean Pool Villa for sublime
ocean views and oodles of privacy. You’ll
often be hard pressed to spot more than
a handful of guests, with the expansive
resort designed to create the illusion
of complete isolation. Embark on the
equator experience, where you can swim
across two hemispheres.
WE LOVE
The traditional Maldivian herbal
medicine of dhivehi-beys scents the air
at Vidhun Spa – try the signature rose,
lotus and jasmine oil Sehathu Massage.
MEMORY MAKER
Celebrate Mother Nature in all her glory
by watching the sunset from the cooling
waters of your villa's plunge pool.
13 Hotels & Resorts

Sheraton
Maldives Full
Moon Resort
& Spa
Picture postcard tranquillity beckons
a mere 20 minutes by speedboat from
Malé airport, making this standout resort
an all-round winner. A hospitality icon
on North Malé Atoll, it’s packed with
14 Hotels & Resorts
first-class facilities yet has ample space
to ensure that sought-after sense of
seclusion. The cosy Cottages are great
for couples or those with small children
while the overwater bungalows charm
from every angle. Eight restaurants
and bars run the full spectrum of world
flavours, from grilled seafood at Sea Salt
to Asian at Baan Thai. Stay active with
watersports fun or head off base to check
out the diving action at Banana Reef and
Okobe Thila.
WE LOVE
Walk this way for escapist, hands-on
relaxation at Shine Spa. Set on its own
miniature private island, it offers an
indulgent menu of Maldivian, natureinspired
holistic treatments designed
to soothe.
MEMORY MAKER
Have a giggle with your kids as they test
their skills at coconut bowling, or take
part in an island scavenger hunt.

BY LAND. BY SEA. BY SOUL.
GO ON. DIVE IN.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an idyllic island paradise, nestled in the
South Ari Atoll, our Maldivian playground is alive with possibilities. Ignite the
imagination with adventure to be had, local culture to be explored and
soul-enriching discoveries designed with meaning and purpose. Conrad
Maldives connects global wanderers to the pulse of the Maldives through
an inspired experience that quenches curiosity and nourishes the senses.
Discover a paradise unlike any other.
South Ari Atoll, 20077, Republic of Maldives l Phone +960-688-0629 l ConradMaldives.com

W Maldives
Fun yet stylish, with a dash of
contemporary flair, W Maldives follows
in the footsteps of its worldwide sister
hotels with its signature playful and
whimsical atmosphere. Take your
pick from the ultra-chic villas located
on the beach or over the water – all
are just steps away from the island’s
wonderful house reef. With your
snorkelling gear on, dive in to discover
the beauty of hundreds of species of
marine life, including colourful fish,
rays, turtles, tuna and even reef sharks.
Better yet, get away from it all at the
resort’s dhow-shaped luxury spa,
AWAY Spa, that offers indoor and
outdoor treatment areas for an allencompassing
experience. It takes just
25 minutes by seaplane to reach this
lively resort.
WE LOVE
Make your way 15 feet beneath the
island sand and dance the night away
to hip beats at 15Below, a pumping
underground nightclub.
MEMORY MAKER
Just a stone’s throw from the resort
is Gaathafushi, an untouched tropical
paradise and the retreat’s own secluded
island that’s yours to discover. Offering
privacy in spades, the beauty spot
is perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime
proposal, a romantic adventure under
the stars, or a private party with your
best buddies.
JW Marriott
Maldives
Resort & Spa
The new kid on the Maldives resort
scene, understated luxury is the
byword for this 60-villa destination
located on a crescent-shaped
island in the Shaviyani Atoll. With a
flight time of under one hour from
Malé, it boasts some of the largest
standard villas in the archipelago,
starting at 234 sqm; each with a
private pool. The standalone Kids’
Club by JW, with its own pool,
pirate ship and packed calendar of
activities, will keep younger guests
entertained while parents sneak
off for a couples' massage at the
signature spa. Dine differently
every day with six restaurants
including Riha, which serves local
flavours under the stars.
WE LOVE
The on-site turtle sanctuary where
kids can learn about the resort’s
rehabilitation programme, and even
help release one of these plucky
creatures back into the wild.
MEMORY MAKER
Enjoy breakfast with dazzling views
of the Indian Ocean from the
comfort of your Duplex Overwater
Pool villa master bedroom.
16 Hotels & Resorts

