The Maldives has been the go-to beach getaway destination for the Arab region during the merciless summer months for the longest time. Travel a mere five hours on a direct flight from Dubai and you’ll arrive in an absolute tropical paradise.
Situated on the private island of Fesdu in North Ari Atoll– which is about 25 minutes from Male on seaplane – 5-star luxury lifestyle resort W Maldives takes its “Work Hard, Play Harder” ethos to heart and offers guests access to all the natural wonders of the archipelagic country coupled with the luxury, personality, and style that we’ve come to love and expect from the W Hotels brand around the world. Here are four reasons why W Maldives should be on your summer bucket list this year.
1. Dive in the Best House Reef
The Maldives is renowned to be a snorkeller’s dream, and W Maldives happens to sit upon one of its best and largest house reefs. The best part is that the house reef is accessible from anywhere on the resort; simply put on your gear and dive in anywhere at any point in time to transport yourself into a whole new underwater world. Like a scene out of Finding Nemo, expect to swim among colourful corals as well as schools of angel, parrot, hawk, and moorish fish. At the edge of the reef, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of juvenile sharks, stingrays, dolphins, and turtles from time to time. Those with a penchant for thrills and adventure can take it up a notch at night with a black light torch to discover the magical bio-fluorescence. For more water-based activities, head down to the diving and watersports centre Down Under & Wave.
2. Stylish Accommodations
Guests are spoilt for choice with regards to accommodation – all of them prioritising your privacy in all aspects. With 27 villas on the beach and 50 overwater – including the 2-bedroom Extreme WOW Ocean Haven (the W brand’s interpretation of the Presidential Suite) and WOW Ocean Escape (Vice-Presidential Suite) – we’re pretty certain that there is a room option for every kind of traveller. Leap into the crystal-clear turquoise lagoon from the deck of your overwater room or be surrounded by the lush tropical foliage in one of the beach villas. Our personal favourite, the Wonderful Beach Oasis, is a plush one-bedroom villa that features a beachfront balcony to bask in the sea breeze, a private plunge pool, a rainforest shower, a standalone bathtub as well as high-end design and tech such as a glowing rope lamp designed by Christian Haas and state-of-the-art tech to amp up the luxury quotient of the stay.
3. Feast Like a King
Apart from the usual international cuisine, W Maldives serves up an array of delectable flavours hailing from India, Sri Lanka, the Arab world as well as the Maldives. There are six unique dining experiences in total: all-day dining bistro KITCHEN, charcoal grill feasting at FIRE, ocean-to-table overwater restaurant FISH, beach pop-up venue KADA, gourmet poolside bar WET, and overwater sunset bar SIP.
4. Enjoy the Privacy of the ‘Castaway’ Experience
W Maldives elevates the experience of the tropical playground to new heights at Gaathafushi, a private island right next to the resort. Have the island entirely to yourself while exploring the surrounding silent lagoon. Relax like never before on the signature W Bed under a thatched roof while your very own private chef sets up a special candlelight BBQ as the sun glistens against the backdrop of the tranquil scenery. The pampering continues as you wake with a grand champagne breakfast spread.
From now until 10 January 2023, guests can enjoy the ‘W Got You Covered’ premium all-inclusive offer. Indulge in the daily breakfast buffet at Kitchen and a daily three-course lunch and dinner at two designated restaurants. For more information, head to W Maldives.