Do you prefer house on stilts or villa on the beach?

·         The most modern and luxurious resorts in the Maldives offer a choice between individual villas or semi-detached houses in a variety of styles. The “beach” option usually consists of a private pool between the lagoon and the patio, which is perfect for privacy. Rooms and villas on stilts are often equipped with vast Jacuzzis on their balconies or patios.

·         Stilts or sand is really a question of taste: if scuba diving is what you’re after, sleep on stilts above your own giant pool complete with calm breezes and the sound of the sea. If you prefer palms, gardens and patios, keep your feet in the sand with a villa.

·         A range of accompaniments: it is worth mentioning that several villas offer a variety of extra options with rooms, (including massage tables, Jacuzzis, king-size bathtubs and even private treatment rooms). One spa known to do this is the Village Spa in Conrad Rangali. Another is the Beach Villa Suites at the Taj Exotica, which offers personal treatment rooms for total privacy.

·         Tranquillity as standard: the layout of the Maldives makes it one of the most exclusive destinations in the world for those seeking total solitude. The island hotel system makes it extremely challenging for the paparazzi, and the private villas with room service permit visitors to remain undisturbed. Because of this the Maldives remain prized by celebrities seeking to get away from it all, and also for anybody who desires a feeling of calm during their holiday.

·         The largest villas are situated in the Private Reserve of Soneva Gili (1400m2, enough space to easily accommodate eight to ten people, situated on stilts); also very exclusive are the two “Sunset Villas” of the Conrad, situated on stilts far away from the other villas. On the island of Reethi Rai, the priority of One & Only was to place each villa as far away from the next as possible, allowing every guest their own private space, whether on the beach or in the gardens. This gives the feel of effectively doubling the size of the island.