According to Discovery Cathay Pacific, Cathy Adams published five creative ways Maldives Resorts are competing for travelers. It’s no longer enough to have an over-ocean bungalow with a transparent floor.
How does a resort stand out in a tropical island nation famous for deluxe, Instagram-worthy villas?
These are the five inspired selections :
Location: Conrad Rangali Island
Forte: Underwater Residence – The MURAKA
This is a two-level residence features seamless living above and below the ocean. BELOW THE SURFACE: On the ocean floor, find the purposely designed undersea bedroom, living space, and bathroom. ABOVE THE WAVES: Reside above the sea and soak in the integrated living, dining, entertaining and sleeping space.
Location: Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
Forte: Submerged Art Installation – THE CORALARIUM
The Fairmont resort, which opened in May in the northern Shaviyani Atoll, unveiled the country’s first ‘semi-submerged’ coral art installation by underwater artist Jason deCaires Taylor. The Coral Cube art space, in the resort lagoon, is best seen by night with a snorkel.
Location: Soneva Jani
Forte: Water Slide
Soneva Jani, the souped-up sister property of Soneva Fushi, has one seriously fun addition: water slides. Some overwater villas come with curved slides that drop guests straight into the ocean from the top deck. There’s also the usual(ish) overwater cinema, stargazing observatory and a 5.6-kilometre private lagoon that surrounds it.
Location: Six Senses Laamu
Forte: Marine Biology
The Marine Team at Six Senses Laamu strives to inspire visiting guests, fellow hosts, and local communities by promoting education and awareness of the marine environment. The team is the largest of its kind in the country and conducts valuable research to implement long-term conservation in Laamu Atoll.
Location: Como Maalifushi
Forte: Surf School
Given that the highest point in the entire Maldives is just over two meters tall, the country is not known for its world-class surf. Until Como Maalifushi uncovered a couple of virgin breaks in the atolls surrounding the resort. Together with partner Tropicsurf, the hotel has put together a comprehensive package for beginners and even advanced surfers who want to ride the waves.
