Raffles Maldives Meradhoo has opened 16 new overwater villas.
The resort, which soft-opened in May, is located at the southern tip of the Maldives in the remote and pristine Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo’s Overwater Island Experience completes the resort for their official opening on 22nd September. With its vast overwater villas and residences, sophisticated Nikkei restaurant Yuzu and sunset-facing Yapa pool bar, it provides unparalleled luxury.
The resort informs that all the facilities of the resort will be at their full disposal by their grand opening. A unique offering, a Marine Butler is available to every guest and will lead snorkelling tours of the resort’s two fascinating house reefs. Gaafu Alifu atoll is one of the world’s largest and deepest atolls and the astoundingly clear, blissfully warm waters immediately surrounding the Raffles resort teem with a kaleidoscope of colourful fish. Guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for Apollo, one of the 20 resident hawksbill and green turtles that regularly swim by to say hello.
“For couples looking for an unforgettable romantic hideaway, our exceptionally spacious villas and the discreet expertise of the Raffles butler service redefines the resort experience. From intimate dining with our private chef service to snorkelling and diving in the world’s most breathtaking coral reefs, we create a place where guests can enjoy the best of both worlds in a destination known for its stunning surroundings,” said Oliver Larcher, General Manager of Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.
On the beach island, the overwater Raffles Spa combines Eastern practices with age-old local influences and offers highly personalised facials by Biologique Recherche; rejuvenating body treatments from Aromatherapy Associates; and signature manicure and pedicure services by Margaret Dabbs London. An expansive gym caters to all fitness levels; yoga sessions are held on an ocean-facing deck; a jogging route winds its way along with gardens abloom with hibiscus and bougainvillaea; visiting practitioners will lead practise sessions in tai chi, mindfulness and more.
Relaxed feet-in-the-sand dining is encouraged at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo. The Firepit is an outdoor barbecue restaurant where hearty seafood and meat specialities such as spicy lobster with green papaya and tender beef tenderloin are flame-grilled over the charcoal fire. The tables and chairs carved from the sand are set directly on the shore for uninterrupted views of the starlit skyline. Starting with healthy smoothies and freshly baked pastries, breakfast is a highlight at the all-day international restaurant Thari. Paying homage to its namesake at Raffles Singapore, guests can enjoy the signature Maldives Sling at the Long Bar which features a special concoction of gin, grapefruit, coconut, cinnamon and clove that mirrors the Maldivian evening sunset.
“Accor is bringing to the resort our expertise in delivering unparalleled luxury experiences renowned in our Raffles brand. The Raffles collection now includes 14 distinguished properties in leading addresses across 12 countries and we are thrilled to welcome guests at the first Raffles in the Maldives,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives.
Accommodation at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo starts at US$1800 per night, including taxes and service charge, breakfast and complimentary speedboat transfers from Kaadedhdhoo Airport. An hour’s domestic flight south of Malé International Airport to Kaadhedhdhoo Airport is chargeable at US$500 net per person roundtrip.
