Elite Traveler HRS 2017-2018

elite traveler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2017 88

This private island resort can be all yours for the perfect vacation

Four Seasons Voavah BAA ATOLL, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES When it opened at the end of 2016, Four Seasons Voavah became the world’s first exclusive-use private island resort in Unesco ocean territory. Owing to these credentials, the island hideaway combines the superlative beauty of the Maldivian archipelago with unparalleled seclusion and the pristine waters of this Biosphere Reserve; the atoll is also home to the biggest population of manta rays in the world. A two-story beach house lies at the heart of the island, with an open-air lounge, dining space, library and beachfront pool, where days are spent languorously or as hiatus between cruising on the island’s yacht and diving to see coral and sea creatures beneath the surface.

RELAX The Ocean of Consciousness Spa

The tranquillity of the island’s stilted waterfront spa is elevated by the expertise of its multi-award-winning therapists, who make a connection between body and soul through the values of sathya, dharma, shanthi and prema (truth, wisdom, peace and love, and compassion). With this in mind, the spa incorporates yoga, meditation and sound healing into its program, as well as beauty treatments and massage. Contact Sandie Johannessen, senior spa director, sandie.johannessen@fourseasons.com, +960 660 0888 EXPLORE Within this ecologically rich setting, the surrounding environment plays an integral role in the experience you’ll have. Dive beneath the surface of the sparkling ocean to explore stunning coral overhangs and undisturbed wrecks, and snorkel with the turtles and manta rays. On board the yacht, set sail to seek out the resident pod of spinner dolphins and sip champagne as the sun dips below the horizon. Water sports abound here as Voavah embraces its Unesco Biosphere Reserve surroundings. DINE When it comes to each meal, the island resort sets itself apart with its destination dining, from a bespoke barbecue or a picnic on the island’s shores, to candlelit fine dining beside the beach house pool. Maybe you want to pair freshly caught sashimi with sunset cocktails on board the resort’s yacht, or you’d rather dine on a secluded sandbank surrounded by the turquoise ocean; every meal here can be a truly extraordinary experience, whether enjoying Maldivian dishes or internationally inspired cuisine that makes the most of the local seafood. For a change of scenery, you can also head over to the nearby Four Seasons Island Resort at Landaa Giraavaru for its eclectic restaurant offerings. Contact Ali Shidad, island chief, ali.shidad@fourseasons.com, +960 660 0888

Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah Baa Atoll Republic of Maldives fourseasons.com/maldivesvoavah CONTACT Armando Kraenzlin, general manager, armando.kraenzlin@fourseasons.com, +960 660 0888

STAY Three-BedroomBeach Villa Size 11,593 sq ft

Nightly rate Exclusive use of the island from $38,000 to $46,000 This exclusive-use island is home to just a small cluster of villas: a three-bedroom Beach Villa, two-bedroomWater Villa and two Mezzanine Suites. From the Beach Villa you can step from the alfresco living room straight onto soft white sand at the sunbathing pool, which is just footsteps from the lapping shore. The master bedroom here looks out onto the ocean on three of its sides, while the two additional bedrooms are housed in their own pavilions. Each of the three bathrooms features outdoor garden showers, while interiors exude beach chic with modern furnishings in natural hues.