6 of the best new hotels and resorts in Maldives

The latest wave of hotel and resort properties offered in the Maldives – the southern Asian nation formed of islands and atolls in the Arabian Sea, about 1,000km (620 miles) southwest of Sri Lanka and India – comes with swathes of beautiful blue seas, sandy beaches and unblemished views … and something special besides. 11 boutique hotels in Singapore for perfect for a romantic getaway The Nautilus Maldives What’s new? Epic levels of personal service Switch off your Wi-fi, kick off your shoes, practise your best lounging poses and prepare for paradise at The Nautilus. Located on the Baa Atoll, this retreat opened its doors earlier this year and offers a sprinkling of beach and ocean houses with separate living rooms, private pools and butlers known as “House Captains”. We love that some of the restaurants provide “unscripted dining” so guests can simply listen to their stomachs and request whatever they fancy, from burgers and fries to fine dining and world-famous wines. Now, that’s personal service! Joali What’s new? The back-to-basics glamour Joali is paradise just as it should be; it’s luxurious without being flashy, modern without being too cool, friendly without being crazy. Showcasing everything that makes the Maldives so special, the thatched-roofed rooms come with infinity pools and outdoor bathrooms; the four restaurants serve fresh and delicious dishes; and the spa boasts the only hammam – hot steam bath – in the region. The diving here is not amazing as there is not a good house reef, but if you are looking for great service, comfort and food in a top location, Joali has it in spades. 7 decadently luxurious hotels in Chiang Mai with unique services Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa What’s new? It really does tick all the boxes (and then some!) This new resort, on the island of Fasmendhoo, which forms part of Raa Atoll, is a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is expected to open in August and promises all-singing, all-dancing levels of beachy wonder. There will be 10 different categories among the 120 properties – 60 beach and 60 overwater villas – meaning there’s something for all from honeymooners to happy families; the house reef is steps away from the property; there’s a fabulous waterfront Beach Club; and a marina for small yachts. Oh, and did we mention that Emerald is an all-inclusive resort so brain activity can be kept at a minimum? Bliss. The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah What’s new? Fantastic double resort access If you like your holidays supersized, you’ll love The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah, on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, which boasts not only its own paradise island, but also has a sister property oozing tropical chic at every turn. Guests have access to both properties and – if you can peel yourself up from your horizontal position – can pad their sandy toes between the two via a bridge (the first of its kind). The resort, on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, offers 173 villas, all with a private pool, a Spa by Clarins, a welcoming Beach Club, diverse dining, a kids’ club and a diving centre. The 42-metre- (138-feet-) long infinity pool is the stuff of Instagram dreams. Edition Hotels’ Ian Schrager tells us what true luxury means in 2019 InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort What’s new? It’s the flagship property in the region It’s not expected to open until September, but InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is already taking bookings. Take your pick from a beach, lagoon or overwater villa or residence, all of which feature ocean panoramas, private terraces and pools. This newcomer also features six dining concepts: our favourite is The Retreat, an adults-only hideaway with its own bar and pool. Thankfully, there’s also a brilliant Planet Trekkers Kids Club which will stop youngsters noticing if their parents go missing … 5 luxury hotels and resorts to check out for a plastic-free holiday Cheval Blanc Randheli What’s new? A little freshen up Cheval Blanc Randheli, located on Noonu Atoll, is in the middle of a little facelift and is expected to be back in business in July. While details of the makeover are shrouded in secrecy, it’s hard to know how this great getaway can raise its game further. After all, this is a place where every villa comes with a 12.5-metre pool, two bathrooms, outdoor showers and kitchen. It is where 360 staff wait upon 45 villas, many of the water sports are free, and where going to the spa means escaping to another island. Whatever is revealed, it promises to be beautiful. Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

6 of the best new hotels and resorts in Maldives

Southern Asian nation of islands and atolls with glorious views and beaches is now home to these stunning luxury retreats offering fine dining, butler service and idyllic seclusion