Beach | Articles & Guides About The Best Beaches

Is This Europe’s Hottest New Beach Club?

Felicity Carter — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 11:36:25 +0000

Calling all lovers of Instagram-famous hotspot The Maybourne Riviera: this ultra-modernist, ultra-luxurious hotel has opened its new suitably stylish beach club, and it’s a little slice of heaven on the Med.

Maybourne La Plage: Europe’s Hottest New Beach Club

Built above the picturesque town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, it’s positioned right on the edge of the Cap Martin, between Monaco and the dramatic Italian coastline, so there are views of the Mediterranean Sea aplenty – and what better way to take in the sights than kicking back on a lounger at Maybourne La Plage.

Of course, the Maybourne Hotel Group is known for its elegance, design, and top-notch service, and continuing with this theme, the beach club has been inspired by the golden age of the French Riviera and Slim Aarons pictures of the Amalfi Coast.

Here, there’s a restaurant space and a beach with sun loungers, and in true style, guests can arrive directly at the sunbathing area by boat, mooring to the club’s wooden pontoon. For some bites, there is an intimate restaurant led by Michelin star Argentine chef, Mauro Colagreco; expect an informal seasonal menu with dishes such as linguine alle vongole, grilled lobster and octopus, burrata, and a reimagined Tropezienne. There is also a driftwood pergola, rattan furniture, fringed umbrellas, and hues of coral set against the aqua blue sea, call to summer, Mediterranean living.

The first French hotel from The Maybourne Hotel Group, who also owns Claridge’s in London, The Maybourne Riviera opened last year after a lengthy construction project. As expected, it’s endlessly glamorous, with multiple top-class restaurants and bars, a dreamy spa and a standout infinity pool offering one of the best views in the South of France.

Maybourne La Plage is open until 24 September, from 10am to 6pm. It will be home to 80 seats, 40 deckchairs, valet and skipper services, DJ sets and live music.

BOOK IT: Open from 10am till 6pm daily. Reservations can be made by phone on +33 4 93 37 50 00 or maybourneriviera.com.

The post Is This Europe’s Hottest New Beach Club? appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Seaside Campsites In The UK

Amy Wakeham — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:50:30 +0000

How does camping near the coast sound for a 2023 adventure? As an island nation, the UK is crammed with picturesque beaches and dramatic coastlines, all waiting to be explored on your next staycation. Here are the best seaside campsites to book this summer.

Read the C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

The Best Campsites By The Sea

Troytown Farm Campsite – St Agnes, Isles of Scilly

Where is it? Twenty-five miles off the southwestern tip of Cornwall lies the Isles of Scilly – a cluster of tiny picturesque islands, of which five are inhabited. Troytown Farm campsite is perched above the beach on the island of St Agnes, and offers breathtaking views over the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. The on-site farm is the only daily farm on the isles, producing milk, cream, butter and ice cream that you can eat there and then.

What are the facilities? Troytown is camping only (although you can hire an already-assembled bell tent) with toilets, hot showers, washing machine and dryer, and washing up facilities. There’s also an on-site shop selling farm produce and camping gas, plus hire-out mats, chairs and stoves. Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent on the beach.

Things to do? Island life is low-key and of a slower pace: as well as sunbathing on the golden beaches, rockpooling and swimming in the sea, there’s also boat trips for seal and bird watching and star gazing at night. Watersports are also great here: snorkelling, diving, fishing and kayaking.

Best for? People looking to escape the rat race for a real back-to-nature experience.

BOOK: From £10.25 per night plus tent charges. troytown.co.uk

Sustainable Things To Do in Cornwall

Shortlake Farm – Weymouth, Dorset

Where is it? Only open in the month of August, Shortlake Farm is a family campsite close to Weymouth on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. It’s situated a quick, ten-minute walk from the beach, which is a quiet, shingly cove running out to a rocky headland.

What are the facilities? Shortlake Farm is part of Eweleaze Farm, which is a short walk away and offers a farm shop and a bakery, as well as hot food, ice cream and coffee. There’s also a pizza van, charcoal grill, crepe bar and barn restaurant. On the Shortlake site, there’s compost toilets, hot showers and washing-up facilities.

Things to do? There’s tame goats, pigs, ponies, alpacas and cows on Eweleaze Farm, plus plenty of play areas. For adults who need a break from all that, there’s a spa and massage treatments available. Down on the beach there’s boat trips available along the coast, plus a swimming raft and fossil hunting.

Best for? Families and extended groups with lots of kids in tow.

BOOK: From £6.50 a night, plus vehicle fees. eweleaze.co.uk

Treheli Farm Caravan & Campsite – Porth Neigwl, Wales

Porth Neigwl / Hell’s Mouth

Where is it? Perched on the cliffs overlooking beautiful Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth in English) in north Wales, Treheli Farm campsite is a brilliantly calm and low-key choice. There’s no set pitches; on arrival you simply choose your spot and set up your tent there.

What are the facilities? There’s a toilet and shower block and a washing up facility, as well as bell tents to rent if you don’t fancy putting your own one up.

Things to do? Porth Neigwl is a favourite with surfers and kayakers for its large waves and golden sand at low tide. There’s also some great walks for hikers nearby. You come here for the view, and the days spent on the beach at the foot of your campsite.

Best for? Surfers and other adrenaline seekers who are looking for fun, not frills.

BOOK: From £20 a night. trehelifarm.com

Glenbrittle Campsite – Loch Brittle, Isle of Skye

Where is it? Voted campsite of the year 2019 at the Great Outdoors Magazine Awards, Glenbrittle Campsite is located on the rugged west coast of the picturesque Isle of Skye in Scotland. One of the best best seaside campsites in Scotland, it’s framed by the Cuillin mountains and Loch Brittle beach.

What are the facilities? With 120 tent pitches spread across the land’s natural pockets overlooking the beach and loch, Glenbrittle has an on-site shop and café with speciality coffee from the Cuillin Coffee Co.

Things to do? Walkers and climbers will be in paradise here, with two peaks to conquer. Black Cuillin is the UK’s most challenging mountain range: 11 kilometres in length, over 3,000 feet in places and with 11 munros. The gentler Red Cuillin is popular with hillwalkers, the highest point being Glamaig at 2,543 feet.

Best for? Campers looking for an active holiday.

BOOK: From £11.00 plus other fees. dunvegancastle.com

The Best Beaches in Scotland

Coastal Stay – Pembrokeshire, Wales

Where is it? Set back in the lush green fields above Abereiddy Bay, Coastal Stay really is one of the best seaside campsites in the UK, offering unbeatable views of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in south west Wales.

What are the facilities? There’s only 28 pitches, so things are kept pretty quiet and personal here. There’s also hot showers and toilets, plus a pizza oven, on-site café for breakfast and afternoon tea, a herb garden open for guests to use, and every pitch has its own fire pit.

Things to do? Abereiddy Bay is a small, sheltered, pebbly beach that’s popular with swimmers; there’s also rock pools to explore at low tide. Around the corner there’s the famous Blue Lagoon, a former slate quarry that’s home to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. It’s also a popular spot for coasteering and kayaking – but be warned, the water is very cold. Nearby, there’s St David’s to visit; the smallest city in Britain, it’s famous for its beautiful medieval cathedral.

Best for? Those looking for a little luxury, without forgetting you’re camping in nature.

BOOK: From £8. coastalstay.co.uk

Ocean Pitch – Croyde, Devon

Where is it? Overlooking one of Devon’s best surfing beaches, Croyde Bay, Ocean Pitch is a mere two-minute walk from the waves. Croyde village, meanwhile, is only a ten-minute stroll away. It’s so close, you can check out the swell (and the competition) from the front door of your tent.

What are the facilities? As well as hot showers, toilets, fridges and freezers, and phone charging points, Ocean Point offers a free wifi point and its own café, Biffen’s Kitchen. For those that come unprepared, you can also hire surfboards, wetsuits, body boards and stand-up paddle boards. And if you fancy a real bed instead of a blow-up, there’s always its luxury pod glamping option.

Things to do? Surfing, obviously. If you’re not already an expert, Ocean Pitch has partnered up with local surf school Surfing Croyde Bay to offer lessons, as well as exciting coasteering excursions. For walkers, the South West Coast Path is only a few steps away.

Best for? Beach bums looking for a cool, comfy place to stay.

BOOK: £15 per person per night plus fees. oceanpitch.co.uk

The post The Best Seaside Campsites In The UK appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Resorts In Thailand

Rebecca Cox — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:30:04 +0000

This is a destination beyond white sandy beaches and turquoise seas. Thailand is alive with energy, culture, art and cuisine. Throw yourself into Thai life and you’ll be torn between a whirlwind trip through bustling streets and smoky cities, or slow and easy days laying by the pool and sipping sundowners with locals. Whether it’s a family-friendly jaunt, an eco-trip, or a wellness detox that you’re seeking, look no further. We’ve found the most enticing luxury resorts in Thailand – here they are.

Read The C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide

Best Thailand Resorts 2023

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Absolute Sanctuary

Koh Samui

Head to the spa capital of Thailand and check into the simple but wonderful (or should that but simply wonderful?) Absolute Sanctuary. A perfect kick-start to that long-planned detox or health-kick, the yogis at the sanctuary are world-class (and train yoga instructors from around the world). Also on the menu is Reformer Pilates, Box Fit, a host of other exercise options and a 7-night detox programme to leave you looking and feeling at your best.

BOOK: healingholidays.com

The Standard

Hua Hin

Nestled in a lush landscape, The Standard brings a contemporary edge to Hua Hin – once a sleepy fishing village, now a popular coastal destination frequented by Thai nobility. With 199 rooms, suites and villas – all decorated with signature pops of colour – The Standard is as relaxing as it is vibrant. By day, lounge by the pool, wander down to the beach, grab a drink at the Juice Cafe, or wind down in the spa; by night, head to Praça, The Standard’s beach bar, for boozy cocktails and delicious Thai bites.

BOOK: standardhotels.com

Banyan Tree Veya Phuket

Phuket

Having opened earlier this year – the first edition to Banyan Tree Group’s wellbeing brand – the Banyan Tree Veya Phuket is located in the lush and tranquil Laguna Phuket, a short walk from Bangtao Beach.

With wellness at the heart of the hotel, guests have exclusive access to the Wellbeing Centre, featuring Thailand’s first ever sensory detox and meditative practice space White Room, alongside a traditional herb farm-pharmacy workshop. Upon arrival, guests have a private consultation with wellbeing hosts – certified and trained in eastern medicine, naturopathy and coaching – to determine personalised needs and an itinerary to address these needs.

Lovely villas elevate the experience, designed for optimal rest with soft bedlinen, nightly aromatherapy and music, and blackout curtains. Rooms are also equipped with space for wellbeing practice, including a wellbeing minibar, yoga mats, sound therapy bowls, and exercise stretch bands.

BOOK: banyantree.com

Four Seasons Tented Camp

Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai

Hidden within bamboo jungles overlooking Myanmar and Laos, the Four Seasons Tented Camp offers tailor-made experiences close to some of Thailand’s oldest civilisations. The Superior Tent offers a breezy living area, rustic wooden furnishings and a refreshing outdoor shower, plus themed décor that reflects the culture of Northern Thailand. Fans of Thai food can enjoy daily tasting sessions, cooking classes, and a private wine-pairing dinner in the resort’s wine cave. You’ll want to take the opportunity to explore the wilderness with mahout guides to visit the local elephant population and check out the outdoor spa offering rituals inspired by Asian traditions and mountain botanicals.

BOOK: fourseasons.com

COMO Point Yamu

Phuket

Enjoy top notch wellness facilities, sunrise yoga and delicious Italian cuisine on the secluded and peaceful east coast of Phuket. The resort boasts panoramic ocean views and bright aquamarine and burnt orange interiors to reflect the sea and Thailand’s Buddhist culture and the colourful influence of Phuket’s Peranakan culture. The COMO Shambhala retreat sits at the tip of Cape Yamu with treatment rooms overlooking the ocean and the limestones of Phang Nga bay, offering a menu of Asian inspired therapies.

BOOK: comohotels.com

Six Senses Yao Noi

Phang Nga Bay, Yao

Are the kids ready to ditch the buckets and spades and learn how to be an eco-warrior? Take budding conservationists to Six Senses Yao Noi located in the beautiful Phang Nga Bay on the small and unspoilt Thai island of Yao, 45 minutes from Phuket by speedboat. The Junior Eco Warrior Program features various sustainability activities over a three-day rotational itinerary from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm daily. Guests will collect fresh eggs and spread seeds that grow into the lush produce they will harvest later on for a cooking class. They will battle against trash before seeing how it can be turned into treasure through “Do-It-Yourself” projects. Then at the 3R Workshop, young conservationists will build nests for the VIP residents of the Hornbill Villas. While children are occupied, parents can relax in one of the 55 elevated Pool Villas or take a trip to the spa.

BOOK: scottdunn.com

Soneva Kiri Resort

Koh Kood

Make your travel a little more eco: this eco-friendly five-star resort is positioned on the largely undeveloped island of Koh Kood, southeast of Bangkok. Thailand’s least populated island, it is a place of raw, natural beauty with untouched slopes, wild interiors and pristine beaches. The rustic-chic-designed villa suites offer living spaces cliffside, bayside, or beachside, ranging from one to six bedrooms. Outdoor bathrooms and private swimming pools allow you to immerse yourself in this beautiful jungle hideaway. Soneva Kiri has worked hard to reduce its carbon footprint and develop the natural beauty in the area, banning imported bottled water, launching coral restoration projects to help local marine life flourish, and raising $5.5million through a carbon levy to help thousands of people in need.

