Why go?
The epitome of laidback, far-flung luxury, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives can be found in the pristine Raa Atoll, occupying an island that teeters on the edge of a vast expanse of Indian Ocean. The setting, with the sheer intensity of the colours, the otherwordly marine life and blazing sunsets, is pure, honeymoon gold. And among an overwhelming raft of Maldives options, Alila’s charm lies in its light touch – where blonde wooded suites have been chiselled together in step with the island’s exotic jungle-meets-beach beauty.
Honeymoon style
The resort serves up just the right blend of chill time and adventure. With its thrillingly isolated location, in a bonkers beautiful, unspoiled corner of the Maldivian archipelago, comes days spent at couples’ own tempo, whether that’s quite literally falling off the edge of the earth with a tropical cocktail or lazy mornings in the beach or overwater villas or setting off on adventures into the blue, snorkelled up and ready for some whale shark and manta ray encounters.
What truly sets Alila Kothaifaru apart is its focus on Maldivian culture – which is cleverly integrated into the food, the interiors and the experiences – ensuring that the islands’ history (and its peoples’) are honoured rather than eclipsed by some five star hotel.
An attentive, warm team will be ten steps ahead of any honeymooners, ensuring their every whim is catered to without to stiff service act. Absolutely nothing is too much trouble.
Set the scene
Far from your cookie cutter resort, Alila exudes an aura of unspoiled beauty and is designed in such a way that you feel like the only people on the island.
Low-rise, cubic villas swing gracefully towards the ocean, keeping the horizon and the sunset (or sunrise) the star of the show.
Plunge into the balmy shallows from your water villa or drift down the sand-strewn private pathway from your beach villa after a nap. It’s ethereal stuff – the sort that can’t possibly wear off, even after days of being on the island. Couples can marvel at the lush island from the sea on a sunset Dhoni tour, spot dolphins keeping up with the boat during a morning cruise, snorkel the vibrant reef or speedboat over to The Shack, the resort’s exclusive private sandbank experience.
For those yearning to delve into the heart of Maldivian traditions, the resort provides an exceptional selection of tours that offer a window into their way of life. These authentic experiences include visiting a inhabited island, to share a sit down meal with a warm-hearted local family, or attending a Maldivian cooking class for a whistle stop tour of the divine local cuisine and simplicity of their cooking.
Food and drink
Couples can expect to be wowed with a delightful variety of culinary experiences across two restaurants, two bars, a secluded café and of course, The Shack – the island’s private sandbank, used for secluded picnic breakfasts and candle lit dinners under the stars.
Alila’s beachside all-day dining restaurant, Sea salt, comes with an ocean view, and plates up coastal Mediterranean-style cuisine with Middle Eastern influences. The restaurant’s signature salt-baked fish dishes and the fish mixed grill are the menu sections to focus in on. From buffet and on-menu breakfasts, through to delightful sunset dinners, this restaurant hits the island foodie spot and sits adjacent to Mirus bar, a cocktail bar inspired by the region’s former spice trade routes and concocted with ingredients from Alila’s own herb garden.
At Umami, (located in plum position for sunsets,) couples can enjoy Japanese classics, featuring a premium selection of organically grown vegetables, Wagyu beef, and responsibly-sourced seafood. Adjacent to this, is the delight that is Yakitori Bar, the perfect sundowner setting, with a range of Asian-inspired craft cocktails, mocktails, and fine Japanese sakés and spirits.
When wondering back under the star-scattered sky, be sure to take a detour to the jetty to spot the reef sharks in the shallows.
Couples dreaming of an ultimate castaway experience can set sail in a traditional Maldivian Dhoni on a two to three-hour journey through the Raa Atoll before returning to the resort’s private sandbank, The Shack – a secluded spot for a gourmet picnic, a sunset barbecue or a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars. This is an absolute must for honeymooners. We experienced the shack for breakfast and were joined by a pod of dolphins, circling the sandbank and showing off.
Rooms
The resort’s elegant, minimalist architecture by Singapore-based Studiogoto works in step with the extraordinary landscape, bringing the outside in and making you feel at one with nature throughout your stay. Both the beachfront villa and the water villa offer a pampering, photogenic cocoon spilling onto sand or the shallows, depending on whether you choose to face sunrise or sunset.
The beachfront villa is an ideal choice for adventurous couples or those honeymooning with a little one. It provides ample space and a peaceful sense of seclusion, particularly with the lush vegetation and soothing soundtrack of the waves. On the other hand, the water villa is a haven for those wishing to really inhale the salty Indian Ocean and swing into its gentle rhythms. Here, you can truly let your shoulders drop and unwind. You’ll feel a little dizzy with awe as you set foot in both villas, with the thrilling ease of dipping into the water and a sense that the decks, loungers and pools have been positioned like theatre seats for those Indian Ocean sunsets.
The story
This farflung spot effortlessly embodies its name, Alila, which means surprise in Sanskrit – an understatement perhaps for the sensory overload you’ll experience when stepping off the sea plane and absorbing the sheer beauty of the surroundings and the hotel interiors.
It is a complete hideaway, where nature nabs the spotlight, reflecting the Alila brand’s commitment to sustainability and its famed dedication to providing an unmatched degree of seclusion and privacy (key honeymoon currency). The resort seizes on a discerning subtlety, forgoing the Presidential suite, and instead prioritising sophisticated spaces and meaningful connections between guests and their attentive hosts.
Family-friendly
With the sand and sea at your doorstep, little ones can enjoy endless hours of fun. There’s also an added bonus of a dedicated Kid’s Club, where children can engage in a variety of craft activities, such as weaving creations from coconut leaves, gathering shells for necklace-making, or even embarking on exciting crab-hunting adventures, while well-deserving parents have some down time in paradise.
For teenagers, options abound with the beach infinity pool, snorkelling, diving lessons, paddle board or kayak.
Spa
Differing from the conventional Maldivian water spa experience, the Spa Alila is perched high amidst lush treetops, offering a pampering, jungle-style haven for honeymooners.
With four spacious double treatment suites, each equipped with a private bathroom and shower, couples can choose between revitalising treatments and modern beauty rituals, all of which seamlessly blend ancient healing traditions with the enriching power of natural ingredients.
You can also chose to partake in a handful of the daily complimentary yoga sessions, held up in the tree tops and at the beach at sunset – the ultimate way to round off long days relaxing on the beach or paddling alongside marine life.
Eco-friendly
Alila’s environmental efforts are impressive and worlds away from some of the greenwashing rhetoric that feels two-a-penny in the Maldives. They take a thoughtful, holistic approach, but one that is keenly felt in every element of a stay here,
Not only does the architecture blend harmoniously with the island’s natural landscape, preserving up to 70% of native vegetation, but they’ve revolutionised recycling and waste management, converting paper and vegetable waste into fertiliser. The resort is also a plastic-free haven, replacing single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives, and they’ve harnessed renewable energy sources and water practices to reduce their environmental footprint.
Location
Surrounded by a colourful house reef, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives is located in the Raa Atoll, a scenic, spine-tingling 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé.
Rates start from $890 per night for a double room.
To book visit: alilahotels.com
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