Maldives

The Maldives' one-of-a-kind geography never ceases to inspire awe. Famously balmy waters, crystalline seas, and dazzling underwater bounties delineate the ultimate haven for snorkelers and deep sea divers. A collection of more than 1,000 coral islands and atolls shine like jewels suspended in the most luminous cyan-blue waters imaginable. Each island presents its own paradise resort, featuring the highest gradient of luxurious accommodations and the highest discretion. A destination that needs to be experienced to be believed, this nation takes private island opulence and the tropical beach fantasy to glorious heights.

The dedicated LVH team ensures all guests receive the ultimate in service and satisfaction during their stays. LVH can arrange for private chefs, private jets, exotic cars, luxury yachts, and anything else you might require to make your vacation stay truly remarkable. Choose a one-on-one session with a certified yoga or pilates instructor, time with a private tennis pro to up your game, or complete pampering sessions with a massage therapist, hair stylist or barber, nail technician, and makeup artist.

Luxury home rentals, with full services and support, can be arranged to accommodate groups of varying sizes and are ideal for lavish events. A wide roster of specially curated properties makes up the lists of the world’s most exquisite vacation estates. No matter what your chosen destination, when you are seeking the best homes, you have the most elite selection from which to choose when booking your stay with LVH.

AREAS

The many unique areas in the Maldives make it a very compelling holiday destination. These four are among the most popular:

Baa Atoll

Visitors who want encounters with amazing marine life have to include Baa Atoll on their itineraries. The atoll is a Unesco-designated Biosphere Reserve and is the most perfect year-round spot for snorkeling, diving amongst stunning coral reefs and for sightings of playful dolphins. Hundreds of whale sharks and manta rays gather from June to November to feed on the abundant plankton in some of the atoll’s bays. Pack a GoPro and get up close and personal with a whale shark or a huge manta. That is a selfie that is sure to inspire years of discussions. Luxury travelers can be a part of this undersea world every day if they choose when they stay at The Amilla Villa Estate on Baa Atoll. This glorious beachfront property feels like it’s on an island unto itself. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and the aquamarine blue Indian Ocean, the villa accommodates up to 14 guests comfortably. Top-notch amenities include an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, patio, rooftop terrace, pool bar. Inside guests will find a cinema room, library, gym, sauna and spa lounge, among others.

Male

Male is the pint-sized heart of the Maldives. As its capital, Male is pretty crowded compared to other areas of the islands. It’s just like most other capital cities – bustling and fascinating. This is the place to get a feel for real Maldivian life and to talk to Maldivians. Spend some time shopping and relaxing at one of the many cafes or drop by one of the city’s markets.

Rangali Island

Rangali Island is a one-of-a-kind resort sitting in perfect harmony with the natural environment. With an experience spanning aquatic gardens, rare marine life, dining below the waves, and unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean, Rangali is an idyllic island paradise. Nestled in the South Ari Atoll, renowned for its abundant flora and fauna, the resort features villas and suites tucked amongst natural greenery and dotted above the Indian Ocean, 12 award-winning restaurants and bars, two tranquil spas and a curated collection of locally inspired experiences designed to connect adults and children with the charm of Maldivian culture. The Muraka on Rangali Island is likely to be one of the most unique vacation accommodations any luxury traveler has ever had. The two-level residence is nothing less than magical for guests who get to sleep with marine life surrounding them. The upper level houses the main living space and two bedrooms. Descend to the lower level via a spiral staircase and become a part of an enchanted world of coral, fish and other sea creatures. Here the master bedroom has 180-degree views of ocean life via a curved acrylic dome. Take a dip in the infinity pool or unwind on the sunset-facing deck, then descend below sea level where the gentle, subaqueous hum will make these sleeps a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

South Male Atoll

South Male Atoll is a relaxing place known for its beaches. Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, jet skiing and other water activities. Nature lovers can explore top areas such as Maafushi Reef and Emma Fushi Island. Olhuveli Beach and Laguna Beach are also popular with vacationers. At South Male Atoll, visitors can ride bicycles along the jetty, swim alongside whale sharks, dine at any of the eight restaurants, dance the night away, or partake in marine conservation programs. The Jumeirah Two Bedroom Beach Suite with Pool is the ideal accommodation on South Male Atoll to spend a Maldivian holiday. It has direct access to the most powdery soft white sand beaches and glorious ocean views. The home has all the amenities to make life comfortable including an outdoor pool, outdoor dining area, and terrace. Guests staying here have access to a rich selection of facilities and amenities at Jumeirah Vittaveli including the blissful Talise Spa, and a Kids’ Club with a separate family pool.

