Luxury Retreats – the experts in vacations in the Maldives

When it comes to luxurious, tropical island getaways, the Maldives is pretty hard to beat. Set deep within the Indian Ocean, this collection of 1,200 islands has only been a vacation destination for the last 40 years, but that only makes its beauty, calm ambiance, and lush surroundings all the more appealing. The islands, which are part of 26 coral atolls reaching straight across to the equator, are sought after for their rich marine life, vibrant history, dense vegetation, and total relaxation opportunities. If Robinson Crusoe walked among us now, he would do well to catch a ride over here. So, vacationers looking to get away from it all in absolute style and luxury, this is the place. No ifs, no buts. Just when. The islands are waiting for you.

There are many ways you can eat like a king or queen in your Luxury Retreats residence, but if you feel like a little variety there are some great places just a speedboat ride away. Sharing the same reef as Baa Atoll are the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru resort, the Soneva Fushi resort, and the Anantara Kihavah Villas. All offer world-class, dining experiences. From the Four Seasons ‘Al Barakat Lebanese restaurant to Soneva Fushi’s Fresh In The Garden eatery, perched on stilts several feet about its vegetable garden; its fresh, Mediterranean-style dishes taste even better when you’re sitting nestled between banana trees. Anantara Kihavah’s underwater restaurant and wine cellar is a truly memorable experience. Feast on catches of the day while you watch their counterparts glide through the tropical waters around you.

As the Maldives is made up of so many islands it seems a shame not to see a few of them while you are here. Ask your concierge for details on guided tours of the inhabited and uninhabited islands near your villa. Or you can take a speedboat to Addu Atoll and visit Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort, which offers several different types of cultural tours of the island. From a historical tour, covering the use of the island as a British Naval base in the second world war to a city tour of Addu by bike, and nature walks across the island, a day trip is sure to leave you filled with awe at the long history of this fantastic location.

Each villa has a raft of water sports equipment to use, such as sea kayaks, sailboats, windsurfers, paddle boards, and snorkeling equipment. There is much to see in the coral reefs and lagoons right outside your door. Ask your concierge for information on guided snorkeling or diving tours. For those that fancy catching their supper, make a plan to hire a dhoni, and head out to the reefs at sunset. Let out your hooks over the edge and see if you can catch a snapper or two.

Experience the luxury of a Maldives villa rental

Once you’ve decided on a vacation to the Maldives, it can be hard to figure out which island should be your base during the stay. Help is at hand in the form of Luxury Retreats’ select edit of awe-inspiring villas. From a villa set on a private island to modern homes set straight onto the beachfront, there is a house just suited to your vacation needs.

Just half-an-hour by seaplane from Male lies the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, home to the Amilla Villa Residence. Its collection ofBaa Atoll villas make it a truly special place, with no detail spared for a perfect vacation experience. Its collection of villas suits parties of eight through to 12 and the houses are loved for their laidback-luxe vibe. Think entertainment lounges (table tennis, anyone?), oversize terraces, private beaches, sleek interior furnishings, and bedrooms with ocean views.

All kitchens are fully equipped to support fine dining every night of your vacation but you may want to slip away to one of the resorts top class restaurants, Mystique Gardens for candle-lit dining under the palm trees or Feeling Koi, a Japanese Izakaya-inspired restaurant set on stilts over the lagoon. The 1 Oak lounge keeps the party going with Live DJs and an extensive wine, sake, and cocktail list.

If you and your vacation buddies aren’t suitably relaxed after all this, then head immediately to the Javvu Spa, which has 10 private treatment pods, sauna, steam room, and yoga pavilion, to help mind, body, and spirit come together. Don’t forget to enjoy the varied marine life right outside your door, by having a snorkeling, sea-kayak, or paddle boarding session. Could this be the place for a special family celebration or romantic honeymoon? We think so.

A special family getaway or an intimate wedding celebration calls for a truly unique vacation proposition. Step forward Luxury Retreats’North Male Atoll Villas in the form of the Coco Privé Private Island residence. These six world-class luxury villas, set on their own private island in the North Male Atoll, can be rented together to create an unparalleled vacation experience. Designed by Singapore-based architect Guz Wilkinson, the homes were designed to ensure a balance between modernity and the natural environment. The buildings’ materials comprise of timber, glass, and concrete, creating an open plan structure which is infused with light. The wooden flooring, wall paneling, and sleek furnishings make each villa a pleasure to lounge in after the sun sets.

The main villa, the Palm Residence, offers formal dining for up to 14, a cocktail bar, wine cellar, fitness center, massage room, 130-foot infinity pool, and the use of all water sports equipment. A resident yoga instructor is on standby in case anyone in your party needs help with their sun salutations. And, the onsite marine biologist provides guided snorkeling tours of the island’s coral reefs, as well as showing how Coco Privé supports the Maldives National Sea Turtle Photo Identification project. A chef is on hand, to whip up every type of dish you could dream of, with fresh, locally sourced produce. It might sound like there is a lot on offer and there is, but there is no requirement to do any of it. Some afternoons can, and should, be spent on the beach, lying on a sun lounger and watching the world go by.