THE SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE: THE MALDIVES

Positioned in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India, the island nation caters to A-listers and the elite with unparalleled luxury resorts, each based on its own gorgeous island. To help you find your own dream getaway in the Maldives, we’ve narrowed down the field to some of our favorite spots  that you’re certain to love, all while making everyone you know very, very jealous. Kudadoo Maldives  Private Island The 100% solar powered, adults-only Kudadoo Maldives Private Island was designed to be the ultimate escape. This  all-inclusive resort is located on Lhaviyani Atoll, a short 40-minute seaplane flight  from the capital, Malé.  The resort is intimate and serene with just 15 discreet villas. The soul soothing Japanese-style overwater villas are located along a horseshoe-shaped wooden boardwalk. 13 one-bedroom residences have over 3,200 square feet and two larger two-bedroom residences with an extensive 9,000 square feet of living space. Villas come with dedicated butler service, a private large outdoor living area, a calming infinity terrace pool, and spacious bathrooms. Additional touches include yoga mats, and fresh herbs and citrus for craft cocktails!  Water sports at Kudadoo include scuba diving, jet skiing, kite-surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, fishing,  and snorkeling. Nearby, an underwater channel with strong currents is a haven for marine life viewing.  Relaxation comes easy at the on-site Sulha Spa, cleverly situated above the ocean for grandiose ocean views during treatments. Treatments include traditional facials, a nail bar, steam room, and various massages like Zen Shiatsu and Reiki. It  also has the Maldives’ first and only  salt cave.

As for dining, there are great options too, including the dreamy, lantern-lit Retreat restaurant. Velaa Private Island One of the newest ultra-luxury resorts, Velaa Private Island is a $200 million, 47-villa resort situated a short 45-minute seaplane flight north of Malé. Velaa in Maldivian means sea turtle which is a suitable name for this turtleshaped island. The resort is comprised of 18 overwater villas, 25 beach villas and houses, and four four-bedroom residences. These self-sufficient villas and residences all come complete with their own private plunge pools, direct ocean access, and elaborate outdoor living areas. The exclusive Romantic Pool Residence is accessible only by boat, making for the perfect honeymoon getaway. The icing on the cake? A private butler is ready to accommodate any desire that guests might have in mind. The resort’s never-ending list of activities will surely keep you busy during your stay. Indulge in a variety of water sports such as diving or kayaking, tee off in paradise at Velaa Golf Academy, or enjoy a day at the highly curated wellness spa called My Blend by Clarins. The island is also home to the only Snow Room in the Maldives which provides an array of health benefits including increased circulation, detoxification, and helping to tighten pores for younger looking hair and skin. One&Only Reethi Rah Situated on North Malé Atoll, One&Only Reethi Rah is a favorite celebrity hideaway thanks to its rugged beauty and worldrenowned service. This stunning resort is a short 15-minute flight or a 45-minute boat ride from Malé. Spanning 109 acres, the resort has over 100 villas spread out along the miles of tropical coastline, with some overwater.

A variety of villas are available that have big private outdoor terraces with Indian Ocean views, many with their own pools. The largest villas, Grand Sunset Residences, are accessible by private, gated roads and come with their own direct beach access, as well as large swimming pools plus outdoor living and dining spaces. Each villa is a blend of contemporary and traditional elements, such as vaulted bamboo-clad ceilings, polished marble floors, wooden shutters, and Mid-century modern furniture. Luxurious bathrooms are huge and high-end with two vanities with vessel sinks, deep soaking tubs, and separate walkin showers. The lush surroundings are also home to 12 white-sand beaches, an awardwinning spa, fitness center, a yacht for charter, and a kids’ club. The resort offers a number of restaurants with a wide variety of cuisine types, including Japanese, Italian, and Middle Eastern. Six Senses Laamu Seductively remote, yet easily accessible by seaplane, Six Senses Laamu is located on stunning Laamu Atoll. The resort’s 97 spacious thatched villas offer privacy, coziness, and every creature comfort. All of the villas sit over a beautiful tropical lagoon or on the sandy beachfront. Unique features include private water gardens, outdoor relaxing platform with day beds, aquarium dining decks, and a sunken ocean view glass bathtub. For the ultimate experience, the two-bedroom Ocean Beach Villa with pool is hidden between the lush tropical vegetation facing the ocean and is perfect for families. In keeping with the feel of the island, the villas are crafted from local and sustainable materials. Six Senses Laamu is known for its collection of experiences offered. For the kids, Marine Life Fun brings in a marine biologist to share a fun introduction to underwater life and a Finding Nemo snorkeling trip to see the treasures that are hidden below water. For honeymooners, a desert island picnic or a sunset traditional dhoni (boat) cruise. A waterfront Technogym and Kinesis-stocked fitness center are available for those that wish to stay in shape while in paradise. For the foodies, three restaurants are on-site that use the freshest local ingredients. Hurawalhi Island Resort Designed for adults only (ages 15 and older allowed), Hurawalhi Island Resort makes it easy to get in touch with one’s inner kid. Take time to run up a boat’s sails to capture the pleasant winds. Jump aboard a jet ski or a speedboat. Go diving to get closer to the plentiful sea life. The Hurawalhi Marine Biology Center works on conservation of Lhaviyani Atoll’s 2,000-plus sea life species, including manta ray research. Hurawalhi Island Resort’s sumptuous villas, many with private pools, offer sunrise and sunset views. However, it is one of the resort’s jaw-dropping dining options that quickly captures the attention of all guests. At 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, 16 can guests can eat inside a transparent space 19 feet beneath the water’s surface. Here you can watch the underwater world come alive so close that you could almost touch it while you dine. Additional fine dining and libations at the resort reflect an international flair. There’s even a Champagne Pavilion for toasting any special occasion. And when it comes to enjoying a little (or a lot!) of therapeutic rejuvenation, the resort’s Dunive Spa’s menu combines Asian and African modes of treatment, all paired with dramatic overwater views.