High on luxury and variety, Dusit Thani Maldives is your perfect holiday abode
o you want to take a break from the monotonous schedule and escape to a private island resort to enjoy a luxurious holiday? We have the perfect holiday abode suggestion for you.
Dusit Thani Maldives, on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is where Thai heritage meets warm and friendly Maldivian island culture. A 35-minute seaplane ride north of Malé (or a 25-minute domestic flight followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride from Dharavandhoo Airport). This far-flung property is close to Hanifaru Bay, a feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks from July to November.
Chic decor, comfortable stay
This relaxed, barefoot-chic resort blends Thai and Maldivian influences – think thatch-roofed villas decked out with Asian silks. The 94 residences and villas, perched overwater or on the beach, are huge. Expect indoor/outdoor bathrooms featuring standalone tubs, rain showers and Molton Brown toiletries; rooms with cloud-like beds and a cosy seating area; and private terraces – most with a plunge pool – leading straight onto the sand or with steps directly into the Indian Ocean. The beach-chic décor employs natural materials, wooden flooring and vaulted ceilings, and is complemented with modern gadgets like Bose surround sound systems and Nespresso coffee machines. The Three-bedroom Beach Residence is the highlight – ideal for big groups and families, experience ultimate luxury at this 690-sq. m sanctuary. On the first floor, a master king bedroom opens onto a private terrace. The second twin bedroom and expansive living area are set on the ground floor with access to the veranda, outdoor dining area and pool. A tropical courtyard connects the central villa to a neighbouring villa, complete with plunge pool, beach pavilion and king-sized bedroom.
Please your palate
There are three restaurants and two bars on the island. The Market is where an international buffet breakfast is served, which includes complimentary champagne, Asian noodles, and a fun pancake station where you can opt for artistic creations such as mermaids and turtles. Signature Thai restaurant Benjarong is perched on stilts above the ocean and offers authentic dishes like Thai-style lobster and the cute bird-shaped chicken dumplings. Sala Bar on the upper deck is the spot for creative cocktails with sunset views. Dine on freshly caught seafood and steak at chic poolside eatery Sea Grill, before enjoying a nightcap at the aptly named Sand Bar overlooking the Indian Ocean. You can also enjoy the luxury Floating Breakfast served in your private pool in the privacy of your villa. It includes Champagne, and treats like Eggs Royale, smoked salmon with green asparagus, a selection of baked goods and pastries, assorted fruits and nuts, various cheeses, light gourmet bites such as Iberico ham with tomato ciabatta, and others. The Borderless Dining concept presents guests with dining options in unbelievable settings, featuring sumptuous menus designed to suit every occasion.
Services, facilities, and leisure activities
Service is attentive yet discreet with a butler at your beck and call. Facilities include two floodlit tennis courts, a yoga pavilion, a gym and a water sports centre for diving, snorkelling and kayaking. Banish boredom with a Thai cooking class, sunset cruise, wine tasting or island nature walk. The Devarana Spa offers signature spa treatments that combine a bath, body scrub and massage in a pod elevated amongst the palm trees. Guests can navigate jungle paths on bicycles and dine with their toes in the sand. The huge infinity pool is the heart of the resort with a lively bar serving sunset cocktails to the sound of the live band. Solar panels, locally produced drinking water and wildlife conservation projects add eco-friendly points. Children under 12 stay and eat for free, get their own mini bicycles and can go wild at the kids’ club with its treehouse, climbing frames and daily activities like treasure hunts and shell painting. There’s also a medical clinic on-site with a doctor on call 24 hours a day.