Work, play and chill out at these luxury resorts in the Indian Ocean
WORDS LEE COBAJ
After months of lockdown, escaping to paradise sounds better than ever – and the Maldives is about as synonymous with paradise as it gets. Dreamy white sands, overwater villas and dazzling marine life are just for starters. Get ready to explore new luxury resorts, holistic wellness retreats and eco-sanctuary havens, with everything from oceanfront offices to James Bond-style water toys. Whether you’re working remotely or on holiday with family, one of these eight luxury resorts is bound to have the right getaway option for you.
WFB (Work From Beach): VAKKARU MALDIVES
Working from home is so 2020. Now, it’s all about combining work with inspiring scenery. Vakkaru Maldives, a pearl-shaped island located in the Baa Atoll, launched a dream ‘workation’ package in October 2020 that’s perfect for remote workers. Available to long-stay guests who book for 21 days or longer, Vakkaru’s Work Well package includes upgraded villas kitted out with an ocean view desk (either indoors or on your WiFi-enabled deck), a printer and stationery supplies. For any other needs, you’ve got your very own ‘Vacay PA’, who can help to manage your schedule, print documents, and book in complimentary daily sessions with your personal trainer, tennis coach or yoga guru. Free deliveries of brain-boosting foods – mini fruit kebabs, home-made granola bars, coconut milk smoothies – arrive every afternoon.
vakkarumaldives.com Top tip: Ask for a villa on the southwest side of the island for easy access to the resplendent house reef.
The glitzy newcomer: RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES RESORT AND SPA
Looking down from a seaplane it appears as if a fleet of flying saucers has landed in the North Malé Atoll – paradise doesn’t have to come with a thatched roof. The astonishing Kerry Hill design belongs to the new 100-villa Ritz-Carlton Maldives Resort and Spa located on the Fari Islands, a new man-made archipelago housing a swish marina and three luxury hotels (Patina opened in late May and Capella will follow in 2023). Some of the villas are on the beach and some are stilted over the water. All are perfect circles and perfectly private, with high ceilings, teardrop-shaped infinity pools, panoramic sliding doors and high-tech glazing to minimise the use of air-conditioning (just one part of the resort’s strong sustainability code). There’s also a dizzying choice of restaurants and a spectacular spa set in the lagoon.
ritzcarlton.com Top tip: Leave your bulky camera bag at home: the resort has a photography studio where you
