PAID CONTENT FOR MILAIDHOO MALDIVES
PAID CONTENT FOR MILAIDHOO MALDIVES
PAID CONTENT FOR MILAIDHOO MALDIVES
Milaidhoo Maldives BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES
THIS MALDIVIAN-OWNED RESORT IS SET IN BAA ATOLL BIOSPHERE RESERVE, ONE OF THE BEST SPOTS IN THE WORLD FOR SIGHTINGS OF MANTA RAYS
This island resort is proudly rooted in the local traditions and provides a sense of Maldivian island living. Complete with 50 villas, three restaurants and stylish decor designed and created by local designers and artisans using responsibly sourced materials, it offers the ultimate in laid-back island luxury. Milaidhoo’s private pool villas were designed by a local Maldivian architect with conservation front of mind, ensuring minimum impact on the coral reef. The thatched-roof villas were created to seamlessly fuse indoor and outdoor living. Each water or beach villa opens up 180 degrees,
inviting nature in, while the materials and crafts used blend effortlessly with natural elements and modern, sustainable architecture to create a harmonious aesthetic. Each is serviced by a private butler and features a generous private pool within lush tropical surroundings. Taking accommodation in the Maldives to another level, Milaidhoo’s spectacular two-bedroom ocean residence is designed to accommodate up to six
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guests and comes complete with an inspiring view from the private gym and yoga/meditation lounge on the upper floor. The private sun deck includes a plush swing chair, sun loungers, and a huge freshwater infinity swimming pool with steps straight into the sea. Those who prefer dry land can opt for one of
Milaidhoo’s two beach residences, which each feature a private freshwater infinity pool, a circular living room, an adjoining kitchenette, and a huge bathroom with indoor and outdoor rain showers, as well as separate deep bathtubs.
See manta rays From June to October, thousands of manta rays migrate to the Atoll’s plankton-rich waters, and guests at Milaidhoo can witness the annual gathering firsthand. Milaidhoo has also launched a conservation-focused manta ray awareness diving course by PADI, for all certified divers hoping to swim alongside these special creatures. In addition to enjoying the memorable experience
of meeting these majestic manta rays, divers will learn how to identify and track them during two theory sessions — covering educational insights on the species’ behaviour, as well as delving into the key conservation efforts needed to protect them. The Ocean Stories Aquatic Centre team at
Milaidhoo have also identified several secret diving spots, outside of the marine reserve, where divers can enjoy the most private and exclusive manta ray experiences. Home to a spectacular house reef and being only 12 minutes by speedboat from Hanifaru Bay, known for the biggest seasonal grouping of manta rays in the world, guests can swim and snorkel with them up close. Summer visitors at Milaidhoo will be welcomed
with excursions to this magnificent spot, in coordination with the Hanifaru Bay park rangers, who are experts in ensuring guests enjoy the most rewarding sighting opportunities. Additionally, Milaidhoo’s resident marine biologist will share expert knowledge of the
fascinating creatures. Reaching up to 23ft in width and feeding on nothing bigger than microscopic plankton, these rays are truly the ocean’s gentle giants.
Gaze at the stars Back on dry land, Milaidhoo guests can experience the new retreat series, ‘Milky Way from the Maldives’. Astronomy expert Valerie Stimac helps travellers enjoy the magnificent beauty of the galaxy and discover the incredible dark skies of the Maldives. The retreat programme includes a number
of thoroughly engaging astronomy-themed experiences, including a healing space massage, dinner under the stars and stargazing on a secluded sandbank, wayfinding/sailing by stars on a traditional Maldivian dhoni, astrophotography sessions, night-sky mythology sessions focused on the history of the night sky drawing on stories from various cultures in the Maldives — including Tamil, Sinhalese, and India — as well as the opportunity to name a star.
Guests can even opt to spend the night as
castaways under the stars, on their very own private sandbank — transformed with the luxury facilities of a Milaidhoo villa, including a canopied four-poster bed draped in muslin and a private yacht anchored nearby with a bathroom and amenities. As the crew sail away after dinner, couples are left in absolute seclusion to enjoy post- dinner drinks before heading off to sleep under the stars, surrounded by candles and lanterns that have been scattered across the sandbank. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime romantic experience in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Retreats are arranged in accordance with the
weather, moon phases and other astronomical events to allow for the best conditions and clear skies throughout. In case of any unpredictable weather, Milaidhoo will offer guests the opportunity to see the ‘stars of the sea’ with their unique fluo night snorkelling — a chance to see the reef in an entirely different light due to Milaidhoo’s proximity to the sheltered waters on the house reef.
DON’T MISS Sail away to your own private deserted sandbank, where a sumptuous feast awaits
This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. Need to know
KEY FEATURES • 24-hour butler service • Three restaurants, two bars and a wine room
• Serenity Spa • Fully equipped dive centre
KEY ACTIVITIES • Manta ray excursion (in season) • Maldivian traditional sailing • Traditional Maldivian cooking class • Diving and other ocean excursions
KEY TREATMENTS • TheraNaka tri-scented luxury massage
• Tibetan singing bowl massage or meditation
• Sandbank massages
GET IN TOUCH
milaidhoo.com T: +960 660 77 88 E:
welcome@milaidhoo.com
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