BOOK: soneva.com

Rayavadee

Krabi

Situated in the beautiful Phranang Peninsula on the border of Krabi Marine National Park, this resort was built with the idea of living in balance within this unique environment. The accommodation was constructed to nestle in between the property’s many trees, none of which were cut during the process. Built with sustainability in mind, low-key approaches to building were employed so that the habitat of the areas many varieties of birds and animals was not disturbed. The resort utitlises sustainable water and waste management, as well as energy efficiency. As part of the Premier Group of Companies, the resort has a strong and longstanding commitment to staff, local communities and it donate a portion of its annual profit to company-run charitable organisations, including Pan Kan, Food4Good and the Yuvabhadhana children’s scholarship fund.

BOOK: rayavadee.com

The Peninsula

Bangkok

This urban oasis is launching The Peninsula Mental & Physical Wellbeing programme with a personalised two-night package, ‘Active Body and Healthy Mind’, focusing on four key pillars of wellness: food, exercise, sleep and mindfulness. The mindfulness element includes attending mindfulness breathing sessions or participating in meditating with Thai monks. Guests can also enjoy the arts through music, dance, painting and artist-in-residence programmes. To complement the healthy eating programme, check out the ‘Thai Herbal Discovery’ herb appreciation class to explore and learn about Thai cuisine, discovering Thailand’s most popular herbs and spices.

BOOK: peninsula.com

Rosewood

Phuket

Check in to the Rosewood Phuket and check out the Asaya spa to enjoy a wide range of treatments or sign up to the Cleanse or Balance programme combining physical and emotional aspects of treatments for a truly holistic experience. The Thai culinary class is an immersive cooking class to get to grips with some Thai classics, a welcome change after a year of banana bread.

BOOK: rosewoodhotels.com

Mandarin Oriental

Bangkok

On the hunt for the best spa in Thailand? Check out The Oriental Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, a leading hotel spa for more than 25 years. Reached by crossing of the Chao Phraya river to the teak spa by private boat, early morning guests will see monks collecting their alms. Treatments include northern Thai-inspired therapies such as the Lanna Ceremony which involves using local herbs and rhythmic tapping, or the Spirit of Isaan, a body wrap treatment using black sticky rice and jasmine rice soap to detoxify the body. Or if a year of hunching at a home desk has left you crying out for some muscle relief, try the Muay Thai Massage, a passive form of deep oil massage emulating typical Muay Thai movements, including gentle punches, along with a massage that uses elbows and knees to provide a deep sense of invigoration and rejuvenation.

BOOK: mandarinoriental.com

Kamalaya

Koh Samui

Built around a tiny cave where Buddhist monks used to come to mediate, this is the perfect spot for some post-lockdown healing. This holistic spa offers uniquely-tailored programmes, delicious food and incredible treatments and its loyal clientele return year after year to relax and recharge. Sounds pretty appealing right about now, doesn’t it?

BOOK: healingholidays.com

RAKxa

Bangkok

This integrative medical retreat in Bangkok opened in 2020, providing high tech equipment and advanced medical treatments for the ultimate wellbeing break. RAKxa offers tailored wellness programmes from three days to two weeks long, designed by certified medical doctors that combine advanced medical treatments with revered holistic therapies. Alongside 27 villas and one restaurant Unam there is a high-tech medical gym with Olympic athlete training equipment, hydrothermal spa facilities, an anti-inflammatory food philosophy, a cleansing tea lounge, an organic garden, and plenty of workshops and activities to try.

BOOK: rakxawellness.com

Featured Image: Lao Lading island in Krabi, Thailand (c) Getty.

This article is part of our series on Winter Sun destinations. Discover more here.

The post The Best Resorts In Thailand appeared first on Country and Town House.

International Wellness Retreats 2023: The Best Places to Meditate This Year

Rebecca Cox — Tue, 30 May 2023 09:29:25 +0000

Meditation: the practice of focusing your mind on a thought, object or activity to achieve inner calm and mental clarity. It can be difficult if the number 32 bus is trundling past your open window, or your toddler is trying to spoon-feed porridge to your laptop in the next room. Looking to boost your health and wellbeing? Find some headspace in one of the most beautiful spots in the world; here is the jet-setter’s guide to international wellness retreats and the best places to meditate in 2023.

Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide

Wellness Retreats: The Best Places in the World to Meditate in 2023

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Image (c) William Joshua Templeton

Silent Mandali Experience

Where? Mandali Retreat Centre, Italy

What? This wellness retreat is your ticket to restoration. Mandali is a spiritual sanctuary set high on an Italian hilltop just over an hour’s drive from Milan, easing guests into stillness and silence. With idyllic views across the Swiss Alps and Lake Orta, Mandali is the ideal retreat to rest, reflect and reset.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: 3, 6 and 7-day retreats available. mandali.org

Sri Lanka Yoga & Surf Retreat

Where? Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka

What? Hosted by leading yoga teacher Cat Meffan, this six-night retreat is nestled amid palm trees, with the sound of the waves soothing you into sleep. Yoga classes take place on the rooftop or in the yoga shala overlooking the swimming pool and swaying palm trees. Then, try your hand at surfing, with four lessons guided by Cat’s husband, Luke, accompanied by local surf instructors. Fuel your body with a full vegan menu of local ingredients cooked up by chef Emily. Delightful.

When? 2–8 December 2023

BOOK: From £2,450 including all activities and accommodation, not including flights and transfers. mysoulsanctuary.co

Palm Rocks

Where? Sotogrande, Spain

What? Ahead of the official launch of Palm Rock’s new wellness retreat in September 2022, celebs were spotted flocking to Sotogrande – a private community on the Costa Del Sol – to be the first to experience the offering. Relax like Ed Westwick, Amy Jackson, Vogue Williams, and Spencer Matthews: from sunrise poolside sessions to compound weight training at the on-site gym, the four to seven day immersive retreat focuses on dramatically improving both mental and physical health, headed up by a team of elite trainers, including British fitness entrepreneur and celeb trainer, Chris Wharton.

The luxury villas and talented chefs will keep you well housed well fed amongst restorative yoga sessions, one to one personal training sessions and hikes in the stunning surrounds.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: Private ensuite room £2,495, shared room £1,995. palmrockretreats.com

Wildfitness

Where? Menorca

What? Time for a transformative fitness holiday? Whisk yourself away to Menorca for wellbeing, movement and gastronomy set against the backdrop of biophilic greenery and stunning coastline. Established in 2001, Wildfitness is well-versed in ‘rewilding’, with three pillars at the core of the philosophy: wild living, improving sleep and listening to your body; wild food, eating in-season, fresh produce; wild movement, using the natural landscape as a ‘gym’.

Staying in a charming 18th century farmhouse, retreats centre the natural environment, walking barefoot along the beach and swimming in the clear ocean, alongside cooking, mindset workshops, yoga and breathwork.

When? Multiple dates for six day and 13 day retreats from April–October 2023.

BOOK: From £1,680 per person for the six day Fundamental Programme, or £3,090 per person for the 13 day Transformative Programme, excluding flights. wildfitness.com

David Kirsch’s Fitness and Nutrition Retreat

Where? Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort – Mykonos, Greece

What? Celebrity trainer David Kirsch is known for sculpting the bodies of the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Heidi Klum, and he’ll be in Mykonos in 2023 hosting a Fitness and Nutrition Retreat for health-conscious guests looking to maintain their physique against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea. If that’s not quite your style, try their Summer Solstice Rejuvenation Retreat a month later, where the focus will be on chakras and energies.

When? 16–20 June 2023

BOOK: The five night David Kirch retreat starts from €5,060 per person sharing a twin or double room, including taxes and full programme. The four night Summer Solstice Rejuvenation Retreat starts from €4,900 per person, based on two adults sharing a room, including taxes and full programme. santa-marina.gr

Yoga, Taiji and Qi Gong Retreats & Annual Yoga Summit

Where? Schloss Elmau, Germany

What? A spa retreat and cultural hideaway in the Bavarian Alps, Schloss Elmau is set to host a series of Yoga, Taiji and Qi Gong Retreats from now until May 2023, as well as the sixth Annual Yoga Summit at the end of May. The retreats aim to instil refined states of attention, concentration and mindfulness across a week – though day-long courses are also available, as well as special courses for children and teenagers during holiday periods.

When? The Annual Yoga Summit will take place from 21–26 May 2023. The Yoga, Taiji and Qi Gong Retreats will occur across multiple dates between now and May 2023 (check here).

BOOK: schloss-elmau.de

Reset, Rejuvenate and Reconnect

Where? PACE by Peligoni – Zakynthos, Greece

What? Peligoni Club’s wellness week is back for the second time this year – in 2023 in collaboration with Rob da Bank. Taking wellness at your own ‘PACE’, the PACE programme helps guests dip into fitness, cold water exposure, breathwork, yoga, gong baths and meditation alongside delicious feasts and plenty of rosé. 2022’s contributors included Sir Chris Hoy, Rosemary Ferguson, the IO Project, Emma Lucy Knowles, Richie Norton, and Aodhnait Lombard (certified Wim Hof) – so you’re sure to be in good hands.

When? 2^nd – 6^th October 2023

BOOK: Tickets from £400, including a week’s membership to the club, paddleboarding, kayaking, all the fitness and yoga classes, meditation and wellness workshops and a complimentary driver service. peligoni.com

LT & Co.

Where? Ibiza, Spain; Deia, Mallorca,

What? Suitable for all levels, LT & Co. retreats have low-impact, mindful movement at their heart, guided by Lizi, with classical and dynamic pilates to help you move, breathe and connect, as well as strengthen, lengthen and tone. Alongside daily sunrise and sunset Pilates, there are guided wild hikes and wellness workshops, with ample opportunity to explore the location, alongside plenty of delicious Mediterranean, plant-based food, prepared daily with seasonal and fresh produce carefully sourced from local markets. You’ll also get a cute LT & Co. gift bag, including brands like Aesop.

When?

Ibiza: 17–21 June 2023

Deia: 14–18 October 2023

BOOK: ltmovement.com

Souljourn Yoga: Nicaragua Yoga and Adventure Retreat

Where? Nicaragua (multiple locations)

What? Join Souljourn Yoga for a week of yin and yang, movement and meditation, social change, and adventure in some of Nicaragua’s most incredible locations. Starting at the ocean and immersed in nature, guests will spend time on their mats experiencing coastal life and magical Nica sunsets. From there, head to the colourful and artisanal Granada town for cultural exploration, before heading into coffee country where a pick-up truck awaits for a journey through a tobacco plantation. Then, arrive at a local family’s home for a tortilla making lesson, supporting the local community.

Read our interview with Jordan Ashley, founder of Souljourn, here

When? 1–7 July 2023

BOOK: From $1,190 (approx. £2,906), including a $375 tax-deductible donation to the Girls Home. Not including flights, gratuity and travel insurance. souljournyoga.com

Oasyhotel X The22: ‘Into The Wild’

Where? Tuscany

What? Located in the heart of Tuscany in the San Marcello Piteglio mountains and set within the WWF-protected Oasi Dynamo reserve, Oasyhotel is partnering with Florence-based wellness member’s club, The22, to host its first ever yoga and wellness retreat this summer. Bridging Oasyhotel’s philosophy of protecting the natural environment with The22’s philosophy of protecting and strengthening our internal environments, guests will be encouraged to reconnect with their body and mind, whilst connecting with the external environment that surrounds them.

When? 22–23 July 2023

BOOK: oasyhotel.com

Image (c) Julia Neeson

SOUL Festival

Where? Soneva Fushi – Baa Atoll, Maldives

What? Pioneering, sustainability-first Soneva is partnering with wellness enterprise ORGANIC INDIA on the inaugural immersive wellness festival, SOUL, in autumn 2023. Over 10 days, guests from across the globe will explore wellness in all of its forms, led by a line-up of visionaries, thought leaders, and wellness pioneers, and celebrating both ancient healing traditions and modern innovations through workshops, programmes and one-to-one consultations. All proceeds from tickets sold will go to the Soneva Foundation and ORGANIC INDIA Foundation to support the development of positive impact environmental, social and economic projects.

When? 29 September–8 October 2023

BOOK: From USD 6,900 for two guests, for a minimum three-night stay. This includes two festival tickets and full access to the entire programme, with luxurious private villa accommodation, daily full board at selected dining destinations, and complimentary round-trip wheeled plane domestic transfers. soneva.com

Wylder Retreats

Where? Ibiza, Spain

What? Teaching sustainable wellness and skills that will last longer than the retreat itself, Wylder retreats are the ideal yoga-based retreats, not too far from the UK. Typically set across four nights, guests enjoy activities from yoga and pilates to hikes and sound healing sessions. Additionally, all meals are plant based, and a zero-waste cooking workshop will teach guests skills to take home with them (along with their new feeling of tranquillity and a goodie bag to boot).

When? 18–22 October 2023

BOOK: wylderretreats.net

Wylder at Eto Soto

Where? Formentera

What? This modern beachfront residence immersed in nature will host another of Charlotte Townend’s wellness retreats this year. The schedule will revolve around embracing the outdoors, learning new skills, indulging in locally sourced produce and feeling tranquil with various classes, sessions and treatments alongside yoga, breathwork, and optional paddleboarding and hikes.

