Million Air Winter 2023/24

BEACH by Emma Al-Mousawi

Gili Lankanfushi, The Private Reserve MALDIVES Accessed by its own dedicated boat, at 18,300 sq ft, The Private Reserve lays claim to the title of the ‘world’s largest overwater villa’ stretching across the shimmering Indian Ocean lagoon in multilevel tiers and terraces. The rustic-chic exterior has a touch of Robinson Crusoe, but this four-bedroom residence has a hidden treasure trove of amenities that the fi ctional adventurer could only dream of. This includes two pools, a spa pavilion with sauna and steam room, gym, cinema, fully equipped kitchen, and two utterly enchanting master suites that gaze across the endless ocean. Our favorite feature, however, has to be the waterslide that drops you straight into the crystal-clear ocean below. From $8,580 per night. Contact Rodrigo Buanafina, resort manager, mr.friday@gili-lankanfushi.com, +960 664 0304, gili-lankanfushi.com

North Island, Villa North Island SEYCHELLES Gazing inwards toward the lush native forest amid the birdsong, it’s hard to believe that North Island was in fact abandoned in the 1970s after the collapse of the coconut industry and its pristine landscape overtaken with invasive species. It’s an ambitious conservation and restoration program returned to its former glory, while exponentially raising the laid-back-luxury bar with the creation of a staggeringly beautiful 11-villa private island resort. Crafted from sustainable wood and local stone across multiple levels in the rockside, Villa North Island cascades its way towards the sand, hidden away at the furthest tip of the island’s East Beach. It’s pure desert island luxe, where open-sided connecting spaces fl ow seamlessly together, from the whirlpool-set terrace and outdoor shower, to the open lounge. The oversized marble bathtub in the honeymoon villa is perfect for watching the sunrise, while dinner is best enjoyed under the stars on your own private beach. From $11,150 per night. Contact Elizaveta Steinberger, director of sales and marketing, reservations@ north-island.com, +971 4 403 0703, north-island.com

Velaa Private Island, Nika Residence MALDIVES Velaa Private Island has been attracting the world’s elite to its white-sand shores since it opened 10 years ago thanks to its alluring mix of privacy, exquisite facilities and exclusivity. Those with an eye for style will especially appreciate the Nika Residence, reimagined by renowned architect and designer Patricia Urquiola. Urquiola took inspiration from the pristine natural surroundings to create one of the most sophisticated (and largest at 14,250 sq ft) villas in the Maldives. Expansive indoor and outdoor spaces smoothly transition as the double-height vaulted lounge opens onto a sweeping 409-sq-ft terrace overlooking a private slice of white-sand splendor. It is here where you will undoubtedly spend most of your time, either in the enormous pool or creating memories around the sunken fi repit. From $23,000 per night. Contact Shareefa Abdulla, reservations and revenue manager, shareefa.abdulla@ velaaisland.com, +960 656 5000, velaaprivateisland.com

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, The Muraka MALDIVES

Set across remote twin islands, for over a quarter of a century this 150-villa resort has remained one of the Maldives’ most desired for good reason. It made history when it opened the world’s fi rst underwater restaurant in 2005 and upped the ante yet again in 2018 when it unveiled The Muraka, said to be the world’s fi rst underwater hotel residence. The two-story villa’s master suite sits 16 ft beneath the ocean, encased in a 180-degree clear dome. This makes for out-of-this-world bedtime viewing as a rainbow assortment of reef fi sh glide by. The upper level also delivers on the ‘wow’ factor with a sophisticatedly modern interior o ff ering two further en-suite bedrooms, a lounge and a kitchen complete with a personal chef. The ample sundeck features an in fi nity pool and uninterrupted sunset vistas. As the sky turns pink, The Muraka’s 24/7 butler will be there to deliver your drink of choice. From $11,900 per night. Contact mlehi.maldives@conradhotels.com, +960 668 0629, conradmaldives.com

Photos Justin Nicholas, Sebastian Olegard, Sakis Papadopoulos, North Island