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28 March 2024

Immerse yourself in paradise

Published
By Reena Amos Dyes

(SUPPLIED)   



Do you ever dream of living on an island, surrounded by endless blue sea, swaying palms, white sands and absolute tranquillity? If you do, then book yourself on to the first flight to the Maldives and spend a week at the Naladhu resort.

 

Marion Walsh, Brand Director of Public Relations, Anantara Resorts, told Emirates Business: “Naladhu was designed by architect Mohamed Shafeeq, whose portfolio includes the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Taj Exotica.

 

“He designed the structural elements of Naladhu to reflect certain intrinsic features of the archetypal Maldivian village. For instance, the houses are situated on the edge of a lagoon, similar to the native dwellings on the remote islands of the Maldives. The interiors were designed by Julian Coombs, a Bangkok-based designer. Julian wanted guests to walk into a Naladhu house and feel a sense of refined familiarity. All furnishings are antique, including an early 20th century writer’s desk.

 

“He expertly combined colonial furnishings gathered from his personal voyages with plush fabrics of muted natural colours that incorporate Maldivian, Indian and Sri Lankan influences.”

 

Set on Velighandu Huraa, amidst the cluster of private island gems that comprise the South Male Atoll, Naladhu has all this and much more. The resort has 19 spacious private houses overlooking the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

 

Walsh said: “The location of the houses directly on the reef-edge is very special. Guests can hear the rolling and breaking of the waves further out on the reef – a beautiful calming ocean sound.

 

“This can’t be found elsewhere in resorts in the Maldives.

 

“Also, the level of privacy is simply unparalleled as there are only 19 houses on the entire island. Each of the 19 elite dwellings is 330 square metres in size with elegant living, dining and bedroom spaces. This offers the ultimate luxury experience in a totally private setting. Guests can spend their entire time in the comfort of their house.

 

“Spa treatments are available on the deck and dining in the private Sala. There is a steam room, pool and oversized deck. Each house has a voluminous terrazzo bathtub with free-formed edges as well as an open-faced shower, which allows for a view from within but remains hidden to anyone outside the house enclosure.

 

“Right next to the terrazzo tub is the private pool that offers views over the Indian Ocean and creates the ultimate ‘eternity pool’ feeling. 

 

“In addition, each house contains an espresso machine, a fridge stocked with delicacies and a cellar pre-stocked according to personal preferences. Wireless technology is available in every room and the audio equipment comprises the best and latest Bose products. Disguised artfully at the foot of the bed is an flat screen TV. Each house also comes with a personalised, House Master. This is a professional butler service, ensuring every desire is met, 24 hours a day.

 

“Outside the cocoon of the Naladhu House, guests can enjoy their private Cabana on the beach. Dining options are numerous and include the Living Room Restaurant, a Sand Table or the Wave Breaker platforms hovering over the ocean, or of course just relax at home.”

 

But spa treatments, the sun, sea and sand are not the only things for you to enjoy at Naladhu.

 

Deep-sea fishing from a luxury launch off the surrounding atolls, scuba diving in the Maldives’ world-renowned reefs through a personal PADI certification course or some leisurely snorkelling on the nearby house reef, sailing a traditional Maldivian dhoni alongside a pod of skipping dolphins or kayaking around the lagoon, shopping in bustling Male, are just some of the many things to keep you occupied.

 

According to Walsh: “Naladhu is surrounded by coral, so it very easy for guests to discover the vibrant colours and a vast array of fish through both the diving and snorkelling programmes. The team at the dive centre and activities centre have spent many years in the Maldives, including many native Maldivians, so they are very familiar with the coral in the area and of course the very best diving spots.”

 

A night at Naladhu costs $2,000 (Dh7,200), including breakfast. The whole island may be booked for a special event or party at a cost of $43,000 per day.

 

So get yourself a slice of paradise and have a holiday to remember.