RESTAURANTS

These six restaurants not only provide diners with exemplary cuisine, but also the ideal dining experience:

Aragu

At Aragu, the ambiance celebrates the ocean, sedate piano music accompanies the conversation and cuisine uniting east and west complete an unforgettable fine dining experience. Aragu offers a three-course or five-course tasting menu, where one of the courses is dessert. Choices include Tasmanian ocean trout with pink grapefruit, cashew nuts and lemon dressing; island coconut with white river shrimps; Japanese Bluefin tuna with daikon and pickled ginger. As an end, try the dessert simply called “cherry.” The simple pairing of cherry with chilled, lightly sweetened Greek yogurt and tarragon is superb.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

Dining at Ithaa is literally dining with undersea life. This unique restaurant takes its diners more than 16 feet below the Indian Ocean to experience a culinary extravaganza in the world’s first submerged eatery. The otherworldly coral gardens match the fusion set menus – local flavors married to Western influences. Ithaa is even open for mid-morning cocktails. Imagine enjoying a mimosa while watching a shark swim by!

Le 1947

Le 1947 describes itself as “a ballet for the senses, a theater for the divine.” French savoir-faire is unveiled course by course in gastronomic refinement. Named after Chateau Cheval Blanc’s sought-after vintage, Le 1947 presents elegant French gastronomy in an haute-design ambiance. Luxury vacationers who just want an evening away from their private villas in Maldives, might enjoy the evening lounge here to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of fine wine surrounded by sophisticated elegance – perhaps a flute of bubbly or a measure of a rare spirit to toast a day of play.

Muraka at Mirihi

This well-known restaurant is part of the Mirihi Island Resort. It is suspended on stilts above a gorgeous reef. Diners can watch fish play while they have their meals. Have drinks first on the deck to watch the unbelievably stunning sunset then meander inside to a five-star restaurant. The menu gives a wide range of options, but focuses on fresh and abundant seafood. For guests who have spent the day fishing, the chef will cook their catch to perfection!

Subsix at Niyama

At nearly 20 feet below the Indian Ocean, Subsix is the second underwater dining venue in the Maldives. Guests reach the eatery by speedboat, skipping over the reef to the restaurant’s location nearly a half mile off shore. After descending a three-tier staircase, diners will become a part of their undersea surroundings since decor at Subsix reflects the ocean. Menu choices include Wagyu beef tartare; barramundi with sautéed calamari, caramelized onions, bouillabaisse reduction and tamarind coulis. For dessert, try the mint mango sorbet or the garden fruit minestrone.

Terra at Waldorf Astoria

Terra is a tree-top venue surrounded entirely by the most exquisite scenery. It features seven hand-crafted bamboo pods for guests to enjoy their meals in the serenity provided by a private environment. The carefully-crafted menus with dishes containing some of the world's finest ingredients such as Miyazaki Wagyu beef and Alba white truffles, accompanied by a glass of premium wine from the resort's signature Krug champagne, ensures guests with refined palates will appreciate the fine international choices.

ARTS

There are a few select galleries and museums in the Maldives that feature local artists. Have a look at these three:

Esjehi Art Gallery

The Esjehi Art Gallery in Male is the ideal place to see the best Maldivian art. Whether art lovers want to see modern or traditional art, the gallery will satisfy diverse tastes. The galley is a place to engage local artists. Members of the Maldivian arts community also frequent the venue. The gallery itself is not that big, however the beautiful displays more than make up for the lack of a large gallery space. The building housing the gallery was built in the 1870s. The edifice was the residence of a nobleman. As Maldives became known worldwide, the property was eventually converted into an art gallery.

National Art Gallery of Maldives

The gallery collects work from both Maldivian and international artists and assists in the professional development of visual artists through presentations and workshops. The gallery has regular exhibitions, showcasing a variety of artworks from photography to paintings and conceptual works, by local and regional artists. It also showcases solo exhibitions representing some of the nation’s fledgling artists, as well as hosts the biennial contemporary exhibition, highlighting the myriad art forms originating from the area. The museum also houses a diverse selection of artifacts including relics from the foregone pre-Islamic period. Also on display are luxurious textiles such as turbans, ceremonial dresses, fancy slippers and belts used on special occasions, intricate lacquer work, hand woven mats, and other types of creative embroidery.

National Museum Maldives

This museum contains a well-labeled collection of historic artifacts tracing the unusual history of these isolated islands. The display begins downstairs with galleries devoted to the ancient and medieval periods of Maldivian history. Items on display include weaponry, religious paraphernalia and household wares as well as many impressively carved Arabic and Thaana-engraved pieces of wood commemorating the conversion of Maldives to Islam in 1153. Upstairs is a display representing the modern period including some prized examples of the lacquer-work boxes for which Maldives is famous, and various pieces of antique technology including the country’s first gramophone, telephone and a massive computer.

