A NEW AGE OF TROPICAL LUXURY
Looking resplendent from its prime position in the heart of the sparkling North Ari Atoll, W Maldives invites guests to embrace island escapism at its finest. A property that pulsates to its own beat, it is here where serene sunrises greet you when you awake and melodic sunset beats carry you off into the moonlight. A mere 25-minute seaplane hop from the Maldivian capital Malé, this resort enables you to set the rhythm of your stay.
Having debuted its new look at the beginning of March, 77 villas dot this gorgeous corner of the Indian Ocean. Among the glittering collection of stylish island homes are the new Two-Bedroom Oasis Beach Villas. Introduced as part of the property’s multi-million makeover, these dreamy abodes offer exclusivity and a playful twist on Maldivian luxury living. Expect interiors that are all about natural light and where open-plan living twins with beach-chic furnishings—think mangrove textures and whale-shark inspired motifs—for a polished yet laidback sanctuary.
Spanning 376 square metres, there’s an oversized upper deck where you can enjoy a workout session or an in-villa dining experience underneath the stars, as well as a private pool that stretches the entire length of the villa. The pièce de resistance is the exhilarating private waterslide, perfect for the kids and for you to indulge your inner child.
Home to one of the best house reefs in the Maldivian archipelago, the turquoise waters that surround the property are phenomenal for those who wish to don a snorkel and mask. Encircling the entire island, you can explore the reef from your doorstep and discover vibrant coral gardens, reef sharks, rays and the island’s most famous resident, Bob the turtle. Choose to go on a solo expedition or learn more about marine life from the resort’s DOWN UNDER dive centre guides who can introduce you to what lies beneath the surface as well as the natural underwater cave tucked away within the reef.
For those searching for the ultimate in privacy, take a two-minute speedboat from the main resort to Gaathafushi Private Island. Unfound on the map, the island offers a true castaway experience, where you disconnect with the modern world and reconnect with yourself. Take advantage of W Maldives’ Whatever/Whenever style and curate magical moments wrapped up in unmatched tranquillity. Savour a barefoot beach picnic, sleep underneath the stars or simply enjoy a sumptuous sunset moment; the choice is entirely up to you.
A MALDIVIAN ADVENTURE
For those in need of a delightful summer escape with the family, book a stay at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. A refined retreat in the centre of the Dhaalu Atoll, the five-star property is offering guests the opportunity to indulge in the epitome of Indian Ocean sophistication with the Family Fun Summer package.
Welcoming kids under the age of 12 to stay and dine for free during the stay, the offer includes complimentary upgrade to full-board with daily breakfast, three-course lunch and dinner to be enjoyed at Alba for two, as well as a complimentary bottle of Champagne on arrival. There’s also complimentary access to non-motorised water sports including snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, a Sunset Dolphin Cruise for two adults and two children and a daily laundry service for two pieces of clothing.
The escape package is only half the temptation of this alluring island that is sprinkled with 77 spellbinding villas serviced by the signature St. Regis Butler team throughout the stay. Iridium Spa revitalises guests with an array of treatments using all-natural Biologique Recherche products, with The Blue Hole, the most expansive hydrotherapy pool in the Indian Ocean, soothing away all aches and pains with its mineral-rich waters. Culinary art is displayed at every restaurant at The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, where talented chefs craft sumptuous dishes that take inspiration from the world’s favourite cuisines. Dine on tasty seafood at Alba or sample Asian bites at Orientale before rounding off the day with the resort’s twist on The St. Regis’ signature Bloody Mary, known as the Island Mary, at The Whale Bar.
Dive into the waters of the Dhaalu Atoll for a display of kaleidoscopic marine life. There are PADI-certified scuba excursions, specialised courses focusing on underwater photography and night-diving. Guests can also learn about the resort’s ongoing efforts to build and sustain the fragile reef eco-system through classes and guided snorkel tours. If little ones prefer land to water, capture their imaginations with a visit to The Children’s Club. Sporting a recreation area, kids can play table tennis, foosball, air hockey and a host of video and board games. There’s also yoga classes and crafts to allow them to unleash their creative side.
Guests can book the Family Fun Summer package by visiting the resort’s website and using the promotional code ZJ5. Not just a destination, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is a memorable experience for all the family.
ESCAPE TO REJUVENATION
If you’re seeking a place where modern elegance, mindful living and unforgettable family moments come together in a tropical paradise, then look no further than JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island.
Nestled in the beautiful Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon, only a 15-minute boat ride from Velana International Airport, the newly opened property showcases 80 thoughtfully designed villas that boast private pools. Imagined by renowned architect Cuneyt Bukulmez of Atoyle4N, villa design fuses authentic Maldivian touches with sleek elements. Echoing traditional local Gedhoru huts, the villas come with kajan roofs and bright turquoise doors and interiors offer a calming neutral palette alongside floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to ocean panoramas, open-air showers and your own private pool. Rounding off this perfect home is the services of a personal Safeeru (ambassador) who will take care of your every need.
Bed down in a Two-Bedroom Overwater or Beach Pool Villa and you will be rewarded with a spacious 327-square-metre extravagant home. Choose to spend your time in the villa’s airy interiors where you will find a master bedroom, double bedroom and two beautifully appointed bathrooms and a chic living room, or place yourself poolside at the shaded cabana or on the uber-soft sofa and make the most of that gentle Maldivian sun. Take your experience to another level with a stay in The Ocean Residence. The resort’s most exclusive accommodation that spans 729 square metres is an exquisite homestead that enjoys three bedrooms, expansive living and dining areas, an al fresco dining deck and an infinity pool. There’s even a private gym with ocean views, a private spa with a couple’s treatment room and sauna as well as a waterslide from the upper deck that allows you to make a splash in the lagoon.
Little ones have plenty to keep them entertained while they soak up island life with Family by JW Kids Club. There’s a jungle gym, water-play zone, a reading nook and most importantly of all, a dedicated nap room for those who need some recovery and relaxation. But the fun isn’t limited to the children. Mum and dad can enjoy themselves with a plethora of exciting adventures too like a Seabob ride alongside impish dolphins or snorkel at the vibrant Shark Point, where nurse sharks, eagle rays and reef fish lazily drift with waves. Or go at your own pace and explore the island’s waters via a paddleboard or kayak.
Culinary excellence awaits at seven distinct dining venues that serve up flavours from around the globe. Spotlighting locally sourced ingredients that have been plucked from the JW Garden, gourmands can treat themselves to a truly authentic farm-to-table experience at PURE restaurant. There are also bespoke dining options that put you in charge of curating the most special of gastronomic experiences, as well as Maldivian cooking classes to expand your skills in the kitchen and immersive Chef’s Table events that see you relish intimate demonstrations from the resort’s culinary team.
Of course, no Maldivian escape would be complete without a wellbeing session that sees you pause and reconnect mind, body and spirit. At the decadent Spa by JW, allow the expert therapists to indulge your wellness wants through a series of divine treatments that use luxury skincare brand, BABOR. Try the signature Ocean Bliss ritual that melds BABOR’s advanced SeaCreation line with soothing marine elements for a deeply relaxing and holistic encounter. The resort also welcomes you to sample the complimentary Seven Days of Well-Being activity programme that encourages you to stop, live in the moment and become at one with yourself again.