The Beach House – the Over Water Villa

by Meg

My first stop in the Maldives, the Beach House , a former Relais & Chateaux member, is located in one of the most Northern Atolls, the lagoon-ringed Haa Alifu Atoll, and requires a 45-minute domestic flight from Male to Hanamandoo, the regional airport followed by a 45 min speedboat ride to Manafuru island. (note the map below and north airport = Hanamandoo)

The lush, jungle-like fauna on the island is atypical of the Maldives, as I was told, and is more reminiscent of their closest neighbor, Sri Lanka.  I will admit I was barely paying attention being far more drawn to the exceptional turquoise waters, white sand beaches and promise of the over water villa experience.

status with its remote location, multi-tiered travel and lower number of rooms. Right away, the notion of privacy is evident (comparitive to the larger resorts). Spread across the tiny island are 68 thatch-roofed villas and suites, half of which are on the beach and the other half over-the-water. Between them are three restaurants, a massive kid’s club, games room with Wii, a golf simulator and billiards, a lagoon pool set aside for families and an adults-only infinity pool and of course, a spa. Set in the middle of the island, the spa menu features everything from aryuvedic (oil on the third eye) to swedish to thai massages and a litany of body scrubs and facials. I enjoyed a hot oil massage (having chosen the lavendar oil as my preference) and a pedicure, which was well done though somewhat overpriced (particularly when it chipped the next day).

I was thrilled to learn I was staying in one of the above villas and despite the inclement weather, was mesmerized by the 360-degree water views, constant sloshing soundtrack and glass floor tiles offering peepholes into the sea. I figure if you can like your room in bad weather (especially bad weather in a spot that promises none) then that’s the ultimate accolade for a  guestroom.

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