Luxury hotel holiday Milaidhoo Maldives

On a private island in the Maldives, Milaidhoo is a five-star luxury retreat comprised of seafront and above-water villas. Situated within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and just a short boat-ride away from Hanifaru Bay, Milaidhoo reflects the true Maldives, from its natural beauty to the personalised, attentive service. Their brand of 'reinvented luxury' is built around a bespoke experience intended to help guests write their own story of the island, its stunning white sands, crystal clear turquoise waters, and the coral reef that encircles the wooden villas. Enter your own private luxury, either by crossing the wooden deck that leads to your above-water residence or walking down the tropical path to your beachfront escape. Custom-designed both inside and out, these villas are furnished in light colours, with blues to reflect the water and pinks for contrast. Thatched roofs add a touch of authentic living, and the ocean-facing walls open up completely to allow the panoramic views, the sea breeze, and the warmth of the sun inside. Each villa has its own swimming pool; in the beach villas, these are oval shaped, tucked between the outdoor deck and the sand and sea beyond; in the water villas, these are infinity style and raised up to the same level as the deck, with steps down one side that lead directly into the sea. The pool edge's curve mimics that of the horizon. In the beach villas, hours and days can be whiled away enjoying your private section of the beach, on a sun lounger, or paddling at the water's edge. In-keeping with Milaidhoo's 'barefoot informality' ethos, guests can arrive at dinner without shoes. The Shoreline Grill serves exquisitely cooked seafood in a characterful, open-sided hut on the beach. The Ocean a la carte restaurant serves gourmet dishes on a waterfront terrace, with all chairs facing the sea. Drinks, including fresh juices and cocktails, and light snacks of wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and salads, can be enjoyed beside the main infinity pool at the Compass Pool Bar. The dining highlight, however, may well be the Ba'theli Lounge & Restaurant, the resort's signature restaurant, shaped like three adjoining 'dhoni' (Maldivian sailing boats) and supported by stilts above the water. Glass floors in certain areas allow you to watch the sea-life swim beneath you while you enjoy a menu of locally-sourced Maldivian food. Alternatively, dine on your own private terrace in the company of the rippling waves and the ultimate sense of seclusion. To complete this exceptionally indulgent and relaxing holiday, make use of the complimentary snorkelling facilities to explore the ocean, take part in the daily yoga classes, recuperate with a spa treatment in the open-air pavilion, or try your hand at some non-motorised water sports, including kayaking, windsurfing, traditional hand-fishing, or scuba-diving with the five-star PADI dive centre.