There’s a reason it’s said that the Maldives is not just an incredible place to explore but a true wonderland that houses over 1000 islands that embrace close to 1000 species of fish – so much so that wherever you look, all that you’ll see is turquoise waters and endless horizons. It’s nearly too beautiful to be real. Amidst this lies a boutique island resort, Milaidhoo Island, sited in UNESCO protected Baa Atoll, Maldives.
When you arrive at Milaidhoo, you’ll notice the reality is better and even more magical than what the pictures showcase. Attractive villas and endless wooden pathways stretching over the ocean. Individual infinity pools that merge effortlessly into a mirror flat sea. A gourmet restaurant structured on three Dhoni sailing boats. What’s more? At Milaidhoo, you’ll open the door to a luxury retreat – either a villa structured over the water or a lodge nestled between palm trees. To spend a day doing nothing or a little of everything will seem seamless at Milaidhoo. You can devote your day to complete relaxation or drift in your pool. Likewise, leverage the benefit of a meditation class or spoil yourself with a spa treatment using coconut and fragrant lime oils.
A scenic escape
The private island property at Baa Atoll is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. So, if you consider stepping out of your villa to discover the other parts of the resort, know that a wealth of scenic beauty is waiting for you. Go snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay to sightsee the vibrant marine life and if you happen to go there between the months of June and October, you’ll be able to witness one of the largest assemblies of Manta Rays. The water babies can try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and sail across the surface. Let it be catching tuna with local fishermen or crafting traditional Dhoni boats, the options to experience the Maldivian life are endless. The journey to Milaidhoo Island takes not more than 35 minutes by a seaplane transfer from Malé International Airport and to say the sight to see during this time is serene and scenic would be an understatement. In terms of the villas, Milaidhoo is a true 5-star resort with each villa offering an extremely spacious space and an experience of luxury. In fact, you won’t find more than 50 villas on the entire island and this ensures complete privacy and silence for all the guests. Milaidhoo is the perfect getaway for couples, particularly newly-weds. What makes these villas couple-friendly is the fact that they give a direct view of the ocean as well as the open sky. Whether you want to lay by the beach and admire the aquatics or stargaze by the night, anything and everything is possible here. The villas highlight the very core of minimalism at their best, with their personal authentic approach to the quintessential rustic look. The best part – the thatched roofs covered with dried palm leaves slant down beyond the wooden screens, thereby enhancing the idyllic charm of the villas. On a funnier note, the restroom may seem bigger than a one-bedroom apartment, with amenities like a rain shower, freestanding bathtub, and a deck to view the sea, of course. With light colors, a rustic atmosphere, and wooden textures, it’s easy to feel at home.
An intimate rejuvenating experience
The rooms have a turquoise-based color scheme that seeks inspiration from the color of the sea. The king-sized beds, a discreet flatscreen TV, private wine fridge, high ceilings, coffee machines, custom-made furnishings, and a minibar are some of the features that Milaidhoo offers. It is the perfect property for an Instagram shot. These villas of Milaidhoo combine the charming architecture designed and executed by a Maldivian architect, Mohammed Shafeeq, who also happens to be the brain behind a lot of other projects in the Maldives. Whilst indulging in this little piece of heaven, care to consider barefoot informality as your dress code. Hospitality, especially, is heartfelt in such a setting, which is certain to create moments of intense romance. Moreover, the island has an amusing house reef within 50 meters, which can be accessed from the beach. On the island, after tiring watersports sessions, head to one of the three restaurants to satiate your hunger pangs of trying out new local dishes. The Ocean restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner in both indoor as well as outdoor settings. The menu consists of the buffet as well as a la carte, which is remarkably widespread and international, mostly including a lot of western delicacies. The Ba’theli Restaurant and Bar is most known for offering authentic Maldivian cuisine while the Shoreline Grill serves a selection of meats and seafood locally sourced in and around the world. For a more relaxed yet party-like experience, find your way to the Compass Pool Bar, where you can indulge in cocktails, mocktails, light bites, and pizzas. From here’s where you can catch a glimpse of the best sunset. Milaidhoo Island is a place made for dreamers, lovers, and everyone else looking to connect with themselves as well as nature!
