Esquire Approves: Niyama Private Islands, Maldives

The Maldives does three things very well. It has sun. It has sand. And it has sea.

But therein lies the problem. These things are commonplace in an area of the world regularly described as ‘paradise’, so what’s a luxury resort to do to stand out? The answer, it go dial up the luxury to new heights.

Niyama Private Islands is a great example of this. It features twin islands, Play and Chill, which each island being true to its name. Over on Chill Island, you can relax at The Drift Spa, or take in a movie under the stars in the resort’s outdoor cinema. Meanwhile, over on Play, there’s more to be found for those looking for adventure.

On the water, you can kayak around the island or even discover why Niyama is one of the Maldives’ best-surfing spots. It’s a truly unique concept and one that lets guests pick and choose the exact experience they want out of their stay.

At Niyama, privacy is paramount. Each one of the islands’ 130 accommodations provides a secluded retreat. Villas all feature large decks to soak in the sun, bathrooms with private outdoor showers for a back-to-nature feel, with the options for private pools or Jacuzzis. And, of course, everywhere you turn at any location, you will be enamoured by breath-taking sea and island views.