Picture yourself strolling along a brilliant tropical beach with sand so soft it feels like baby powder between your toes. Then, relax at the edge of your private infinity plunge pool and gaze in awe at the sea while watching dolphins frolicking to and fro. Finally, retreat to the delight of your glass bottom overwater villa to soak in the tub while a rainbow of fish is swimming below.
This paradise is found at the new five-star Movenpick Resort Kuredhivaru, which opened in November on an island in the Maldives that's so picturesque it's surreal. In fact, so spectacular and brilliant are the hues in my photographs, it's hard to believe that they're real and unaltered!
The picture-perfect Movenpick is like the decadent coconut milk icing on a sweet pineapple cake of the Maldives, a country known for having the most satisfying beaches in the world. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of Male, this splendid resort is located on the northern Noonu Atoll, where coral reefs are thriving and beaches are pristine.
It's well worth the 45-minute flight via seaplane to reach this remote destination, which in itself is an adventure to see the Maldives from above. Otherwise virtually untouched by tourism, it was the calm and serenity of being tucked amidst these uninhabited isles that made my stay at the Movenpick so extraordinarily supreme.
The island itself stretches less than a mile across and can be circumnavigated in approximately 20-30 minutes by foot. There are no cars on the island, just one path that encircles the quixotic resort. My only regret is not bringing goggles to swim laps through the atoll's tranquil waters, which may take 30-40 minutes to swim the island's perimeter.
To protect this unsullied paradise, the resort's structures and paths were intentionally designed to go around the existing forest. The architect's goal was to build an entire resort without cutting down trees or disrupting the shrubbery. Not only does this make the Movenpick environmentally friendly, but it also forges a backdrop that manifests the deserted isle trope frequently portrayed in film, literature and fantasy.
Afforded the privacy of jungle canopy while mere steps from the ocean, the accommodations of my Sunset Beach Pool Suite were sublime. A plunge pool takes center stage framed by ropes that suspend the staircase, which leads to an elevated deck. This platform supplies an optimal view for admiring nature and watching the sunset. In effect, it felt like staying in a Robinson Crusoe tree house that'd been wired with smart tech and stocked with amenities.
However amazing as this suite was, it's difficult to compare to my experience with staying in a Sunrise Lagoon Overwater Pool Villa. From my sundeck, I gazed upon an eternity of aquamarine bliss. The surface of the water was soft as velvet, stretching onwards and beyond to kiss the horizon. At night, I looked to the sky and traced constellations while basking in the warmth of an infinity pool surrounded by ocean splendor.
Adding to the magnificence of the Movenpick's overwater bungalows is an unmistakable intent of design. Drawing from the glass bottom concept popularized by luxury resorts around the world, it's clear to see the intention was to expand on this feature with the installation of viewing areas in more strategic locations.
One great example of this innovative placement can be found at the resort's Sun Spa, which uses overwater bungalows for individual treatments. Instead of staring at the floor while face down for a back massage, I watched countless species of exotic fish swimming below.
The breathing gap for each massage table is located above a glass bottom view. This combination of sea and spa, which allows guests to observe wildlife while simultaneously being pampered, makes for a divinely unique and meditative experience.
Meanwhile, my personal favorite strategic aquatic viewing area was located within the facilities of my overwater villa. Architects incorporated hidden inlets, providing guests with a window to watch wildlife while taking a shower or even while occupying their private commode.
This is fantastic because the Maldives is home to some of the most diverse aquatic life in the world. Through the glass floor of my bungalow, I watched fish swimming alongside squads of squid. Upon the first leap from the dock into what were halcyon blue waters, I was enshrouded by a dark cloud that quickly disappeared. The squid had been caught off guard by my jump and they inked!
It wasn't long before I discovered a Big Blue Octopus while snorkeling. Within minutes, there was a manta ray swimming beneath me, as well. Surrounded by Angelfish, Butterflyfish and Parrotfish, I was immersed in a circus of colorful creatures. Lobsters and Green Sea Turtles combed through coral and anemones while adorable baby sharks swam alongside the shore.
The only aspect of my experience that could come close to rivaling the island's natural splendor was the resort's decadent Chocolate Hour. This epic spread occurs daily, featuring their custom collection of dark and milk chocolates. Some combined with dried fruit and nuts while others left bare; every pure ambrosia and crafted to perfection.
Chocolate Hour is a staple affair for Movenpick Hotels & Resorts around the world. Yet somehow, such indulgence tastes sweeter in paradise. There's something about being present on a pleasant island in the tropics that enhances the senses.
This experience extends to the Movenpick Kuredhivaru's breakfast, which is served on the beach. First, I lingered over their assortment of croissants and European pastries before settling on a traditional Maldivian dish. Then, I savored freshly squeezed juice and a coconut latte beneath the shade of tall palms beckoning to the reef.
It was just before breakfast on the day before my departure when a school of Bottlenose Dolphins appeared to bid me farewell. Every soul on the island seemed enchanted by the sight of such magnificent creatures as they jumped and played with delight. I interpreted their morning visit as a good omen for my travels as well as an auspicious new dawn for the new Movenpick Kuredhivaru Resort!
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