we love
THE M ALDIV ES 2014/15
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
Welcome to
THE MALDIVES Paradise, spiritual nirvana, heaven on earth: these descriptions usually come to mind when one imagines the pristine white sands and brilliant turquoise waters of the Maldives. As one of the world’s premier luxury holiday destinations, the archipelago is home to dozens of resorts and hotels, which all have unique features - use our guide to i « Þ Õ w ` Ì i «iÀviVÌ }iÌ>Ü>Þ for you and your family.
CONTENTS
4 Essentials Make planning your stay as easy as possible with this handy guide
7 Where to stay Whatever you’re searching for, these in-depth reviews will help you choose a hotel or resort
About This Guide Our writers have explored every inch of the Maldives and selected our choice picks so you can share our enjoyment of this stunning destination.
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2014 / 2015
The
ESSENTIALS All you need to know
Getting there The gateway to the Maldives is Malé International Airport. Almost every airline travels there from the GCC, although not directly. For those that want the one-stop experience, operators such as Emirates, Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways are the best bet v À ÃÌ « y } Ìð / L ] V Ì>VÌ dnata (+971 316 6666, dnatatravel. com)
MONEY MATTERS
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The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but most prices at the resorts are also offered in US Dollars. Check with your hotel (and keep an eye on conversion rates) to determine which currency is best when settling up.
Introduction
Getting around Your resort is just one part of your adventure. Once you’re in the Maldives, you’re going to want to explore the islands. A boat or seaplane is the best method of inter-island transport, not least to reach your resort from Malé airport to begin with. Initial transfers are ÕÃÕ> Þ Ì> i V>Ài v LÞ Þ ÕÀ Àià À̽à V V iÀ}i] LÕÌ > i ÃÕÀi Ì >à °
Visas As long as you have a standard valid passport, there is no need to apply for a visa in advance. The i>ÃÞ Ì V « iÌi «>«iÀÜ À V> be completed on arrival. The usual tourist visa allows stays of up to 30 days, as long as you comply with entry restrictions. Visit immigration. gov.mv for further information.
Weather There’s a reason the Maldives are Ü >Ã «>À>` Ãi q Ì i Üi>Ì iÀ is practically perfect. The hottest months of the year are April and May, where the mercury reaches an average of 31°C. The rest of the year sees temperatures between 23-29°C, and November, December and January are comparatively the coolest months. Rainfall between April and October comes in spectacularly short bursts, and from November to April, diving conditions are perfect.
Language / i vwV > > }Õ>}i v Ì i > ` Ûià is Dhivehi, but most staff and à > `iÀÃ Þ Õ iiÌ Ü Li yÕi Ì English. Most signs and documents are usually bilingual.
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
The
MAGICAL MALDIVES It’s heaven on earth, so don’t miss out on these only-in-the-Maldives experiences
STAR SIGNS
Get close to nature The Maldives is one of the world’s w iÃÌ ` Û } ë ÌÃ] ÌÃ Õ Ã« i` ecology a hotbed for stunning underwater wildlife. Turtles, manta rays and even the world’s biggest à >À ] Ì i V « iÌi Þ Ûi}iÌ>À > ® Ü > i à >À ] vÀiµÕi Ì Ì i Ü>ÌiÀð
Total Tourist
Johnny Come Lately
Island Apprentice
Learn the lingo ÀÕà ի Þ ÕÀ > }Õ>}i à à and impress the locals by learning the native language, Dhivehi. Here’s a cheat sheet: “Assalaamu > > Õ » i> à º i »] º >> Õ i ¶» i> à º Ü >Ài Þ Õ¶» > ` ºƂ >Ài }i > > iio» i> à º Þ > i Ão»
Local Legend
Maldivian Master
Find the perfect memento ÛiÀ à Vi Ì i wÀÃÌ Û Ã Ì Àà ` ÃV ÛiÀi` the Maldives, local crafts have proven extremely popular. Two of the most popular handmade souvenirs are miniature dhoni sailboats carved from timber; and decorative vases, iÜi iÀÞ L Ýià > ` ÌV i ÕÌi à à made of shaped wood and covered LÀ } Ì >VµÕiÀ°
instrument of the Maldivians is the bulbul, a jaunty-sounding horizontal accordion.
Make your move Maldivian heritage draws on many different cultures, none more so than its traditional dance and music scene. The bouncy Bandiyaa-Jehun is an Indian-style dance performed with drums and harmonicas.
