August 8, 2007

Asia | Maldives

Banyan Tree Bliss

By Nicole Cotroneo

Why would one of Southeast Asia's leading spa operators build a sumptuous island resort without a spa? Ask your en-suite masseuse.

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So you’ve glamped in the Outback, just as we suggested. Think you’re ready to “rough it” on a secluded tropical isle? Then pack your gear for Madivaru, Banyan Tree’s new tented retreat in the North Ari Atoll, and its fourth in the Maldives. Framed by white powder beaches, this lush little hideaway in the Indian Ocean is accessible by only seaplane or boat. Just off the shoreline, six canopied “villas” with personal plunge pools make this the first tented resort in the archipelago nation. Madivaru also marks a break from Banyan Tree tradition — in that there’s no actual spa. Instead, you take your treatments exclusively en-suite — each villa is kitted out with dual showers and twin spa beds. The real boon to keeping things small and intimate, though, might be the 24-7 personal concierge, or “island host,” whose job is to realize your every whim. Perhaps a morning sail on a Turkish gulet? Or an afternoon dolphin safari? Or a spot of sunset sandbank dining? Enjoy it while you can: when you leave Madivaru, you’re liable to suffer a bad case of post-departum depression.