PROTECTING PARADISE

The Maldives is one of the most beautiful but ecologically vulnerable regions in the world. But you have to see it to believe it and—hopefully—do more to preserve it  

- Coco Marett

Once defined by kitschy thatched-roof villas, extravagant country club-style facilities and tiki drinks, resorts in the Maldives are increasingly dialling it back to proudly show off—and ultimately protect—the archipelago’s spectacular but vulnerable wildlife.

Keeping things simple with chic villas, a handful of restaurants and an expert-led dive and watersports centre, hotels like Alila Kothaifaru aren’t trying too hard—such properties don’t have to. The resort sits on a private island surrounded by a vibrant house reef—just as many waterfront resorts around the world have private beaches, many dive resorts have unique access to certain reefs—in the Raa Atoll. Designed by Singapore-based Studiogoto, the 80-villa resort’s minimalist aesthetic was intended to create the impression that each building disappears into the island’s natural landscape. The hope is, so will its guests; a visit to this island is less of an escape than an immersion.

Large windows in the beachfront villas frame a scene of tropical flora, placing guests in the heart of oversized palm leaves and brilliant hibiscus flowers where colourful birds and lizards come to feed. When Studiogoto designed the island, the team made a point of preserving 70 per cent of its existing vegetation. Outside each of the stilted overwater villas, an overflowing infinity pool blends seamlessly into the panoramic stretch of turquoise ocean. In these waters, it’s not rare that you’ll spot pods of dolphins, spotted rays, sea turtles and friendly reef sharks.