7 of Bollywood's favourite luxury destinations to vacation at in the Maldives | Architectural Digest India

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Picture waking up to the sound of waves drumming against a tranquil, white-sand beach, crystal-clear cobalt blue waters and a majestic sunrise that will make the early-morning alarm worth it. The Maldives offers all these luxuries and so much more. Here are the top celebrity-favourite hotels in the island nation, surreal havens that offer unrivalled beauty and utmost privacy in picture-perfect landscapes.

1. Soneva Fushi

Situated in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi features 64 luxury beachfront villas and eight over-water retreats, ranging in size from one to nine bedrooms. Katrina Kaif, Varun Dhawan, Mouni Roy, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are a few celebrities who have stayed at this property. We love that their villas are crafted using sustainable, ethically-sourced materials like bamboo or plantation-grown wood. The resort is well-loved for organising bespoke experiences like movies on the beach, wine tasting sessions, snorkelling with manta rays and dolphin watching excursions. As though these weren’t enough, Soneva Fushi also launched the world’s first fine dining zipline experience, Flying Sauces, recently.

2. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives

Nestled on Emboodhu Finolhu island and surrounded by spectacular coral reefs and unique flora and fauna, Taj Exotica is a favourite of Taapsee Pannu. This serene resort houses well-appointed, over-water and on-the-beach villas with private sundecks and pools. We recommend staying at the over-water Rehendi Presidential Suite that comes with amenities like a private infinity pool and a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The property’s restaurants—Deep End, 24 Degrees and Equator Bar—come highly recommended.

3. InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Recognised for the ‘Best Hotel Architecture’ in the Maldives at the Asia-Pacific Property Awards 2021-22, this resort is a favourite among celebrities like Tiger Shroff. A 35-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, this hotel offers beach, lagoon and over-water accommodation. Showcasing the concept of ‘musafir’, an Arabic word conveying the ethos of wanderlust, the hotel exhibits a plethora of local artwork and Maldivian architectural influences. Located near a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the retreat is home to diverse marine life, including a unique manta ray sanctuary. Also, don’t miss the spa here, which offers treatments in six over-water villas.

4. Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives

Conceptualised by well-known design firm, Hirsch-Bedner Associates, this resort exhibits a neutral colour palette, a rustic design aesthetic, state-of-the-art facilities and local architecture. A 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport makes it an ideal destination if you’re short on time. Housing 120 opulent villas, Grand Park Kodhipparu is located on its own island, offering utmost privacy to guests like Sonakshi Sinha, who stayed at the property recently. Moreover, the resort’s expert team curates personalised experiences like private dining, deep-sea diving, jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing.

5. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

This secluded hotel in the South Ari Atoll is accessible by a 30-minute scenic seaplane ride. While the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has a number of villas and suites, The Muraka villa with an underwater bedroom is the most popular. Recently, actor Kajal Aggarwal shared a photograph from this one-of-a-kind spot, which features a main bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level. Additionally, the hotel offers interesting experiences such as snorkelling lessons, sunset fishing, turtle safaris and private island getaways.

6. One&Only Reethi Rah

Spread over 12 separate private beaches, this one’s become a top vacation destination for celebrities like Tom Cruise, David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay. The highlight here is the Grand Sunset Residence, a three-bedroom villa with its own private beach, an outdoor cinema, a number of pools and 24-hour butler service. One&Only Reethi Rah’s dining destinations are also well-loved. Guests can indulge in delicious Latin American fare at ClubOne Beach Club or try innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes at Tapasake, the over-water eatery.

7. W Maldives

Offering impeccable hospitality, a breathtaking backdrop and a number of fun activities, this heart-shaped island resort is a favourite among celebrities. Tara Sutaria was seen celebrating her birthday at W Maldives a few months ago. Along with their magnificent villas, the resort is renowned for its customisable experiences, including sailing, private island picnics, boxing classes and snorkelling at their house reef with marine biologists.