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SPOTLIGHT ON... The MALDIVES

THERE is always one region that causes a buzz in luxury circles each year. When the Luxe Tribe gathered in Singapore last month for ILTM Asia Pacific the spotlight was definitely on The Maldives with a whole clutch of luxurious offerings soon to open. In our opinion these are the ones no serious paradise-seeker should miss:

1. Kudadoo Private Island

The coral-fringed Lhaviyani Atoll (about 40 minutes from the capital Malé by seaplane) is where you’ll find the new adults-only Kudadoo Private Island resort. The resort is heavy on the butler service, low on crowds. Designed by Yuji Yamazaki (who also designed the solar-powered Finolhu Villas, Maldives) there will be just 15 large over-water villas in designer-bleached wood, incorporating a wide private deck and a large infinity pool. TLTB particularly likes the fact that a section of the villas has a glass floor, with a glass table above it - so guests can gaze at the sea life in the turquoise ocean below while dining a deux. It is also refreshing to know that the new resort is the creation of a local company, Crown & Champa Resort, which has already created sister resort, Hurawalhi, on a nearby island. If guests can bear to leave all the private pampering they’ll also find a main pool, restaurant and small gym. Adventures include swimming with manta rays, beach picnics and sailing excursions. www.kudadoo.com

Opening: September 2018

2. Baglioni Resort Maldives

This will be the first Italian luxury resort in the Maldives and promises to offer guests a Maldivian experience with the “Italian touch”. Which as every Italophile knows can only be a good thing. The resort will be located on one of the most beautiful atolls, Dhaalu, with a 360 degree reef and a spectacular lagoon. All the suites are ocean-facing; some are over-water villas.. Apart from the best Italian food on the Indian ocean there will also be an al-fresco Japanese restaurant for sushi under the stars. There is an impressive array of activities on offer ranging from yoga in the pavilion to kayaking, topcat sailing and pedalo rides (very la Dolce Vita ). A dive centre with resident marine biologist offers scuba experiences. www.baglioni.com

Opening: November 2018

3. LUX* North Male Atoll
This resort rejects the thatched-roofed Maldivian footprint in favour of penthouse villas with a super-yacht–meets-South-Beach vibe. Created by Singapore design house Miaja, each of the 67 double-storey white-walled residences features a private pool, wide-windows and interior furnishings tinged with hot pink accents. TLTB particularly likes the spacious roof-top deck called ‘the sky-lounge’, with views over the azure ocean, giving what LUX* calls “a unique perspective on the world’s flattest country”. At the Beach Rouge pool area headline international DJs mix the mood and food will encompass Moroccan and Japanese. Definitely a resort offering with a difference. www.luxresorts.com

Opening: Early 2019