A New Luxury Resort Embodies the Serenity of the Maldives
A far-flung nation of more than a thousand islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is known for the beauty of its sand-fringed atolls and the vibrant marine life that surrounds them. These tropical isles beckon travelers with the promise of a serene getaway, an escape from the stresses of daily life. Now fulfilling that promise is Villa Haven, a newly opened luxe entry into the Maldivian-owned Villa Resorts portfolio.
Located on the South Ari Atoll, 35 minutes by seaplane from the nation’s capital of Malé, Villa Haven is an intimate enclave of just 73 villas and residences, all facing the azure ocean and including a private pool. Embracing indoor-outdoor living with a design that celebrates the landscape and incorporates sustainable materials, the accommodations range from tranquil beach and pool villas to expansive one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences that accommodate families or groups of friends.
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Dining options abound, with international specialties that cater to the tastes of a global clientele. Husk is the signature restaurant, where fresh fish and marinated meats are cooked over a fire fueled by coconut husks. There’s also beachside Solara, featuring Mediterranean flavors and local ingredients. The magic of an overwater setting adds allure to YUZU, where chefs at the live cooking station craft masterpieces of Japanese cuisine. At Olive, the market-style environment is the background for half a dozen international cuisines—from Ayurvedic tapas and pan-Asian dishes to Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Maldivian delights. There are pizzas at the poolside Piazza, and, for the ultimate in unwinding, Nook offers the comforts of a relaxed lounge and bar.
The resort emphasizes rest and relaxation, but those pleasures are enhanced at the garden sanctuary spa, where the treatments blend Ayurvedic therapies and innovative wellness practices. The signature Restful Remedies treatment, for example, begins with a freshly brewed ginger elixir, a healing foot ritual ,and deep breathing techniques, continues with an herbal plaster to reduce muscular tension and a soothing massage, and finishes with a nature-immersive shower and a digestion-boosting date smoothie.
A stay at Villa Haven offers an opportunity to sample other extraordinary experiences as well. Start by exploring the unique Maldivian underwater world on a dive or snorkel trip to marvel at majestic whale sharks, elegant manta rays, and the vibrant coral reefs that are home to myriad colorful fish. Adventurers will savor the thrills of riding a Jet Ski, steering a windsurfer, or soaring on a parasail. Those who prefer a more leisurely excursion can bask in the breeze on a catamaran journey.
Villa Haven also offers a set of unique Haven Hallmarks. Craft your own fragrances with the exotic plants at Eden’s Garden, or revel in the meditative activity of pottery making at the Clay Club. After dinner, both young and old can gather around a beachside campfire for the imaginative, storytelling Holhuashi ritual, which uses puppets to bring Maldivian tales to life. These are all part of experiencing the magic of this Indian Ocean destination.
Notes Khadeeja Sana, director of PR & marketing at Villa Resorts, “Villa Haven is an incredibly exciting launch for the Villa Resorts group. As one of the only family-run hotel groups in the Maldives, we strive to create timeless beauty in an authentic, nature-first environment. Villa Haven is the epitome of peaceful luxury and fits seamlessly into our portfolio of sought-after Maldivian properties.”
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