Living the High Life: Maldives and Dubai

Huvafen Fushi describes itself as a "living dream," and this is a title that is indeed hard to argue with. Occupying a private resort island in the Maldives, the resort’s 40-some private bungalows and pavilions offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean, and all are fitted with private plunge pools. It goes without saying that the beds and furnishings are top quality, and luxurious bathing facilities, such as oversized tubs, rainforest showers, and even Jacuzzis, are the norm in this tropical paradise. Many of the accommodations are located directly above water, as are a number of its restaurants, which serve fresh seafood and flavors of both Western and Asian inspiration. There is also an underground wine cellar cum restaurant on the island that boasts over 6,000 different wines. Of course, a sommelier is on hand to help guests make sense of it all. In terms of activities, there is a surreal spa that features two underwater treatment rooms. Guests can enjoy looking out upon a marine landscape as treatments are administered, though there are also aboveground treatment rooms. Naturally, water activities abound here, and the aquatic center provides equipment and guides for scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions alike. There is also an overwater water gym, and yoga classes are held daily.

In your villa at the One&Only Reethi Rah, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a far corner of the earth. The resort, which first opened in 2005, makes the most of the Maldives’ reputation as a perfect palm-trees-and-beaches tropical escape. Each villa is situated for maximum privacy and comes with an overwater perch or private beach access. There are four restaurants and bars with world-class menus and drink lists, as well as 24-hour in-villa dining. The excellent ESPA offers a wide range of holistic healing and beauty treatments, and includes underwater treatment rooms, couples’ rooms, a relaxation lounge, saunas, steam rooms and a Japanese-style onsen. There is a full service fitness center, every imaginable type of water sport, including big-game fishing and private sailing cruises on a fleet of beautifully maintained wooden Maldivian dhonis, and an open-air, overwater yoga pavilion. If in the midst of all this, you still must stay connected to the outside world, all villas are equipped with high-speed broadband Internet access.

Designed with typical Armani flair and set in the heart of downtown Dubai, The Armani Hotel Dubai is one of the city’s most chic addresses and a must for fashion-conscious travelers. The hotel has 160 beautifully designed rooms and suites, some designed by Giorgio Armani himself and many offering incredible views of the city, with personal Lifestyle Managers on hand to make sure your stay goes smoothly. The hotel also has as many as seven restaurants and lounges offering Asian, Indian, Mediterranean and Italian cuisine and lavish cocktails, the opulent Armani Spa & Fitness Centre, and an ultra-luxe retail area.

The world’s first six-star hotel, it is regularly voted as the world’s most luxurious hotel and has taken opulence to a new level. All 202 duplex suites have at least 170 square meters of space and all come with their own private butler, Jacuzzi and spectacular views. The hotel also boasts six award-winning restaurants, the exclusive Assawan Spa & Health Club, a private beach, and a whole new level of personalized service.

Built with Moorish and Andalusian architectural style and techniques, this palatial hotel sits on a glimmering peninsula amid manicured gardens, fountains and pools. Understated elegance may have been their goal, but this opulent hotel is well-suited to Dubai’s over-the-top nature. Guests may choose from a vast array of well-appointed rooms, all boasting exquisite views, and featuring plush, Arabian-inspired interiors. Dining options at One&Only The Palm include the hotel’s four bars and restaurants, featuring fine cuisine of both Middle Eastern and international flavors and breathtaking views of the palm island and Dubai’s incredible skyline. It’s not necessary to leave the hotel, with a host of on-site facilities that include a colossal main pool, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness facility, private spa, and internationally-renowned beauty center, but those who choose to can do so via water taxi to the mainland, just a short ride away.

Evoking memories of Bedouin palaces, the One&Only Royal Mirage sits on an expansive plot of coastal land in Dubai. It features three unique environments: The Palace, Arabian Court, and Residence & Spa. The Palace area has beachfront rooms, temperature-controlled swimming pools, and a watersports center. The Arabian Court’s regal architecture makes for a majestic atmosphere, featuring rooms and suites with sprawling sea views, and three fantastic restaurants. The Residence & Spa features its own private reception, as well as Arabian-styled rooms, suites and villas in an ornate environment. Here, guests will also find the indulgent One & Only Spa, an Oriental Hammam, and designer beauty and hair studios. Guests may choose from an incredible array of eight different dining venues, featuring fine cuisines from all over the world, including European, Moroccan, and of course, Arabian. A beach bar, nightclub, and sports lounge make excellent spots for guests to enjoy a casual drink with friends or family. Among the vast selection of facilities available are a fitness center, a selection of pools, floodlit tennis courts, and putting green, and much more.