Elite Traveler Winter 2019

Grand Sunset Residence ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, THE MALDIVES

Glide through the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean via private yacht transfer and arrive at One&Only Reethi Rah, which means ‘beautiful island.’ The award-winning resort sees guests return year after year, and it caters to families, honeymooners and couples with ease. Set your watch to island time — specifically, Reethi Rah Island time — as the resort has its own time zone set one hour ahead of Malé so you can enjoy the kaleidoscope sunsets at cocktail hour. The Grand Sunset Residence, designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, can sleep up to 10 guests and is comprised of two separate beachfront villas, each with gorgeous decor, high ceilings and incredible views through the expansive windows. The residence has two private swimming pools, an alfresco dining area and its own bar. From $26,600 per night. Contact Jan Tibaldi, general manager, reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com, +960 664 8800, oneandonlyreethirah.com

The John Jacob Astor Estate THE ST REGIS MALDIVES VOMMULI RESORT, THE MALDIVES Only accessible by seaplane or the resort’s 66-ft yacht, The St Regis Vommuli Resort is utterly secluded and stunning, with lush rain forest, bright white beaches and endless ocean views. The architecture is delightful, too (check out theWhale Bar; it’s shaped like, you guessed it, a whale shark, and the boutique is shaped like a conch shell), and the resort uses thousands of solar panels to power it in a more environmentally friendly way. The John Jacob Astor Estate is the largest overwater suite in the Maldives, and large it certainly is — at just over 16,500 sq ft, it has two stories with three bedrooms, a gym, cinema, spa suites, an enoromous swimming pool, expansive kitchen, dining room for 12 and an enormous deck overlooking the Indian Ocean. From $26,200 per night. Contact Vincent Pauchon, general manager, stregis.maldivesvommuli@stregis.com, +960 676 6333, stregismaldives.com

Velaa Private Residence VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND, THE MALDIVES

The vision of billionaire Jiri Smejc, Velaa Private Island exceeds all expectations — not an easy feat in these heavenly atolls. Enjoy superb dining, a Spa by Clarins, a snow room, golf academy and a roster of water activities. While the accommodations are all exceptional (honeymooners, opt for the Romantic Pool Residence), the Velaa Private Residence is the largest, with four ocean-facing bedrooms, a gym, massage room, living room, dining area and separate kitchen. It’s set on a private beach, but the villa’s vast exterior space comes with a 60-ft infinity pool, a spa, two gazebos with daybeds, a 450-ft terrace and a third gazebo with an outdoor kitchen, dining area and pool table — perfect for big groups or family vacations. Be sure to visit the swirling, three-story Tavaru Tower wine cellar — it holds $1mworth of rare and exceptional bottles. From $20,700 per night. Contact Michal Smejc, general manager, reservations@velaaisland.com, +960 656 5000, velaaprivateisland.com

Mandapa Three-bedroomPool Villa MANDAPA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE, BALI, INDONESIA

Situated in the heart of the Balinese rain forest, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve enhances the surrounding natural beauty through its use of locally sourced materials and its incredible indoor-outdoor spaces that overlook the nearby river, rice paddies and verdant hills. There’s a nod to the local culture at every turn, including common areas inspired by Balinese temples. Feel at one with the local flora and fauna when you stay in the sprawling Mandapa Three-bedroom Pool Villa, which covers 21,530 sq ft, but somehow manages to still feel intimate. Most enchanting are views of the rain forest and Ayung River, seen from the many private terraces within the villa and the 1,851-sq-ft pool. The decor is a contemporary Balinese style with traditional artwork in each bedroom, the spacious living area and full kitchen. From $4,400 per night. Contact Ayu Diah, reservations manager, ayu.diah@ritzcarlton.com, +62 361 4792 777, ritzcarlton.com

Photos Etched Space, Mel Yates, TOOTEN Company, felixhug/eyesonasia.net

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