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 Maldives Hotels
Pure white beaches, swaying palm trees and brilliant turquoise lagoons – wannabe Robinson Crusoes will not be disappointed. The Maldives, an archipelago of over 1000 coral islands, exemplifies the true meaning of the phrase ‘tropical island paradise’. Right on the equator, it offers a 12-hour day all year round; the temperature is the same year round too: from 25°-32°C. But be warned, these are the tropics and it can and does rain at any time. Driest time of the year is October to April and the best time of all, weather-wise, to visit is January to March. For honeymooners and scuba divers it's as near perfect a destination as you will ever find, and a number of its resorts and islands are internationally recognised as models of sustainable, eco-friendly tourism. All Maldivian resorts occupy their own island and offer the sort of barefoot luxury and pampering that most of us only dream of, plus a raft of watersports. It's not the destination for the budget conscious, and not for anyone who wants to do more than lounge on the beach with a good book, soaking up the sun, and swim, snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. If that appeals – and why wouldn't it – then you've found paradise on earth. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference. |
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| Luxury: heaven on earth - unsurpassed luxury and sophistication |
| Location: Reethi Rah; arrive by yacht |
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| With levels of style and sophistication unsurpassed in the Maldives, this award-laden resort (Conde Nast No 1 Spa 2008) occupies one of the largest islands in the North Malé Atoll - 130 villas and suites set in a 190-acre tropical garden - you need never see another guest unless at mealtimes. The generously spaced villas have their own pools, 24-hour butler service and bicycles to transport you to the next activity or spa treatment. Families are welcomed too. |
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| Luxury: Laid back and chilled out - barefoot luxury at its best |
| Location: Kunfunadhoo: 30 minute seaplane flight from airport |
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| The resort offers a relaxed, unbuttoned approach to five star luxury; each of its rustic-chic villas are loaded with comforts, though care has been taken to make the resort environmentally friendly. Each villa has an open-air bathroom set in private gardens and leading onto a personal stretch of beach. Dine in a treetop or garden restaurant, enjoy the glorious sunsets from the champagne bar and relax and watch a movie under the stars in the outdoor cinema. Barefoot luxury at its best. |
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| Luxury: world's first underwater spa treatment rooms |
| Location: Huvafen Fushi |
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| Thirty minutes by speedboat from Malé, Huvafen Fushi offers some real surprises! 'Wow' factor number one is to be pampered in the world’s first glass-walled underwater spa treatment rooms. Follow this with an exploration of the house reef with the resident marine biologist or work out in the overwater gym. Combine your land-based stay with a night at sea on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni or on a 21-meter long sleek powerboat and your visit to Huvafen Fushi will go swimmingly! |
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| Luxury: 18-acre hideaway on a remote island |
| Location: Landaa Giraavaru |
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| An 18-acre hideaway of thatched beach bungalows and overwater villas on one of the more remote islands. Enjoy masses of indoor and outdoor space and total privacy in a wonderful, rustic setting. Villas feature an open-air living and dining pavilion with a daybed and internet access and a sleeping pavilion with a four-poster bed and plasma screen. Island-hopping, dolphin-watching or a stargazing cruise on the Four Seasons Explorer - the choice of activities is endless. |
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| Luxury: surely the hippest, grooviest place in the Maldives? |
| Location: Fesdu Island |
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| W’s lifestyle concept has arrived in the Maldives: cool, contemporary living in a back-to-nature environment, enhanced by ‘whatever you want, whenever you want it’ – its wish-fulfilment service. Traditional Maldivian exteriors conceal sleek interiors complete with modern gadgetry. At the Away Spa, immerse yourself in a steam bath, wrap and massage. End the day with drinks at the SIP lounge and dancing at 15BELOW bar. A luxury playground where 'style flirts with soul' - how groovy is that! |
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| Luxury: Relax in privacy at this supreme getaway island |
| Location: 30 minute speedboat ride from airport |
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| Cocoa Island knows how to indulge its guests- with just 33 guest rooms and a ratio of four staff to every guest. Rooms are inspired by local Dhoni fishing boats, reached via simple wooden walkways stretching out into the lagoon. The food makes the best of nature’s larder – lobster, fish and organic vegetables, cooked by an award-winning chef. The COMO Shambhala Retreat is dedicated to renewing the body’s energies, overseen by master therapists and visiting yoga teachers. The ultimate blend of luxury and simplicity. |
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| Luxury: a slice of luxury with impeccable service |
| Location: Emboodhu Finolhu |
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| Here, most of the sleek air-conditioned villas are overwater on one of the largest lagoons and facing the ocean for privacy and great views. Even the beach villas are only five metres from the water and have furnished verandas and plunge pools. The fully equipped PADI dive centre, an amazing spa complete with yoga and meditation pavilion and an infinity pool create an appetite for dining with impeccable service. All this just a short ride from the airport. |
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| Mid Price: A touch of the Orient |
| Location: Vabbinfaru: 25 minutes from the airport |
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| Powdery white sands and emerald green waters are host to this resort that introduces a little touch of the Orient to the Maldives. Elegant yet rustic, there are just 48 circular villas, some nestled in the gardens, most on the edge of the beach. Watersports, marine biology classes, a world class spa and PADI diving centre provide the daily entertainment while two restaurants offer delectable cuisine. |
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| Mid Price: Thatched villas blend well with lush tropical environs |
| Location: Dhunikolhu Island |
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| The 98 villas of this environmentally friendly resort blend well with their lush tropical surroundings with the use of rattan and wood in their design. Difficult to chose between a thatched bungalow set in quiet isolation amongst tropical vegetation overlooking the beach or a stilted villa on the lagoon over the reef for instant snorkelling. Other features include open-air garden bathrooms, draped four-poster beds to private terraces with splash pools and sunken baths. Charming staff, excellent food. |
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