Resorts By Seaplane

Situated along the pristine beaches of the Maldives’ Baa Atoll island archipelago, the Anantara Kihavah is the perfect place for a beach vacation getaway with villas and residences along the beaches and above water that offer a nearly unmatchable level of luxury and comfort. Private infinity pools, Jacuzzis, and oversized bathtubs are the norm at this resort of 80 spacious accommodations, and this kind of extravagance extends to the resort’s wide array of dining destinations, its spa, and its stargazing center. After days spend island hopping, viewing the nearby coral reef on a diving excursion, or simply sitting around enjoying the comfort of one’s villa, guests can dine at the resort’s one-of-a-kind underwater wine cellar and restaurant, at a hand-picked destination dining location, or at any of the resort’s other restaurants with cuisines that range from Asian and Japanese to International and tapas. There is an on-site gym, open-air movie theater, and even a trampoline park complete with basketball hoops. No expense was spared when constructing the Anantara Kihavah, and accordingly guests have no shortage of things to do is the tropical paradise.

Cheval Blanc Randheli is luxurious new property in the Maldives' Noonu Atoll, inhabiting a handful of islands surrounded by teeming reefs. It's still new, having opened in November 2013 and is top of its class; a Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy property, only the second of its kind. The Randheli is around 40 minutes away from Male airport by seaplane, with a luxurious lounge at the airport so guests can make their transfer in comfort. The design and décor of The Randheli conveys relaxed island living in its light, natural palette and thatched roofs, yet a refined, contemporary edge shines through in its all modern interiors, up-to-the-minute technology and cathedral-style loft ceilings.

COMO Maalifushi is the only luxury resort in the pearly white and otherwise undeveloped Thaa Atoll in the southern part of the Maldives. Accessible by a 35-minute domestic flight to Thimarafushi Airport followed by a 25-minute speedboat ride, this is a truly remote and gorgeous getaway. Designed by Japanese architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, the 65 villas and rooms are tastefully decorated with a combination of cultural authenticity and chic modern style. Built with New Zealand pine, floored with teak and artfully thatched, the accommodation options cater to all guests from honeymooning couples in search of peace and romance to families seeking adventure and fun. In the three restaurants, guests can take their pick of dining options to suit their mood. Crystal clear lagoon waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, treatments at COMO Shambhala Retreat are sure to relax and rejuvenate,while a range of watersports and a fully-equipped gym are available for more active guests.

Sister property to the artsy JOALI Maldives, the JOALI BEING is wellness-centric and boasts of being ‘the only nature immersive wellbeing island retreat of its kind in the Maldives.’ Offering 68 “well living spaces” spread across the beach and overwater, each villa offers a private pool, butler service, sea-view, outdoor rain shower, Wellbeing Bar, meditative musical instruments and wellbeing games. Culinary offerings at the resort are focused on an earth-to-table initiative, using fresh, locally harvest food that supports small farms and are sustainably sourced. FLOW is an open-plan interactive dining space with three restaurants: Plantea offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine; Su serves ocean-to-table pescatarian fare; B’Well features a selection of signature dishes. There is also a poolside bar, ideal for a casual lunch and sundowners. Curated wellness programs, ranging between give nights to three weeks, are designed suit each guest in areas of strength, mental clarity, hormonal balance, digestive, restorative sleep, and alignment for good health and immunity. The hotel is also a proponent of sustainability, collaborating with EarthCheck on several long-term initiatives such as a desalination water-bottling plant and a rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling system. It is also one of three turtle conservation sanctuaries, home to a coral nursery, and an ongoing reef restoration project. Located on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, the resort is a 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé.

JOALI Maldives encapsulates its brand’s ’joy-of-life’ philosophy within this art-immersive resort, from its vibrant interior colors and decorative details to the interactive and experiential artistic pieces that accentuate the island’s natural beauty. The resort features 73 villas, each with one to four bedrooms, spread throughout the island and over its lagoon. Each villa has its own private infinity pool and dedicated butler service. Several villas offer stunning sunrise views, while even-numbered villas feature sunset views. Interiors are modern and tropical chic, with marble, bamboo, and natural materials. The resort features six restaurants with an interactive kitchen and encompasses a multitude of cuisines including southeast Asian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, and more, from snacks and street food to fine dining and teppanyaki. Specialty offerings include a wine cellar, an artisanal chocolate and ice cream shop, and a whiskey and cigar lounge. JOALI offers a range of activities such as snorkeling with manta rays, learning about coral degradation in the underwater museum, wakeboarding, chartered yacht and dhoni excursions, as well as meeting with local communities. Its signature experience leads guests on an art and sculpture tour of the island in a scavenger hunt of unique works designed specifically for Joali. Facilities include studios for yoga and Pilates, tennis court, soccer pitch, movement center, Technogym-outfitted fitness center, overwater meditation deck and consultation rooms with a Fit3D body scanner and QEST bioenergetic testing system. For relaxation, the JOALI spa specializes in exclusive therapies by Espa, wellness therapies such as sound healing and chakra work. JOALI is located on Muravandhoo island in Raa Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé airport.