Constance Halaveli, Maldives
The new Constance Halaveli has villas either on stilts in a beautiful lagoon or on the pristine beach.
All the villas have their own plunge pools and a terrace or balcony with an outdoor shower. The three restaurants and the spa ensure that both the body and mind are well cared for. The main restaurant, Jahaz, specialises in the best of international cuisine, while Jing serves East/West fusion cuisine in a room over the water. Finally, Meeru is a more relaxed al fresco seafood restaurant.
The Spa de Constance uses natural oils and scrubs created specifically for the resort, and for younger guests the Constance Kids Club - for 4 to 11 year olds - has a wide range of activities on offer from sand castle-making sessions and stargazing, all overseen by qualified staff. Divers are well catered for at the TGI dive centre and there are several excellent dive sites within easy reach of the resort.
Why We Love It
The Halaveli is part of the same group of hotels as one of our Mauritian favourites; the Prince Maurice.
Soneva in Aqua
As a member of the Soneva family, this new luxury ultra yacht set sail in 2015, and offers guests the freedom to cruise to some of the Maldives' most spectacular reefs and paradise locations.
Designed with Soneva 'original barefoot luxury brand', they will offer stylish accommodation, fine cuisine and access to remote, natural locations. The ultra luxury yacht will consist of; on the lower deck a master king size bedroom and 2 host cabins, with bunk beds. Not to mention a fully equipped gallery. The main deck will see a guest king size bedroom and the main salon. No cruiser, however, is complete without its captain, whose quarters lie on the upper deck along with a wheel house and an outside seating area for guests with panoramic views. Other features will include a lower level bar, dining area, outside dining deck, internal library and lounge, oh and a Jacuzzi.
As far as activities go, guests who enjoy diving, will have access to an on-board dive instructor who will take them on daily dives, there will also be an array of spots for snorkeling. Additionally to the sea life wonders there will also be on-board spa treatments, from massages on a private sand bank to some pampering on-board. There is also an option to do early morning Thai Chi or yoga on the deck.
Why We Love It
Guest will have the opportunity to sleep under the stars on the top deck.
Conrad Maldives Rangali
Conrad Maldives Rangali is a wonderful resort on a private island surrounded by a marine life Mecca of stunning coral reef, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and turtles.
Guests are spoilt for choice with 150 rooms and suites be it on the sandy shores in beach front villas, over water in water villas or super deluxe over water villas, with private spa rooms. Rooms are kitted with all mod cons, fine Italian bed linen and high spec en-suites.
Ever fancied eating under water? Here you can. The Ithaa undersea restaurant serves contemporary cuisine and is set five meters below the surface with panoramic views of ocean - an ideal accompaniment to any meal. For those who fancy eating above ground there are a range of dining options at Conrad Maldives from Seafood grills to cheese and wine specialities.
To keep guests entertained Rangali Island has two outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, snorkelling and diving excursions and a wide range of water sports. Those looking for something a little more relaxing will find the Spa retreat rather inviting, with a number of indulgent treatments and facilities on offer.
Why We Love It
Foodies will be in gourmet heaven with lobsters and champagne on the beach, full moon dinners and themed barbecues.
Constance Moofushi
So many beautiful desert islands, so many beautiful hotels to choose from. The Maldives has got an enviable problem on its hands with quite so much choice, but here at Original Travel we have been to the best of the bunch of hotels, and think Constance Moofushi will appeal.
There is the usual blend of land and water villas, with the majority on stilts in the lagoon. Of the over water rooms only the senior water villas have baths, but all are decked out in tastefully understated style although the bathrooms err on the small side.
The island itself is one of the smaller resort islands, with a complete circuit taking no more than ten minutes, and at times it can feel busy, but the lagoon surrounding the island is one of the largest and protected by wave-breakers for the ultimate in natural swimming pool sensations. There is one other main pool as well.
Constance Moofushi has three restaurants, including Alizee (the smartest, a la carte, option), Totem and the main restaurant serving buffet meals. There are also a couple of bars for enjoying a cocktail or two. Probably the best selling point of Constance Moofushi is that it's fully inclusive, unlike many of the islands where you are charged eye-watering rates for everything additional. The package includes all meals and drinks and even one free excursion such as a fishing trip or sunset cruise.
Why We Love It
The fully inclusive rates mean there are no nasty surprises when it comes to check out.
Anantara Dhigu
With such a bewildering choice of resorts in the Maldives every island idyll needs a special something to differentiate from the rest; in the case of Anantara Dhigu it's simple, this is one of the best - and best value - family hotels in the Maldives, all just 35 minutes by speedboat from the airport.
There are 110 suites and villas in total, some built on stilts over the beautiful turquoise lagoon and others on the white sand beach, but all perfectly positioned to welcome the sunrise or sunset.
Anantara Dhigu's sister property Anantara Veli is nearby, so guests have the perfect opportunity to us the facilities at both properties. On Dhigu itself are the Fushi Café for breakfast and Italian cuisine specialising Terrazzo which serves up children's favourites such as pizza but also delicious freshly made lobster ravioli. Poolside snacks and lighter dishes are available at Aqua, complete with swim up bar. Thai and Japanese restaurants are also available at Anantara Veli.
The Dhoni Kidz Club is on site to keep children entertained while parents can enjoy activities such as snorkeling in the shallow lagoon (the perfect place to learn for children as well), surfing on a nearby reef, windsurfing in the lagoon or a massage at the spa where the glass floor means you can continue to spot small reef sharks and rays even while being pampered.
Why We Love It
While Anantara Dhigu is great for kids, if you want some splendid isolation, swim 60ft offshore and enjoy some well-earned parental R&R in the hammock suspended over the lapping lagoon waters.