When? 1–5 November 2023

BOOK: wylderretreats.net

(c) Francisco Nogueira

Sommerro’s Urban Wellness Retreat

Where? Oslo, Norway

What? Oslo’s newest luxury hotel is also the largest wellness space in the Nordics, housing one of Norway’s last remaining public baths that dates back to 1932. Where better to get some urban wellness in the New Year? Vestkantbadet (the 20th century bath) has been restored and reimagined as a 15,000 sqft subterranean haven for health and wellness, featuring treatment rooms, an original restored Roman bath, a gym, infrared sauna, cold plunge pool (for a touch of the traditional Nordic thermotherapy), the city’s first year-round rooftop pool, and the original swimming pool with a beautiful mosaic wall.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: From £225 per double room including breakfast. sommerrohouse.com

Cenote Wellness Retreat at Eden Roc Cap Cana

Where? Dominican Republic

What? Surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders – pristine beaches, towering cliffs and tropical forests – Eden Roc Cap Cana is always a good idea. Their new Cenote Wellness Retreat adds another string to their bow. Guests can partake in yoga and meditation sessions, have massages, drink healthy smoothies, and retreat to the unique cenote waterfall fountain. Eden Roc Cap Cana’s underground cenote formed when a cave ceiling fell; making the most of it, guests can now experience private dinners, spiritual spa treatments and gentle fitness sessions here, as well as the therapeutic experience of hearing the water – said ‘to be in the womb of the mother earth’.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: edenroccapcana.com

‘The Detox Retreat’ at Serenity SPA

Where? Pine Cliffs Resort, a Luxury Collection Resort – Algarve, Portugal

What? A New Year’s detox in the Algarve? Don’t mind if we do. Head to Pine Cliffs Resort in ever-popular Portugal for a spot of winter sun alongside a three, five or seven day retreat, with a focus on combatting and preventing burnout and stress, slowing down and resynchronising. Guests will have full access to the Thermal Oasis alongside a programme of holistic treatments, fitness classes, lymphatic drainages and a customised take-home plan – as well as the picturesque grounds and the luxury resort’s amenities, of course. You can even get a head start on reducing your 2023 screen time by relinquishing your mobile for a few days.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: Prices start from €436 (approximately £363) per person for the three-night programme. pinecliffs.com

(c) Michael Shawn Marcellin

Joy of Wellness

Where? BodyHoliday, St Lucia

What? Hopping on the 2023 wellness trend of the pursuit of joy, the ever popular BodyHoliday has launched a new ‘Joy of Wellness’ programme, showcasing new and trusted activities across movement, mindfulness, nature, balance, connection and relaxation. All programmes are bespoke to the guests needs and goals, and created by specialists pre-arrival.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: From $388 per person per night on an all-inclusive basis, including most activities and treatments. thebodyholiday.com

The Retreat at Nirjhara

Where? Tabanan, Bali

What? With a spectacular cascading waterfall that gives the hotel its name, Nirjhara offers 25 suites and villas in a natural, environmentally-conscious haven of relaxation (with reclaimed hevea wood, natural stone and traditional sirap roofing), close to volcanic sand beaches as well as Canggu and Ubud. The Retreat is a spa celebrating age-old healing practices and rituals; there’s everything from massages to sound healing, body scrubs to reflexology. Likewise, off-property ‘blessings’ are influenced by spiritual traditions. One blessing, for example, invites guests to tune out to tune in with an immersive experience in the foothills of Ubud.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: From £260 per night, based on two sharing, including breakfast. nirjhara.com

Revital: Detox for Longevity

Where? Palace Merano, Italy

What? Set in an expansive private park, Palace Merano is a delightful retreat into nature. Add their new Revital Method to the mix, and you’ll be totally revitalised. The product of 20 years of experience and research at Palace Merano, the Revital Method focuses on revitalising the body, maintaining health and freeing it from toxins, and reactivating the energy through bespoke preventative health programmes and a balanced diet.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: From €3,700 per person for the seven-night Revital: Detox for Longevity Programme. Plus €292 for an examination with the doctor. palace.it

The Fit Programme

Where? Verdura Resort, Sicily

What? With two kilometres of private beach, a world-class spa and two Kyle Phillips golf courses, Verdura’s Fit Programme is ideally suited to couples looking to maintain their fitness in the New Year. Set amid olive groves, oranges and lemon trees, the spa is one of Europe’s most advanced luxury wellbeing centres, featuring 11 treatment rooms, a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, a double-height steam room, Finnish and infrared saunas, and four outdoor thalassotherapy pools, all heated at different temperatures with varying salt densities, minerals and organisms.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: The six-day Fit Programme from €2,750 per person. roccofortehotels.com

Image (c) Alan Keohane

SAHA at The Oberoi

Where? Marrakech, Morocco

What? The Oberoi’s new holistic wellness programme, SAHA (meaning ‘health’ in Arabic), has been created by leading specialists and is focused on four key cornerstones: Soul & Spirit, Active Body, Holistic Treatments, and A Better Plate. The Oberoi is already a haven of meditative tranquillity where guests can take time to rediscover inner peace and serenity, and the new wellness programme has been specially designed by The Oberoi team, originally for the local community in Marrakech, to put health and safety at the forefront. With personalised wellness plans and packages guests will improve their well-being, whether they are looking at a more holistic approach to day-to-day life, to keep fit during their stay with dynamic fitness activities and a dedicated fitness trainer, or discover inner peace (be it through yoga, meditation, mindfulness activities, or experiencing a good night’s rest with the hotel’s sleep therapy programme).

When? Ongoing. Guests can choose from a 3 to 7-night programme.

BOOK: Bookings include a stay in a deluxe villa with a private pool, along with treatments, therapies, and activities from the four key cornerstones. oberoihotels.com

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Where? Oman

What? When you’re in a crowded Covent Garden studio and the person leading your guided meditation tells you to imagine yourself in a calm and beautiful place, this should be it. Perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the rim of a great canyon, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is the highest five-star resort in the Middle East. Enjoy the clifftop yoga on Diana’s Point, where guests are invited to de-stress the mind and body, with incredible views of the sunrise over the great canyon. The perfect spot for daily meditation practices. (Just don’t look down!)

When? Ongoing

BOOK: anantara.com

Chenot Wellness Programme

Where? L’Albereta – Franciacorta, Italy

What? L’Albereta’s Chenot Espace Health Wellness SPA has just introduced new programmes after more than a decade of ongoing success in health, wellness and beauty. Featuring new state-of-the-art diagnostics, Chenot promotes health, vitality and equilibrium within the body and mind, focusing on a holistic and systemic screening method that aims to identify the current level of health and its potential within everyone. With energising massages, hydro-aromatherapies, phyto-mud therapies and hydro-jet treatments across four nights – accompanied by a healthy Bio-Light diet – this is the definition of restorative wellness.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: The four day Chenot Wellness Programme starts from €1,804 per person, plus a compulsory medical consultation on arrival at €150. albereta.it

Refuge de la Traye

Where? Meribel, French Alps

What? Refuge de la Traye – a zig-zag of stone and log cabins – sits, randomly sprinkled, atop a snowy landscape above Meribel, like granola on yoghurt. With seven bedrooms and a private chalet, access is via foot (for the energetic, if weather allows) or electric snowmobile. Once there, you’ll quickly realise it’s worth the journey. The Refuge re-opened late last year following a full face lift, adding eco-reponsible systems respecting the delicate nature of its setting. Rooms are designed for rustic hedonism: swish yet simple with raw wood panelling, sheepskin throws, natural wools and linens and superb amenities. Ski, if you must – the snow taxi heads off for a main ski lift at a leisurely 9.45am. Better still, stay put and snowshoe in the peaceful landscape before a heat treatment in the spa.

Iyashi dome, a Japanese infrared sauna experience, gently sweats out toxins while you lie body-encased in an MRI-style scanner. Or enjoy the sauna and hot tub, alternating with a whizz outside to jump into snow, experiencing pin-pricks of icy ecstasy. Wellsystem is a gentle, pummelling massage with ‘water pillows’ strapped to the body. Or how about a milk bath and snooze in the warm hay bed, nestling in like a tiny chick. Once the mountain air and spa have ironed out stress and recharged the spirit, quench hunger with the Refuge’s beautifully presented, traditional Swiss fare accompanied by local wines. After all that, you sleep like a baby.

When? Ongoing.

BOOK: refugedelatraye.com

Mirihi Island

Where? Maldives

What? Check in to one of Mirihi Island’s yoga packages to combine your meditation escape with some of the world’s best yoga classes. Along with group or provate yoga sessions, guests can also enjoy some time away from it all in their private water or beach villa, on a secluded beach, or whilst enjoying a spa treatment. There is a no television policy in the villas or Wi-Fi in the restaurants, so there’s nothing to come in between you and your meditation. Inner tranquility, here we come.

When? Ongoing.

BOOK: mirihi.com

ADLER Thermae

Where? Tuscany, Italy

What? How do panoramic views over the Tuscan hills sound for your meditation getaway? While there’s no specific mindfulness programme on offer, this is the perfect place for self-guided meditation and a digital detox. Find a secluded spot in the quiet gardens and let your mind wander (before bringing it back to the present and focusing on your practice, naturally).

When? Ongoing.

BOOK: adler-thermae.com

The Legian Seminyak

Where? Bali, Indonesia

What? Meditation has been an intrinsic part of Balinese culture for hundreds of years and, from a young age, children are taught to meditate during temple prayers, learning to sit silently with the village priest as he chants mantra and rings his holy bell. So what better place to visit for an introduction to meditation? The Legian Seminyak in Bali’s ‘Wellness by The Legian’ concept incorporates spa treatments, nutrition, fitness and personalised wellness programmes to help guests find their zen. The programmes and treatments are simple, holistic and inspired by the rich local healing heritage and local products including yoga, mindfulness meditation, positive affirmation and visualisation sessions.

When? Ongoing.

BOOK: lhm-hotels.com

Marbella Club

Where? Marbella, Spain

What? If you thought Marbella was just a playground for the rich and famous to drink Champagne in the sunshine, think again. Marbella Club offer a range of year-round wellness retreats, with a focus on the connection between inner health and outer beauty, ranging from the signature ‘Mediterranean Lifestyle’ program, to ‘Tranquility & Sleep Enhancing’ and ‘Optimal Fitness & Energy’. Aerial yoga and outdoor activities also make the most of the beautiful surroundings, including cycles along the promenade and hiking in the nearby mountains.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: Rates start from €449, including breakfast. marbellaclub.com

Awareness at Amanpuri

Where? Thailand

What? Trouble quietening your mind? Let the experts guide you at Amanpuri Awareness’ Thailand programme. Promising to lead you on a highly meditative experience, you will begin your journey with a consultation to help form your bespoke itinerary. You will be guided throughout by a former Buddhist monk on this mind, body and soul transformation through yoga, meditation and reflection. You’ll also experience complementary therapies such as Teiki and cranial sacral therapy. And all in a beautiful green Thai setting. Yes please.

When? Ongoing.

BOOK: Health and Fitness Travel offers 7 nights at Amanpuri, including full board, a wellness programme, spa treatment and return private transfers. healthandfitnesstravel.com

Bawah Reserve

Where? The Anambas Islands, Indonesia

What? Accessible only by private seaplane from Singapore – in the relatively unknown Anambas Islands, between Malaysia and Borneo – Bawah Reserve is the ultimate choice when you want to go off-grid. As well as partaking in activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing and hiking, there are plenty of spots perfect for self-guided meditation. To relax further, guests can head to the Aura Wellness Centre and have unlimited treatments which are included in the all-inclusive rate.

When? Ongoing.

BOOK: bawahreserve.com

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Where? Maldives

What? Escape to the all-pool villa sanctuary of dazzling Maldivian hues with Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas to kick-start your meditation practice this year. Realign your chakras with blissful spa treatments overwater and Ayurvedic cuisine. Alongside the other wellness offerings, you can practice meditation and yoga with one-on-one training overlooking the ocean.

When? Ongoing

BOOK: kihavah-maldives.anantara.com

And if you can’t travel…

We also called on Dominique Antiglio, Sophrologist and founder of BeSophro to get some expert advice on choosing meditation locations…

‘Sophrology is a type of dynamic meditation that I love to practice because it can be easily incorporated into daily life. I have had amazing Sophrology experiences at the Ghats in Varanasi, India which faces the Ganges River, as well as being wrapped up among the mountains of Courmayeur facing Mont Blanc, and also in Ibiza when facing the sea. I also love practising early morning on Primrose Hill as it offers such a beautiful view over London, and no two days are ever the same so I have a unique view each time.’

But you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home. ‘For best practice at home, I advise people to create a private space at home or in the office with a comfy chair. If you have a small, shared space only, don’t let it stop you, as you can put your headphones on and listen via a guided practice.

‘You may wish to personalise your space with a photo of a loved one or have an item of sentimental value nearby to enhance the connection of the space to your inner world. You could also light a scented candle to create a sense of calm and tranquillity in your space.

‘Personally, I have a comfy chair in my light, airy and minimalist office where I love to sit and start my Sophrology meditation practice mid-morning. I usually have a cup of herbal tea nearby to drink when I finish too. I also practice in between meetings, and even on the Tube and in taxis – if I feel tense, just five minutes of simple breathing and relaxation techniques is enough to relax me.’

So if you do make it to one of our ultimate meditation locations, you’ll have to pack the memories up to take home with you, back to your hardwood floor with the number 32 bus outside, to conjure up the images of your retreat as you find your inner calm on demand…

Featured Image: Palm Rock.

The post International Wellness Retreats 2023: The Best Places to Meditate This Year appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Hotels in Cornwall

CTH Editors — Fri, 26 May 2023 13:20:57 +0000

Colourfully nostalgic seaside towns, golden sands and rolling farmland: it’s no wonder that Cornwall has captured the hearts of authors, foodies and city families looking for a brief respite from the smog and traffic of London. With a growing tourism scene, there’s no shortage of hotels to choose from when visiting the land of beaches and cream, but as with anything, not all are made equal so here’s our pick of the crème de la crème.

Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide

The Best Hotels in Cornwall

Some reviews are taken from this year’s Great British & Irish Hotels Guide. You can read the full reviews online or purchase your print Hotels Guide here.

