As the world slowly emerges from lockdown, there seems to be an increasing demand for exclusive, private getaways that guests can safely enjoy with their friends and family. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, located at the southern end of the Maldives archipelago, near the equator on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has been quick off the mark to recognise this, offering up an all-inclusive takeover of the twin-island resort for a cool $1 million (roughly £775,000).
The five-day, four-night takeover gives up to 70 guests full reign of the twin-island resort – inclusive of all dining facilities, spa and wellness offerings and water sports. From the brand behind the iconic hotel in Singapore, guests will be taken care of by their own personal Butler, Marine Butler and, for those with kids, Children Butler, enlisted to entertain the younger visitors whilst others unwind with unlimited Maldives Slings, the brand’s signature cocktail of gin, cinnamon clove, grapefruit and pineapple.
The property, almost seeming purpose-built for the age of social distancing, offers two luxurious worlds side by side – an intimate Beach Island Experience incorporating just 21 Beach Villas and a brand new 6-bedroom Royal Residence, as well as 16 secluded Over Water Villas, to which the property has foregone a bridge, making each entity feel particularly secluded and private. More than this, the takeover also includes access to their nearby deserted island which acts as a blank canvas for whatever one desires – from sunset concerts to romantic and intimate stargazing sessions guided by a personal astronomer.
The Royal Residence, unveiled this month, will look to host larger multi-generational families or groups of friends. Occupying an unblemished stretch of the resort’s beach island, the 1,700 square metre property can accommodate up to 15 guests and will set the scene for many a gathering or celebration in one – or all – of their three consecutive reception rooms that border its 40-metre pool. A perfect place to admire uninterrupted views and staggering sunsets, the Royal Residence Butlers will be on hand to help organise whatever is desired – from barbecues to themed dinner parties, private boat trips, and meals under the shimmer of flickering tiki lights on their expansive roof terrace. The private bar stocked with rare spirits and the finest cigars is another accompaniment that guests will have full reign of.
News of the all-inclusive takeover comes in conjunction with a new partnership with private jet company Vertis Aviation, boasting a superior portfolio of first-class jets that will transport guests direct to Gan or Velana International Airport, ensuring true exclusivity.
With so much space entirely and solely at one’s disposal, guests might simply while away days without leaving their villa at all. Spa treatments can also be arranged on site and a multitude of special events, from surprise birthday parties to decadent sunset concerts can be facilitated on their additional ‘deserted island’. What’s more, the property’s reopening in early October also came with a new water sports centre, giving guests the opportunity to attain their PADI certifications in both an Open Water Dive and an Advance Open Water Dive.
The destination offers excellent diving and snorkelling, remaining little developed in comparison to other regions of the Maldives. Accessible within seconds of the guests’ villas, the house reefs are home to 15 residence hawksbill turtles and green-turtle sightings are almost certain on dedicated Turtle Quest excursions. Each guest will have their Raffles Maldives Meradhoo’s Marine Butlers who are on hand to escort them around the resort’s two vibrant house reefs, going beyond the basic guided tour to curate a personalised fascinating experience that takes into account what they’d like to see on their underwater adventure, complete with eco-friendly tips, facts and a personalised underwater photographer for each guest’s personal keep.
For guests left fascinated by the underwater world and seeking a slight educational twist, the resort is thrilled to invite back talented on-site Marine Biologist Giulia Pellizatto, who is on hand to offer detailed insights about the life that lurks below and to help answer those topical questions. With a Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Giulia specialises in coral reef restoration, regularly encouraging guests to participate in coral clean ups, as well as educating green thumb enthusiasts on marine ecology through the resort’s Marine Discovery programme.
A foodie’s dream, epicurean options range from heart steaks and tender lamb cook over an open flame at The Firepit to inventive salads and Asian specialities at Thari. For an evocative reminder of your stay, why not try your hand at replicating some of their masterful flavours at home, joining the chefs at Yuzu to learn all about Nikkei cuisine – the hotel’s invigorating fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary techniques. Feel like taking to the sea to catch your own fish? The Maldivian crew are on-hand to accompany you on a fishing expedition to waters flush with tuna, mahi mahi and giant trevally, where chefs are ready to turn your catch of the day into a culinary wonder.
From dolphin-watching cruises, sunrise yoga over gently lapping waters, sundowners or parties at the Long Bar, incomparable spa experiences using Biologique Recherche and Aromatherapy Associates, the possibilities are endless for this all-inclusive island takeover.
With the Maldives continuing to become one of the top destinations for a rejuvenating wellness journey, guests can take full advantage of the property’s impressive list of activities and offerings to compliment this. For examples, the Raffles Spa has hosted a series of world-class practitioners and health gurus in the past year including Celebrity Facialist Adeela Crown, Mindfulness Master Ber Raemakers and International Yogi Johnson Chong. With such reputable names, partakers are guaranteed luxury wellness; which perfectly complements the twin-island’s permanent physical and emotional offerings – from the glass-fronted, state-of-the-art gym with unimpeded views of the Indian Ocean, to the island’s jogging route, set amongst fragrant gardens abloom with hibiscus, orchards, bougainvillea and lilies.
Finally, when it is time to leave, each guest will receive a personalised robe, and custom epicurean treats created by the chefs – a worthy memento for five-days well spent amongst shaded palm trees and flanked silken sands.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.
