Just 15 minutes by private luxury speedboat from Malé International Airport, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives epitomizes boutique island paradise.
Exclusive, private and inimitably romantic, the award-winning resort spans the length of a pristine, powder-white beach that gives way to one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. The island itself is lush with tropical plants, its natural beauty blending seamlessly with the resort’s thoughtful design. A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, Taj Exotica offers its guests the finest in contemporary luxuries and services, including an authentic Indian spa, freshwater infinity pool, a choice of gourmet cuisine, endless recreational options and space to just relax and take in a locale that is simply magical.
Girish Sehga, General Manager
Emboodhu Finolhu Island, South Malé Atoll, Maldives
960-664-2200
TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA SUITE
- Square footage: 5,382
- Nightly rate: $7,000 to $15,000
Number of rooms in suite: Three
Number of entrances to suite: One
Number of baths: Three
Suite style: Elegant, island-chic décor with beautiful, natural- colored furnishings and tropical accent pieces
Key selling points: This sprawling over-water villa—with a living room, two bedrooms, spacious his and her master bath- rooms and a glass-walled guest bathroom with infinite views of the Indian Ocean—leaves nothing to be desired. Breezy interiors with vaulted ceilings open onto a private sundeck boasting a 15-foot freshwater pool, two salas for outdoor lounging and a suspended deck with soft white sand. Completing the scene is an inviting hammock that sways over the beautiful turquoise lagoon.
Number of suites in hotel: 64 villas
SPA & FITNESS
Jiva Grande Spa: Located on its own private island, this sanctuary provides complete rejuvenation for body, mind and soul through holistic Indian therapies and treatments.
Among its many facilities are a yoga and meditation pavilion; a luxury hammam; two lavish over-water couple’s spa suites; a heat, hydro and relaxation pavilion; and a unique royal Indian mud and bathing pavilion. A special Ayurveda pavilion offers age- old therapies in consultation with the resort’s resident Ayurveda physician, and complimentary sessions of yoga and meditation are led by the resident yogi. Tropical-inspired interiors and spectacular ocean views round out this beautiful wellness oasis.
Signature treatment: Alepa
TOP RESTAURANT & BAR
The Deep End: Progressive world cuisine with European roots will entice your taste buds at this à la carte eatery whose menu offers a broad selection of meats, seafood, vegetarian options and fine wines.
The Equator Bar: A jovial mood pervades this cleverly named spot where traditional vintages, New World wines, cocktails and cigars accompany a vibrant soundtrack.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Private island dining: Choose your favorite spot on the island, and the staff will make it the setting for an unforgettable dining experience.
Recreation: From sunset cruises to seaplane photo flights, the resort ensures that you make the most of this haven, in the way that suits your interests. For those seeking more than a gorgeous beach, there’s a PADI-recognized dolphin base dive and water sports center, as well as soccer, beach volley- ball, game fishing, snorkeling and an array of indoor games including billiards. Culture and history buffs will enjoy guided trips to Malé and a Maldivian fishing village.
AWARDS & RATINGS
• Top 10 on the Gold List for Best Overseas Resort, Luxury Travel Magazine, 2011
• Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Asia, TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards, 2011
• Award of Excellence for The Deep End, Wine Spectator mag- azine’s Best Restaurants for Wine Lovers, 2011
• World’s Best Luxury Villa Resort, World Luxury Hotel Awards, 2010-2011
• Top 16 Escapes for Grown-ups, Gallivanter’s Guide, 2010
• Top 10 Leisure Hotel in Africa, Middle East and Indian Ocean, Condé Nast Traveler UK Annual Reader’s Travel Awards, 2010
AFFILIATIONS
• Taj Hotels
• The Leading Small Hotels of the World