Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives

Jumeirah Vittaveli

Occupying its own private island in the bewitching South Malé Atoll, the Jumeirah Vittaveli is only 20 minutes from the Maldives capital Malé, yet still manages to retain that desert island feeling that is so special to its visitors. From the moment arriving guests set foot on the white sandy beach, it becomes clear they have reached a sublime tropical haven. As they step out of the speedboat that has brought them from Malé, they are greeted by a team of staff clapping, singing and playing Maldivian drums, and round the neck of each guest is placed a necklace of palm leaves.

The enchanting little island of Bolifushi provides the basis for this magical experience - the Arabian Jumeirah brand has taken the island and designed this elegant resort to showcase its distinctive philosophy and style. The architects used Balinese design as a starting point, and blended it with the best the Maldives had to offer, extending the island on all sides to create the spectacle that is Vittaveli. The hub of the resort, with the shops, bars and restaurants, is at the top end of the island, and there is plenty of room in the rest of the island to find your own private space.

There is some very fine dining to be found at Vittaveli, with all three restaurants priding themselves on catering for individual tastes. Samsara, with its dramatic vaulted roof, is the place for all-day dining, and offers a wide choice of pan-Asian cuisine from live cooking stations. Fenesse provides a spectacular setting for gourmet dining, with its elegantly designed space in a unique over-water setting, while Mu Beach Grill is there for the best of barbecued seafood delicacies. Best of all is the resort's concept of "dining by design," which allows you to savour your own personal barbecue on the beach, while enjoying a fire and LED light dance show, accompanied by live traditional Maldivian music.

View all Maldives hotels.