Lazy beach days? Check. Winter sunshine? Of course. Cocktails on tap? Why not. For the ultimate in pampered island life, go secluded in the Maldives. These intimate beach resorts are set directly on the warm sands of the beach and offer an exclusive experience without the crowds.
1. Niyama Private Islands
Why? This island nirvana is home to the largest selection of restaurants and bars of any resort in the Maldives.
The only resort spread across two tropical islands, Niyama Private Islands promises a unique experience far away from the stress of everyday life. With an underwater nightclub six metres below sea-level, a treetop restaurant with private pods suspended among Banyan trees, a 24-hour spa, and a floating restaurant located 500 metres off-shore, you’re sure to make incredible memories here. Take your pick of Maldivian styled beachfront villas or water studios, many with their own pools and private beach access. Niyama Private Islands is also one of the best surfing spots in the Maldives with its very own private surf break!
2. One&Only Reethi Rah
Why? Even when it’s fully booked, One&Only Reethi Rah remains quiet and unhurried. You’ll often wonder where everyone is.
Palm fringed and perfectly private, One&Only Reethi Rah is recommended by TripAdvisor for a Robinson Crusoe castaway experience just an hour from Malé. A favourite among A-list celebrities like Tom Cruise and the Beckhams who favour this resort’s personal attention with as many as 800 members of staff and its own time zone which means you can savour sunset happy hour at a more cocktail-friendly time. Take your pick of standard villas located directly on your own stretch of beach or upgrade to a deluxe villa for a bit more space. And with access to as many as 12 sublime beaches on the island, we’re sure you’ll find one that’ll take your fancy…
3. Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi
Why? With just 44 bungalows on the island, each positioned for privacy, you’ll need to book early to grab a spot at this exclusive retreat.
Designed exclusively for couples, Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi is the ultimate tropical fantasy – deluxe beach bungalows look out onto secluded white sands, butlers are at hand to keep your glass eternally topped up and activities like snorkelling and scuba diving can be arranged just for two. Wind down with a private dinner on a deserted sandbank or take a dhoni to an uninhabited island prepared with a champagne picnic and snorkel gear. Looking for another reason to stay here? Perhaps the underwater spa experience – the world’s first! – will tempt you.
4. Jumeirah Vittaveli
Why? An overwater paradise, each villa has a private pool and direct access to the beach or lagoon.
Jumeirah Vittaveli, located on Bolifushi Island in the South Malé Atoll, is home to its very own house reef close to five fascinating shipwreck sites – perfect for snorkelling and diving! Settle into your water villa with a glass panel in the floor that allows you to view underwater life from your bedroom and dine by design with your toes in the sand. While lazy beach days are encouraged here, the resort also has an ice rink – the first of its kind in the Maldives – and semi-submarine excursions to cool off from the tropical sunshine. Looking to book your honeymoon here? Best at Travel often has great offers including free Half Board and complimentary transfers for two.
5. Six Senses Laamu
Why? The only resort on the Laamu Atoll, this heavenly resort’s private beach is often frequented by dolphins.
Barefoot luxury at its very best, Six Senses Laamu is the ultimate tropical getaway where beach picnics and dolphin cruises are the order of the day. Take your pick of on-land and over-water villas – created with sustainable materials of course – and enjoy this eco-friendly resort pretty much all to yourself. Did you know that the resort is home to three on-site marine biologists to educate guests about marine life? Plus, there are romantic experiences to look forward to like cinema nights under the stars and dining on a private sandbank. Not to mention 40 different flavours to taste your way through at the ice cream parlour!
Which of these secluded island escapes would you like to visit on your next holiday to the Maldives?
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