The thrill of unravelling a shiny new treat has always held great sway for my sensorially stimulated self. Be it the buttery soft feel of those calf leather seats on that plush new sedan or the intoxicating fragrance of a book hot off the press and I’m in heaven.
On my recent visit to the Maldives in August, I chanced upon another stimulant. That being the sheer thrill and joy of being probably the first person to enjoy the opulence of my overwater villa. With beds that had never been slept in before and the paint still fresh. For, you see, my home for the next three days, the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa, was as new as it could possibly get. It had just been a month since this luxurious property in the North Malé Atoll of The Maldives had opened to paying guests in early July.
Everything and everyone at the resort sparkled at their brilliant best. And that was precisely why I had chosen to stay at this ultra luxe resort. But there was also one other reason, its location.
Hotel
As with almost every other resort in the Maldives, this one, too, is housed on its very own island. Make that a modest sized, thin long island, and one from where the twinkling lights of the Maldives’ capital island of Malé are clearly visible from certain look out points.
Speaking of which, not only does the layout of the resort give one the illusion of being confined to a remote island, but it is also just a short 20-minute speedboat ride away from the international airport in Malé. No need to contend with those super expensive sea plane tickets to get here.
Guests dock right onto a pier that’s attached to the breezy lobby pavilion that features a thatched roof and plenty of décor pieces by local Maldivian artists. Awaiting every new arrival is the guest experience team that whisks you off (post welcome drinks, of course) in an eco-friendly buggy for an in-room check-in and briefing on its amenities and functions.
Room
Featuring a total of 109 villas including the beach villas and the Maldivian staple of the overwater villa, the accommodation options here are sumptuous to say the very least. Each villa features a private infinity pool and is furnished in a refreshing colour palette that reflects the warm hues of sky and shore. Locally inspired accents and considered amenities are complemented by panoramic views of the beachfront and surrounding lagoon.
I was lucky to have been given the experience of staying a couple of nights in each of the two types of villas the resort has on offer. Though I had my eye on the grand six-bedroom Amingiri Residence, this one is a haven for larger groups, set apart on a private cove with its own arrival pier.
Picturesque spaces for indoor and outdoor entertaining, including an overwater deck, set the scene for memorable celebrations, while the residence’s fully fitted gym and spa treatment room, multimedia room, outdoor pool and beach ensure a sense of exclusivity.
Food
Helmed by the resort’s executive chef and fellow Indian Praveen Shetty, the food and drink offering here was another highlight for a food obsessed person like myself. At the Amingiri, guests can explore an array of dining experiences at six distinct restaurants and bars.
Located on the same pier that houses one set of the overwater villas, the twin spaces that are Origin and Eden are the perfect places to get an eyeful of the gorgeous sunsets. While the former showcases seafood at its best through sustainable sourcing and a reduced-waste approach to mindful dining, Eden is a bar exclusive to adults and features a selection of Champagne and gin presented through highly personalised rituals.
Aura, on the other hand, is a sophisticated pool bar with the first cocktail lab dedicated to mixology in the Maldives, while Sip Tea Lounge offers a diverse range of organic teas, as well as tea-based cocktails, mocktails and kombuchas. My personal favourite was Beach Shack where I spent many a night enjoying the grills. An upscale yet unpretentious venue serving pizza fresh from the oven by day and flame-grilled specialties under the stars for dinner, this was clearly a hit with the many couples enjoying a romantic evening.
For a more casual and easy vibe, I’d suggest the vibrant all-day dining restaurant Habitat. From local Maldivian to Western, Asian, Italian and Indian, a whole host of flavours are on display here.
And if one so desires, chef Praveen is only too happy to give you a lesson or two in rustling up some local Maldivian dishes. Especially the kopee fai mashuni tuna salad and vegetarian tharukaaree riha curry that his deputy and local Maldivian, chef Mufeed very kindly (and patiently!) taught me to make.
Spa
Housed in its own overwater zone, the Amingiri Spa is for all the sybarites out there who are sure to find the perfect treatment to suit them from the extensive therapy menu. Besides its flower themed therapy rooms (mine was named hibiscus), where one can enjoy a relaxing Balinese massage or a more intense sports massage, the uniquely designed hammam rituals are the highlight here. The spa also has its own sea-facing deck area to relax at post pampering.
But for those more into health, the resort will have you sorted. Wellness programming for families includes yoga sessions and retreats, alongside a selection of gently formulated vegan and gluten-free products for children and teens. A fully fitted fitness centre and yoga pavilion ensure that fitness enthusiasts stay active on holiday, while a salon offers professional care and grooming.
To do
Primed to welcome multi-generational and celebration travel, the resort offers inspiring experiences for seasoned holidaymakers and junior explorers alike. Here, best-in-class amenities include Krakengiri Kids’ Club, one of the largest in the Maldives with an outdoor children’s play pool and mini splash park. Re:Fuel, overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean, is a tranquil rooftop lounge serving zero-proof beverages and light bites exclusively to teenage guests.
Other discoveries include workshops led by a Maldivian artist-in-residence at the Art Center, an extensive range of water sports and marine excursions (like the amazingly productive dolphin spotting sunset cruise that I was taken on!), a lifestyle boutique, jewellery shop and photo studio. The latter, a particularly favourite haunt for those with a social media penchant. As the opportunities for that picture postcard perfect shot at The Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa are mind-boggling to say the very least.
In a nutshell
Imbued with that quintessentially Hilton promise of decadent luxury and stunning opulence, this brand-new island getaway resort seems to have it all. What makes the Hilton Amingiri Resort and Spa a great option for those who like the finer things in life is the scrupulous attention to detail that the staff put into making your stay a memorable one.
From their personalised guest experience manager recommendations on excursions and dining options to the endless possibilities of grabbing some much needed rest and relaxation, be it at the spa or simply lounging about your private villa’s deck. Or perhaps, having a picnic on the resort’s white sanded beach, the sky’s the limit here!
Factbox
Getting there
The Maldives archipelago of over 1,000 islands is widely connected to most of Europe, Asia, and Australia by a number of daily direct and connected flights that fly into the Velana International Airport. Located on its very own man made island called Hulhulé, the airport is adjacent to the main capital Island of Malé and next door to the ‘New Malé’ satellite city island of Hulhumalé that’s also reclaimed.
Generally, one is required to take a rather expensive seaplane flight from the airport to reach the other resorts, but given the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa’s proximity to the airport, it is a short 20-minutes speedboat ride away via the resort’s very own Wi-Fi-enabled, drink-stocked luxury boats docking right next to the arrival hall of the airport.
Overwater villas and beach villas start from GBP 1,458++ (breakfast and dinner included)
Address: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa, North Malé Atoll, 08540, Maldives
Phone: +960 6646364
E-mail: mleai_hotel@hilton.com
Website: hilton.com
Photography courtesy of Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa
