Sip, sunbathe and soar: W Maldives brings the wow issue with dreamy overwater villas, stellar culinary collabs and countless actions

Three phrases – epitome of paradise. That’s how I’d describe my keep at W Maldives. However past the unspoiled magnificence, I’ll be again for his or her cool culinary collabs, thrilling occasions and heat hospitality.

Para-para-paradise… I’m unsure what Coldplay meant after they composed this track. But when you have to put a face to the title, step this technique to W Maldives.

I not too long ago swapped our high-rise buildings and buzzin’ SG life for crystal-clear waters, azure skies, and laidback island vibes throughout this quick getaway. I ate to my coronary heart’s content material, swam with a turtle and reef sharks (kinda) in among the finest home reefs within the Maldives, witnessed breathtaking sunsets, rubbed shoulders with a cocktail maestro and met a few of the kindest employees at W Maldives. You may think about how cranky I used to be throughout check-out. However let’s not get forward of ourselves.

Right here’s a recount of my unforgettable keep. Truthful warning: main wanderlust forward!

A slice of paradise awaits at W Maldives

Positioned within the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives, on Fesdu Island, simply 25 minutes away through seaplane from Male, the resort has simply the correct amount of area for a way of seclusion however can be inside arm’s attain of all facilities together with the award-winning Away Spa. There are 77 personal overwater and beachfront villas, all elegantly designed and outfitted with facilities.

I checked into the Fabulous Overwater one-bedroom villa which boasts a spacious king-sized mattress, a separate bathtub and bathe, and a double self-importance. However my eyes instantly pivoted to the floor-to-ceiling door which opened to an outside deck with solar loungers, a non-public plunge pool and direct entry to the ocean. First pinch-me second, proper right here.

I knew I needed to take advantage of out of the journey. Immediately, this night time owl changed into a morning one who caught each dawn on the break of day. Any free time within the room was spent chilling within the pool till I changed into a prune. Or snorkelling within the ocean with the FOC gear offered. My neighbours included a faculty of angel and powder blue surgeonfish, together with George, the gray heron, and Roger, the nice egret. Yup, everybody has a reputation right here.

Meals, wonderful meals

Put your hanger pangs to relaxation as there’s a wide range of eating choices that cater to totally different tastes and preferences. The beachfront restaurant Fireplace, which appears just like the Tribal Council from the Survivor collection, gives grilled specialities in an open-air kitchen and stay grill station. I additionally acquired to expertise the Eid dinner and the Bodu Mas custom the place fishermen ‘catch’ an enormous fish made by weaving palm leaves. The tribe has spoken – this restaurant is lit. Intimate date nights are reserved for Fish, an overwater restaurant that serves the freshest seafood picks. Only a hop away is Sip, a vibrant out of doors bar with overwater hammocks to get pleasure from lazy tipples and magical sunsets.

The all-day eating bistro Kitchen is the place everybody gathers for the worldwide breakfast. I’m nonetheless excited about the coconut French toast, a number of fruit compotes and Center Jap choices. And I had my justifiable share of Maldavian delicacies on the seaside pop-up cafe, Kada.

Lastly, make a splash on the poolside bar Moist, which serves all the pieces from wood-fired pizzas to a imply poke bowl. I spent the majority of my time enjoying pleasant video games of ping pong, foosball and life-sized Jenga with different friends. The bar can be residence to W Resort’s Get Moist pool events with a stay DJ on deck and a number of floaties so that you can lounge on the pool.

Thrilling collabs with culinary maestros

The resort makes every keep fascinating with a collection of occasions and collaborations with like-minded consultants. We had the pleasure of experiencing the second instalment of the ‘She Shakes’ collection, an thrilling occasion that spotlights feminine mixologists making a mark within the business. Every visitor shift encompasses a collection of cocktails created by the mixologist, together with a ‘legacy’ cocktail that’ll be obtainable to order on the Moist bar for a restricted time after the occasion.

The June 2023 version of She Shakes welcomed Laura Prabowo, the co-founder and managing director of one among Hong Kong’s most celebrated bars, Penicillin. Throughout her visitor shift, Laura curated 4 distinctive drinks that mixed her ardour for environmental sustainability and W Maldives’ spirited cocktail tradition. Laura’s ‘Her Legacy’ cocktail known as Forage & Discovered which signifies her time within the Maldives – it’s created with components impressed by the resort. A mixture of Oregano gin, native bilimbi sherbet, carrot-turmeric seed cordial and mezcal is served in a kooky coral-looking glass. How apt!

We additionally loved the refreshing Pandan Colada shaken with caramelised pineapple rum, Overproof pandan rum, pineapples, coconut water and coconut cream. Watching the skies change colors whereas sipping on her creations was one other pinch-me second.

Snorkelling enjoyable and actions for water fiends

In the event you’re itching to expertise the ocean in all its glory, W Maldives is just a few steps forward. The in-house water sports activities centre Wave gives windsurfing, jet-skiing, parasailing, guided snorkelling excursions, night time snorkelling periods, scuba diving… you title it, they’ve acquired it. I’m not the very best swimmer however I needed to discover the magnificent reefs down underneath so the guided snorkelling sesh was the best choice.

My information was affected person and inspiring as he shared recommendations on use the gear. I had an otherworldly expertise as we drifted to the magnificent home reef crammed with underwater caverns and various marine life. I noticed mantas, a shy turtle, reef sharks, and numerous faculties of fishes welcoming me into their residence. The third pinch-me second proper right here. Particular due to the candy couple that shared this clip of our favorite turtle.

Solid away to Gaathafushi, W Maldives’ personal personal island

Past water sports activities, you may also escape into oblivion by chartering the resort’s personal yacht or hopping on a Dhoni boat. Get pleasure from a sundown cruise with bubbly and dinner or ebook a full-day constitution which features a visit an area island and a cultural tour.

In the event you’ve acquired a few hours to spare or just want a non-public island all to your self (‘cos why not?), W Maldives boasts its personal personal island. Unleash your wanderlust on Gaathafushi, an untouched paradise simply 10 minutes away through speedboat. I’ve by no means seen such powdery white sand and sparkly waters. This tropical playground may be all yours for the day, or for an in a single day ‘Robinson Crusoe’ expertise full with a candlelit BBQ and a non-public chef, a champagne breakfast, and an in a single day keep underneath a thatched roof. It’s no shock that we met a pair who acquired engaged proper right here.

The employees love their job and it exhibits

The icing on the cake of this unforgettable expertise must be the nice and cozy hospitality of the employees. From the bubbly head chef who made positive to examine in with us throughout every meal to the pleasant server who supplied us probably the most refreshing yuzu sorbet despite the fact that we declined dessert, to the housekeeping employees who helped join my music to the out of doors speaker simply so I might vibe with my ocean view, the service is immaculate. Even after we checked out, we had a employees accompany us for the six hours earlier than our night time flight. These are the small issues that made my keep memorable.

Now that I’m again with a glowing tan and a newfound love for the ocean, W Maldives shall be preserving my island desires alive for a very long time. I’ll be again for you!

W Maldives, Fesdu Island North Ari Atoll, 09110, Maldives