Upgrade your culinary skills Great food comes from great ingredients, and the Maldives’ >LÕ `> Vi v vÀià wà ] V V ÕÌà and spices can only mean good Ì }à v À > ÞL `Þ Ü Ì> ià > V } V >ÃÃ Ì i à > `°
Hang ten 7 Ì ÛiÀ £]Óää à > `à > } up the Maldives, it’s no surprise that more than a few of them have v> Ì>ÃÌ V ÃÕÀw } Ü>Ûið / i Ãi>à of surf runs from May to December, and your hotel will be able to guide you to the biggest waves. 5
Soak up the culture Many Maldivians feel cultural >vw ÌÞ Ì ÀÌ iÀ ` > `Õi Ì their languages being closely related. Many Maldivian dances and songs have some northern Indian yÕi Vi° / i ÃÌ « «Õ >À ÕÃ V>
Get away from it all For a special occasion, there are still plenty of Maldivian islands as yet Õ VVÕ« i` q LÕÌ ÃÌ V « iÌi Þ beautiful. Dinners can be arranged on these idyllic isolated islands that you will never forget.
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
Vivanta by Taj
Sometimes it’s good to get away from it all – and in the Maldives, there’s no place better than this perfectly formed resort. Made up of a mixture of Villas and suites, the beach-chic exteriors give way to stunningly luxurious interiors that will take your breath away. Each Vivanta resort has its own set of “motifs” to make your stay truly memorable, and the Maldivian effort is no different. A must-try is the romantic escapade to a blue lagoon, where guests are whisked away in a speedboat for a romantic getaway on a private sandbank. After a serious sunbathing session, it’s time to pop open the bubbly and enjoy a candlelit fourcourse meal. What could be more relaxing than that? tajhotels.com
Insider Tip:
Divers’ delight can be found at Vivanta - its dive site has its very own reef and even a shipwreck to explore.
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Hotels
2014 / 2015
Viceroy Maldives
The hotels in the Viceroy collection are known for being bold, and their stunning Maldivian residence is no different. Located in the Shaviyani Atoll, a 50-minute seaplane ride from the capital island of Malé, this resort is a true haven for the discerning adventurer – and celebrities aren’t shy about paying a visit either, with Hollywood A-listers Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds seeing in the New Year here. Viceroy’s expertise in operating stunning hotels comes to the fore in the Maldives, with no detail unanswered by the welcoming staff. Three gorgeous dining venues round out this secluded paradise, offering beachside cuisine to world-class European y> À° viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/ Maldives
Insider Tip:
Many of the spa treatments on offer are unlike those found anywhere else. The 85-minute Abhyanga massage is guaranteed to rejuvenate.
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Resorts
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
One&Only Reethi Rah
This all-villa resort in the North MalÊ Atoll is the last word in private luxury, and each villa boasts generous exterior spaces ranging from beach verandas to private pools and over-water decks. Let the dedicated concierge take care of the day-today organisation of your holiday, while the thoughtful Villa Valet will be permanently on-hand to attend to your every whim. The One&Only Spa was declared the Global Winner in the Best Luxury Wellness Spa category at the 2013 World Luxury Spa Awards – another reason to stop by. reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com
Insider Tip:
Big family? No problem. The signature KidsOnly programmes will delight and entertain youngsters for weeks on end.
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2014 / 2015
W Maldives
Work hard, play hard is the approach adopted by W Maldives. By day, V vv Þ ÕÀ y « y «Ã > ` Ài >Ý >Ì one of the resort’s 78 retreats, or refuel your cool at its sumptuous spa. When the sun sets, up the tempo and head to the sizzling pool party or the Maldives’ only underground nightclub, 15Below. Guests looking for their own Robinson Crusoe experience can steal away to W’s private island, Gaathafushi, for the day or for an overnight adventure. Fitness devotees, meanwhile, can work out overlooking the Indian Ocean, then dip below the surface at the Down Under dive centre where you can explore the resort’s house reef and Fesdu shipwreck. And for everyone else, well, kick back and relax. wretreatmaldives.com
Insider Tip: Couples looking to tie the knot in unforgettable fashion should consider the resort’s Deep Love Package, an underwater Üi`` } v Üi` LÞ > wÛi V ÕÀÃi dinner on board a luxury yacht.
