1. Conrad Rangali Island, Maldives
A tale of two halves, Conrad Rangali’s beautiful resort doubles up to claim two islands linked by a long bridge, allowing you to slope off to the livelier Rangalifinolhu Island or rest and recline on the more sedate Rangali Island. For something to really write home about, experience the world’s first undersea residence, the Muraka, a sprawling abode submerged 16 feet below sea level, with an underwater bedroom, living area and ensuite. The Muraka VIP experience includes a 24-hour personal butler, private chef, wave boat, gym and a dedicated space for your entourage, as well as specially-tailored experiences to ensure all your dreams come true.
2. One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius
One of the most beautiful properties in Mauritius, this hotel is quintessential One&Only elegance. Yes, the secluded location on its own private peninsula is tough to beat, but it’s the pared-back luxury, the infinite style at every turn and the legendary service that make it Mauritius’ gem. The private estate of Villa One is really one-of-a-kind, as is a day sailing on-board its 55-foot fishing boat.
3. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
The craggy beauty of Félicité island is home to Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a resort that lets you reconnect with nature in a world away from the every day. A brand renowned for its curated minimalism, barefoot luxury reigns supreme here, where island-hopping, hiking, snorkelling and sunset cruises will fill your day. The three- and four-bedroom Residences are the hotel’s best-kept secrets, so book early to bag your panoramic views vantage point.
-une7fq.jpg)
4. Four Seasons Resort at Anahita, Mauritius
A secluded oasis at the edge of an idyllic lagoon, this resort is an Indian Ocean playground embedded in luxury. Each of the resort’s stylish villas and residences have their own private garden and pool, but if you’re looking for something truly unique and discreet, the hotel’s private retreats allow for curated tailor-made stays for those wanting a home-away-from-home, complete with private infinity pool and tropical garden, fully-fitted kitchens with a chef on call, and bags of space to call your own.
5. Fregate Island Private, Seychelles
Few places guarantee as much privacy as Fregate Island Private, with the island sanctuary designed to offer guests a truly exclusive Seychellois experience. Seven beaches (with the option to make one private to you for the day), 11 kilometres of jungle trails, two pools, a private harbour with four boats, a spa, museum and chapel, just 16 beautiful villas and the world-class Banyan Tree Estate, all make for an extreme castaway experience in paradise.
6. Anantara Kihavah, Maldives
Plumped pretty on the Baa Atoll in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this 80-key resort is also home to the Maldives’ only over-water observatory, SKY, allowing for a night of stargazing on SKY’s own private island. For more other-worldly experiences, enjoy an evening of wine-tasting at Anantara Kihavah’s underwater restaurant, Sea, with its award-winning wine cellar; discover secret islands and lagoons aboard the 24-metre Ocean Whisperer; and snorkel with manta rays in the protected area of Hanifaru Bay.
7. Constance Lemuria, Seychelles
Fully renovated and reopened in 2016, Constance Lemuria is still riding high on its makeover, having created a modern cocoon of design and luxury that stays true to its natural surrounds. Its 18-hole championship golf course is unique to the Seychelles, while a stay in a Pool Villa, with its private pool, outdoor bath and massage pavilion will take your experience to cloud nine. Opt for a beachside massage that uses aromatic natural products inspired by plants from the Indian Ocean to help you enter a state of pure escapist equilibrium.
8. Siyam World, Maldives
One to book now and enjoy later, Siyam World opens in December, promising to be a revolutionary multi-experiential, all-inclusive concept resort by Sun Siyam Resorts. Located in the Noonu Atoll, it’s home to 52 acres of natural beauty, a garden-to-skin spa concept, three pools, and 12 room categories to choose from, where the 1,224sqm The Palace takes top billing.
9. Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, Maldives
Just 45-minutes by boat from Malé, this resort is an ode to natural beauty. 119 all-pool Beach, Reef and Overwater villas are spread out over three private islands, where Ithaafushi Private Island Estate features three acommodations, five swimming pools, a spa, gym and dedicated chef. An overwater villa at the Waldorf Astoria Spa is where those in the know go to unplug and unwind. A sunset champagne cruise, twilight seafood barbecue or a night of wine-pairing in a Jordanian limestone cave will be your something special.
10. Vakkaru, Maldives
For those on a working holiday, Vakkaru promises to be a better backdrop for your Zoom calls, thanks to its new Work Well initiative that takes care of mind, body, soul and business. Work from paradise with the help of a dedicated Vacay PA, a bespoke fitness and nutritional programme, tailored activities and an Ocean Office set-up to help you make the best of business from aboard.
11. Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius
Ahh, the Shangri-La... One of our favourite places to play in paradise. Legendary by nature, Le Touessrok’s luxurious private hideaway offers space and intimacy all wrapped up in the true spirit of Mauritius. Stay in a Frangipani Suite perched on a secluded islet, or bed down with family and friends in the sweeping 423sqm Three-Bedroom Beach Villa, with its secluded beach, unmatched ocean views and butler at your beck and call.
12. Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi, Maldives
Located on the Shaviyani Atoll, this resort is kissed by the turquoise waters of the 600-hectare lagoon, with sprawling views of the never-ending horizon. From cooking and art classes to aerial yoga and an oasis of calm at Willow Stream Spa, you can do as much or as little as you like. Choose from hideaway Beach Villas set in the mangroves, Water Villas perched over the turquoise lagoon or a castaway Tented Jungle Villas to ignite your sense of adventure and let you feel at one with nature.
13. North Island, Seychelles
An eternal crowd-pleaser for those seeking exclusivity, North Island has only 11 villas ensuring the ultimate private escape. A serene, barefoot luxury destination, unique experiences are high on the list, with everything from guided walks, scuba-diving and snorkelling to kayaking, island hopping, and private island picnics. You can’t go wrong wherever you choose to bed down, but Villa North Island pips the others to the post due to its sheer volume at 750sqm and its pure unadulterated rustic luxury.
