Deep Blue Seas, Turquoise Reefs, White Sandy Beaches and Palm Trees!
By Paul Rubio
An incomparable showcase of Mother Nature’s omnipotence, the Maldives merge castaway fantasy with paradisiacal reality. Scattered randomly over the far reaches of the Indian Ocean, the country’s 26 isolated atolls and surrounding waters epitomize raw beauty and simplicity. Azure waters teem with rainbows of marine life. Shallow, uninhabited palm fringed islets drown in downy sands and rising tides. By night, moonlight illuminates vast expanses of great blue, forming an ever-changing kaleidoscope of aqua. It’s the presence of top global resorts, however, that ultimately consummates this Maldivian love affair, facilitating the romance between creature comforts and Earth’s core elements.
In the Male Southern atoll, a series of petite islands host three separate Anantara properties – Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, Anantara Veli Resort & Spa, and Naladhu – Maldivian for “long,” “sand,” and “beautiful island,” respectively – all connected by a small network of foot bridges, lagoons and shuttle boats. Each property flaunts a unique style and appeal.
Dhigu’s predominantly oceanfront bungalows, Veli’s traditional over water villas and Naladhu’s immaculate ocean homes suit all tastes of the discerning vacation palate.
The Anantara enclave has nine eclectic bars and restaurants to choose from, three idyllic swimming pools and plentiful wide-open spaces for water-sport enthusiasts. Opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing, wake boarding, parasailing, and water-skiing beckon at the water activities center, Aquafanatics, while ground staff organize Asian cooking classes, local arts and crafts sessions and land based sports tournaments. The flagship overwater spa features the dexterity of Thai massage therapists, who indulge guests in traditional and signature treatments over tranquil glass bottom floors.
In the entire Maldives, Naladhu is the only resort to provide the bona fide ocean home experience, pampering guests with 3200 square foot houses perched over the rising tide. The baroque-patterned, wrought iron entrance opens the doors of tropical
elegance, combining contemporary minimalism with maritime nostalgia. Antique accessories commingle Asian inspiration with European influences. Replacing a central living room with an infinity pool, cool, fresh waters are steps away from anywhere in the house, spilling into the ocean at one end and into the innovative Plexiglas/marble bathtub at the other. Behind the bathing area, a passageway leads to the beautifully landscaped outdoor shower, mirroring the indigenous shrubbery and palm trees that adorn the western perimeter of the infinity pool. On the footsteps of the hardwood floors and meticulously furnished master
bedroom, a queen bed hammock sways back and forth nearly gliding over the water. A thatched roof dining area and private veranda welcome the light mist from ocean zephyrs while unveiling a panorama of unadulterated ocean and sky.
Personal butlers readily await the requests and whims of residents in Naladhu’s nineteen homes; but at most times, an overwhelming sentiment of completeness renders the intended butler services null and void. Given Naladhu’s exclusivity, guests are able to use the common facilities and outlets of neighboring Veli and Dhigu, though the reverse does not apply. This means that guests can easily limit their interactions with others and maintain varying degrees of privacy.
Across the lagoons, at Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, a festive yet relaxing ambience prevails. The property feels busy compared to its two neighbors with live music in the evenings, the enclave’s most popular restaurant, Fuddan Fusion Grill and the traffic of 110 villas. Dhigu, however, successfully stymies the big resort feel by virtue of its design and ample acreage. Service never drops below a five- star level and the property fills a niche for couples who enjoy regular doses of human interaction.
In this week’s Style & Entertainment we envisage a somewhat cooler temperatures and look to what is hot in Fall fashion, get ready to layer yourself in autumnal hues, strong statement jackets and rustic accessories in Style, Paul Rubio shows us the travel delights of Hollywood, Florida, a seaside haven that has finally received some TLC from the LGBT Community in Travel and Michael French reminds us of the pitfalls and insecurities that accompany gossiping in Home.