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Resorts
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
Constance Halaveli Maldives / à wÛi ÃÌ>À Àià ÀÌ Ã > ÌÀÕi Ì v À families. Let the kids run wild at the complimentary “Constance Kids Club” while you relax in the peacful seclusion of the stunning beach and water villa accommodation. It’s a cinch to get to, too - just 25 minutes by seaplane or a 75-minute boat ride, if you’re happy to take the scenic route. The resort has also recently update its spa, and now the stunning U Spa offers guests totally customisable treatments. The result of years of research, U Spa is a real feather in the cap for the Constance group. constancehotels.com
Insider Tip: Diving at the North Ari Atoll is world-renowned, and Halaveli has its own dive centre there. A must for any level of diving experience.
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2014 / 2015
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Cheval Blanc Randheli is the latest offering from LVMH’s hotel division (part of the group that owns over 60 of the world’s most prestigious brands). Nestled in Noonu Atoll in the northwest of the archipelago, this 45-villa resort is as jaw-dropping as you’d expect. The four-bedroom Owner’s Villa is located on its own island, offering the ultimate in blissful privacy, while the island, water and garden villas all have a private £Ó°x iÌÀi } w ÌÞ « ] à >À } thatched ceilings, warm taupe décor and a personal butler to arrange scuba diving lessons, dolphin watching cruises, indulgent spa treatments and dinner at one of the Constance Moofushi Àià À̽à wÛi ÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ> Ìà V Õ` } i Maldives £ {Ç] Ìà à } >ÌÕÀi Ài V w i ` } It shows how serious the Constance spot. randheli.chevalblanc.com group is about The Maldives that they have not one but two worldV >ÃÃ] wÛi ÃÌ>À Àià ÀÌà iÀi° 7 i Insider Tip: Travelling with the Halaveli resort makes great use a group? La Table de Partage of its facilities to entertain families hosts private dinner parties for and groups, Moofushi is all about 12-16 people with bespoke menus some serious me-time. Set on its of sharing dishes and wine and own secluded island, the resort champagne served in magnumcombines barefoot beach chic with sized bottles to add to the convivial all the elegance you’d expect in a atmosphere. deluxe hotel on the mainland. The
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Resorts
cosy feel of the resort is summed up by the two gourmet restaurants on site, Manta and Alizée. The former takes you on a culinary adventure with an international menu, and the latter is all about freshness - curl your toes into the sand as the most tender wà > ` Ûi}iÌ>L ià >Ài ÃiÀÛi` Ì your beachside table. Moofushi has also had its spa revamped and offers the revolutionary U Spa. Totally bespoke and tailored to each guest, the treatments and massages on offer can help clear skin, improve circulation and even soothe a jangled nervous system. Each treatment uses a variety of different targeted body oils for maximum relaxation and rejuvenation.
Insider Tip: This trip won’t be all about kicking back - there are lots of free activities to try like Ü `ÃÕÀw }] >Þ> }] à À i } and catamaran sailing. For a small fee, you can upgrade your activity schedule to include diving (amateur > ` *Ƃ ®] } Ì wà } > ` iÛi L } }> i wà } ÕÌ Ì i L } L Õi°
2014 / 2015
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Whether it’s relaxation or adventure you’re looking for, this private island resort in the North Malé Atoll has got you covered. The turquoise lagoon plays host to a variety of thrilling Ü>ÌiÀ ë ÀÌÃ] vÀ Ü `ÃÕÀw } to wakeboarding, plus there are over 40 dive sites nearby offering >} wVi Ì >À i vi° v Þ Õ½Ài seeking seclusion, retreat to one of the Ocean Pool Villas on the i>ÃÌiÀ à `i v Ì i à i > w ÌÞ plunge pool, hammock and outdoor rain shower go hand-in-hand with uninterrupted ocean views and chic décor, making these villas perfect for honeymooners or couples who just want to get away from it all. There are also seven restaurants and lounges, as well as the excellent Shine Spa for Sheraton. sheratonmaldives.com
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Insider Tip: v Þ Õ Ü> Ì > break from the saltwater, the tropical freshwater pool has ample sun loungers and even its own waterfall.
Resorts
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
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2014 / 2015
Special Offer Stay 4 nights and receive 1 night free* Includes: Complimentary half board, included on the free night’s stay; A romantic bed decoration on arrival; A romantic set dinner in Javvu restaurant for two guests; A romantic bath set up on the last day of the stay; One Kandu Boli Ritual 90 minute spa treatment for the couple; A complimentary Villingilli Eco Tour with guide; Up to 2 children below the age of 12 stay & eat for free;
« i Ì>ÀÞ 7 Applicable Accommodation: Ocean View Villa, Water Villa, Tree House Villa, Beach Villa, Two-Bedroom Beach Villa Validity: Now until December 19, 2014. *minimum 4-nights stay; offer not combinable with any other offer; offer subject to availability Bookings call +960 689 7888 or email reservations.slmd@ shangri-la.com Alternatively, please visit your nearest dnata outlet or call +971 4 316 6666.