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HOST St Ives

Husband and wife team Rassie and Victoria Cloete bought an old bank at the end of 2018, and have since transformed it into a set of deluxe suites for holiday-goers. Situated in the centre of St Ives, HOST is as luxurious as they come – with two luxury suites on the first floor and a bar and restaurant on the ground floor. Think cosy fireplaces, wood-fired log ovens, romantic Rako lighting and bespoke Catchpole & Rye roll top baths. Delightful.

BOOK

hoststives.co.uk

Talland Bay Hotel, Looe

On the south Cornish coast between Polperro and Looe, Talland Bay Hotel is set in two lush acres of subtropical gardens, a pebble’s skim from the beach. From the outside it’s a quite conventional, long, low, white-painted building, but the interior packs a cool punch. You’ll find sofas covered in zany zebra stripes, extravagantly high-backed chairs and quirky contemporary paintings and objets d’art. The gorgeous, panelled dining room is more classic, an appropriate setting for Glen Merriott’s top-notch Cornish cooking. A large terrace provides plenty of space for summer dining, while the brasserie-style Conservatory offers a more laid-back alternative. The hotel prides itself on being dog-friendly, with pooches welcome in most bedrooms as well as in the garden suites in the grounds. Choose to stay in one of the beach-chic rooms, perhaps one with a sleigh bed or four-poster draped in white fabric. For more space and privacy, the garden suites are ideal.

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+44 (0)1503 272667 / tallandbayhotel.co.uk

The Idle Rocks, St Mawes

Perched on the rocks in the fishing village of St Mawes, this is a gorgeous coastal escape, voted the number one boutique hotel in Cornwall. It is perfectly placed to explore some of the area’s most famous landmarks, and is just a 20-minute ferry ride across the River Fal to Falmouth. The biggest of the 18 light, airy bedrooms (the Grand Seaview Rooms) have spectacular water views; others look out to boats bobbing in the harbour or the quiet, cobbled streets of St Mawes. The kitchen, led by Executive Head Chef Dorian Janmaat, has a menu is based around local produce and suppliers, so expect plenty of fresh fish. For the classic Cornish experience, don’t miss a cream tea with sparkling wine in the lounge.

BOOK

+44 (0)1326 270270 / idlerocks.com

Review: Staycation At The Idle Rocks, St Mawes

Una St Ives, St Ives

Just outside St Ives in gorgeous, sandy Carbis Bay, Una Resort is a collection of wood-clad lodges and luxury villas, each with chic coastal-inspired interiors, a cosy log burner for chilly evenings, a well-equipped kitchen and a private garden or terrace (the best also come with their own hot tub). When guests don’t feel like cooking, there’s Una Kitchen, previously the Cornwall Tourism Awards’ Restaurant of the Year. The new Lido Bar & Grill offers a street-food inspired BBQ menu and poolside dining; think whole rotisserie chicken, burritos, tacos and healthy salad bowls. Plus cool off with Cornish cocktails, smoothies and loaded hot chocolates under the sheltered terrace.

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+44 (0)1736 257000 / unastives.co.uk

The Old Coastguard, Mousehole

Of Charlie and Edmund Inkin’s collection of effortlessly laid-back places to stay, this has the best location: overlooking the sea in the enchanting fishing village of Mousehole, noted for its artists, Christmas illuminations and invention of stargazy pie. A hotel since Victorian times, the 14 attractive sea-facing bedrooms have superb beds, Roberts radios, Bramley products, auction room finds and striped curtains (the best come with a balcony with knockout views).

BOOK

+44 (0)1736 731222 / oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

Hotel Meudon, Falmouth

Steeped in history thanks to its association with the Fox family, who were influential in the development of Falmouth in the 19th-century, this Cornish hidden gem has eight and a half acres of unique sub-tropical gardens that stretch down to a private beach, Bream Cove. An unspoilt paradise, it’s ideal for swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding or picking up the South West Coast Path to go hiking. The hotel itself is fresh from an extensive, sympathetic refurbishment: expect contemporary light-filled rooms with comfy beds, aromatic bath products and gorgeous views. The recent addition of Cornish born and raised David Walters as head chef of Restaurant Meudon makes this a not-to-be-missed foodie destination – plus, visitors can tour the nine acres of subtropical gardens with the head gardener.

BOOK

+44 (0)1326 250541 / meudon.co.uk

The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Padstow

‘Which is your favourite Pig?’ I am often asked. That’s a tough question because I love them all, but it’s the last in the litter that comes leaping to mind first. The latest hotel is this brooding, mysterious beauty overlooking sweeping Harlyn Bay near Padstow. It’s another hit, with gorgeous, rich, dark, velvety interiors behind Cornish slate walls and heavy oak doors that were inspired, designer Judy Hutson says, by the stillness of Mark Rylance in Wolf Hall.

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+44 (0)345 225 9494 / thepighotel.com

Cornish Holiday Cottages

If private cottages are more your speed, try Cornish Holiday Cottages’ unparalleled collection of romantic boltholes and grand get-togethers. Family-owned, the small portfolio is carefully curated; expect sea views, cobblestone wanders, and a plethora of the freshest local seafood. Try Abbot’s Loft (pictured) – one of Falmouth’s most historic buildings – for a harbourside stay, boasting three carefully crafted bedrooms in a renovated sail-making workshop. Or opt for Trerose Manor, located just outside of Mawnan Smith, for the best woodland wanders.

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cornishholidaycottages.com

Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa – Newquay

You’ll feel like you’ve ventured to Europe at Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa. This luxury, adults-only hotel directly overlooks Newquay’s iconic Fistral beach – a much-loved destination for coastal getaways, wild Cornish adventures and romantic summer breaks. With jaw-dropping views across the bay, the hotel is home to coastal-inspired rooms – many with gorgeous sea views – with light furnishings that instil peace and calm. Top it off with a trip to the in-house spa, or simply flop down on the beach at your doorstep. Make sure to grab dinner at the ocean-fronted Dune restaurant – you’ll be mesmerised by the food as well as the waves.

BOOK

+44 (0)1637 852221 / fistralbeachhotel.co.uk

Fowey Hall, Fowey

Above the town of Fowey, which famously inspired author Daphne du Maurier, stands the handsome country house that was also said to be an inspiration for Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Inside, as in every Luxury Family Hotel, the ingredients of a perfect grown-up establishment – heralded by a hall with open fires, inviting sofas and twinkling chandeliers – are mixed with the essentials of a children’s paradise: play areas, an indoor pool, an Ofsted-registered crèche, audio and visual child monitoring system and more.

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+44 (0)1726 833866 / foweyhallhotel.co.uk

Review: Family Staycation at Fowey Hall Hotel, Cornwall

The Nare, Veryan

Opened in 1989 by Bettye Gray, The Nare is Cornwall’s highest-rated hotel. It’s a five-star country house renowned for its genuine comfort and stunning sea views over Carne Beach on Cornwall’s idyllic south coast. Owner Toby Ashworth upholds his grandmother’s vision of warm, traditional hospitality and his many regular guests are drawn in by the enveloping kindness, door-to-door chauffeur service and the fine food served in the hotel’s two sea-view restaurants.

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+44 (0)1872 501111 / narehotel.co.uk

Polurrian on the Lizard, Mullion

Standing proud on the Lizard Peninsula, this one-time Victorian railway hotel has stunning, unspoilt views of the coastline. Previously known as the Polurrian Bay Hotel, in 2019 it was re-named and all the communal spaces given a fresh new look; now it feels coastal and quirky, and there’s an emphasis on great service and relaxation.

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+44 (0)1326 240421 / polurrianhotel.com

The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow

Padstow is synonymous with Rick and Jill Stein. And if a restaurant can be a hub, then Rick’s famous Seafood Restaurant is just that, where red-aproned waiters whizz about in the airy, colourful dining room and a chandelier made of bobbing white fish creates an eye-catching start to a memorable meal. Alternatively, you can eat more simply at Rick Stein’s Café, St Petroc’s Bistro or Stein’s Fish & Chips, or spend the day at Rick’s cookery school, which offers a perfect balance of chef demonstrations and hands-on learning. As for sleeping, choose from a variety of stylish lodgings, each designed by Jill and set in charming, whitewashed village houses.

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+44 (0)1841 532700 / rickstein.com

The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor

‘It’s about the simple things in life done well,’ say brothers Edmund and Charlie Inkin about their three delightful hostelries, the Gurnard’s Head and the Old Coastguard here in Cornwall, and the Felin Fach Griffin in Wales. Nothing could be closer to the truth nor more perfectly exemplified than at this sunshine-yellow dining pub with rooms, its name writ large on the long, tiled roof. Set in the wild landscape of Cornwall’s Atlantic coast between artsy St Ives and pretty St Just, it’s an unpretentious haven where, in the brightly-painted bedrooms, you’ll find luxurious beds, jam jars filled with fresh flowers and Roberts radios.

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+44 (0)1736 796928 / gurnardshead.co.uk

Artist Residence Penzance

It’s unsurprising that Justin and Charlie Salisbury turned to Cornwall with its vibrant art scene for their second venture after Brighton’s Artist Residence. In the charming old quarter of Penzance they have converted a handsome Georgian manor house into a delightfully eclectic hotel, decorated with works of art and a quirky collection of furniture (packing crate tables, sleigh beds) throughout. New in 2020 was the Chapel Suite, which comes with a brass bathtub in the living area. This spring, three new rooms and the Sail Loft launched; the latter is an open-plan apartment for three, tucked away in the eaves with sea views (ideal for families).

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+44 (0)1736 365664 / artistresidence.co.uk

Carbis Bay Hotel, St Ives

Overlooking one of the world’s most picturesque bays, with its own palm-flanked golden stretch of Blue Flag sandy beach, Carbis Bay Hotel takes prime position on the English Riviera. This summer the world’s leaders will congregate at the 125-acre estate for the G7 summit, such is its wow-factor. There are 36 individually designed rooms in the original Victorian hotel, as well as an array of self-catering accommodation including serviced apartments and beach cottages. Eight timber clad luxury beach lodges are the newest additions with jaw-dropping sea vistas (perfect for spotting seals), direct beach access, hot tubs and personal butler service.

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+44 (0)1736 795311 / carbisbayhotel.co.uk

The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth

Overlooking the sweeping, romantic Mawgan Porth beach, this scintillating eco-hotel blurs the boundaries between inside and out, with glass walls, flat roofs covered in sea thrift and infinity pools that seem to reach to the sea. At the heart of The Scarlet is the womb-like Ayurveda-inspired spa, with tented pods suspended in the dark for deep relaxation. There’s an indoor pool and a reed-fringed, rock-strewn outdoor one, plus two clifftop hot tubs and a cedar barrel sauna perched overlooking the ocean.

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+44(0)1637 861800 / scarlethotel.co.uk

The Best Things To Do In Cornwall

Driftwood, Roseland

As hotels in Cornwall go, there’s no more fabulous vista than from clifftop Driftwood. More Mediterranean than Cornish, it overlooks Gerrans Bay on the Roseland Peninsula and includes seven acres of gardens full of secluded, shady spots that lead to a perfect crescent of private beach. Halfway down is a restored cabin with two bedrooms and a sitting room, a magical place to stay in summer. A wildflower garden is home to bees that produce honey for the restaurant. The house itself, a 1930s building transformed with the aid of dusky blue clapboard, makes the most of the views. Whether relaxing in the bedrooms, drinking on the generous terrace or indulging in the Michelin-starred cooking of chef Chris Eden in the chic dining room, you’ll find yourself wanting to stay forever. When Paul and Fiona Robinson opened Driftwood 16 years ago neither had hotel experience, but Fiona’s skill as an interior designer, plus their hands-on approach and ease with guests, have created a delightful Cornish haven, stylish and seaside-fresh but devoid of pretension.

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+44 (0)1872 580644 / driftwoodhotel.co.uk

Chapel House

Sea views and sea breeze are the standard at this gorgeous town house in the middle of Penzance, where simple and elegant interiors invite you to unwind with a book and blanket. The two suites (which will be available to rent self-catered later this year) offer comfort and style in the form of colossal walk-in showers with shower heads the size of Cornwall itself. Taking its cue from the rest of the hotel’s homely style and wonderfully friendly service, meals are informal and intimate where one feels like a house-guest rather than a tourist. Down to earth, unpretentious and beautiful, it’s a hotel to match the city itself.

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+44 (0)1736362024 / chapelhousepz.co.uk

4 Coastguard Cottages, Coverack near Helston

Check out Sykes Cottages collection of family-friendly rentals if you’re planning a Cornish escape. (Check out our Newquay guide for a great child-friendly apartment No.5. overlooking Fistral Beach.) Traditional end-terrace cottage 4 Coastguard Cottages boasts a truly spectacular coastal location on the famous South West Coastal Path, making it great jumping off point for a host of family walks that end in beach picnics. The property is a short walk from the beach and picturesque fishing village of Coverack on the Lizard Peninsula, and has gorgeous sea views from all rooms.

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sykescottages.co.uk

The New Inn, Tresco, Isles of Scilly

Tresco has a magic which is hard to beat. The New Inn, with its award-winning accommodation and food, just moments from the harbour, fits right in. Fresh from a major renovation, with sustainable design features throughout, there are now 16 all-new ensuite bedrooms (two with their own terrace). Each retain their unique charm, blending timeless nostalgia with modern comforts. Downstairs, prop yourself up at the Driftwood Bar, gather in the wreck wood-lined snug, soak up the sea views on the terrace, or relax in the Pavilion with its wood-burning stove. The food is excellent here. Made using the best local produce, it’s British seasonal classics with a Tresco twist. Afterwards, explore the island – don’t miss Tresco Abbey Garden.

