MILAIDHOO MALDIVES

Easily reached via a 35-minute seaplane from Malé, Maldivian-owned Milaidhoo Island Maldives offers a sense of Maldivian small island living with 50 villas, three restaurants and stylish, thoughtful décor designed and created by local designers and artisans using responsibly-sourced materials. Each of Milaidhoo’s private villas have been designed by a local Maldivian architect, with conservation front of mind ensuring minimum impact on the coral reef.  The accommodation was created to seamlessly fuse indoor and outdoor living. Each villa opens up 180 degrees, inviting the natural elements in, while the materials and crafts used blend effortlessly with natural elements and modern, sustainable architecture. 

Standing on stilts over the lagoon are 30 spacious over-water villas (245 square metres) and hidden amongst the tropical greenery are 20 serene villas on the beach (290 square metres). All villas have large private freshwater swimming pools and an island host to attend to the guests’ every whim.  Water babies can opt for the breathtaking 475sqm Ocean Residence – an incredibly spacious and elegantly but authentically designed, thatched-roof villa, on stilts with unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. There is even a ‘secret’ loft deck hidden inside the roof of the villa, which is the perfect place for guests to chill out with a glass of wine, taking in the views of the Indian Ocean. Those who prefer dry land can choose one of Milaidhoo’s two 490sqm Beach Residences, created to showcase luxurious, informal, outdoor island living. The bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows framing the private beach and ocean beyond, which open up to the huge sun deck, complete with its 60sqm private freshwater infinity pool.

Subtly luxurious, the resort encourages visitors to ditch their iPhones and discover the island through their senses and experiences. The intimate 13-acre resort is set in the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baa Atoll region and strives to introduce guests to the very best the Maldives has to offer. Proudly rooted in the local island traditions, Milaidhoo curates a bespoke selection of experiences to showcase the destination. Foodies can learn to master time honored recipes, handed down through generations. They can join the local fisherman for the catch of the day and learn how to craft a traditional Dhoni and the history behind it, rather than just take a ride on one.  Guests will discover the spectacular Maldivian sea life with a visit to Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area, which attracts the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays in the world, as well as being one of the best places to spot whale sharks in the Maldives.

Culinary experiences are also a highlight at Milaidhoo; focusing on authentic, light food with traditional flavours. Two bars and three world-class restaurants are on offer including the islands signature eatery Ba’theli. Perched above the lagoon, shaped like a ‘dhoni’ (traditional Maldivian sailing boat), it is the only fine dining Maldivian restaurant in the Maldives. Here, the expert local chefs will take guests on an island-influenced gastronomic journey as they discover local flavours and textures. The Shoreline Grill is where guests will find barefoot informality at its best. The Chef will ask what guests feel like eating and cook accordingly to tastes and preferences. The sand-floored beachfront restaurant offers a menu of fine cuts of meat, fresh local fish and seafood, simply cooked and beautifully presented, with a Teppanyaki table and wine cellar. Casual, all-day dining is found at Ocean, serving up an array of daily specials by day and international dishes by night. For an aperitif or after dinner, the Compass Pool Bar offers an impressive selection of cutting-edge cocktails, while a pool bar will be open by day for fresh exotic fruit juices and snacks and by night for live music and tantalising cocktails.

The personalised touch of Milaidhoo continues at the intimate Serenity Spa. African-inspired healing techniques, using local herbs, plants and ingredients are used in the four treatment suites, set on stilts over the glistening lagoon. The treatment menu includes organic and natural spa therapies by Elemis, TheraNaka and Coola. Yoga and meditation sessions are available throughout the day, along with a state-of-the-art gym. Milaidhoo is also home to  an innovative concept called ‘mood dining’. The ‘mood dining’ programme, invites guests choose from five different ‘moods’ including ‘Deep Sleep’; ‘Getting into the Milaidhoo Mood’; ‘Sunrise Awakening’; ‘Curious Adventures’ and ‘Sunset Chill’. Each ‘mood’ consists of a specially curated food and drink menu, served at a specific location on the island, all of which has been designed to alter a person’s mood. Some of these dining offerings are paired with spa treatments, special baths and meditation to enhance the experience.