'Everyone is entitled to seek happiness in their own way' – this famous quote by the philosopher Kant seems to be just made for the company PER AQUUM. Its collection of boutique hotels, individual in every respect, presents travellerswith an exquisite selection to meet the most demanding tastes and desires. They range from an exclusive polo club in Dubai to an exotic and luxurious family resort on the Dhaalu atoll or – also in the Maldives – the world’s first underwater spa. Each one of these magical worlds is worth discovering and enjoying for yourself.
A journey doesn’t just begin with the first step, it begins as soon as you’ve made up your mind – and that’s not easy when you’re choosing between PER AQUUM’s three hotels and resorts. A key feature of each of the hotels is its own individual identity; each refuge is characterised by modern minimalist design and perfect personal service, offering you an unforgettable experience of superb quality. The PER AQUUM lifestyle brand, which is part of the renowned Minor Group, declares that its aim is to provide a definition of luxury characterised mainly by unique experiences that cannot be bought. Its Pulse calendar of special events gives guests the chance to enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences such as special concerts by internationally renowned artists. In its wellness areas, guests are pampered by the exclusive signature spa brand LIME; this hotel group has pioneered the development of a highly sophisticated range of facilities for its guests and, in so doing, has made a significant contribution to the luxury travel sector in just a few years. From 2016, the choice will be even greater, as the PER AQUUM Zalu Zanzibar will also be opening, making it even harder for me to decide on my plans: The PER AQUUM Desert Palm in Dubai? The PER AQUUM Hufaven Fushi or the PER AQUUM Niyama in the Maldives? All at once would be best. And that’s what I decide.
I’ve only just left the glittering metropolis of Dubai, when I find myself in the embrace of another world at the PER AQUUM Desert Palm, just a short journey from the airport. Between the lush green of the polo pitches and the idyllic gardens, I marvel at the understated feel of the grounds’ oriental design. This is how it must feel to reach a long-awaited oasis. Horse lovers in particular will have a wonderful time here; the Arabs have always had a weakness for these four-legged racers. Suddenly I’m a part of this dream – in the midst of the oldest polo club in Dubai with four pitches, more than 300 horses and a riding school. From the terrace of the Rare Restaurant, I relax to watch a polo game at close quarters against the impressive Dubai skyline. Here you can meet polo stars, international artists and top chefs. Sport and relaxation are catered for by the LIME spa, infinity pool and fitness centre. Rooms, suites and villas are spacious and impressively elegant with original touches everywhere you look provided by antiques and objets d’art inspired by horseracing. Even the bar stools are in the shape of saddles – the PER AQUUM Desert Palm is an absolute must for racing enthusiasts.
After a 40-minute speedboat journey from Malé, the capital of the Maldives, I reach the PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi retreat. 'Dream Island' is what the locals call it – and looking at the picturesque buildings on stilts around the lagoon and the bungalows nestling in the tropical undergrowth, I can see why it has already been voted the world’s best beach resort by Harper’s Bazaar Travel Guide. After I’ve settled into my high-ceilinged, open rooms, beautifully decorated with plenty of wooden and silver objets d’art, I go for a walk across the gently swaying wooden bridge to the world’s first, and only, underwater spa. Gazing at the coral gardens and vividly coloured fish, I enjoy a relaxing massage and feel at one with the underwater world around me. The cocktail in the lounge area afterwards tastes just as good. Six restaurants and bars offer a range of culinary experiences. My personal favourite is the Salt fine-dining restaurant, where guests can watch the chefs as they prepare fresh fish and shellfish. The resort’s restaurants and cellars are amongst the Maldives’ absolute culinary hotspots. And the trip on one of the largest dhoni sailing boats and the night-time underwater tour with marine biologist Nicole Herz are truly unforgettable experiences. With a 24-hour butler service and guaranteed privacy, this luxury resort has been ensuring its guests are left in peace since its opening in 2004. Each bungalow has its own pool, a sun terrace that is not overlooked and a private beach. The only unpleasant thing here is the thought of leaving.
PER AQUUM Niyama, the last stop on my journey through the world of PER AQUUM, is the newest resort and is aimed mainly at families. This modern resort is made up of two islands connected by a wooden bridge: Chill, open since 2012, with 86 pavilions and villas in the southwest of the Dhaalu atoll and Play, which opened recently, with 48 villas, the Explorer children’s club and a family restaurant with ice cream parlour right on the seafront. The Nest treehouse restaurant with its jungle atmosphere and the African restaurant Tribal with cooking over an open fire are true originals. Entertainment is provided: for the little ones at one of the playgrounds and for somewhat older guests in the restaurant and club at the Subsix underwater location or at a full-moon party with DJ and lightshow on a sandbank a 20-minute speedboat trip away. Wow! There’s no place for boredom here. It looks like these excited kids think so too, as they follow their leader Goofy to find out about the world underwater – that’s if they’re not on a treasure hunt or gaining their first experience of film-making. These three boutique hotels show that PER AQUUM is a global player in the field of individual, sophisticated holidays.
