My love for the Maldives began eight years in the past once I went there for my honeymoon. The place is what I envision as paradise on earth. I made a vow then to return yearly. Having visited a number of atolls and totally different resorts, I’ve come to favor the pure islands. COMO Maalifushi, COMO Cocoa Island and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives, the three five-star resorts I visited on my newest journey, are all centered on precisely this: the chic pure great thing about the Maldives. Herein are my highlights.
LUXE CASTAWAY FEELS AT COMO MAALIFUSHI
An opulent five-star resort positioned within the distant Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is accessible solely by a 60-minute seaplane journey from Malé. From the second I step onto the resort, I’m immersed in a sense of full rest and indulgence. As my husband and I are greeted by the nice and cozy employees and brought to our overwater sundown villa by our butler, I’m struck by the gorgeous views of the crystal-clear waters and the plush greenery that encompass us. It’s like stepping right into a postcard-perfect paradise.
The resort boasts extraordinary eating. Our first morning began with a floating breakfast, aesthetically organized by the employees within the infinity pool of our overwater villa. Elegant and refined, Tai restaurant additionally stands out. Each dish is a murals, from the recent tuna tataki to the reef lobster. With its lovely sundown view, Madi is one other must-visit spot, the place we loved an distinctive three-course dinner on the seashore by candlelight and below a blanket of stars.
Together with stress-free massages on the COMO Shambhala Retreat, we additionally did a day journey to pristine Picnic Island. Only a brief boat journey from the resort, the island is a secluded oasis. Our butler organized for a connoisseur lunch to be delivered to the island at our comfort, and it was a feast for the senses. As we loved our meal, the sudden rain added to the magical environment and appreciation for the island’s uncooked magnificence. The sense of freedom and castaway vibe made us really feel like a Robinson Crusoe-like adventurers—it was a priceless expertise, one I extremely advocate.
From the distinctive health-centered eating to the breathtaking views, each facet of the resort is designed to indulge and rejuvenate. All of the resort employees had been devoted to making sure we had an unforgettable expertise, and did we ever.
SWIMMING WITH TURTLES AT COCOA ISLAND
Subsequent cease: COMO Cocoa Island. On a small island in South Male Atoll, it’s the right mix of luxurious, rest and marine journey. Much like its sister resort, Cocoa Island’s pure location is a chic one, nestled in a surreal turquoise lagoon with a kilometer-long sandbank.
The overwater villas are uniquely formed like the standard Maldivian boat often called Dhoni. These villas provide breathtaking views of the lagoon and the colourful marine life. Designed with a minimalist strategy, they exude magnificence and ease. They’re spacious and comfy too, with an out of doors deck excellent for lounging and absorbing the solar.
Twice a day with the tides, a sandbank emerges making a surreal change within the surroundings. You may stroll alongside it, surrounded by crystal clear water on all sides, and watch because the waves crash on the encompassing reefs. It’s an expertise that feels virtually otherworldly.
Stepping into the water is a should and Cocoa Island’s dive middle employees are a few of the finest I’ve skilled. We went on a snorkeling journey with them which I’ll always remember. We had hawksbill turtles swim alongside us. The water is so clear that you could see the colourful colours of the fish and coral from the floor. You may as well take part in coral planting, which is such a pleasant approach to be taught concerning the ocean and deepen mindfulness for marine life.
The overwater villas, the disappearing-reappearing sandbank, the meals, the wellness, the underwater actions—my keep right here nothing in need of extraordinary.
A SUBLIME SANDBANK SETUP AT TAJ EXOTICA
On Embhodoo Finolhu Island, “finolhu” that means sandbank in Maldivian, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives is constructed on what was one. The pure great thing about the placement is gorgeous, with pristine white sandy seashores and crystal-clear waters so far as the attention can see.
Their Taj Personal Seaside Villa is additional particular. Situated by itself personal seashore, it presents visitors final privateness and seclusion. With its gorgeous structure, luxurious furnishings, and breathtaking views of the ocean, this villa is really a dream come true, with loads of personal out of doors areas each sunny and shaded. I most beloved lounging within the hammock or sinking my toes into the powdery sand in entrance of our villa earlier than getting into the turquoise lagoon.
We occurred to have a good time our anniversary right here, beginning the day with a floating breakfast and persevering with with essentially the most stress-free customized therapy on the Jiva Spa. I’ve to say, this spa exceeded all my expectations—the therapists join with you on a deeper stage, guaranteeing your therapy is a delight to your senses. The day ended with cocktails because the solar set and a three-course dinner on the Deep Finish restaurant.
We additionally deliberate a snorkeling journey with mantas and sharks, however we at all times like to avoid wasting actions as pretext for one more go to. I’ve heard the TAJ diving middle is among the finest within the Maldives, so for certain we are going to return. Till subsequent time, Maldives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ROXANA COZMA, LUXURY HOTEL CONNOISSEUR, SHARES DREAM TRAVEL INSPIRATION ON WANDERLUST VOYAGER.
