Island Hideaway

Like one of those helpful products named in a simple, yet evocative manner as if describing its purpose, right on the packaging, the key attractions of Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Maldives, Spa Resort and Marina may seem straight forward.

However, while the resort has been designed to provide secluded luxury and natural beauty for the world-weary traveller, this is just part of the story of this lush green island in Haa Alifu Atoll. The resort makes use of dense woodland to create a sort of forest paradise around each guests’ residence.

While buggies are provided to make sure that you are just a phone call away from any location on the island, complimentary bicycles stored at each property allow guests to scenically take in their surroundings – or simply just work off those holiday indulgences.

However, it is how the land has been used that is just as important in making the resort, which sports its own marina in a reflection of the overall focus on providing high-end luxury that the company believes compliments the local ecosystem. The marina is used both to welcome guests to the island via speedboat transfer, as well as a means to let adventurous visitors moor up on at a rate of USD $50 per night for the unique Indian Ocean spot.

Once guests are on land and enjoying a welcoming glass of champagne or soft drink, the visitors are assigned a trained resort butler throughout their entire stay to make sure they are afforded as much or as little attention as required.

The accommodation includes the multi-story, yet spacious, beach side-Jasmine Garden Villas, which boast a pool dining area that leads onto a sun deck and private beach.

Also situated aside a private expanse of beach are the Donakulhi Residences, replete with large semi-outdoor bathtubs for two and a Jacuzzi pool, situated just outside of the master bedroom.

Guests can effectively choose to retreat from the world during their stay and take in the sunset by themselves or with family, and all the while, a special menu can be served in the comfort of their own villa. The resort’s emphasis on trying to provide blissful seclusion from just about everything can mean that watching the sun rise or set from your beach or roof terrace can feel as if it the cosmos is performing just for you.

Should a guest favour sensual baths and massages over sandy beaches, the resort also offers two stilt mounted-Hideaway Water Suites that can double as a private spa with steam rooms and massage beds. Arguably the centrepiece of these rooms, the suites’ outdoor tubs are situated right on the edge of the properties, with unrestricted views and access to the sea, allowing guests to share a bath immediately after splashing around in the surrounding lagoon.

These two specially-converted water villas are targeted specifically at couples looking for intimate relaxation and probably offer one of the best views possible from a bath tub.

If grand scale is more to your liking, the highest-end accommodation on the island comes in the form of two Hideaway Palaces, which are almost mini-resorts in their own right. Each of the Hideaway Palace’s rooms are connected by a number of individual pools, sandy floors and wood-decked areas for lounging in the sun. From the comfort of the pools, guests are able to look out onto their private beach area and take in the endless blue skies. The palaces are also equipped with pantries, which are used by the butlers to produce cocktails and mocktails along with any other speciality drinks, to the guest’s individual preference.

All of the properties at Island Hideaway are created with an emphasis on a rustic Maldivian design, with cool wooden interiors feeling very organic amidst the surrounding vegetation, in a bid to seemingly balance luxury without forgetting you’re on a tropical island resplendent with palm trees.

Beyond the accommodation at the Island Hideaway, the resort also strives to provide a number of amenities to balance relaxation and exercise. At the over-the-water Manadara Spa, massages and facials for couples and individual guests are on offer, as well as gym facilities including weights, treadmills and other means to stay fit during your stay.

For active tourists, the resort also offers a number of floodlit tennis courts, complimentary racket hire and trained staff members; who on request are able to provide opposition for competitive guests without a partner.

The Meridis dive school operates from the site, offering access to a number of dive spots across the Haa Alifu Atoll, which remains one of the most undisturbed undersea regions in the entire Maldives. Alongside opportunities to explore local underwater wrecks, take part in night dives or ride undersea scooters, the area is said to have a wealth of fascinating wildlife like turtles and manta rays. Nearer to the surface the resort also has a clear house reef for general splashing around or snorkelling opportunities.

The resort also runs a kids club called Tender Hearts that provides cookery, conservation projects, treasure hunts and various other activities to keep children entertained during their holiday.

Along with daily breakfast specials such as banana smoothies and goats cheese omelettes, a continental buffet service is provided in the mornings for guests at the resort’s main restaurant. The site is situated alongside the resort’s Marina, where conversation is framed with a backdrop of remote islands and blue sea.

By lunch time, the emphasis at the restaurant shifts to a la carte dining, with gourmet and experimental offerings like wok-fried lobster, to fine cuts of meat and unique entrees. One such example of these starters is the Maldivian tapas, which makes use of fresh local flavours like coconut, tuna and an array of spices, all wrapped up in light pastry to provide a new take on the “short eats” popular in cafes around the Maldives.

Every few nights, the resort also holds special evenings combining regional entertainment and food on the beach, for a star-soaked dining experience, such as a Mediterranean night – offering freshly cooked pizzas, pastas, salads and antipasti.

Another restaurant is also available onsite, specialising in Asian cuisine.

Ultimately, beyond the grand design of the resort, there is a sense that it is the combination of the little things that they are central to its aim of providing the luxurious hideaway alluded to in its name. From offering a selection of pillow styles and softness to a daily complimentary breakfast in bed of freshly-made muffins; staff at the resort believe such measures can make a major difference to guests.

Related posts:

1. Marble Hotel
2. W Retreat and Spa
3. Diva Maldives
4. New Banyan Tree offer sparks bookings boost
5. Summer Savings Unveiled