SETTING THE SCENE
Heading north from Male by seaplane, 35 minutes to take in the unbelievable blues and greens of the Maldives islands might not seem like enough. But that’s all it takes to find yourself in the heart of the unspoilt UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, home to the dreamy Milaidhoo Maldives. At just 300m by 180m, this tiny isle of emerald jungle and powder-white sand may be small, but it’s more than perfectly formed – and offers all a traveler seeking the ideal balance of both peace and action could want.
WHEN TO VISIT
Manta ray season is unmissable at Milaidhoo. From May to October, these majestic creatures visit the plankton-rich waters of Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay – a mere stone’s throw from Milaidhoo’s reef. Scoot over by speedboat in just 15 minutes, sling on your snorkel and prepare to witness one of nature’s most spectacular sights. You might even consider spending a few extra days to do it all over again – such is the effect of these incredible creatures’ presence.
WHAT TO DO
After all the excitement, make sure you take some time to unwind at Milaidhoo’s four over water spa treatment suites which make the most of their island setting. Local herbs and plants find their way into invigorating remedies, including the rejuvenating Serenity Under the Stars treatment. An outdoor full body massage that takes place under the light of the moon, followed by a lifting face massage and collagen mask, this treatment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a secret kept between you and the skies.
THE HOTEL
Welcoming all travellers aged eight and above, this ‘older’ family resort offers privacy and tranquillity to those looking for something more secluded than the usual beach clubs. Nature is Milaidhoo’s specialty, its natural greenery remaining satisfyingly unmanicured while its underwater flora and fauna has to be seen to be believed. But the first inkling I got that things are done differently on this island was when we took our first steps on to Milaidhoo’s welcoming jetty – the level of service at this resort is something that its wonderful staff really do take pride in. Whether you prefer a shady beachside villa with a private pool, or an Insta-worthy over-water villa with seemingly never-ending freshwater infinity pool, the choice is yours – but either way, you’ll experience soaring wooden-beamed ceilings and luxuriously-appointed amenities and furnishings that really are a rarity even in the Maldives’ most chic resorts. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss the stunning two-bedroom ocean residence. Fully over water and laid out over two spacious storeys, this is 564 square metres of surprises. From the secret gym hidden under the roof to the private sun deck’s swing chair, sun loungers and spectacular pool, this is climate-controlled and fully stocked opulence at its most lavish. Take the party to the rest of the island by sampling Milaidhoo’s wide variety of restaurants and bars – the Compass Pool Bar was a particular favourite – but make sure to plan your time around the real star of the show… The ocean. Milaidhoo’s resident marine biologist is the perfect guide to what makes this UNESCO area so unique, with the ‘be a marine biologist’ programme allowing you to discover all the ins and outs of the surrounding wildlife before taking to the deep blue to discover them for yourself. The spectacle of scuba diving is a given, but also make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to take part in some big game fishing in some of the world’s beststocked waters. Wahoo, sailfish, swordfish and giant trevally are all up for grabs for the skilled fisherman, with even the occasional marlin making an appearance -all on a strictly catch-and-release basis. For a more zen activity, try kayaking or paddle boarding in the clear, calm seas surrounding Milaidhoo. Come rain or shine, the warm, forgiving Maldivian ocean is ready and waiting.
WHAT TO SEE
The Ba’theli Lounge and Restaurant is a sight to behold – even more so when contemplating the colours of one of those unforgettable island sunsets. Honouring the Maldives’s place on the ancient Maldivian Spice Route, this floating restaurant sits in a boat and serves island delights from those swashbuckling times, with meals taken on deck to soak in the sea views, or below where you can observe the sea life through the boat’s glass bottom. Talk about a feast for the eyes.
WHERE TO EAT
Clean and light flavours are Milaidhoo’s style, perfect for adjusting to island pace – and the novelty of never having to wear shoes in any of the resort’s restaurants. Bag a table at the Shoreline Grill’s Chef’s Table, a teppanyaki-style treat for all the senses. As the sun goes down watch the flames from the chef’s grill rise while you savour a taste sensation.
And On Your Wrist?
Panerai Submersible Elux LAB-ID
An action-packed island escape needs a timepiece that can keep up – and when it comes to adventure Panerai really does know what it’s doing. With a fetching deep blue shade on its ceramised titanium and remarkably luminescent dial, it’s an effortlessly legible and aesthetically pleasing choice whether taking midnight island strolls or descending to scuba depths. Eight years in the making, in a huge achievement this fully mechanical, no-battery movement can light on demand, its 50-bar depth capacity and 30-minute power light function proving to be a perfect combination for extreme sea conditions. And while we don’t expect the Maldives to throw up too many unexpected situations – it’s best to be prepared for anything. With a Panerai on your wrist, you know you’re ready to take whatever the deep can throw at you.
