Elite Traveler January-February 2019

ASIA PACIFIC

COCOPRIVÉ NORTHMALÉ ATOLL, MALDIVES

Kuda Hithi is just a short yacht ride fromMalé, but with an enormous lagoon and thick, tropical vegetation, the island feels like it is in the middle of nowhere. The resort’s size — just over three acres —gives a particularly intimate feel, and the fact that it’s owned and run by a Maldivian family makes the experience more personal. Just five stylish guest villas and a master residence sit amid the palm trees. Instead of dining in a resort restaurant or retreating to a spa, you’re served custommeals by a private chef and given spa treatments by a personal therapist anywhere you please. While bespoke service is standard here, you still have access to excellent amenities: Find a seat at the cocktail bar, choose a vintage from the wine cellar and cool down in the 130 ft pool after a catamaran trip. Exclusive use from $45,000 per night Signature spa treatment Try the Journey toMaldives ritual incorporating a footbath, coconut oil massage and exfoliation. Contact AndrewMcLaren, island manager, yourplace@cocoprive.com, +960 664 8887, cocoprive.com

THE OBEROI UDAIVILAS UDAIPUR, INDIA

Built on land that once belonged to the Maharana of Mewar and designed to look like a palace from his kingdom, this hotel embodies Indian royal living. Domed pavilions in warm yellow stone enclose private courtyards with walls of bougainvillea, and sunlit walkways lead through ornate arches to landscaped gardens and reflective pools. Mosaics, murals, colorful textiles and hand-carved marble give each interior the same palatial feel. And all of this looks out over Lake Pichola, the oldest and one of the biggest lakes in Udaipur. Immerse yourself in Indian tradition by requesting an Ayurveda treatment at the spa. Dine on authentic Indian cuisine with views of the lake and City Palace at indoor-outdoor restaurants, Suryamahal and Chandni. Top suite Kohinoor Suite from $14,760 per night We love Embark on a guided visit toMewar School of Art and learn about the region’s history of miniature painting. Contact Amit Kaul, general manager, amit.kaul@oberoihotels.com, +91 294 243 3300, oberoihotels.com

TAJ FALAKNUMAPALACE HYDERABAD, INDIA

This Taj hotel is certainly palatial, but it doesn’t just look the part: It is the former palace of the Nizam of Hyderabad. Sitting 2,000 ft above the city, it is made entirely of Italian marble and stretches over a staggering 34 acres of land. Princess Esra led the 2010 Taj Hotels restoration and, in its new life as a hotel, the property is still filled with original frescoes, artifacts and chandeliers, but now these original features sit alongside the five-star amenities. Expect canopied beds, marble bathrooms with Jacuzzis and private pools, as well as the serene Jiva Spa, and restaurants Adaa and Celeste. Top suite Nizam Suite from $10,200 per night In the past Hear the stories of the palace’s royal history on a Champagne Palace Heritage Walk. Contact Abhijit Masurkar, sales manager, abhijit.masurkar@tajhotels.com, +91 406 629 8617, tajhotels.com

ONE&ONLYREETHI RAH NORTHMALÉ ATOLL, MALDIVES

Arrive by seaplane or luxury yacht at this private resort spanning one of the biggest islands in the atoll. In this flawless environment of white sand, sparkling lagoon and palm tree groves, beach-facing and overwater thatched villas come with private pools, shaded cabanas, hammocks and views out to the horizon. You may be tempted to stay in your villa when the evenings draw in, but with six restaurants, three bars and private dining, you could be somewhere different each night. Opt for garden-to-fork plates at the alfresco restaurant Botanica; dine in the Earth, Fire or Aqua areas of atmospheric fusion restaurant Reethi; or have an evening of Middle Eastern cuisine at beachside eatery Fanditha. Activities abound here, with a garden-enclosed spa, tennis courts, 12 beaches and an artist studio ensuring you always have something to do. Top suite Grand Sunset Residence from $26,570 per night Under the sea The South Ari Atoll is well-known for snorkeling and diving with whale sharks. See these majestic marine creatures on a day trip from the island. Contact Rahul Malhotra, reservations manager, rahul.malhotra@oneandonlyreethirah.com, +960 664 8800, oneandonlyresorts.com

Photos TOOTEN Company, G. HERVAIS, AJL Photography Ltd