42_ttg_lux_maldivesV2 11/6/09 14:58 Page 43
out to sea, again with indoor/outdoor
bathroom and a king-size four-poster bed.
The midmarket
But it’s the new Deluxe Water Villas
that are the big talking point, 36 of them
traveller can trade
added at the other end of the island.
The entrance hall is lovely, with its glass
up to a more
floor that instantly screams luxury
Maldives and offers views out to the
luxurious resort lagoon. The bathroom is a highlight, with
while still keeping
doors to the deck, a great freestanding
whirlpool tub, twin countertop basins and
an eye on their
separate shower. The private deck has a
plunge pool and direct access to a larger
purse strings
pool – the Indian Ocean. There are also
four Sunset Water Suites which are the
ultimate spots to stay, offering the most
space, privacy and best views.
Trading up or down?
infinity pool and the Aqua restaurant and Lily Beach Resort and Spa is genuinely
bar area with daybeds – young bar staff offering something different with the
togged in shades, dance soundtrack introduction of a luxury all-inclusive. But
playing, cocktails and smoothies – you I felt some of the inclusions listed as part
know the drill. Everyone here seemed to of the Platinum Plan – snorkelling
be enjoying every last moment of the day, equipment, DJ/live music/a night of
supping (all-inclusive) cocktails until the traditional Maldivian dance, mineral
sun dipped into the sea and they moved water in the villas, access to gym, tennis
onto their (all-inclusive) dinner. courts and non-motorised watersports,
meet and greet on arrival – were the bare
Stay secrets minimum of services a good Maldives
There are 119 villas in five categories on the resort would offer anyway.
island – I think this might prove too many The resort has done a great job in
for an island of this size. Five-star travellers repositioning itself and it gives a great
really expect more space and privacy. opportunity for the midmarket traveller to
The 57 entry-level Beach Villas are too trade up to a more luxurious resort while
close together, and inside they are smart still keeping an eye on their purse strings.
but basically decorated – fussy Maldives But I think it would take a lot of
connoisseurs will have seen better. The convincing for an experienced high-end
villas do have stylish new outdoor traveller to trade down, especially
bathrooms though, and beach access someone who had sampled somewhere
from a small front patio. such as Island Hideaway, Lily’s more
The 16 Lagoon Villas are impressive, exclusive sister property in the far north.
built half on land and half over the lagoon
with private decks, with wonderful views For more reviews, see p52-56 and visit ttgluxury.com
What’s included
Food and drinks: Daily dining at by the pool with tea/coffee/fresh three times a week; activity day
Lily Maa and Aqua; one a la carte juices/mineral water; mini-bar with once a week; games, competitions
fine-dining experience at crisps, a couple of cans of soft and treasure hunts; tennis courts,
Tamarind; all premium brands of drinks and beer and wine; daily gymnasium, all indoor games, all
alcohol (including spirits, beers, supply of mineral water in villas non-motorised water-sports,
good selection of fine quality snorkelling equipment; internet
red/white/rose wines, cocktails Activities: Visit to an uninhabited access; kids’ club
and signature drinks); mid- island and fishing villages once
afternoon snacks on the beach during stay; one sunset fishing trip; Plus: Airport meet and greet;
(two locations) with fresh juices traditional Maldivian dance lounge access at domestic
and cold towels; evening canapes evening; DJ with disco/live band seaplane terminal
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