Arriving in true Bond style by speedboat from Malé International Airport, I’m immediately met with shimmering azure water and a single red rose, the first of many surprise gifts proffered by the Jumeirah staff. Each of its 67 villas embraces a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling windows, marbled walls, an infinity pool and, for the first time in the Maldives, a roof terrace with panoramic vistas. The architecture is reminiscent of the now-iconic Stahl House and its seamless indoor-outdoor design, each room blending out into a sprawling terrace and the ocean beyond. Everywhere you look cyan waters run into a deeper shade of blue, giving the impression of two seas coming together at their respective borders. Oriental sweetlips and eagle rays glide underneath. This is paradise. It’s no wonder it was awarded the Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort last year, along with three dining accolades, including the World’s Best Hotel Restaurant.
While guests can enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean from beach club Shimmers and all-day dining at Glow, the real draw is Peruvian and Japanese Nikkei restaurant Kayto, led by head chef Christian Goya and chef de cuisine Mauricio Higa. Atmospherically low lit with a sun-setting skyline, Kayto delivers a truly unique dining experience, catering to guests’ dietary requirements and preferred cuisine, whether that be Indian, Thai, South African or Italian. Having been recommended the tasting menu, which included a selection of seafood, truffle-infused sides and classically prepared Japanese tataki, our dining experience was a feast full of flavour. Aubergine caramelised with miso. Delicate slices of Wagyu beef served with the restaurant’s signature sauce. A fillet of marinated sea bass on a bed of creamy aji amarillo rice. All finished with rich chocolate ganache, rice ice cream and hot dulce de leche sauce.
Pure indulgence such as this can only be matched by one thing: the Talise Spa. With five overwater treatment villas and a beauty salon, each guest is welcomed to a glass suite overlooking the waters on the south side of Olhahali Island. Rooted in the art of aromatherapy, each treatment is entirely bespoke, with oils selected based on individual skin needs and a guest’s desired state of mind: sweet lavender for pure relaxation; ginger for de-stressing. Extra special treatments are also available, including the Moonlit Sandbank couple’s massage which takes place at sunset for one hour of intimate tranquillity.
For even more island romance, private rooftop film screenings can be requested through your assigned island host for an open-air, candle-lit movie night of your choice under the stars, all complete with Jumeirah-branded popcorn.
Rates at Jumeirah Olhahali Island start from £864 per night, including breakfast.
Jumeirah Olhahali Island, North Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives; jumeirah.com
Bryony Smith writes for Brummell magazine
