Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

The new all-villa resort brings a special brand of luxury to the island nation, says Raj Aditya Chaudhuri

- Raj Aditya Chaudhuri

The Raffles treatment starts the moment you get on the boat that takes you from the airport to the resort. You are immediately plied with a snack and drink, while a masseuse works on your upper back and head and a butler charges your phone and connects it to the boat’s wi-fi. Every need is anticipated and met at the new Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort. Recently opened, it is a collection of 21 thatched-roof, bleach-white villa, and residences. The guestrooms dot the sandy outer edge of the island, giving every villa stunning, uninterrupted views of the cerulean expanse of the Indian Ocean.

The beach villas feature sprawling bedrooms with beautiful, aged driftwood furniture. The electric curtains roll up to reveal an L-shaped glass wall, beyond which lies a private plunge pool. In the corner is a cosy nook that has a writing table with an inspiring view of the beach.

The bedroom’s large, teal-colored doors swing open onto a wooden deck, from where the ocean is less than 50m away. The large marble-clad bathroom features twin faucets, a locker-room style walk-in closet, bathtub, and a separate shower room. There’s also an outdoor shower, should you choose to wash under the stars instead.