ADVERTORIAL • September 2023
Dazzled by options in the Indian Ocean’s most picture-perfect archipelago? Each of these Marriott Bonvoy resorts has its own distinctive atmosphere – and we’re here to help you find the one for you...
A timeless style and family-friendly pulling power on a secluded private island.
The location: Peaceful, sail-shaped Vagaru Island in Shaviyani Atoll. Towards the north of the Maldives, it’s a 55-minute seaplane ride from the capital, Malé.
The clientele: Families seeking quality and style, who love the wow-factor Little Griffins Kids’ Club with its 43ft pirate ship and 100 different activites throughout the week; urban couples in search of privacy, peace and a pampering spa.
The rooms: Sixty spacious villas, including overwater options, each with a private pool and butler service. Most sought-after are the two-bedroom Duplex Beach Pool Villas, with upstairs areas and direct access to the pristine beach.
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
Fabulous food: Five restaurants mean you can mix and match Thai, Japanese, barbecue and Italian feasts ‒ or grab something different for each member of the group at the lavish international buffet. All-inclusive plans give you peace of mind on your total spend.
Style notes: Relaxed, authentic design blends in with the natural beauty here ‒ think curving, thatched roofs, wave-inspired tiling on infinity pools, creamy furniture that echoes the island’s ivory sands and huge windows to make the most of the surrounding greenery.
Don’t miss: Drinks and dinner among the treetops, at the treehouse-style Rum Baan bar and Kaashi Thai restaurant.
The sky’s the limit for luxury at this high design, hedonistic oasis.
The location: Heart-shaped Fesdu Island in the North Ari Atoll, just a 25-minute seaplane from Malé.
The clientele: Couples and glamorous groups looking for something livelier than the typical ‘barefoot’ Maldivian experience; wellness fans taking advantage of outdoor yoga, boxing, Pilates or HIIT sessions, plus the overwater AWAY spa, or exploring marine life in one of the region’s best house reefs.
The rooms: Just 77 luxury villas are tucked into jungly foliage against a powdered-sugar beach, or spread along peaceful walkways in the pale jade lagoon. Each has a private pool, and the island’s raved-about house reef is just steps away.
W Maldives
Fabulous food: A sunset cocktail at SIP bar will become a habit, while Champagne breakfasts at KITCHEN enhance the special occasion feel. Four more restaurants include beach grill FIRE, authentic Maldivian KADA and seafood brasserie Fish, while WET bar is the daytime poolside hub for refreshing cocktails and delicious light bites.
Style notes: As bold and striking as you’d expect from the W brand: swing chairs on decks, bright-white rooms with colour-pop furniture and wall murals. Luminous lighting and interiors are inspired by the Maldives’ natural bioluminescence.
Don’t miss: The ultra-luxe add-ons: zip across to the uninhabited castaway island Gaathafushi for a picnic, snorkel among marine life on the house reef, or board the 80ft Escape yacht for a sunset cruise, floating dinner or glam sleepover.
Refreshingly relaxed, excellent value tropical living within easy reach of Malé.
The location: On the private island of Furanafushi in the central Kaafu Atoll, where you’ll arrive on a complimentary 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
The clientele: Young families keen for a speedy transfer and well-crafted kids’ club; sociable types joining in with water sports, cooking classes and group dives.
The rooms: Slightly larger-scale at 176 villas, the Sheraton’s range from hotel-room-style Deluxe villas (you’ll still step straight out onto the sands) to classic beach and overwater villas.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Fabulous food: With half-board, full-board and all-inclusive options, this island’s seven restaurants and bars spell variety ‒ dig into Chinese dumplings at ChopstiX or lobster spaghetti at beachfront Sea Salt, or head to Anchorage Bar for cocktails or lunch bites.
Style notes: Décor here is smart but simple, leaving the focus on the natural landscape and sea views. Bright turquoise cushions plump up wooden outdoor seating, while thatched pavilions have an authentic Maldivian feel. Rope swings in the turquoise shallows are destined for Instagram.
Don’t miss: Learning about conservation efforts in the Maldives: the resort’s marine biologists lead interactive coral planting sessions and guided snorkelling to the resort’s restoration sites.
All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL-protected and include a 23kg baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Maldives holiday now with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.* Book now here
*T&Cs apply. Deposit balance due seven weeks in advance for long haul
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