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+44 (0)1720 422849 / tresco.co.uk

Hotel Tresanton, St. Mawes

With fabulous views over Falmouth Bay, Tresanton became a landmark when hotelier Olga Polizzi created the first truly fashionable and chic British seaside bolthole. It effortlessly continues to hold its own without any of the pretension of more recent, glossier addresses. Indeed, with its new Beach Club for lounging in the sun or eating gourmet burgers, it has never been better.

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+44 (0)1326 270055 / thepolizzicollection.com

Cornwall: 3 Family-Friendly Walks on the Roseland Peninsula

St Enodoc, Rock

Well-heeled British families have flocked to Rock for their bucket-and-spade holidays for generations, but it wasn’t until the emergence, in the late 1990s, of classic seaside hotel St Enodoc, following a total makeover, that they had somewhere to stay that was both stylish and relaxed, as well as just right for all ages. Today, James Nathan is in charge of the food at the brasserie-style restaurant and its Mediterranean feel, clean lines, easy-going comfort and wide terrace for outdoor dining are in perfect harmony with its location. Modern European dishes are fresh, healthy and locally sourced. Upstairs, the bedrooms – many with views across the water – are brightly painted, with original art on the walls. St Enodoc Hotel and Spa makes the ideal seaside base, with surrounding sandy beaches, the ferry to Padstow and St Enodoc golf course on the doorstep. There’s fine walking too: don’t miss hidden St Enodoc Church, resting place of Sir John Betjeman, who loved this area.

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+44 (0)1208 863394 / enodoc-hotel.co.uk

The Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth

Just a stone’s throw from the winding streets of Falmouth’s town centre, The Greenbank Hotel is located atop a private pier, with an impressive seafront location overlooking Falmouth Harbour. Offering panoramic views and traditional charm, the nautical décor and spacious rooms are just the ticket for a seaside holiday with all the family. Cots are available on request, and friendly staff are happy to help with storing bottles, food and milk for little ones. The pub downstairs is bustling and lively enough for an enjoyable meal with even the most spirited of children…

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+44 (0)1326 312440 / greenbank-hotel.co.uk

Hell Bay

California meets the Atlantic Ocean at this terrific hotel on Bryher, in the Isles of Scilly. Awaiting you is nothing but grass, golden sand, a jumble of rocks and the vast ocean stretching all the way to America. It’s the creation of Robert Dorrien-Smith (he also owns Tresco) who has filled the waterfront hotel with modern art, all with a regional connection. There are 25 beautiful, airy suites, most with stunning sea views. You’ll also find a swimming pool, tennis court and fitness rooms, as well as a sumptuous spa treatment room and a yoga studio.

BOOK

+44 (0)1720 422947 / hellbay.co.uk

An Insider’s Guide to Devon & Cornwall with Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones

Photo: the fishing village of Mevagissey, Cornwall by Nick Fewings

The post The Best Hotels in Cornwall appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Best Beaches in Scotland

Guest Writer — Fri, 26 May 2023 11:38:46 +0000

Scotland offers some of the world’s most beautiful beaches with sweeping dunes, white sand and turquoise-hued sea, all set against rugged and wild terrain. From the most northerly and remote islands, to the beautiful protected beaches close to St Andrews, to beaches within walking distance of whisky distilleries, these scenic beaches bring the wow factor, writes Felicity Carter.

Read the C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

The Best Beaches in Scotland

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Kiloran Bay, Isle of Colonsay

The island of Colonsay lies in the Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland and offers remote unspoilt beauty. With less than 150 inhabitants, the beaches here are tranquil and there’s plenty of rare fora and fauna, and that includes Kiloran Bay which offers a crescent of white sand that widens during low tide. visitscotland.com

The Best Hotels in Scotland

Image credit: Jonathan Bean

Sandwood Bay Beach, Lairg

This mile-long beach in Lairg has tons of Scottish charm, with a scenic strip of sand – complete with a sea stack – that backs onto dunes, rugged cliffs and a freshwater loch. It’s also the place to spot dolphins and, according to local legend, you might even catch a glimpse of a beautiful mermaid on the rocks in the bay. walkhighlands.co.uk

Things To Do In Scotland

Newburgh Beach, Aberdeenshire

A Scottish beach for keen animal lovers. Located just 20 minutes north of Aberdeen and a mile from Forvie National Nature Reserve, Newburgh Beach not only offers a golden sandy beach with an extensive sand dune system at the mouth of Ythan River, it is also home to a 400 strong colony of grey seals throughout the year. visitabdn.com

Image credit: Jamie Mclennan

Talisker Bay, Skye

Calling all photographers and whisky enthusiasts: Talisker Bay is for you. Situated on the West Coast of Skye, close to the village of Carbost, this is where the famous Taslisker whisky is distilled. As for the beach, it is complete – in classic Scottish beach style – with dramatic cliffs and a stretch of grey sandy beach, making it a great spot to take photos. There’s a beautiful coastal walk, too, that is just under 3km and takes about 40 minutes. isleofskye.com

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Image credit: John Crozier

Melvich Bay, Sutherland

On Scotland’s north coast is the windswept beauty of Melvich Bay. Set against a grassy dune path that traces the course of the Halladale River inland, expect a variety of scenic views that encompasses wetland, dunes, sand and sea – plus wildlife including arctic terns during the spring and summer months. walkhighlands.co.uk

Weekender: Edinburgh

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Luskentyre Sands, Isle of Harris

The Isle of Harris is on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides, which is accessible by either ferry or air. Thanks to it’s remote location, Luskentyre Sands is unspoiled with spectacular views – and, as such, has been named one of the UK’s best beaches. Boasting miles of white sand and green-blue water, it’s an ideal place to switch off and relax, taking in the views and clean air. visitscotland.com

Image credit: Petia Koleva

St Andrews West Sands, Fife

While in St Andrews, why not visit the award-winning West Sands beach? It’s only a 15 minute walk from the town centre (and easily accessible by car with plenty of parking), and is popular amongst walkers, runners and swimmers alike. Visitors are asked to keep on the footpaths as the dunes on this Scottish beach are part of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary Special Area for Conservation, and there is a dune stabilisation initiative in place to protect them and the wildlife. visitscotland.com

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Camusdarach Beach, Morar

For white sand and crystal clear water, head to Camusdarach Beach in Morar, part of the Silver Sands of Morar, a series of beautiful sandy beaches that run from Arisaig to Morar. Donning views of the jagged crest of Cuillin on the Isle of Skye, the peaks of Rum and the cliff of Eigg, it’s an incredibly scenic spot. Fun for all the family, it is great for rock pooling, walking and swimming. visitscotland.com

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Waulkmill, Orphir, Orkney

In Orkney’s West Mainland is Orphir, one of the island’s most stunning beaches with an expanse of golden sand that runs the whole length of the bay at low tide. Past the wild heather hills, there’s car parking space and steep steps that lead down to the sand and the clear waters of Scapa Flow. A lovely and rugged Scottish beach. orkney.com

Shetland Islands

North of the Orkney Islands are the Shetland Islands, located between Great Britain, the Faroe Islands and Norway. As such, the beaches are isolated, sweeping and offer uninterrupted views. Uyea is an uninhabited tidal island located to the northwest of Mainland and dons a dramatic coastline. There’s also a Sandvoe to Uyea walk for those who like a challenge. St Ninian’s beach is also a popular option, a large tombolo (also known as a long spit of fine sand) connecting the small isle to the South Mainland. shetland.org

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Seilebost Beach, Lewis, Outer Hebrides

Seilebost Beach rivals any of its Mediterranean counterparts with turquoise-hued water and a secluded white sand beach. To be in amongst the environment, Seilebost has a small camp site alongside the beach with views across to Luskentyre and Taransay. At low tide, it is possible to walk the sandy stretch from Seilbost to Luskentyre Beach – but stay close to the shore, as there’s quicksand further out. visitouterhebrides.co.uk

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Featured image: Sandwood Bay Beach, Lairg (via Unsplash)

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5 of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

Rebecca Cox — Fri, 26 May 2023 11:35:23 +0000

Time to plan an escape to warmer climes? From coral pink sands to stormy pitch-black seas, breath-taking views are a given with the world’s most beautiful beaches. Whether it’s iconic stone arches on England’s south coast or French Polynesian hideaways on the opposite side of the globe, add these picturesque beaches to your summery travel bucket list.

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5 of the Most Beautiful Beaches in the World

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Durdle Door Beach – Dorset, UK

Probably the most photographed beach in the UK – for good reason – the iconic Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch, is located on the beautiful sandy beach, Lulworth Cove. Surrounded by towering white cliffs, this sheltered Jurassic Coastal landmark is actually privately owned by the Lulworth Estate, but is luckily open to the public anyway.

HOW? lulworth.com

Need somewhere to stay? These are the best hotels in Dorset

Image: Andy Holmes on Unsplash

Warwick Long Bay – Bermuda

Home to beautiful tropical flora and fauna, the wild blue Atlantic ocean and beautiful pink coral beaches, Bermuda is not short of picturesque spots. Warwick Long Bay on the South Shore is set against a backdrop of coastal grasses and grape and cedar trees and has its own coral island just offshore, perfect for snorkelling.

STAY: Fairmont Southampton, from £2089 per person for 7-nights. 01425 480400 / prestigeholidays.co.uk

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Cathedral Cove – New Zealand

Taking a photo under the naturally-formed archway is a must at Coromandel’s Cathedral Cove, one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand (and as any NZ visitors will know, that is some accolade). The much-photographed spot has a magical, mystical feel, which may be why it was chosen as a key location in The Chronicles of Narnia filming.

HOW? newzealand.com

Taharuu Beach – Tahiti

Taharuu Beach is one of the world’s most spectacular beaches, with soft, fine pitch-black sands to give the beach a stormy feel in even the most glorious sunshine. A popular surf spot with strong currents and plenty of shady palm trees, just ensure you protect your feet from the hot black sands with some flip-flops.

HOW? tahititourisme.uk

Image: The Islands of Tahiti

Honeymoon Beach – Burma

Lampi Marine National Park, an ASEAN Marine Heritage site is not only home to stunning beaches, it is also teeming with marine life such as whale sharks, turtles and dolphins. The two beaches in the marine park are Turtle Beach, a protected nesting area where sea turtles lay their eggs year-round, and Honeymoon Beach, a 1km stretch of beautiful beach and calm waters.

STAY: Wa Ale Island Resort donates 20% of net profits and 2% of room revenues to sea turtle conservation, coral conservation and local employment. Ampersand Travel offers a 7-night Burma itinerary from £12,060 for a family of four. ampersandtravel.com / waaleresort.com

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Europe’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Ellie Smith — Fri, 26 May 2023 11:31:33 +0000

From the glistening seas of the Mediterranean to the rugged Cornish coast, Europe boasts some of the best beaches in the world. Here we bring you some of the most beautiful, featuring Instagram-worthy views, crystal clear waters and hidden coves to explore. Who needs the Bahamas when you’ve got these jewels on your doorstep?

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These Are The Best Beaches In Europe

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Zlatni Rat Beach – Brač, Croatia

Croatia is filled with beautiful beaches, but Zlatni Rat on the southern coast of Brač island is particularly striking. It’s often referred to as the Golden Cape due to its unusual horn shape, which changes depending on the current and extends out into the Hvar Channel. A reliable afternoon westerly wind has made the beach an ideal windsurfing destination, while clear waters attract wild swimmers. visitbrac.com

Isola Bella – Sicily, Italy

Often dubbed ‘the pearl of the Ionian Sea’, Isola Bella is a petite islet connected to Sicily by a beautiful strip of pebble beach. It was privately owned by Florence Trevelyan until 1990, when it was bought by the Region of Sicily and turned into a nature reserve. Visitors flock to the gorgeous beach to admire its clear blue waters and wildlife, which includes rare lizards and birds. sicily.co.uk

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Elafonissi – Crete, Greece

Not long ago, Elafonissi Beach was a secret known only by locals. This changed in 2014, when it soared to fame after being named one of the 25 top beaches in the world by TripAdvisor. Since then, it’s become a hotspot for everyone from Instagrammers to families to backpackers, drawn in by its famous pink sands, caused by the remains of tiny pink shells lining the sea floor. From the beach you can wade across to Elafonissi Island, separated from the mainland of Crete by a shallow, clear blue lagoon. west-crete.com

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Playa de Ses Illetes – Formentera, Spain

The sun-drenched island of Formentera is often compared to the Caribbean due to its white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. You’ll see the island’s beauty at its finest at Ses Illetes near the Port of La Savina, easily accessed by car or on foot. It’s optimal location – thanks to the direction of the wind – means the water is completely calm and its colour a picture-perfect blue. formantera.es

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Cala de Algaiarens – Menorca, Spain

Also known as La Vall, Cala Algaiarens beach is located near Cala Morell, a small holiday resort in the north west of Menorca. The large cove is split into two gold sand beaches: Plaja des Bot on the eastern side and Platja es Tancats in the west. Being surrounded by rocky slopes means it’s a little tricky to access, but the plus side of this is less people go there, so it’s one of the more peaceful beaches in Europe throughout the summer season. menorca-beaches.info

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Navagio Beach – Zakynthos, Greece

Often referred to as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is found on the north west shores of the Greek island of Zakynthos. It’s a pretty spectacular sight: a secluded bay surrounded by towering white cliffs, with a rusty shipwreck docked on its sands. According to reports, the ship crashed here after being chased by authorities for smuggling goods. zanteisland.com

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Sennen Cove – Cornwall, UK

Cornwall is famous for its spectacular coastline, with over 300 miles of dunes, cliffs, coves and beaches. With their turquoise waters, sub-tropical plants and golden sands, its scenery puts many beaches in Europe to shame, one of the best being the gorgeous Sennen Beach, lying just over a mile from Lands End. It’s particularly good for surfing, with plenty of rock pools to explore on low tide. visitcornwall.com

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Paloma Beach – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

This is the French Riviera at its finest. A glamorous European beach frequented by the likes of Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson, Paloma offers glorious views of Cap d’Ail and Beaulieu-sur-Mur. rivierabeaches.com

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10 Towels To Take To The Beach (Or Pool) This Summer

Charlie Colville — Fri, 26 May 2023 10:55:00 +0000

The sun is out, the temperature is picking up and the jumpers are cast to the back of the wardrobe. This can only mean one thing: summer is on the way. If you’re heading down to the beach this summer, make sure you don’t forget to pack the perfect beach towel. Browse our edit of the best ones to lounge on this summer below.

