Maldives
by Ben Poole
Paradise: now I know what it looks like. I promise.
After an 11 hour journey we make our descent to Male, I observe the view out of my window which I can only describe as a slide show of paradise, atolls of beautiful islands surrounded by tranquil fluorescent turquoise sea. From the moment you step off the plane you know this is going to be an unforgettable experience.
After a 30 minute speedboat journey I arrive at my first destination, ‘Huvafen Fushi.’ I am chapperoned to my beach bungalow, a contempory haven footsteps away from the Indian ocean. Every part of the room design here is cleverly sympathatic to its surroundings, from the bungalow’s private beachfront deck to the amazing outdoor courtyard bathroom with plunge pool, the mix of natural beauty and hi-tec chic is inspiring.
All cuisines are catered for at Huvafen Fushi in its two restaurants Celsuis and Raw. The resort also boasts an overwater spa and fitness suite with the added wow factor of the worlds first underwater treatment room.
To my disappointment my stay at Huvafen Fushi had come to an end and before I had time to reflect on my experience I was being whisked back to Male for my onward seaplane connection to W retreat and Spa.
The W experience begins even before you arrive. Male airport boasts a chic W operated transfer lounge, where guests are greeted with all the modern conveniences of a city airport lounge - drinks, food, magazines, plasma TV and internet. It's here that new arrivals are supplied with a W in-flight kit before boarding the seaplane to W's private island.
W Maldives is all about the water Ocean Oasis villas, they are truly exceptional and sexy. It's almost as if they have gone to every other island in the Maldives and taken the best ideas their competitors had to offer and made it better, giving it the unique W twist that makes most W hotels standouts in their cities. Ocean Oasis villas boast private plunge pools (or hop down the steps and dive into the turquoise lagoon if you'd prefer) and massive daybeds built for serious relaxation coupled with Moroccan inspired outdoor seating areas. Inside, the villas offer glass sections of flooring in the living rooms so you can check out the marine life swimming below. Flip a switch to illuminate underwater lights for a nighttime viewing of the fauna.
Everything about the W Maldives resort is perfect, it is the ultimate fantasy Island.
Next stop on my whirlwind tour of paradise is Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. This resort is a brand new addition to the Four Seasons portfolio; however, it had the most established feel of the islands due to the maturity of the flora, as the island used to be a coconut plantation. The infamous trademarks of Four Seasons are evident throughout - impeccable service, superb attention to detail and understated luxury.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru was the largest island I visited and this worked in its favour as the comprehensive choice of facilities outshone all other resorts and for this reason would be superb for families or people that get itchy feet!
Sadly my dream in paradise has come to an end, and the reality of home is on the horizon.