The beach life: Three new hotels in the Maldives to check out

Photo: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Photo: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Just in case you needed another reason to plan a romantic vacay to the Maldives, we’ve got three. These new hotels, each with their own unobstructed views of the blue-green waters, come fully stocked with all the leisure, entertainment, wellness, and dining facilities you could ever want in a beach getaway.

Check ’em out below.


 

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Photos: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives/Facebook
Photos: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives/Facebook

Officially opened this month, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives sits within the Emboodhoo Lagoon, about 15 minutes away from Malé International Airport by boat. It’s part of Crossroads Maldives, the country’s first integrated resort, and just like its locations elsewhere, the rooms here are inspired by melodies. Think music memorabilia and the brand’s signature The Sound of Your Stay program, which gives guests an opportunity to try the in-room Crosley turntables and even rock out on a borrowed Fender guitar.

Featuring 178 rooms, including beach villas, overwater villas, and family suites, the accommodations offer everything from infinity pools and terrace bars to bunk beds and beach access to stunning ocean views and a private boat jetty.

The hotel’s ocean-side restaurant serves Latin American-inspired cuisine, while the Hard Rock Cafe adds a little entertainment to your dinner plans, with live music, events, and a merch shop. Other facilities include kids’ and teens’ clubs, a fitness center with martial arts and circus classes, and a music-centric spa.

Starting rates: US$375/night.

 

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Photo: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Photo: InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Surrounded by the emerald waters of the Raa Atoll, near the country’s only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, this rustic resort is home to 81 luxurious beach, lagoon, and overwater villas and residences. It’s also touted as the first to offer Club InterContinental services and amenities to all guests. That means you’ll get afternoon teas, post-dinner drinks, and all-day bites by the pool or beach, as well as personalized service from your “Island Curator.”

Encouraging “barefoot living”, the property is designed to give visitors the best vistas of the glittering Indian Ocean. Take the two-story Lagoon Villas, for example. They are said to be the first of their kind in the Maldives to feature overwater views along with direct beach and lagoon access, and private infinity and jacuzzi pools. Alternatively, for bigger group gatherings, the Royal Beachfront Residence has three rooms spread across 790 sqm for more privacy on your holiday.

Since the island is home to Hanifaru Bay, you can snorkel with whale sharks and manta rays before you go for your pampering sessions at the Avi Spa. Its six overwater treatment villas house steam rooms, ice fountains, a yoga pavilion, and a fitness space, and there’ll be a Traditional Chinese Medicine consultant on call too, for your wellness needs.

Food-wise, the hotel has six restaurants and bars, including a seafood concept, a sunset bar, a spot with panoramic ocean views, and an adults-only area with an infinity pool and private bar.

Starting rates: US$1,250/night.

 

Saii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton

Photo: SAii Lagoon Maldives/Facebook
Photo: SAii Lagoon Maldives/Facebook

Also open this month, Hilton’s third hotel in the country is a fun-loving, free-spirited haven for beach lovers. Just like Hard Rock, it’s located within the Emboodhoo Lagoon as part of Crossroads Maldives, but it’s been a brand presence in the vacation destination since 1997.

Across its 198 rooms and villas, the resort is decked out in an eclectic design that takes elements from its surroundings, including driftwood decor and marine-inspired colors. Guests can spend a day at the infinity pool or get a workout sesh at the fitness center in between water sports and other leisurely activities at The Marina @ Crossroads. If you’d like to go further afield, the Dive Centre hosts regular boat trips and private underwater tours, while the Marine Discovery Centre displays information about the resort’s conservation efforts.

When the hunger pangs come rumbling, fuel up on Mediterranean grub and grilled seafood at Miss Olive Oyl, Thai fusion cuisine at Mr Tomyam, or coffee and ice cream at bean/Co. Later in the evening, night owls can hit up beach club Cafe del Mar for beats and booze.

Starting rates: US$255/night.


 

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