Urban sophistication arrives in the tropical Maldives with the opening of NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
If you’re contemplating an escape from the cooler climes of Asia, you’re in luck with the latest in a series of exciting new openings in The Maldives.
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In its first foray into island living, the NH Collection, part of Minor Hotels and Resorts, has opened NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, an all-villa hideaway in the Indian Ocean combining underwater exploration, barefoot romance and holistic wellness.
Nestled on an untouched, palm tree-blanketed island in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and one of the closest Maldivian islands to the equator, the resort offers pure escapism in an exceptional setting encircled by a house reef teeming with turtles and tropical fish.
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In those crystalline lagoon waters, experienced and aspiring divers will find an idyllic underwater playground with thirty world-class diving spots, while the resort’s proximity to the equator promises almost 12 hours of daylight year-round, ideal for vitamin D-induced contentment.
The crashing waves and the soft rustling of the palm trees provide a peaceful playlist for guests staying in 120 beach and overwater villas, each with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Perfect for the early risers and sunrise yoga lovers, the 95 sqm Sunrise Beach Villas boast a sundeck fronting the beach and an open-air bathing pavilion. Inside, thatched roofs, vaulted ceilings and natural timber floors offer a contemporary reimagining of the traditional Maldivian home.
Similarly-sized Sunset Beach Villas, with their sunset-facing decks, will delight romantics, while those staying in Beach Pool Villas will be cocooned in an added layer of privacy afforded by lush vegetation between the villas.
All villas come with alfresco bathtubs, indoor and outdoor rain showers, pillow menus, direct beach access and Nespresso machines. For a classic Maldivian experience with direct lagoon access, holidaymakers can opt for the dreamy Overwater Villa or the supersized Overwater Pool Suite, which offers expansive panoramas from every angle and a choice of several cosy sunset-watching nooks.
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The new resort is also home to three restaurants and two bars, including Reef, an all-day-dining venue that showcases fresh flavours from around the world; and signature grill-house Surf, home to succulent steaks and seafood. Pizza Kaage serves perfectly blistered margarita pizzas poolside, while the Thari Bar boasts a collection of comfortable sun loungers and cabanas for guests to enjoy a steady flow of smart cocktails, light bites and afternoon tea in breezy comfort. For a daily dose of sunset magic, Iru Bar is a movable feast that follows the sun and serves cocktails with a spectacular view.
At the resort’s foliage-shrouded spa, guests will find four spacious treatment villas, two treatment suites with private gardens, and a dedicated nail salon. Towering palms, lotus ponds and powdery sand underfoot invite guests to immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of nature while unwinding with a jacuzzi soak, indigenous massage or rejuvenating facial.
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Vacationers can also keep up their workout routine in the spacious gym, do laps in the adult pool, practice sunrise or sunset yoga, and play tennis, futsal and basketball at a multipurpose court, while youngsters can make new friends and pick up new skills at the kids’ club or splash about in the family pool.
A wide range of activities means there is always something new to experience, from Maldivian Nights with national BoduBeru dance to cinema on the beach and cooking classes. At the water sports and dive centre, a dedicated expert team is on hand to arrange dolphin safaris, sailing expeditions and private island picnics, and to share tips on spotting spectacular sea life.
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