The Maldives continues to entice globetrotting sybarites for luxurious r&r in a paradise-on-earth setting. In a destination known as a playground for honeymooners and jetsetters, luxury hospitality brands continue to up the ante with new resorts like Soneva Jani and LUX* South Ari Atoll.
One to keep on your radar for 2017: Baglioni Hotels is set to make a splash with its very first beach resort. And the official website says it all: “Paradise with Italian grace.” The brand is known for its luxury hotels in major urban destinations in Italy like Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome- plus a handful of properties elsewhere in Europe, like the lovely Villa Gallici in Aix-en-Provence. When it comes to what to expect in the Maldives, here’s a quote from the resort’s Facebook page: “Discover a new way to experience paradise.”
Come October, Baglioni Resort Maldives will open with 96 villas overlooking the gardens or the Indian Ocean. A focus will be on both Italian design and gourmet cuisine, so expect four different venues for fine food-- from Japanese to Italian delicacies. (You’ll be able to work off the calories at the beach gym.)
Nice touches: The yoga pavilion and the beachside pool bar for sunset aperitifs. Recreational pursuits abound: think beach volleyball, snorkeling, windsurfing, pedalo rides, diving and sailing. We hear there will also be nighttime cruises for star gazing.
The resort is situated on the island of Maagau in Dhaalu atoll, a 40-minute flight by seaplane from the capital, Malé. For more information, visit www.baglionihotels.com.