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What Makes A Good Beach Towel?

Not every towel is made equal, and some are just better (and better-looking) for the beach than others. Ultimately, a good beach towel should cater to your needs and style preferences, while still being comfortable enough to lounge on at the beach or by the pool. Here’s some things to consider when picking out a towel this summer:

How big is it? A beach towel should be large enough that you can lie down or wrap yourself up in it comfortably. Most are around 30 inches by 60 inches, but oversized options are available if you prefer more coverage.

What’s the absorbency like? Look for a towel made from absorbent materials like cotton or microfiber, as this will help you dry off more quickly after spending time in the water.

Jonathan Adler

Is it quick-drying? Your towel should be able to dry itself, too. It should dry relatively fast to prevent it from staying damp and developing an unpleasant odour. Microfiber towels are known for their quick-drying properties compared to traditional cotton towels.

Is it sand resistant? An important question when it comes to a beach day. Many towels are designed to repel sand (either by being tightly woven or by having a special coating) and prevent it from sticking.

Is it portable? At the end of the day, you want to shove your towel in your bag and go about your day. Make sure your towel folds easily and is lightweight, so it won’t drag you down when you’re out and about.

What does it look like? Perhaps most importantly, you need to ask yourself if you like your towel and the way it looks. It’s also an accessory when it comes down to it.

The Best Beach Towels for Summer 2023

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The White Company

Cabana Stripe Towel, £30, thewhitecompany.com

Ralph Lauren

Polo Bear Graphic Print Cotton Towel, £145, selfridges.com

Paul Smith

Signature Stripe Towel, £80, paulsmith.com

Jonathan Adler

Scala Towel, £98, jonathanadler.com

Hermès

Poisson Natte Towel, £560, hermes.com

Dock & Bay

Stripes Go Wild Towel, £28, dockandbay.com

M&S

Pure Cotton Strawberry Print Beach Towel, £12.50, marksandspencer.com

Alexandre Turpault

Reversible Succulente Towel, £110, harrods.com

Anthropologie

Tiger Beach Towel, £48, anthropologie.com

Soho Home

House Pool Towel, Farmhouse, £65, sohohome.com

Featured image: Matilda Goad & Co

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The Best Resorts In The Maldives

CTH Editors — Thu, 18 May 2023 08:45:09 +0000

Now is the time to start planning your next dream holiday. And, if you’re looking for paradise, the white sands and turquoise seas of the Maldives might mean it’s close to the top of your wish list. We’ve been embracing island life for this guide to the best resorts in the Maldives – offering everything from beach front rooms to overwater dining, these hotels will make your experience of paradise all the more perfect…

Read the C&TH Responsible Tourism Guide

The Best Resorts In The Maldives

Why Does Everyone Go The Maldives?

The Maldives is a popular destination for unparalleled island vibes, crystal clear waters, and the ultimate in luxurious relaxation. This archipelagic country in the Indian Ocean sets the bar very high when it comes to island getaways. Overwater stays (often with slides from your bedroom to the sea) come as standard, and the secluded desert island vibe is guaranteed. World class hotels are in the majority, with many occupying their own private islands and hosting world-class spas, sustainability labs, underwater restaurants and more. There are also lush jungles to explore, as well as reefs to observe (and protect). Treehouse bars nestle along coastlines, lagoon spas offer the perfect place to relax, and conservation programmes set the standard high.

Which Island Is The Best In The Maldives?

Picking your Maldives holiday by island is almost impossible, since there are more than a thousand, most of which are tiny. It’s much better to consider your destination by hotel, which is why we’re here to help. Another consideration is the journey time and method, since some are reachable by boat, whereas others require a (more expensive) sea plane to reach.

When Is The Best Time To Visit The Maldives?

The Maldives is a famous winter sun destination, offering a slice of white sand, blue sky and turquoise ocean amid the northern hemisphere’s wintery gloom. That said, the Maldives is a dreamy location to visit year-round, so don’t let the winter sun popularity deter you from pursuing your Maldivian dreams at another time of the year. Check out our full guide on when to visit the Maldives here.

Is It Sustainable To Go To The Maldives?

Ecotourism and the Maldives is a tricky topic to navigate. Overtourism remains a huge risk for many of the world’s most beautiful destinations, but ecotourism also represents a lifeline to many at-risk countries. Costa Rica provides a model of how tourism can transform a country at risk of environmental destruction. The Maldives relies on tourism for its economic survival, and increasingly sustainability initiatives provide a lifeline for the ecological survival of this archipelagic nation. Speak to your hotel about their sustainability initiatives and consider how you could leave a positive impact during your stay, whether this is a financial or physical contribution to the community and/or the conservation of this beautiful destination. Check out our dedicated guide to sustainable resorts in the Maldives here.

Ready to find your perfect Maldives resort?

The Best Hotels In The Maldives

There are over 100 resorts in the Maldives, scattered across the archipelago’s 1,200 islands. But where to start, and how to choose the best? Here’s our guide to the best hotels the Maldives has to offer.

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Ritz-Carlton Maldives

Fari Islands

Like the recently opened Patina Maldives, the Ritz-Carlton forms part of a triptych of resorts on Fari Islands, a man made archipelago on the North Malé Atoll, which when complete will also include a new property from Capella Hotels & Resorts.

Spread over a trio of islands, this 100-villa property was the last project for architect Kerry Hill, who set a new design standard for the Maldives with a concept that takes its cues from the ‘notion of completeness’ with lots of circular shapes and sensuous curves.

These can be found throughout, from the resort’s magnificent ring-shaped spa to the glorious overwater villas. Here, dressed in an understated palette of neutral materials and natural, tactile textures, the space seamlessly flows from the inside to the outside, where a curved deck and pool merge into the sparkling sea beyond.

The resort itself is intimate in size with the majority of the restaurants located on Culinary Island. This includes IWAU, an outdoor Japanese restaurant; Summer Pavilion, which serves tapas-style modern Chinese fare in a lantern-inspired space perched over the velvety lagoon; and La Locanda, which serves breakfast by morning and transforms into a Southern Italian restaurant for lunch and dinner.

The Beach Shack, at the very end of the third island, is pure beachside bliss, where a crowd-pleasing menu of dishes from refreshing salads to burgers can be enjoyed against the lazy lap of the crystalline waters, as paddle boarders drift past in the distance.

As for its green credentials, the resort’s sustainability programme includes an efficient approach to gastronomy, and design elements that include sustainably sourced timber, solar panels, as well as a dedicated plant that provides the resort’s still and sparkling water.

BOOK IT: One-bedroom Ocean Pool Villa starts £1,308, including breakfast. ritzcarlton.com

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Patina Maldives

Fari Islands

The debut resort from Capella Hotels & Resorts’ new elevated lifestyle brand, Patina has certainly stepped things up a notch in the Maldives.

Newly opened, this 110-villa property is part of Fari Islands, a new manmade archipelago in the North Malé Atoll, which when complete, will comprise a trio of hotel brands including Capella and the just-opened Ritz-Carlton, designed by Kerry Hill.

Patina itself is spread over a sprawling 42-hectares, its lush interiors fringed by talcum-white sands and beyond that, a clear turquoise lagoon. Alongside the resort, the island is also home to Fari Marina Village, a 20-berth marina and a social hub comprising a collection of the resort’s 12 restaurants from the Patagonian-inspired Brasa to a burger truck.

Designed by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the resort’s neutral palette is boosted by earthy hues, subtle textures and matt surfaces that includes timbers, linen, rattan, stone and natural fibres. There’s lots to do too, from dolphin-spotting at sunset aboard the resort’s Adastra superyacht to getting pampered in the photogenic spa, where a series of low-lying cubic treatment rooms can be found dotted among the lush landscape. We suggest spending some time on your spacious outdoor deck, reading a book in the swinging hammock, followed by a bath at sunset with an indulgent glass of champagne.

BOOK IT: One Bedroom Sunset Water Pool Villa from £1,860. patinahotels.com

One&Only Reethi Rah

North Malé Atoll

It might have opened two decades ago, but One&Only Reethi Rah is still setting the bar high in terms of luxury hotels in the Maldives. Perched on a lush 108-acre octopus-shaped island with over six-kilometres of secluded coastline, the resort is the ultimate in barefoot luxury with 12 pristine beaches, a sprawling spa, an exceptional water sports offering and a collection of excellent restaurants and bars.

The villas have been designed by Jean-Michel Gathy to feature soaring ceilings with exposed bamboo beams, indulgent bathrooms, which are the same size as the bedrooms, and details like a mini fridge (yes really) for your makeup.

Spend the day lolling on your private cabana at the Beach Club, before heading to Fanditha – the Arabian restaurant – or Tapasake to watch the sun go down. The latter is the resort’s overwater Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, where you can get your sushi and sashimi fix alongside other crowd-pleasers like the black cod with miso.

Not to mention the spa, which completes the experience as the ultimate honeymooner’s dream destination.

BOOK IT: Beach Villa from £1,345, including breakfast. oneandonlyresorts.com

Kudadoo Maldives

Private Island, Lhaviyani Atoll

Imagine a place where everything and anything is available at any time, anywhere you want. Welcome to Kudadoo, an intimate 15-villa resort with an exclusive all-inclusive offering that covers everything from unlimited spa treatments to champagne on tap.

Set on a postage stamp of an island in the Lhaviyani Atoll, the resort’s distinct Japanese aesthetic comes courtesy of New York-based Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki. As such, the overwater villas channel tranquil ryokan vibes, their curved roofs and slatted timber exterior leading to an elegant interior with an open-plan living room and sleeping area, and an indoor-outdoor Japanese inspired bathroom.

When not lazing on your spacious outdoor deck – which comes complete with its own pool, sofa swing, outdoor dining area and easy access to the lagoon for some epic snorkelling sessions – head to The Retreat. Here, you’ll find the main swimming pool, restaurant (which has a wine cellar and cheese room), bar and spa, all housed within a space that has been smartly designed to maximise natural air flow, with a roof that incorporates 984 solar panels, enabling the entire resort to be purely powered by the sun.

Whether it’s a private yoga session, an in-villa massage, or a romantic breakfast on a secluded nearby sandbank, whatever you want is yours, at any time and anywhere. Pair this with the intuitive and discreet service of your personal butler, and you have a ground-breaking concept that will impress even the most discerning of travellers.

BOOK IT: One Bedroom Ocean Residence from £2,500, with everything included. kudadoo.com

Huvafen Fushi

North Malé Atoll

Huvafen Fushi might not be as flashy as some of its competitors, but what it lacks in excess is more than made up for with its charm, intimacy and amenities.

Its location is a short 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé, but it seems a world away, its compact size, lush foliage and quiet sandy lanes coming together to reveal a tranquil retreat with an informal, barefoot vibe.

There are just 44 private bungalows and pavilions, all of which have their own pools, however if you can tear yourself away, the main infinity pool is a great alternative, particularly at sunset, when you can meander to the adjoining bar for a cocktail.

Along with five bars and restaurants, including an underground wine cellar as well as Raw, which offers fresh, organic and wholesome dishes from its perch over the lagoon, there’s lots to do from stargazing with champagne on the resort’s dhoni to coral adoption. But it’s the spa that is the biggest wow factor with its mesmerising underwater treatment room eight-metres below sea level.

BOOK IT: Beach Bungalow from £1000, including breakfast. huvafenfushi.com

Hurawalhi Island Resort

Private Island, Lhaviyani Atoll

It’s no surprise the area of sea around Hurawalhi is called ‘The Aquarium’. Alongside an abundance of truly astonishing sea life, it is also a haven for dolphins – many of which can be seen frolicking at breakfast time just off the deck of Canelli restaurant – while there is a manta ray feeding and breeding ground 150m from the beach.

Aside from that, there’s plenty to do, from scuba diving and snorkelling to sunset cruises, spa treatments, or just lazing around on the spacious deck of your villa. But for something a little more elevated, head to 5.8, where you’ll dine on dishes like the ponzu salmon belly with aromatic glazed scallop while being entertained by a mesmerising display of undersea life.

As for being green, 30% of the island is powered by solar energy, there is also a water bottling plant, a food recycling programme, and extensive kitchen garden. Pair this with an array of restaurants and bars – including a romantic champagne pavilion for sunset bubbles – gently swaying palm trees, dazzling white sand and brilliantly clear turquoise waters, and you might just have the dream island escape.

BOOK IT: Ocean Villa from £428, including breakfast. hurawalhi.com

Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences

Finolhas Baa Atoll

Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences (previously Amilla Fushi) continues to be a true disruptor of the traditional Maldives experience thanks to its brilliant white minimalist cuboid villas along with a private marina, which feels much more Miami than Maldives. And then there’s the glitzy infinity pool, buzzy Emperor’s Beach Club and a spa and wellness village with offerings like Sensora light, sound and vibration therapy.