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Resorts
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
One thing that not every Maldivian resort can give you is total seclusion and privacy. Many islands in the atoll overlook or even bump up against one another, which is something to bear in mind when booking your peaceful getaway. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa is one of the most sheltered islands in the Maldives, a world away from the next resort. Accessible by private plane to Gan airport or by commercial services, the luxury experience starts even before you arrive. Utter relaxation is achieved at the ÃÕ «ÌÕ ÕÃ -«>] > ` Ì i Õ µÕi Þ }> «>Û ÛiÀ } Ì i ` > Ocean is another path to spiritual wellbeing. The watchwords at Shangri-La are privacy and luxury like no other, so for those seeking a true escape there can be no other choice. shangri-la.com
Insider Tip: Villingili has the only 9-hole golf course in the Maldives, so those that love swinging the clubs will be right at home at this resort.
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2014 / 2015
Velassaru Maldives
Mysterious, intriguing and exotic – three words that perfectly capture the spirit of the Maldives, and the spirit of the Velassaru resort. Located on a private coral island in the South Malé Atoll, the modern, minimalist chic of the villas and lodges instantly let you know that you are in one of the coolest holiday spots in the world. There’s a range of overwater or lagoon-view villas and bungalows, each with their own charm and surprises. During the day, excursions range from seaplane tours to discovering dolphins, and as } Ì v> Ã] Ì i ÌÀi `Þ i >À Ì i beachfront gently pulses with music and personality. velassaru.com
Insider Tip:
The resort comprises of a second, smaller island which can be hired for your exclusive use – ask the V V iÀ}i >L ÕÌ Ì i à > ` ÃV>«i°
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Resorts
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
v À ÌÜ >Ì Ì >> 1 `iÀÃi> ,iÃÌ>ÕÀ> Ì À i>` Ì Ì i iiÃi >À i Ì ` > ` L>Àiv Ì ÕÝÕÀÞ] v V ÕÀÃi® £ä£ v Ì i Ü À `½Ã LiÃÌ V iiÃiî v À reins supreme at this dual-island some tempting dairy delights. Need property nestled in the South Ari we mention that the resort has been Atoll, so don’t forget to pack your voted the best hotel in the world, stretchy pants. After an afternoon several times? conradhotels.com iÝ« À } Ì i ÃÕL >À i À `i Ã Ü ÀÌ V iV } ÕÌ® À Ài >Ý } Ã>Þ i Ì Ì i ÛiÀÜ>ÌiÀ ë>®] > Ü Insider Tip: Since 2007, your taste buds to wander around the resort has been the primary the resort’s 11 restaurants and bars. sponsor of the Maldives Whale Shark An open-air Japanese feast can be Research Programme. Sign up for found at Koko Grill Restaurant, while one of the charity’s thrice-weekly a platter of Maldivian lobster will whale shark snorkelling excursions, certainly whet your appetite at the which take you up close and personal adult-only Quiet Zone. Book a table Ü Ì Ì i >À}iÃÌ wÃ Ì i Vi> °
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
Some of the best waves in the world are just minutes from this 96-bungalow resort in the North Malé Atoll. Learn to catch the perfect wave at the surf school or charter a seaplane to take you to a secluded break, then embark on a thrilling snorkel shark safari or a world-class diving experience. Or ÕÃÌ Ã> ÛiÀ Ì Ì i à > ` -«>] Ü V has thatched-roof pavilions and a « ÀÌ> LÕ Ì Ì Ì i y À Li Ü i>V massage bed so you can gaze at the marine life below. Combine your holiday with a stay at sister resort, > `>> À>>Û>ÀÕÆ ÕÀ -i>à à >à its own 39-metre catamaran that cruises between the two resorts. fourseasons.com/maldiveskh
Insider Tip: / i à > ` -«> stays open until 1am and offers 2.5hour treatments for two beneath the stars in the torch-lit lounge.
