These premier properties combine natural beauty, lavish amenities and five star service
The Maldives is a nation of more than a thousand small islands. These dollops of dry land are spaced around the edges of coral reef lagoons known as atolls, and typically ringed by dazzling white sand beaches. It’s an ideal setting for a beach resort, and this fact hasn’t escaped hoteliers.
Many of the world’s top hospitality brands introduce increasingly lavish and exotic properties, each set on a private island and offering the ultimate in services and indulgences. Here are three that are at the top of the list.
Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Set within the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve on Baa Atoll, Landaa Giraavaru showcases a garden like setting, spectacular beaches and one of the largest natural lagoons in the Maldives. Each of the 103 thatched bungalows scattered around the 44-acre private island is inspired by traditional regional architectural styles, and uses sustainable and recycled native materials to create spaces that deliver serene privacy while also framing views of island and ocean.
Coral reefs thrive close to the white sand beach at the Four Seasons resort on Landaa Giraavaru Island. This property lies within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Four Seasons
All land-based accommodations have their own beach access, pool and lush genuinely private gardens. Some offer sand floor living areas with sofas and toes-in-the-sand dining, and sea gazing lofts. Water villas are perched on stilts over the lagoon, providing panoramic ocean views through floor to ceiling windows, and incorporate spacious sundecks, pools and outdoor showers.
Garden villas at the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru resort feature open floor plans that flow into private outdoor spaces with pools, decks and beach access. Photo: Four Seasons
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
A swath of green ringed by white sand, sitting in a blue lagoon. This is Hadahaa, and it epitomizes the idyllic image of the deserted tropical island—save for the fact that it is not deserted, and instead harbors a five- star resort dedicated to barefoot luxury. This Park Hyatt property tastefully integrates modern design into the island’s natural landscape. It sits within the calm interior waters of Huvadhoo Atoll, which is one of the more remote and least visited areas of the Maldives.
The Park Hyatt Hadahaa offers a limited number of over-water villas, and each is oriented to take in expansive water views while also providing privacy. Photo: Park Hyatt
The resort includes just 50 villas, either nestled within the island’s lush tropical greenery or elevated above the water. All villas have floor-to-ceiling windows and large decks to take in ocean views, and are just steps away from the beach and the coral reefs that surround the island. Amenities include outdoor garden showers, plunge pools, a full suite of electronics and 24-hour on-call services such as dining and in-room massage.
High rooflines and floor-to ceiling windows frame infinity pools and expansive waterfront views at Park Hyatt Hadahaa. Coral reefs are a short swim away. Photo: Park Hyatt
St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
When the St. Regis group opened this ultra luxe property in the fall of 2016 it was with one simple goal: to be the finest resort destination in the Maldives, both in terms of service and amenities. This commitment begins at the Malé International Airport where guests are met at the gate by a St. Regis airport butler. The resort staff handles all details of arrival and transfer while guests relax in a private lounge before boarding a seaplane for a direct flight to the island of Vommuli on Dhaalu Atoll. This exclusive and lushly landscaped 22-acre reserve is the setting for 77 guest accommodations that redefine the boundaries of vacation luxury.
The spa complex at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is set over the water, and includes private treatment areas and the Blue Hole hydrotherapy pool. Photo: St. Regis
All garden and beach villas feature private pools, gazebos, decks and gardens. Floor plans of more than 1,500 square feet allow for ample indulgences such as soak tubs, outdoor shower rooms, lounge areas and state-of-the-art entertainment suites. Floor to ceiling windows highlight garden or water views. Even more opulent are the over-water villas and suites, which are designed to blend panoramic views with total privacy. Each faces the lagoon, with coral reefs just a short swim away from waterfront decks.
The view from an over-water suite at the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a plunge pool and private deck. Photo: St. Regis