More recently, the resort has taken things a step further with a sustainability programme that goes far beyond banning plastic bottles to include The Nut – a dedicated coconut processing facility that will utilise waste to make everything from cold-pressed virgin coconut oil to coco peat for the gardens – and Cluckingham Palace- home to the happiest chickens in the Maldives.

If you can tear yourself away from your villa, there is a weekly activities schedule that includes all sorts from acrobatics classes to foot reflexology workshops. Complete this with a glamping experience in a luxury air conditioned bubble tent, which comes with champagne and a private chef, and it’s no wonder the resort is a favourite of the jet set.

BOOK IT: Double rooms from £790 a night, including breakfast. amilla.com

Anantara Kihavah

Baa Atoll

Paradise might be an overused word when it comes to the Maldives, but Anantara Kihavah really is heaven on earth. Perched within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the private island is ringed by the whitest of sands and beyond that, nothing but a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon that is a playground for a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Its remote location means endless horizon views and the starriest of skies, which are best experienced from Sky Bar, which is where you can also find the Maldives’ only over water observatory.

The style of the resort is traditional, with lots of timber and thatched roofs that add to the barefoot luxury vibe, while the 80 beach and over water villas are signature Anantara with high-end finishes. Elsewhere, there are six bars and restaurants, with four of them located in a hub. This includes Sea, which features the world’s first underwater wine cellar and marine activity so mesmerising, you might forget to eat.

Diversions include everything from snorkelling around the house reef with a marine biologist, to sunset cruises or wine tasting. Between June and early October, make sure to head to nearby Hanifaru bay to snorkel with the manta rays.

BOOK IT: From £1202 for a one-bedroom Beach Pool Villa, half-board and taxes included. kihavah-maldives.anantara.com

Gili Lankanfushi

North Malé Atoll

Gili Lankanfushi has won a swag of awards for best resort in the Maldives and Asia – and it’s not hard to see why. It’s postcard perfect – from the blindingly white sand beaches fringed by swaying palms, to the room-temperature green ocean, to the champagne, sashimi and feet-in-the-sand breakfasts, to some of the best snorkelling in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s even changed its clocks to ‘island-time’, so guests enjoy an extra hour of sunlight. When you arrive at the North Atoll by speedboat (20 minutes from Malé airport), you surrender your shoes as part of the No Shoes, No News policy. Your butler then takes you to your spacious over-water villa. Each guest gets use of a bike, but it’s tempting – initially at least – to not leave your luxuriously appointed new home.

Whole days can pass pleasurably as you loll on the villa’s hammocks, daybeds and in the upper deck area (where a bed can be made up to sleep under the stars). If you feel energetic, you can jump off your back deck to have a quick snorkel. Once you do venture out, activities include the sunset dolphin cruise, surf lessons and diving. But it’s tempting to just chill. The spa is divine. Drift off during your Ayurvedic massage while looking at bull sharks and manta rays as they swim past the glass spa floor.

BOOK IT: Doubles from approx. £1,157. gili-lankanfushi.com

Naladhu

Private Island, South Malé Atoll

Translated as ‘beautiful island’, Naladhu is the ultimate in ‘far from the madding crowd’ privacy, offering pin-drop silence where rest and relaxation are the order of the day. Located in the South Malé Atoll, a nifty half-hour speed boat ride from Malé airport, just 20 spacious and immaculate residences offer a getaway where you literally don’t have to clap your eyes on anybody else. Unless, that is, you want a private chef to cook you up a wicked feast, or an in-house spa therapist with healing hands to administer massages beside your own swimming pool. In fact, it would be a sin not to submit to Naladhu’s famous in-room ‘spa journey’ – choosing between Ayurvedic, Thai, Balinese or Western programmes.

Once you’ve got over your jet lag and your body’s feeling soft and supple, head out for activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and swimming with sharks, should the mood take you. Come here for nothing more than the sand under your toes, the salty sea water against your skin, the sun on your face and every conceivable anxiety taken care of. Sounds like the perfect holiday. And you can always book out the entire island should you either be planning the reunion of the century or really can’t stand the thought of anybody else being around.

BOOK IT: From £954 B&B for an ocean house with a pool. anantara.com

JW Marriott Maldives

Van’gaaru Island

Straw hats off to JW Marriott. With its ultra-private supersize villas, sensational food and abundance of water sports, the brand has raised the bar yet again with its spanking new resort in the Maldives. Set on the remote island of Vagary in the northern atoll of Shaviyani, this beach retreat has 60 thatched villas, each with a private pool and thakuru (butler). Pops of cream, blue and natural materials echo the surroundings with massive expanses of glass to draw the outside in. When beachside lounging gets too much, get stuck into the preposterously long list of water activities on offer – the snorkelling turtle quest is a must.

Back on dry land, drop your little ones off at the fantastic kids’ club before heading to the sublime overwater spa (book the deeply healing stress relief massage). The five restaurants in the resort stretch from Italian to Thai – don’t miss the Japanese teppanyaki at Hashi, run by former Nobu chef Namuraj Tamang. Grab a cocktail beforehand in Rum Baan, nestled in the treetops, which has a staggering 98 signature rums to sample. Or, for the all-out local experience, go for a traditional Malaafaiy dinner on the beach. You won’t regret it.

BOOK IT: From approx. £681 B&B for a pool villa. marriott.co.uk

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

South Malé Atoll

This highly anticipated new opening takes barefoot luxury to the next level from the moment you land. While others wait to pile onto tiny seaplane transfers, an air-conditioned Princess yacht with sun deck (and four bedrooms) whisks new arrivals, champagne in hand, on a blissful 40-minute cruise to the resort. Forget any corporate connotations – this Waldorf Astoria maximises on marrying innovative and imaginative concepts (think photogenic tree-top bamboo dining nests at the superb Terra restaurant and glass-bottomed spa treatment rooms for mid- massage shark spotting) with sophistication and relaxed comfort.

Spread across three private islands joined by bridges, it’s one of the Maldives’ larger hotels – though with comparatively fewer villas, there’s a total sense of privacy. Villas are vast. Some overwater, others on the beach, and reef villas: a bit of both. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto a spacious deckwith a private infinity pool big enough to really swim in. With snorkels delivered to your door, and a house reef teeming with a technicolour array of sea life just a short swim away, one could easily never leave their villa. Make sure you do, though, as with 11 restaurants, a sublime spa and an abundance of water sports and excursions on offer, there’s so much to see and savour in this truly exceptional spot.

BOOK IT: Reef villa with pool from £1,480 B&B. waldorfastoriamaldives.com

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

Raa Atoll

Here’s the thing – it’s not hard to find silky soft sand and azure waters in the Maldives. What truly sets this resort apart is the way it makes you feel. From the moment you step onto the arrival jetty and are welcomed like a long-lost friend with a cool drink and warm hug, you get a sense of home. The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond each room’s bricolage interiors, and is infused in every interaction you have with staff. A dedicated island curator will be on hand to make your stay seamless, organising snorkelling trips, stargazing, beach picnics, outdoor movie nights, spa treatments, and even unpacking and repacking your suitcase. It’s also the first InterContinental resort to offer Club InterContinental benefits to all guests, including complimentary afternoon tea and aperitif cocktails.

Enclaved within the Maldives’ largest lagoon, you needn’t venture too far to swim among rays, sharks, turtles and schools of fish. There are six dining spots but Fish Market, with its open kitchen and indoor/outdoor seating truly stands out with a bold menu that’s bursting with aromatic, south-east Asian flavour. The overwater spa is heavenly but for a truly transformative treatment, book in with the Chinese medicine doctor whose methods include acupuncture, cupping, remedial tui-na, herbal medicine and other ancient techniques to restore internal balance.

BOOK IT: From approx. £791 for a beach pool villa. maldives.intercontinental.com

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah

Dhigurah

Just 13 miles north of the equator, this resort is remote even by Maldivian standards. Too far from capital Malé to travel by seaplane, it can only be reached on a 55-minute domestic flight and final speedboat ride to secluded Gaafu Alifu, one of the world’s largest and deepest atolls. The island itself is thick with jungle, sandy pathways weaving through banana and coconut trees for a real back-to-nature feel. There are 173 villas, from beachfront to overwater with either sunrise or sunset views, but none will disappoint. All are spacious but simply designed, with thatched roofs, neutral colours and teak and rattan interiors, and all come with private pools, bicycles and Insta-perfect views of the glowing, aquamarine sea and endless horizon beyond.

There are water-sports galore, dolphin-watching cruises, a kids’ club, glorious 42-metre infinity pool, Clarins spa and the resort’s own deserted island for an unmissable picnic lunch. Otherwise, feast on international flavours at the Dining Room, classic Cantonese fare at Li Bai and the Mediterranean menu at poolside Café del Sol, or cycle the stunning one-kilometre bridge to Falhumaafushi to sample the excellent restaurants at the resort’s neighbouring sister property. A double delight.

BOOK IT: cenizaro.com

Read our full review of The Residence here

VARU by Atmosphere

North Malé Atoll

A relative newcomer, Varu opened in late 2019. Located on the north-west edge of the Malé Atoll, it’s just a 40-minute speedboat ride from Malé airport. On arrival, a golf buggy whisks guests to one of 108 beach-front or overwater villas, each with inviting décor featuring both luxurious and natural elements, with additions such as open-air bathrooms and private pools. Regardless of accommodation, every guest is on an all-inclusive plan that covers non-motorized water sports, a range of excursions (including stargazing and fishing), all meals and an impressive array of drinks (for example – the minibar is, dangerously, replenished twice daily).

Dining options include a contemporary buffet and traditional Maldivian restaurant, complete with educational video on arrival. Unwind in the Elena spa, where face-down time is enhanced by views through the floor’s window onto the water, or lounge by the infinity pool for dreamy sunset views. Recreational options range from a games room (great for those scorching midday hours) to an Astro football pitch, to the free use of snorkelling equipment – perfect for reef exploration that can be accessed, blissfully, from your very own living space.

BOOK IT: Seven nights from £2,799pp, including transfers. varu-atmosphere.com

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Fasmendhoo Island

Mastering the tricky all-inclusive concept is the Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, found in the northwestern part of the Maldives archipelago. Villas are available to book for a lower rate than many of the resort’s all-inclusive competitors, though this certainly doesn’t come at the price of design, facilities or service, all of which are impeccable. Once you’re on the island, there’s no need to worry about additional costs – bar a few extras, such as jet skiing – adding a new level of relaxation.

With 20 hectares of land to play with, Emerald has more space than many Maldivian resorts too, allowing privacy across the 120 villas, which are split between the beach and the water. Food is a highlight, with four restaurants to explore including Amazònico, the first South American restaurant in the Maldives: a rainforest-style, lantern-bedecked space with an open fire grill. ‘Natural elegance’ is the hotel’s tagline: bamboo, langhi langhi leaves and stones create a tropical-chic vibe in which the architecture exists in harmony with the natural landscape. Italian influences can also be seen in aspects of the design – the Venetian-inspired bathrooms are worthy of a special mention, featuring white marble, freestanding baths and floor-to-ceiling windows boasting some of the best views in the whole of the Maldives. And the bar is set high.

BOOK IT: From £550 all-inclusive for a deluxe beach villa. emerald-maldives.com

Conrad Maldives

Rangali Island

Lauded for its kaleidoscopic blue waters, pristine shores and exquisite villas peppered across two verdant islands, the Conrad may be a beloved classic and author of the Maldives signature wooden stilt villas, but it is far from complacent. The hotel’s relentless quest for a spicy edge over its counterparts reached its climax this year with the launch of THE MURAKA, a once-in-a-lifetime butlered residence and affront to tired ideals on luxury, submerged five meters under the Indian Ocean with Bond villain panache. Guests are privy to a near-psychedelic flush of marine life from their sumptuous bed, shower, walk-in-wardrobe, even loo. As a barefoot luxury veteran, the resort’s spas, restaurants and villas are sewn delicately into the lush, celestial landscape: the infinity pools play on the sea’s vibrant hues, the Over Water Spa embodies the treasured edge of the Maldives cliché and even the tennis court is wrapped in exotic bloom.

BOOK IT: Prices start from £589 for a Deluxe Beach Villa for two on a bed and breakfast basis and are POA for THE MURAKA, with a butler and extra exclusive experiences available. conradmaldives.com

Four Seasons Resort Maldives

Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll

The skies are so vast and sparkling in the Maldives the idea of sleeping under an ordinary flat ceiling is unthinkable. Instead, the double-height vaulted bedrooms in the Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru create an expansive sense of freedom and overlook private pools long enough for a proper swim. Luscious hibiscus and glossy cheese plants surround the thatched outdoor living room, and beyond a bosky thicket of exotic plants the sea washes onto spotless white sand.

There are 102 villas here, but in the evening when the restaurants fill with people, you rather wonder where these fellow guests have been all day – indulging in room service or upside down, doing weightless yoga? Under the bright blue sky, hammocks hang loose between palm trees and the four swimming pools are exclusively yours for the day – one is the only Olympic-sized facility in the Maldives. The spa is brilliant, with an Ayurvedic massage that takes clients on a transcendental journey for 90 minutes. Don’t miss the Marine Discovery Centre, where injured turtles and fish come to recuperate with the in-house marine biologists. A heavenly idyll.

