The authentic Maldivian spirit is a recurrent theme throughout my stay in the Milaidhoo Maldives Resort in the Baa Atoll. From the owner via the general manager to the architect – all of them are Maldivians born and bred, who enthusiastically and passionately champion the wellbeing of their guests and the beauty of their country. They also focus on their origin and traditions, interpreting and developing them with a modern slant. With their five stars, the contrast to the bling-bling of other luxury accommodation is liberating. Here, first and foremost, we have the glistening ocean, highlighting the timeless and beautiful Maldivian style.
For a year now, the island has been captivating its guests with magical moments in its unique natural environment – both under water or on land. We are in the southwest monsoon season on Milaidhoo when numerous, otherwise rare, manta rays come into the nearby Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve since 2011. Under the guidance of the island’s own marine biologist, we snorkel up close to these peaceful giants. Twenty, thirty of these beasts are above us, under us, all around us – a poignant experience. We then fortify ourselves with a picnic on the sandbank and enjoy the Robinson feeling surrounded by the vastness of the ocean. Milaidhoo itself impresses with the Maldivian’s only fine dining restaurant, the 'Ba’theli'. Since time immemorial, the Maldivians have been involved in a transoceanic trade network which brought exotic spices and sweet herbs to this group of islands and influenced its cuisine. The Maldivian chef de cuisine gets his inspiration from traditional dishes and puts a modern twist on them. Not forgetting, of course, the lobsters and other seafood. We ended the day with an atmospheric dinner on the beach in front of an orange sunset followed by a starlit sky.
The island of Milaidhoo is surrounded and protected by a coral reef and provides space for a carefully designed resort that integrates the Maldivian culture into the modern world. A total of thirty over-water villas – each with a pool looking out to sea – awaits the guests and invites them to enjoy relaxing views from their 'decks'. The arched bridge to the villas carries the vivid green of the island’s plants out to sea. Inside the twenty beach villas, light floods in and there is a casual feel. The villas can be opened out up to 180 degrees so that you feel connected with the outdoors – and your own section of beach. The interior is a refreshing, contemporary combination of unobtrusive design and Maldivian decoration, with great attention to detail. The wooden furniture is skilfully carved; traditional patterns adorn the textiles. The local associations continue in the architecture of the Maldivian restaurant. Like three interconnected traditional Ba’theli boats, it is located on a bridge in front of the island, stretching its 'sailing mast' out into the sky: you can gaze at the evening sky on deck or watch the marine life through the glass floor – and, of course, indulge in the culinary delights. And the 24-hour host service and spa ensure you will lack for nothing.