NIGHTLIFE

Check out the vibes of these four chic venues to have a good time in the Maldives once the sun has set:

Babuna Bar

The Kuredo Island Resort has various bars for nightlife in the Maldives and Babuna Bar is the most popular. Their White Night parties, when everyone has to dress up in white, attract many guests. The pulsating atmosphere with UV lights, evening animation and rocking band performances will surely impress visitors. For those who like their parties wild and crazy, Babuna is a must-visit.

Club Med Kani

Club Med Kani has as many as three bars to take care of nightly entertainment for its guests: The Sunset, The Iru and The Manta Exclusive Collection Bar. Located on the beach or over water, open-air or closed, these bars ensure guests can have a drink and also feast on scrumptious food items like finger sandwiches, sushi, etc., all the while enjoying the stupendous ocean views. Shows and other events are organized in the evenings to entertain guests.

Moodhu Bar and Restaurant

This thatched-roof bar atop the ocean has a more relaxed vibe. It is for those times when guests want to grab a drink and soak in the cool ocean breeze or dig into a delicious meal with lovely views of the water and the faraway islands. The prime advantage of this place is that it is open 24 hours, so guests can visit the place whenever they want to relish the Maldives nightlife.

15 Below

15 Below lies 15 feet under the ocean. Choose from as many as 93 vodkas and other drinks, glow in the dark cocktails, and grab a seat in their comfy sofas. Apart from their resident DJs, international DJs are also invited to keep patrons entertained. Guests who want to savor some Japanese cuisine, know they have a sushi bar too along with anime-themed decor.

EVENTS

These three events look like they would appeal to travelers looking to get a feeling for local culture:

Independence Day

Independence Day in the Maldives is a public holiday on July 26. This day celebrates Maldives’ independence from Britain in 1965. The national holiday is widely celebrated throughout the islands, and the capital city of Male hosts the most significant festival. Highlights include parades by the National Cadet Corps and the National Security Services, followed by various processions, exhibiting modern themes and traditional values. All these parades are usually enacted by children wearing vibrant clothes.

Prophet’s Day

Mawlid, meaning the birth of the Prophet, is celebrated as the birthday of the founder of the Islamic faith, Prophet Muhammad. It is observed in March. The Sunni Muslims celebrate it on the 12th day, whereas Shia Muslims recognize it on the 17th day. Mawlid is celebrated in a carnival-style, with a large street procession and decorating the mosque. As an expression of love towards the Prophet, scholars, and poets recite famous Sufi poems. Stories about the life of Muhammad are also recited at community gatherings. The day is completed by donating food and money to the poor, as a charity. If travelers are looking to witness one of the most splendid Maldives festivals, then this one is in the running.

Whale Shark Festival

This annual festival held in August celebrates the island’s incredible marine life and the sacred relationship between locals and the ocean. Marine biologists, conservationists, artists, schools and local communities gather to tell traditional stories, share insights and create beautiful artisanal crafts. The festival celebrates the marine diversity of South Ari atoll and its Marine Protected Area.

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES

Some very unique experiences can be had in the Maldives. The four here look wonderful:

Outdoor Cinema

While on a Maldives trip, take the opportunity to watch a movie outdoors amidst nature. Two resorts in Maldives – Gili Lankanfushi and Soneva Fushi – offer this cool option. While the former is set in a garden in a secluded part of the island, the latter is on a beach. Watch these flicks on a large screen while lying on recliners with drinks, popcorn and other munchies to enjoy or choose to have a full-fledged dinner under the stars.

Deepflight Adventures at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Guests can be deep sea adventurers on an amazing submarine excursion aboard the DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S. The Four Seasons Resort is the first to launch these adventures. A three-passenger submarine has individual domes for unparalleled 360-views of the Baa Atoll aquatic world. The journey takes riders to a depth of more than 120 feet where they’ll encounter turtles, rays and dolphins and a myriad of other sea life. The submarine has a communication system with real-time commentary so guests can learn more about this precious ecosystem. The DeepFlight Super Falcon 3S is battery operated with reduced acoustic emissions providing an environmentally-friendly ride.

Sailing Onboard a Traditional Dhoni Boat

Take time out to cruise the extraordinary islands of the Maldives by traditional dhoni. Experience turquoise lagoons and perfect beaches these islands are famous for. Learn the local way and snorkel amongst shipwrecks and the spectacular corals of the Indian Ocean. On board the dhoni lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book while enjoying delicious local seafood. Take advantage of the relaxing sea breezes and countless photo opportunities.

Underwater Spa

For the ultimate in pampering, spend the day at the world’s first ultra-chic, ultra-exclusive underwater spa. The relaxation factor is instantly boosted by being surrounded by all the mesmerizing marine life some 26 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean. Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi’s Lime Spa has overwater pavilions and two treatment rooms under the ocean. Book the signature Lime Light Ritual, a three-hour indulgence that includes a massage using locally-made coconut oil, and chill out afterwards with a beverage as exotic sea creatures flash in and out of the coral gardens beyond.