As an acknowledged leader in the luxury segment of the hotel industry, the arrival of the Regent brand in the Maldives is certainly exciting news. Early in 2009 this service-oriented company will be opening a 50-villa resort on a lush island in the Thaa Atoll. You can rest assured The Regent Maldives will be all about unadulterated luxury, but of the lowkey sophisticated kind that this company does best.

Indeed, this place-sensitive escape has been designed with the unspoiled beauty of its tropical setting in mind. Maalefushi Island is an 8-hectare sanctuary complete with off-shore coral reefs and flawless white sand beaches. The fifty individual villas are located either on the land or over the water, yet all of them boast private plunge pools and suitably stunning views across the lagoon. Outside, they reflect the traditional architecture of their Maldivian setting, their thatched roofs and generous timber decks all conducive to laid-back island living. And whilst there’s also plenty of natural stone and indigenous materials inside, the décor is undeniably contemporary and unapologetically luxurious, the furnishings and fabrics sourced from around the world by acclaimed interior designers Hirsch Bedner Associates. In addition to LCD TVs, Bose Lifestyle Systems and N’espresso coffee machines, all have exotic semi-open bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, as well as either private garden areas or unblemished ocean vistas. The two extra-spacious and delightfully private Ocean Residences boast prime over-water settings along with additional refinements like kitchens, extra bedrooms and private dining pavilions.

All the expected leisure facilities are here, of course, the tennis court, fitness centre and a 52 metre beachfront infinity pool supported by a wide range of water-based activities such as scuba-diving, windsurfing, snorkelling and a luxury motor launch offering trips throughout the pristine atoll. Yet integral to the whole Regent experience is the over-water 850 square-metre spa with its eight treatment pavilions open to the refreshing island breezes. And no Regent worth its salt opens without ensuring its restaurants and service levels live up to expectations; here the informal poolside venue and à la carte waterside café complemented by in-villa dining opportunities and a signature over-water grill. The sight of the romantic sunsets and taste of the freshly-caught seafood will remain with you long after you return home.

ACCOMMODATION: 14 BEACH PAVILIONS, 9 BEACH VILLAS, 12 OCEAN PAVILIONS,
13 OCEAN VILLAS & 2 TWO-BEDROOM OCEAN RESIDENCES.
ACCESS: 50 MINUTE BY SEAPLANE FROM MALÉ
CHILDREN: ACCEPTED.
7 NIGHTS: FROM £3,345 P.P. IN THE HIGH-SEASON (£233 P.P.P.N.) & £2,400 P.P. (£165 P.P.P.N.) IN THE LOW-SEASON.
MEAL PLAN: FULL-BOARD.
SPECIAL OFFERS: FREE NIGHTS, HONEYMOON, ANNIVERSARY.