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Centara Grand
Island Resort
& Spa Maldives
A laidback fun-filled destination that
welcomes little ones with open arms,
this 112-suite and villa destination is
big on fuss-free holidaying with its
Ultimate All-Inclusive philosophy.
Accommodation is light and bright
with high ceilings and uncluttered
finishes putting the view front and
centre. Throw yourself into island life
from dawn until dusk with (almost)
everything included, from dining and
drinks to Spa Cenvaree credits and
complimentary activities. A kids’
club offers arts and crafts, games
and beach play, with a full menu of
watersports and nearby shipwreck
dive open to fun seekers of all ages.
Plus, it's just a 25-minute seaplane
ride from Malé.
WE LOVE
Splash a little extra cash and upgrade
to Island Club status for a host of
benefits including a private pool,
beach access and premium dining.
MEMORY MAKER
Join the evening feeding sessions that
lure rays and black and white tipped
sharks into view – you don't even need
to get your toes wet.
“A laidback fun-filled
destination that welcomes
little ones with open arms”
19 Hotels & Resorts

Grand Park
Kodhipparu,
Maldives
A contemporary take on Maldivian
tradition defines this one-island-oneresort
destination located just 20
minutes by boat from Malé airport.
There are five artisan styled villa types
on offer with the Grand Residence
living up to its name, offering a
coveted glimpse of the colourful
marine life through its sleek glass
floor. Bragging rights are guaranteed
if you’re a snorkel or scuba fan, thanks
to a teeming house reef and wealth of
nearby sites, in addition to above water
activities aplenty. The Spa is a haven
for Asian, Balinese and Ayurvedic
healing philosophies while three
restaurants and bars meet the culinary
mark; try Firedoor for its out-of-thisworld
prime cuts.
WE LOVE
The resort’s vibrant villa décor with
its artisan crafted touches, tropical
pops of colour in its soft furnishings
and penchant for macramé.
MEMORY MAKER
Master that swan dive and plunge
into the lagoon from the wooden
deck of your overwater villa.
Mövenpick
Resort
Kuredhivaru
Maldives
Prepare to be dazzled by the powderwhite
sands of this family-focused
resort nestled on the undisturbed
Noonu Atoll, 45 minutes north of Malé
by seaplane. Lounge on the upper deck
sala of your Beach Pool Suite Sunrise
while the kids splash in the plunge pool.
Or, let them have the run of the Beach
Spa Pool Residence, which sleeps six.
Young guests have access to the Little
Birds Club for storytelling, music, dance
and arts and crafts fun. Sequester
yourself in a lush jungle treatment room
for a signature therapy at Sun Spa by
Esthederm and then snorkel on the
house reef among boxfish, rays and sea
turtles before dinner. Food is central to
the Mövenpick experience, with three
resort restaurants including Bodumas,
which serves amazingly fresh seafood.
WE LOVE
Perfect your downward dog and child
poses during a sunrise or sunset
Vinyasa yoga session in the stunning
overwater sala.
MEMORY MAKER
Dine on a bespoke menu under a
magnificent canopy of stars on a private
beach or deep in the lush jungle.
20 Hotels & Resorts

Conrad
Maldives
Rangali Island
Spanning two Alif Dhaal Atoll islands
and connected by a bridge, the resort’s
remote geography (30 minutes by
seaplane from Malé) lets guests dip in
and out of daily life without sacrificing
personal privacy. Its villas and suites are
dotted across the islands, with beach,
water or spa locations to choose from.
We say opt for a villa on the smaller,
quieter island where there’s an adultsonly
pool. Golf buggies will whizz you
around, so you can discover the resort's
12 award-winning restaurants and bars,
pools, beach and Spa Retreat complex.
The latter is home to a clutch of dreamy
villas, each with its own spa room. For
fun, go diving, play a game of tennis,
discover the teeming coral reefs, or head
off on an excursion, such as the romantic
Sandbar Picnic.
WE LOVE
The 3:1 staff to guest ratio, including the
lovely poolside chap who will polish your
suntan lotion smeared glasses.
MEMORY MAKER
Stay 16 feet below sea level at The
Muraka, an ultra luxurious two-level
residence with submerged master
bedroom, tunnel viewing theatre and
above water deck with infinity pool. It
also offers private jet skis.
“Your personal thakaru (concierge)
will indulge your every whim”
The Westin
Maldives
Miriandhoo
Resort
An enviable location within the Baa
Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere
Reserve forms the backdrop for
upscale downtime from the second you
step onto the arrival jetty (a 35-minute
seaplane flight from Malé) with its
visually arresting shell-shaped canopy.
The resort architecture presents a
modern twist on island style, with
talking points such as the ‘floating’ lily
pad daybeds in the main pool. Westin
signature Heavenly beds, outdoor rain
showers and jaw-dropping views come
as standard in your choice of villa,
from the one-bedroom Beach Villa
- Pool to the two-bedroom Heavenly
Beach Residence. Your personal
thakaru (concierge) will indulge your
every whim, including making dinner
reservations – head to Island Kitchen
for Maldivian specialities. More
Heavenly branded experiences await
at the spa.
WE LOVE
Let the little ones off the leash at
the on-site kids’ club housed in a
repurposed shipping container, with
free activities for four- to 12-year-olds.
MEMORY MAKER
Take a day trip by boat to Hanifaru
Bay to spot gliding manta rays and
frolicking whale sharks.
22 Hotels & Resorts