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2014 / 2015
Huvafen Fushi Spa Resort Maldives À Ì i i Ì Þ Õ ÃÌi« Ì ÕÛ>vi Õà ½Ã « Ü`iÀ à vÌ Ã> `à life seems to slow down – in a good way. Once you’ve dropped your bags at your beach bungalow or overwater pavilion, dive, snorkel, wà ] Ã> ] > ` VÀÕ Ãi Õ Ì Þ ÕÀ heart’s content. When the sun goes down, dine at one of four luxe but laid-back restaurants or the unique cellar restaurant eight metres under the ocean. Looking to explore the Kaafu Atoll further? Then book an expedition with the resort’s marine biologist, where guests can search for whale sharks and learn about coral creation in the stunning surrounds. And did we mention it’s i Ì Ì i Ü À `½Ã wÀÃÌ Õ `iÀÜ>ÌiÀ spa? huvafenfushi.peraquum.com
Insider Tip: Sail the Maldives Ü Ì Þ ÕÀ Ã } wV> Ì Ì iÀ L >À` > ` ] > ÈxvÌ L >Ì wÌÌi` Ü Ì state-of-the-art facilities and luxury amenities.
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Resorts
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
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2014 / 2015
Dusit Thani Maldives
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V>Ìi` >Ì Õ` ` à > ` >> Atoll, this 94-villa resort is encircled by white sandy beaches and a house reef so you can dive and snorkel all day long, or just take a dip in the > ` Ûiý >À}iÃÌ w ÌÞ « ° Ƃà you’d expect, the open-plan villas have subtle Thai touches and most V i Ü Ì > «À Û>Ìi « v> ià will love the 262sqm, two-bedroom Li>V «>`®° Ƃ } L> ÀiÛ> « v Ì i brand’s Benjarong restaurant menu has seen the introduction of exciting V Ìi « À>ÀÞ / > y>Û ÕÀð ÕÌ Ì½Ã the Devarana Spa that really sets this place apart, with six deluxe treatment pods nestled high in the palm trees and exceptionally soothing Thai treatments and therapies. dusit.com
Insider Tip:
Don’t leave without trying Benjarong‘s new 72-hour slow cooked beef ribs in aromatic green curry. Resorts
World Traveller // We Love The Maldives
2014 / 2015
Kanuhura Resort
On the edge of the remote Lhaviyani Atoll, this small oval island is home to 80 thatched beach villas and 20 overwater ones with hammocks suspended from the deck for oversea sunbathing. There’s a private à > ` iÝÌ ` À À Ã Õ ` Üi Ã>Þ > wÛi ÕÌi L >Ì À `i >Ü>Þ® Ü Ì > « Ü`iÀ w i Li>V vÀ }i` LÞ coconut palms and a tiny restaurant open for lunch and candlelit dinners À >Ã Ì i V iv Ì «>V Þ Õ >
} ÕÀ iÌ « V V ÃÌi>`®° / iÀi >Ài more than 40 excellent dive sites to discover and a wonderful spa with - ÕÌ >ÃÌ ƂÃ > Ì iÀ>« ÃÌÃ ÌÀÞ Ì i signature 90-minute Aromastone Massage using smooth, black stones vÀ > ®° kanuhura.com
Insider Tip: Ramp up the romance with breakfast for two aboard your own personal dhoni.
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2014 / 2015
Angsana Iruhu Ûi ] Ì i >Ì > > }Õ>}i v Ì i > ` ÛiÃ] ¼ ÕÀÕ½ i> à ‘old palm trees.’ This sums up this gorgeous resort perfectly, because it’s one of the most well-preserved and unspoiled locations in this picturesque part of the world. - ÌÕ>Ìi` Ì i à > ` v ÕÀÕ Ì i North Malé Atoll, just a 20-minute speedboat ride away from the capital, and surrounded by one of the best-preserved coral reefs in the Maldives, this stunning resort gets you as close to nature as anywhere in Ì i Ü À ` q > Ì i Ü i vviÀ } wÛi star luxury. Each villa on the property faces onto the beach, while the truly glamorous can enjoy a Beachfront Jet Pool villa to while away their `>Þð i>À Ì i w i >ÀÌ v > ` Û > cooking or just indulge yourself at the Angsana Spa. angsana.com
Insider Tip: À Li} iÀÃ] guided snorkelling safaris are the perfect introduction to the underwater world.
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Resorts
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Experience true luxury at our Ultimate collection of hotels. Escape and live the total Resort experience at our Unique collection of resorts. Begin the U-experience: call +971 (0)4-443-9554, email: constancehotels@tca.me or visit us at www.constancehotels.com