BOOK IT: From £6,569 for three nights B&B from 21 September, followed by three nights on the Four Seasons Explorer catamaran taking part in the Manta Trust diving expeditions. Includes flights and transfers. elegantresorts.com

JOALI Maldives

Muravandhoo Island, Raa Atoll

The Maldives is formed of 20 mesmerising natural atolls which have, over the years, become home to more envy-inducing resorts than an Instagram star could shake a selfie stick at. With big hitter Soneva Fushi and its Six Senses Spa still flying the flag for the larger, more established resorts, it’s this smaller, boutique addition to the pack which promises ultimate solace and serenity in bucketloads. Muravandhoo Island is home to a 73-strong pack of villas, split across the beachfront and wooden jetty, each with private steps down to the crystal clear water’s edge. A fantastic kids’ club, hosting daily storytelling and treasure hunts, keeps little ones entertained while adults get to grips with the wealth of activities on offer, from snorkelling to unearthing the many mosaic art installations dotted across white sands. The wellbeing centre, meticulously brought to life by ESPA, provides respite from the often sweltering temperatures. It’s also dedicated to responsible luxury, and has recently been awarded the Silver Certification from EarthCheck – so you can relax in peace, safe in Joali’s green hands.

BOOK IT: Beach villa from £1,456 B&B. joali.com

Kandima Maldives

Orchid Magu Malé

Kandima brings a full-blown resort concept to the Maldives at an accessible price point. It’s a three-kilometre-long private island, with acres of space and activities on tap. One of only a handful of hotels in the Dhaalu atoll chain, there are over 40 near-private dive sites and all manner of watersports in the vast turquoise lagoon. There’s tennis, badminton, five-a-side, volleyball, gym and art classes and an excellent kids’ club complete with mini water park, as well as gravity-defying aerial yoga, a first for the Maldives. The style is more like a contemporary Ibiza hotel, with a bold, shiny colour scheme. With 11 different bars and restaurants, a beach club and pool at the southern tip and another 100m pool by the watersports HQ, you can do something different every day. At this price point it’s easy to see why it won best newcomer in the Maldives travel awards last year.

BOOK IT: Seven nights half board from £455pp (family of four sharing a room), excluding transfers. kandima.com

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Miriandhoo Island, Baa Atoll

The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo is a classy, contemporary alternative to the castaway-chic resorts typically found in the archipelago. Japanese developers and Italian architects have infused the resort with a clean aesthetic, piazza-inspired entrance and modern suites complete with Toto electronic toilets. There are six room categories but no short straws to be drawn as all include Westin’s Heavenly beds and are located along the fringes of the island, offering spectacular sea views. Overwater villas include decks which span the full length of the open-plan suites, with a private pool, outdoor shower and steps leading straight to the sea. Overlooking a pristine turquoise lagoon in the Baa Atoll, Maldives’ only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the island’s tropical landscape is home to a rich mix of marine life, from reef sharks to manta rays. Solo travellers needn’t worry, a photographic studio with on- hand professionals will help you capture Insta-worthy holiday snaps.

BOOK IT: Doubles from £593 B&B. marriott.co.uk

Soneva Jani

Medhufaru Island, Manadhoo

The latest outpost from Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, the couple who brought us one of the best and longest-standing hotels in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi. When Soneva Fushi first opened in 1995 there were few hotels to rival it. While it is still going strong, Soneva Jani is its younger, rather snazzier sibling. All rooms are in bells and whistles water villas: a kitchenette, a rooftop dining area, a private pool, a sitting room, a bed with a retractable roof so you can sleep under the stars. Most villas come with their own waterslide into the sea, and if they don’t you can pay to add one. Meantime the incredible Peruvian restaurant serves zing-fresh ceviche and offers an overwater cinema where you can loll with popcorn after your meal and watch a movie outside. Everything is designed to nudge you into enjoying yourself; it would be absurdly hard not to succumb.

BOOK IT: Doubles from $2,989 (£2,292) B&B. soneva.com

Constance Moofushi Maldives

South Atoll

Gliding over the glistening Indian Ocean down to the South Ari Atoll is a wondrous experience in itself – step off the seaplane onto the ivory shores of Constance Moofushi and your breath is truly taken. Verdant pathways give way to pristine beaches while winding jetties lead to stilted ‘thatch and rope’ villas. Dotted with airy bars, oceanside eateries and an overwater spa, this paradise isle is tiny – you can stroll its palm-fringed perimeter in less than 15 minutes. While the vibe is horizontal by day, the island vivifies at dusk with DJs spinning chilled tunes and chefs rustling up candlelit grills on the beach. Head to the Totem Bar for oceanside sundowners and hypnotic views, or to the Manta eatery for moreish Maldivian fish curries. One of the few luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, you’ll find that drinks, colourful culinary offerings, most watersports and an offshore excursion are part and parcel here.

BOOK IT: Seven nights from £3,469pp all-inclusive, including economy flights and seaplane transfers. inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

Mirihi

Private Island Resort

True barefoot luxury, this is Robinson Crusoe meets Wallpaper chic, perfect for design-savvy divers wanting easy access to the famed southern atolls where whale sharks and mantas lurk. One of the smallest Maldivian resorts, Mirihi weighs in at only 40 rooms, spread between overwater bungalows – book rooms 25 through 39 for the best snorkelling access – and beach villas hidden away in the coconut palms. Food is excellent, particularly the curries and sushi selection, with lavish themed buffets every night in the main restaurant. You can eat à la carte at Moraca, the restaurant on the water, and watch turtles, sharks and giant parrotfish swim beneath the underlit pontoon. It’s low-key, laid-back luxury, with no TVs in the rooms and not much to do on land apart from indulge in exquisite massages at the spa and relax into the paradise of tropical island life. Which is exactly the point.

BOOK IT: Seven nights B&B from £1,920pp, incl. taxes. mirihi.com

Hotel Fairmont Maldives

Sirru Fen Fushi

Flying in by seaplane, the first thing you notice about the Fairmont is the 200m swimming pool. It bisects the aptly named Sirru Fen Fushi or ‘secret water’ island. With only 120 villas – all of which come with private pool and butler service – spread over one of the Maldives’ largest resort islands, everything here is allowed to breathe. The design oozes understated style and bohemian rustic chic. Beach villas feel like private riads with lime-washed courtyard walls, ornate turquoise doors and large gardens, and the spacious overwater villas share the same vaulted ceilings and hand-etched cabinetry. A huge beaten copper bath takes centre stage. In a first for the Maldives they also offer lush safari-style tented jungle villas. Families are exceptionally well catered for, with a wonderfully imaginative kids’ club poolside. Teens will love the graffiti-covered shipping containers of Majaa, too.

BOOK IT: Seven nights B&B from £2,415pp, excl taxes and transfers. fairmont.com

Niyama Private Islands

Olhuveli, Kudahuvadhoo Dhaalu Atoll

One of the most breathtaking islands in the Dhaalu Atoll. Scarlet and lemony umbrellas pop out against pristine ivory beaches, aqua infinity pools melt into the ocean and jungle-flanked pathways lead to stylish abodes. Two islands combine to create the resort – ‘Chill’ is the hub, playing host to lavish lagoon villas and a spa, while ‘Play’ boasts chic beach villas, a super-cool surf club and Nest, an Asian-fusion eatery where you can chomp on teppanyaki among the treetops. A fashionable crowd of loved-up couples and families explore the islands on personalised bikes. When the kids are settled into their Explorer’s club, grown-ups can choose to while away the days on jet skis and catamarans, hop on a dhoni to spot bottlenose dolphins or ride the waves at Vodi surf point. Niyama is the only luxury resort in the Maldives where the surf breaks directly on its own shore.

BOOK IT: Seven nights from £2,929pp half board, including flights and seaplane transfers. inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk

The Nautilus Maldives

Thiladhoo, Baa Atoll

What you want, when you want, is the overriding vibe on this tiny speck of sand in the Baa Atoll – a 30-minute flight from the capital, Malé. This is a private and exclusive bolthole where world-class cuisine and the finest wines collide, 24 hours a day. There are three restaurants and two bars, but why not dream up a bespoke breakfast on an isolated sandbank, coupled with a remote beachside spa treatment? Or imagine a sunset barbecue on a nearby virgin island, followed by a dusk-lit search for dolphins. Calling The Nautilus’ 26 beachside and overwater houses ‘rooms’ would be a disservice – they’re ginormous homes, flanked by lofty coconut palms and surrounded by wooden decking, boasting large pools, easy access to the house reef and views of the horizon-gobbling Indian Ocean. So slow down, adapt, and be creative – the world (or at the very least this 242 x 249m island) is very much your oyster.

BOOK IT: Doubles from £1,909, including breakfast. thenautilusmaldives.com

Shangri La Villingili

Villingili Island, Addu City

Shangri-La’s Maldivian resort offers an extensive array of options for those who desire a fitness focussed holiday. In addition to the daily workout and yoga classes running year-round, the resort has a Masters in Residence programme where experts in the field of health and wellbeing are invited from around the world to host programmes of classes, talks and events on the island. Those who prefer to organise their own exercise have access to a Technogym equipped gym, tennis courts and three jogging trails. The guided snorkeling trips out to the reefs will have you so mesmerized by the shoals of technicolour fish that you’ll forget all the swimming you’re doing, until you return to the boat seriously ready for lunch. As well as the fitness, activities on offer also include dolphin boat tours, jet skiing, kayaking as well as traditional Maldivian night fishing.

BOOK IT: shangri-la.com

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Noonu Atoll Randheli Island

In a preserved environment, pristine waters and opulent vegetation offer Cheval Blanc Randheli an exceptional setting. The Maison has been conceived in synergy with the island’s natural surroundings, lush vegetation and lagoon views. Stunning design by Jean-Michel Gathy and exceptional service, treats and surprises punctuate the stay to adorn everyday life and to surprise guests. With an exceptionally personalised and caring approach, service is tailored according to each guest’s wishes. Choose from Island Villas, Water Villas or – unique in the Maldives – Garden Water Villas which combine private garden space on one side with direct water access on the other side. The Owners Villa is an exclusive four bedroom villa on its own private island, the ultimate holiday experience for families and friends.

BOOK IT: From approx. £1,850 per night for a double room, including breakfast and all taxes and charges. chevalblanc.com

Milaidhoo Island

Private Island

This is the ultimate resort for laid-back luxury, ideal for the high-end luxury traveller whether that’s couples, honeymooners or groups of friends, who love diving and adventure. Foodies can learn how to master traditional recipes, handed down through generations and can join the local fisherman for the catch of the day. Waterbabies can discover the spectacular Maldivian sea life with Milaidhoo’s resident marine biologist, with a visit to Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area which attracts the largest seasonal groupings of manta rays in the world. For the ultimate day out in paradise, take a trip to a remote sandbank where you can snorkel, sip champagne, enjoy a seafood bento box lunch and laze around on sunbeds crafted out of sand, adorned with cushions.

BOOK IT: From $1,625 per night in a Water Pool Villa on a half board basis, based on two sharing. milaidhoo.com

Baros Maldives

Private Island, North Malé Atoll

Baros Maldives is the ‘original’ luxury resort in the Maldives, having opened in 1973. It is situated in the central southern part of North Malé Atoll, just 25 minutes by speedboat from the international airport. Surrounded by one of the best house-reefs in the Indian Ocean – only 15–30 metres from the shore – the spectacular resort is alive with colours, fish, turtles, rays and coral. It’s romance all the way; Baros was voted ‘Most Romantic Resort in the World 2016’ at the World Travel Awards for the fourth time, where it’s all about the ‘outside, inside life’ feel for guests with their 45 Beachside and 30 Water luxury Villas, many complete with private pools. Designed by Maldivian architect Mohamed Shafeeq, with interiors by Anita Indra Dewi, all were built by local craftsmen using natural materials to blend with the surrounding environment, including natural stones, tropical wood, coconut thatch, sandstone and timber.

BOOK IT: From $675 per night in a Deluxe Villa on a B&B basis, excluding taxes. baros.com

Six Senses Laamu

Southern Laamu Atoll

This is the only resort in the Southern Laamu Atoll with an incredible signature Six Senses Spa, its own resident marine biology team committed to turtle conservation and coral health and recovery, and some of the best waves in the Maldives to surf. The vibe is most definitely barefoot luxury, aimed at those who want a luxury Indian Ocean resort experience that goes beyond just five-star service. It is also a family paradise with so many on offer to keep little ones entertained and allow parents some R&R time. Aside from the incredible spa offering for which perhaps the group is most famous, guests can venture out onto a yacht for the day, which includes fishing, snorkelling and a picnic on a deserted island, with a beach barbecue on the private sandbank serving up a delicious catch of the day.

BOOK IT: From US$827 (approx. £635) per night in a Lagoon Water Villa, subject to 10 percent service charge and 12 per cent GST. sixsenses.com

Furaveri Maldives

Raa Atoll

A humble island intrinsically connected with its destination and situated near a UNESCO biosphere reserve, Furaveri offers enticing dive sites and manta ray hotspots. Entirely un-reclaimed, meaning the development of the island has had minimal impact on its surroundings, here is a place that champions natural beauty with a glorious, unspoilt beach that elegantly wraps itself around the lush 23-hectare island. Friendly and unpretentious, it’s a great alternative to the glitz and glamour of many other Maldivian resorts. Woven among a dense jungle retreat, the understated chic of the 107 villas offer spacious, marble-finished bathrooms with huge egg- like bathtubs, whilst the beach pool villas feature laissez-faire cabanas filled with the sound of the ocean.

From a Mexican grapefruit margarita on the perimeter of the reef to Japanses dishes from an interactive teppanyaki counter, Furaveri offers diners a global menu. Much of its organic produce is sourced from its considerable chef garden, which nurtures chilli trees, herbs, fruit and vegetables for both guests and those who live and work there. The island also houses its very own on-site bottling plant, where up to 360 tonnes of seawater is transformed into drinking water.

BOOK IT: From £295 for a beachfront villa full board. furaveri.com

Check out our other guides to the Maldives:

Featured photo by Rayyu Maldives on Unsplash

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