ไ

Six Senses
Laamu
Feel at one with nature at the only
resort in the Laamu Atoll, where
sustainable luxury reigns supreme
and exploring barefoot is the order
of the day. Fly from Malé into Laamu
Kadhdhoo Domestic Airport and then
hop on a 15-minute speedboat ride to
the resort where Six Senses’ 12 villa
types offer something for everyone.
The Lagoon Beach residences are a
favourite for lovers of solitude with a
charming treetop deck. The beachfront
spa houses four couples’ nests and an
Ayurvedic pavilion and there’s a roster
of renowned visiting practitioners
for personal consultations. Eat well
on organic produce at the resort’s
six restaurants and bars, from
signature venue Leaf, which works
with Maldivian fishermen and farmers
to source local ingredients, to the
dramatic sunken bar setting of Sip Sip.
WE LOVE
Decadent indulgence is the preserve
of the Ice & Chocolate Studio, an
alfresco ice cream parlour serving
more than 40 varieties of creamy
frozen goodness.
MEMORY MAKER
Swim with dolphins, snorkel among
the vibrant marine life and get set
to catch the Yin Yang, a popular surf
break that's just a five-minute boat
ride away.
24 Hotels & Resorts

Milaidhoo Island
Maldives
Small but perfectly formed, with just 50
hideaway villas, this coveted resort pairs
Robinson Crusoe-esque escapism with
upscale island living. Couple-centric
(it's a no-go for children under nine),
each beach or overwater villa boasts a
private infinity pool and terrace while
romance is definitely in the air at the
spa’s intimate stilted treatment rooms.
Leave the confines of your oversized
terrace daybed long enough to try
the three restaurants and two bars,
including Compass Pool Bar’s delicious
26 Hotels & Resorts

Anantara
Kihavah
Maldives Villas
A 35-minute seaplane journey from
Malé airport lands you in the heart
of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve on the shores of a lush
emerald paradise. Out of respect for
the environment, the 80 beach and
overwater villas are discreetly sited
in and around natural gaps in the
landscape and feature a fusion of
Indian Ocean, Arab and Portuguese
design motifs. Leisure comes in
all forms, from stargazing at the
Maldives’ only overwater observatory
to seabobbing through the water,
joining an art studio session, lazing
on a suspended daybed, and dining
beneath the Indian Ocean at Sea
(there are five other venues to check
out, too). Children enjoy special
amenities and access to the Thiththi
Boli Kids’ Club.
WE LOVE
Settle back on a comfy sofa with
popcorn in hand, or go grown-up
with bubbles and oyster nibbles, for a
classic or blockbuster movie night at
the Cinema Under The Stars.
bento boxes. Milaidhoo also has its
own dive centre, as well as a fantastic
range of island-hopping excursions. It's
a scenic 30-minute seaplane ride away
from Malé.
WE LOVE
Say "ahhhhh" with a divine couples' spa
retreat at Serenity Spa, which includes
a dreamy coconut scrub, fruity bubble
bath and deep-tissue massage for two.
MEMORY MAKER
Raise a glass to romance and dine on
exquisite Maldivian cuisine with a chefcurated
dinner for two on your private
deck. Starlit sky and heart-stopping
views are complimentary.
“Small but
perfectly formed,
with just
50 villas”
MEMORY MAKER
Let the high seas carry you away for
an overnight adventure aboard the
Ocean Whisperer, the resort's luxury
42-metre gulet.
27 Hotels & Resorts

