Spoilt for choice

Time to plan your trip to the tropical paradise of the Maldives and experience one of the new resorts awaiting visitors.

12 November 2021

In the time since Australians could make their way to Maldives, five new resorts have opened their doors and are awaiting our bare feet.

The mere mention of the Maldives conjures images of shimmering beaches and azure water, diving in a natural wonderland, exotic menus and luxurious accommodation.

The Maldives is a nation of 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean spanning the Equator, grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited, and a select few on each of the atolls are resorts and some of the islands are used for agriculture and local industry.

The Male International Airport is serviced by international flights from Europe, Middle East, Singapore, Sri Lanka and other regions. You will need to take a seaplane or a speed boat to reach your resort from Male Airport.

Over the past two years, several 5-star resorts have popped up in this idyllic region, adding to the luxury offering. Following are just a few of the newest resorts to tempt you to travel.

The five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island is best suited to couples.

The first Ritz Carlton in the Maldives has 100 overwater or beachfront villas.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

Ritz-Carlton Maldives.

Kagi Maldives Spa Island

A resort best suited to couples, the five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island takes its guests on a curated wellness journey. It is an intimate all-pool-villa resort, bringing understated luxury and elegant simplicity to the Maldives.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

Patina Maldives, Fari is the latest hospitality concept by Capella Hotel Group. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives offers 90 contemporary one- to three-bedroom Beach and Water Pool Villas, alongside 20 Fari Studios. Guests can immerse themselves through wellness journeys, interactive music programs, captivating culinary experiences, and bask in the light-filled James Turrell Skyspace pavilion.

The Ritz Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

The first Ritz Carlton in the Maldives has 100 overwater or beachfront villas where guests can enjoy the round-the-clock services of a dedicated aris meeha, or personal butler, who can organize activities such as Maldivian cooking classes, traditional drum performances timed to sunset, beach cricket matches or kids’ arts and craft sessions. This resort is suited for guests of all ages.

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Inspired by the essence of the Maldives, Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a playful sanctuary and a true castaway experience where guests can enjoy six restaurants and bars inspired by the passion for culture, cuisine and design. Located on Lhaviyani Atoll, guests can savour indigenous flora and fauna, a shimmering lagoon and coral reefs teaming with wildlife including manta rays and turtles.

Dining in the Maldives is an experience at H20 Restaurant.

Kuda Villingili

A slice of paradise welcoming everyone, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives is a private island where time and space are redefined. The island is home to the biggest pool in the Maldives and offers a wide range of activities including a world-class surfing point, an incredible variety of dive spots, as well as seven dining outlets varying from hawker-style elevated street cuisine to fine dining.

Jumeirah Maldives

The high-end Jumeirah resort has announced it will open its doors next month, the newest hotel from the company behind several of Dubai’s most luxurious properties, including the famous sail-shaped Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

Jumeirah Maldives will house 67 beach villas and overwater bungalows, each with private infinity pool and expansive rooftop.

Located on an island in North Male Atoll, the property will be accessible by seaplane and motorboat, and all villas (available in one, two, and three-bed configurations) promise panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

The roof terraces all come complete with dedicated dining area, and three-bedroom villas also contain a private gym as well as a private dock for 90-foot boats.

Staying true to the destination’s one island one resort make-up, Jumeirah Maldives will offer guests an array of on-site experiences including water sports, beach volleyball, billiards, and tennis at the resort courts. Other services include a 24-hour fitness centre, spa, and activities such as yoga classes, making coconut oil, and underwater photography excursions.

Families are well catered for with a splash waterpark and indoor play area for kids, and outdoor cinema with a roster of films to keep everyone happy.

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