Elite Traveler Spring 2021

Left and below Velaa Private Island’s traditional Maldivian batheli vessel, Anna ; Avi Bar; Velaa Private Island resort Right, from top Aerial view of Kudadoo Private Island; bathtub with a view; arrive by seaplane

Kudadoo Private Island Kudadoo Island

This tiny, secluded Indian Ocean party pad takes luxury Maldivian living to the next level. Kudadoo Private Island is a crash course in over-the-top luxury where anything, literally, goes. Almost entirely solar powered, the teeny luminescent island is fringed with blinding white sands and palms hung with hammocks, garnished with a little forest in between. Its story begins with Swedish-born Lars Petre, who back in 1985 came to the Maldives when there were just a handful of hotels here. The sunshine, along with a host of dreams, kept him here, and now he looks after countless hotels throughout the nation. His grand plan for Kudadoo? To take all-inclusive to another universe. And that he has. Yuji Yamazaki (he’s the man behind a host of Armani stores in the US) was brought on as chief architect. The result is a tranquil spot that’s more luxe-pad-away- from-home than it is a private island resort hotel. All 15 of the villas, as expected, are gargantuan, with wooden walls and floors, stone bathrooms and marble dressing rooms. Out on the deck of each there’s a pool, crowned with day beds and endless breezy sea views featuring the odd manta ray. Foodies will be exceptionally spoilt here, too. Chefs will make what you want, whenever you want it — no matter how hard it is to get or cook. Head chef Antoine Lievaux has worked alongside the likes of Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse, so expect decadent seasonal menus that dip into recipes inspired by the flavors of the globe. The best part is that you can dine wherever you like, and there’s no dress code either. Those looking for fun will also be seriously impressed. Water sports and more are unlimited in these parts. Discover idyllic lagoons by speedboat, explore nature solo atop a paddleboard, learn how to kiteboard, or go on a parasailing trip — dolphins regularly make appearances, frolicking in the turquoise waters. From $3,400 per night, exclusive use from $80,000 per night. Contact Bradley Calder, general manager, reservations@kudadoo.com, +960 662 2000, kudadoo.com

Velaa Private Island Noonu Atoll

A short 45-minute seaplane ride north of the capital Malé lies the stunning white sand beaches and dazzling palm tree flecked shores of the astonishingly polished Velaa Private Island. Born from a love for the Maldives, it’s the passion project of couple Radka and Jiří Šmejc, whose mission was to create the world’s most luxurious private island. The resort’s designer, Petr Kolar, uses the phrase “polite luxury” to describe the isle’s castaway aesthetic. In place of all the extravagant conveniences and champagne- popping bling you’d find elsewhere in the Maldives, functional (and subtle) practicality is the name of the game here. Think paving stones that don’t burn your feet and exceptionally slick and understated conceptual minimalist surroundings crafted by master European designers. The Residences are the best of the 47 abodes. Book the Nika, designed by renowned architect Patricia Urquiola. Four large en-suite bedrooms open out onto balconies and terraces with views of the ocean and your very own private beach. A vaulted living area is filled with designer furniture and custom-made decor, and

there’s a gym, spa room and outdoor relaxation area with hot tub and private pool, too. What’s there to do? You are in the best diving spot in the Maldives to see turtles, sharks and eagle rays. Venture out for big game fishing adventures meets snorkeling trips to see them all, or max the adrenaline out on the latest tandem jetovator. Fun activities and swanky digs aside, perhaps the major bonus of staying here is the exceptional dining options. Simple eats come courtesy of Athiri, a lovely cocktail spot that dishes out a medley of seafood and modern European dishes. Tavaru, a teppanyaki venue with a three-story wine cellar (home to over $1,000,000 worth of bottles of booze), offers intimate eats that look out over the entire island and beyond. Star of the show? Easily Aragu, the fine-dining, quintessentially Maldivian option that plates up local and international eats. Post grub, pull up a chair and toast out the day with some bubbly at the champagne bar — pure magic. From $20,900 per night. Contact George Dammers, director of sales, reservations@velaaisland.com, +960 656 5000, velaaisland.com

Photos Darren James Caple