Maldives Unplugged

On a trip to the Maldives, ADILA MATRA ditches the sprawling islands and checks into the remote and intimate OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.

- ADILA MATRA

PLAYFUL, INTIMATE, and remote— OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is all of these and more. Located on an island that is just a little over 350 metres in length, the resort and its surroundings look like they popped out of the set of The White Lotus, sans the gruesome murder.

After a 25-minute ride on a seaplane that makes a pitstop on the way, a speedboat picks you up from a floating pontoon jetty for the final stretch to this remote island. And unlike many other luxury resorts on the archipelago, OUTRIGGER doesn’t overwhelm you with meandering paths that make you go in circles. That is not to say that it isn’t sheltered by thick vegetation and girded by white beaches.

The first order of business on landing on this piece of heaven is to head to Edgewater for a drink by the pool. Overlooking the lagoon, this bar also serves lunchtime classics including salads, wraps, sandwiches, catch of the day, noodle or rice bowls—all of which are perfect accompaniments to the cocktails. I recommend gin infused with Earl Gray tea and lemongrass to beat the midday sun.