Velaa
Private Island
The passion project of a billionaire Czech
financier, Velaa is named after the sea
turtles that flock here to hatch and the
high number of repeat (human) guests
is testament to its appeal. A 45-minute
seaplane ride from Malé, the mix of beach
and overwater villas with private pools,
outdoor bathing and dining spaces and
sundecks is deservedly swoon-worthy.
Action and relaxation come in equal
measure with tennis, squash, climbing
and aquatic fun as well as a Spa My
Blend by Clarins destination. Reserve an
overwater, treatment villa with sunken
Jacuzzi for some next level pampering.
Six diverse dining locations deliver worldclass
cuisine, but do save space for tower
teppanyaki restaurant Tavaru, which is
also reputedly home to the largest bottle
collection in the archipelago.
WE LOVE
Sharpen your short game across 170
metres of lush greens at the resort’s golf
academy, with its Jose Maria Olazabal
designed swing studio.
MEMORY MAKER
Book the lagoon suspended Romantic
Pool Residence and be rowed home
to your (temporary) love nest by your
personal butler.
28 Hotels & Resorts

Soneva
in Aqua
Sail the ocean waves aboard this super
luxury yacht-meets-floating-villa for a
five-star stay on the water. Part of the
Soneva Fushi family (you can board via
Soneva Jani or Soneva Fushi, which
are a 45- and 30-minute seaplane ride
from Malé respectively), the yacht has
two en-suite bedrooms, a main deck
Jacuzzi and lounge area with plump
cushioned daybeds, as well as an indoor
dining space and library. Plot a bespoke
itinerary with the captain, who will
weigh anchor so the chef can catch
your lunch fresh from the ocean. Check
out the archipelago's best dive spots
under the watch of the expert Soleni
Dive team – keep your eyes peeled for
turtles, dolphins and manta rays.
WE LOVE
Say "hello" to your personal onboard
crew, inclusive of a captain, sous chef,
Mr. Friday and massage therapist.
You'll also benefit from the on-call dive
master and astronomer.
MEMORY MAKER
Push the wall button in the master suite
to reveal a glass-bottomed Jacuzzi
hidden beneath the wood panelled floor.
29 Hotels & Resorts

Heritance Aarah
This welcoming resort calls with its
eye-catching smattering of thatched roof
villas and suites. The jewel in the crown
is the stunning two-bedroom Ocean
Residence, which elevates the Maldives’
water bungalow game with its private
plunge pool, large terrace and butler
service. Dining here is a joy, with eight
venues to discover, including Ambula,
which specialises in the exotic flavours of
Sri Lanka. Plus, there's the option to book
a private meal on the sand. The resort is a
40-minute seaplane ride from Malé.
WE LOVE
Retreat to the overwater spa, which offers
a mixture of soothing spa therapies and
medical spa treatments, such as skin
peels, to pick from. You can’t go wrong
with the Island Indulgence, which includes
a traditional aromatherapy massage, along
with a de-stressing scalp and facial rub.
MEMORY MAKER
Bring out your adventurous side by
testing your skills at fly boarding under
the watchful eye of a trained professional
who’ll be on hand to control the throttle of
the wave runner, so you can simply fly.
30 Hotels & Resorts

31 Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont
Maldives Sirru
Fen Fushi
With a name that translates as ‘secret
water island’, this gem of a holiday spot is
concealed within a 600-hectare lagoon in
the Shaviyani Atoll, a 55-minute seaplane
ride from Malé. Let your cares melt away
at the sight of the sun-kissed ocean
that surrounds this all-villa resort – for a
taste of adventure, opt for the castaway
style Tented Jungle Villa. Renowned for
its culinary flair, foodies can dine at four
destinations, including seafood market
Azure and bamboo bar Onu Onu. Not
the sun lounger type? Try Thai boxing,
pummel out the jet lag at Willow Stream
Spa, embark on a desert island picnic for
two, or meet the locals on a cultural tour.
WE LOVE
Take a 50-metre snorkel swim to view
The Coralarium, a semi-submerged
tidal art installation sea-scaped
with underwater trees and endemic
planted corals.
MEMORY MAKER
Get some laps under your belt with a
swim in the 200-metre pool that bisects
the island; the longest in the Maldives.
“It's the kind of place
where cares melt away”
32 Hotels & Resorts