November 28, 2007

Asia | Maldives

Beach House Beauty

By Nicole Cotroneo

At the newest Maldivian hideaway, taking a dip is a one-step process: stepping off your front porch.

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So you’re lounging in your private cabana, at the edge of a turquoise sea, when you’re faced with a decision: mango or coconut sorbet? The query comes courtesy the “sorbet butler,” who circulates the sandy fringes of The Beach House at Manafaru, an exclusive resort opening December 1 in the northern Maldives. Barely four of the atoll’s lush 35 acres have been developed — that’s because over half the resort’s 68 villas have been built over water. Think: glass-paneled floors, infinity plunge pools, and sun decks leading straight into the sea. Landlubbers won’t feel cheated, either: beachside villas also have open-air rain showers, and lounge cabanas kissing the lagoon. Plus they’re close to Shui Spa, whose treatment villas are linked by footbridges through the rainforest.

But there’s more to Manafaru than sorbet and sand massages: how about a certified dive center, bungee trampolines, even a “Gentlemen’s Retreat” with a golf simulator and game consoles? It’s all about the details when you’re in the company of award-winning neighbors like the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa, a dual-island property that comes under their luxe Conrad brand December 18. The recently refreshed resort also debuts new butler service, plunge pools and a private yacht for charter.