Elite Traveler Spring 2021

One&Only Reethi Rah MALDIVES

Paradisiacal island escapes don’t come any better than those in the Maldives, especially One&Only Reethi Rah. A favorite among honeymooners and Hollywood types, the luxury resort scatters exactly 122 thatched-roof villas along the 12 stunning beaches that make up the palm-fringed, 109-acre castaway island. It’s unapologetically decadent, with design influences from Maldivian, Chinese and Balinese architecture. The glorious Jean-Michel Gathy hideaways come in all shapes and sizes, like beachside villas made for easy access to snorkeling and lazy afternoons spent on the hammock, and overwater stunners complete with infinity pool and cabana bed for perpetual star gazing. Both setups are styled in wood and natural stone, crowned by vaulted ceilings that stretch over elegant furniture and sunken baths. The must-book suite? The Grand Sunset Residence. Often enjoyed by a string of celebrities including Tom Cruise, the Beckhams and chef Gordon Ramsay, the two villas feature absolutely gargantuan beds, connecting rooms and a whopping 538-sq-ft infinity pool that leads out to your own stretch of private beach and outdoor cinema. When it comes to dining, there’s an exceptional and almost intimidating level of choice. Romantics should head for Botanica, a lantern-lit affair plating up garden-to-table cuisine; Tapasake is a connoisseur in all things modern, with Japanese tapas-style grub and great sunset views; and for afternoon tea served with a chill, Ibiza-like mood, a table at The Fanditha Bar has your name written all over it. Children of all ages are well looked after in this part of the world, ranging from ‘KidsOnly’ (ages four to nine) — think a cute pool lined with child-sized lounge chairs; ‘OneTribe’ (ages nine to 11), for a ‘chill-out zone’ of gaming consoles and movie nights; and ‘Teens’ (12 and over) for tailored cooking experiences, extreme sports and downtime in the spa. Speaking of wellness, pampering for the entire family at the ESPA spa is a must. Massages, facials and five-day wellness programs continue to draw in the crowds (even locals from other islands show up), along with the spa’s tranquil gardens that make for a wonderfully calming spot to chill and detox. A splash in the vitality pool and time in the sauna and crystal steam room are also well worth your time.

Family fun When you’re in the Maldives it’s all about getting up-close-and-personal with the cerulean waters. Uncover all the secrets of the Indian Ocean at the resort’s top-notch dive center, or book exhilarating snorkeling trips such as Shark Safari and Turtle Adventure, or dive excursions to explore the underwater marine life. The Grand Sunset Residence from $27,636 per night. Contact Jan Tibaldi, general manager, reservations@oneandonlyreethirah.com, +960 664 8800, oneandonlyreethirah.com

Photos Mel Yates