Inside the world of a new Maldivian jewel, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

When we think of islands, the Maldives always stands out in our minds as the most alluring landscape the world has been blessed with. Let it be the experience of flying over the archipelago to reach our preferred resort or peeking down from the seaplane to admire the vast turquoise ocean. It is rather surprising to think that the twenty-six ring-like atolls are an underwater mountain range that thrived into islands where nature is not only abundant but also lush. On one of those tiny pristine atolls of Meradhoo, Raffles Maldives was established, which boasts a total of twenty-one villas divided between a small island and the newest entrant overwater feature. Thanks to Raffles Maldives’ closeness to the equator, its surrounding area remains untouched, something that makes it seem akin to living in paradise.

At the Raffles Maldives, every experience is made a luxurious one, with emphasis on details that create a truly exclusive holiday. Arriving at the private island, in itself, feels like stepping into a dream. The shades of the landscape are so vivid and rightly liven up against the white powdery sand. The palm-tree-lined private island on which the resort’s main facilities are located comprise extraordinary residences and overwater villas, which happen to be some of the largest in the Maldives and are specially designed to provide an indulgence of unparalleled luxury to those seeking life on the water. Located away from the main private island property, the overwater island houses its own pool bar and restaurant but all of the resort’s amenities are accessible through a brief water taxi.

A delight for the aquatic fanatics

The resort hosts beach villas, an ocean-facing infinity pool, two restaurants, and the most revered Long Bar, which is one of Raffles’ signatures. The retractable roof on the upper level of the pool is structured in a way that guests can treasure the sight of the enchanting night sky under the stars. In terms of the décor, there’s a classic blend of colonial elegance modernized and modified to the tropical environment. What’s even more interesting is the fact that the brand is setting a new benchmark for other hoteliers in the Maldives, as well as world-over, by offering a ‘Marine Butler’ to every visitor. The butlers are trained to perform everything including leading snorkeling tours of the resort’s two extraordinary and endlessly captivating house reefs. If there’s something that makes Raffles Maldives stand out from the rest, it has to be its extraordinary location, which is a result of an extensive exploration for a suitably spectacular site. Gaafu Alifu atoll, which houses Raffles is one of the largest and deepest atolls, and the clean, clear, and the blissfully warm sea immediately engulfing the resort swarm with tropical fish; a view that’s nothing less than a delight to watch, especially for those aquatic fanatics. Not only that, but the Raffles Maldives is also home to twenty resident green turtles and hawksbill that regularly swim by.

An unforgettable romantic hideaway

For newlyweds or couples in general who are seeking an unforgettable romantic hideaway, Raffles’ exceptionally spacious villas and the finest expertise of their butler service redefines the property’s experience. Right from arranging private dinner dates to being able to dive in the world’s most breath-taking coral reefs, at this luxury resort, guests can cherish the best of both worlds in a destination most known for its stunning surroundings. If you are someone dreaming of having a leisurely spa session, the Raffles Spa is sited on the beach island with an impressively long list of treatments that blend Eastern practices with ancient local influences. Moreover, the property also has an expansive gym for those wanting to stay in shape during their trip while mindfulness, yoga, and tai chi sessions are hosted on the ocean-facing deck. To relish the local Maldivian cuisine, you can visit Yuzu restaurant, managed and functioned by Peruvian chef Anibal Torres, who serves up traditional Nikkei cuisine. Interestingly, the overwater island makes great use of its sea-scaping setting at Yapa, a pool bar that makes world-class cocktails by seeking inspiration and influences from Japan and South America. Raffle Maldives’ main restaurant happens to be The Firepit, an alfresco barbecue restaurant that specializes in seafood and meat delicacies like beef tenderloin and spicy lobster. Travelers who have stayed at the Raffles have time and again asserted this property as a place where the charm of the Maldives is seized with elegance!