The Magic of The Maldives is Universal

Our team were lucky enough to visit the Maldives multiple times this year - it’s our job, right?!

If you think of the Maldives as a dream destination, you’re spot on. If you think the Maldives is just a bucket list destination, we’re here to refresh your perception. After Yvonne and Leora spent some quality time in the destination this year, their mutual takeaway was that the Maldives is for everyone!

No matter what your budget, preferred style of travel, or passion is, there’s a resort in this island archipelago for you. Join us as we explore the island destination through the eyes of Yvonne and Leora, and through the lens of our eight Y Factors.

THE UNEXPECTED

Como Cocoa Island – Yvonne

Como Cocoa Island is simplistic luxury, offering a small and intimate Maldivian experience. There’s a fabulous house reef right at the backdoor step of your overwater villa. Grab your goggles & jump right in. The food is sensational – it’s great to have Como Shambhala’s healthy menu as an option. For an unexpected experience, be sure to charter their private yacht for a snorkelling adventure like no other. The adrenalin rush kicks in as soon as you hit the water and snorkel amongst 100s of nurse sharks. Who’s up for a try?

SUSTAINABILITY 

Soneva Fushi – Yvonne

For those looking for rustic luxury with an emphasis on sustainability, the Soneva brand is the gold standard. Soneva Fushi, a densely vegetated island, is committed to environmental preservation, which is evident to guests across every touch point. Villas are made from environmentally friendly materials, the resort is home to the resort’s world-first sustainable surf program, and there’s an onsite ‘waste to wealth’ recycling plant that guests can visit, which showcases how everything on the island is either repurposed, recycled or disposed of thoughtfully. In addition to an incredible food offering, mind-blowing activities – including a restaurant in the treetops accessible via zipline, the resort’s ‘barefoot butler’ and ‘no news, no shoes’ concepts allow guests to unwind and connect with the pristine local environment.

GENEROSITY

Soneva Jani – Yvonne

Like its sister resort, Soneva Jani ticks all the boxes in terms of guest experience. The spectacular design includes slides from your overwater villa directly into the ocean; there’s a stunning spa in the treetops; Cinema Paradiso is an overwater, outdoor cinema; The Den is best kids’ club in the Maldives; and there are ice cream, chocolate and cheese rooms for the ultimate indulgence. Where the resort really shines is its approach to philanthropy, generosity and giving back to local communities.

Through the Soneva Foundation, the resort supports the development of projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact. Some examples include the funding of Action Against Hunger UK to identify and treat severely acute malnourished children in rural Nepal and Rajasthan, India; and The Myanmar Stoves Campaign is the first Gold Standard Foundation certified carbon project in Myanmar which will see the distribution of fuel-efficient cook stoves to over 200,000 families. Each stove saves 2.5 tonnes of wood per year and reduces air pollution by 80% -improving the health and safety of the whole community.

ARTISTRY

Patina Maldives – Yvonne

Calling all creatives, art lovers, and architecture connoisseurs, Patina Maldives boasts great contemporary design, a holistic collection of artworks, consisting of bespoke commissioned artworks and unique design pieces by international artists, as well as an impressive line-up of visiting artists and installations. Even the food offering is creative in its breadth and inclusion of food vans. As part of the Fari Islands group of resorts, guests also have access to the Ritz Carlton and the central shopping, dining and lifestyle precinct, which oozes beach club vibes.

ADVENTURE

Anantara Kihavah – Yvonne

The Maldives can be an incredibly adventurous destination… if you know where to look. One of the resorts catering perfectly to thrill seekers is Anantara Kihavah, which boasts the best house reef and unmissable scuba and JetSki experiences amongst the dolphins and beautiful sandbanks. It is also home to the biggest telescope in the Indian Ocean, with an amazing introduction to astronomy. Even the dining at this resort pushes the envelope, with its underwater dining experience a must do!

TASTE

JOALI– Yvonne

Even though it’s a well-rounded resort with stunning design, villas to die for, a great gym and snorkelling with a marine biologist to name a few selling points, JOALI is a foodie haven. From Italian fine dining to light Japanese-fusion dishes, a private, interactive kitchen, an ice cream parlour and shisha bar, the culinary choices on offer here are bold, enticing and memorable.

WELL-BEING

JOALI BEING - Yvonne

The concepts of fitness and wellbeing are revered on a whole other level at JOALI BEING. The food is both super healthy and super diverse, with great menu options for different palettes. There’s an unbelievable choice of spa treatments, which factor in different health and wellbeing elements, as well as a range of immersion programs designed to rebalance the four pillars of wellbeing. The gym is one of the most expansive in The Maldives with a huge choice of activities including aerial yoga, reformer pilates beds and endless choices of classes to keep you fit. The herbology centre is a highlight, as guests can visit and learn how to mix their own, bespoke elixirs!

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

FOUR SEASONS KUDA HURAA & LANDAA – Leora

Some of the highlights from Four Seasons Kuda Huraa were its dedicated turtle hospital and coral reef propagation project. For those in the surfing community, Kuda Huraa has seven breaks in the area, with two of the most famous right at their doorstep. If you are new to the sport, the onsite teachers from Tropicsurf will get you up & away. For those spa lovers, the night spa ritual over on the dedicated spa island, is out of this world. From its sister resort, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the Ayurma Spa concept, fantastic beach club and delectable breakfast offering were key takeaways. Being in the Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay is the perfect location for Manta Ray spotting. What both resorts have in common is their respect of the local culture and community. They celebrate and preserve the breadth and depth of Maldivian culture through immersive guest experiences such as ‘Bodu Beru’ (‘big drum’ music and dancing) performances, traditional lacquer lessons, and guided visits to local islands.