BLUE DREAMING
Blue Dreaming - Luxury Travel Magazine
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Blue Dreaming | |||||
| By: Jenny Caspersonn, Issue 29- Summer 2007 | |||||
| (W Retreat and Spa, Maldives) | |||||
| THE FEEL IS EDGY BUT ELEGANT, THE PLACE IS PARADISE. THE NEWLY OPENED W RETREAT & SPA MALDIVES IS THE PERFECT ISLAND ESCAPE. | |||||
| Maladiv in Sandskrit means ‘garland of islands’. Of the Maldives’ 1194 islands, only 199 are inhabited and, of those, presently 87 operate as resorts. The W Retreat & Spa Maldives is the new kid on the block and has made a gleaming debut in this tropical paradise. From the moment the seaplane glides to rest upon the tiny sandy spec of Fesdu Island the feel here is edgy but elegant. With the paint barely dry, the new W Retreat & Spa Maldives is wow, and very now. From the jetty guests are whisked seamlessly to their rooms. Rooms? Hardly. At W they’re known as oases, escapes and havens, and justifiably so. W has a total of 78 private retreats ranging from two-level Beach Oasis villas to the exclusive Presidential Ocean Haven with 490 square metres of floor space. As the sound system pumps the funk along the timber walkways I behold my 146 square meters of Ocean Oasis over-water chic, which becomes home for far too-brief-a-stay. The elevated, oversize king bed overlooks the expansive deck, and the impossibly blue waters beyond. Outside, a circular day bed is the spot for repose if the padded banquette or sun lounges don’t suit. A step ladder descends into the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean, but when finished snorkelling in the lagoon there’s the infinity edge plunge pool – complete with embedded twinkling night lights – in which to splash about. And if all the water temptations are, well, just a little too wet for you, then gaze at the underwater show through the perspex floor at the foot of the bed where thoughtful design has provided a glass-bottomed boudoir. It’s even lit for some spectacular night underwater observation. It may take a moment to master the in-room high-tech features: the interior/exterior Bose sound system, the plasma remote and enough light switches to illuminate Times Square, but if there is anything left to wish for then dial up the W’s exclusive ‘Whenever Whatever’ service which will deliver whatever, whenever a guest may desire it. Attention to detail is a hallmark of this place, right down to the folded edges of the toilet paper with the ‘W’ imprint. The Maldives’ remarkable turquoise waters are recognized internationally as premier dive destinations. W’s Down Under Dive Centre (a cute name since the W’s General Manager Damon Page is an Aussie) provides every imaginable diving requirement. Become an accredited PADI diver or undertake specialist dive courses in some of the world’s best dive sites. The luxurious W dive limousine, complete with après dive facilities and sundeck, will transport you in style. As an Australian spoilt by the joys of diving the Great Barrier Reef, I confess to some snorkelling snobbery. But the reef off the beach at the W – complete with resident turtle – was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. W’s various dining options include the imaginatively named Kitchen, for all-day modern bistro-style cuisine. Fire, is an al fresco BBQ experience where chefs cook up a storm on the charcoal grill, tandoor oven, or Mongolian BBQ. With torches burning guests feast under the stars with the sand between their toes. Set on an elevated over-water deck, Fish, not surprisingly, is W’s exquisite seafood restaurant presented with an Asian flourish. More a gourmet café than pool bar, Wet caters for the casual snack, and Sip is just the place for a lazy sunset cocktail. After dinner head underground to 15 Below, W’s sexy club lounge, for some late night dancing, or a loll on the divans to watch the groovers make their moves. With its sleek, up-lit Perspex bar top, white Indian sandstone and magnificent timber detailing 15 below boasts an impressive range of cocktails and gourmet treats to sustain the night owls. A resort can hardly include the word ‘spa’ in its title without having an amazing experience on hand. Away Spa at the W does not disappoint. The over water structure evokes stepping aboard some wondrous ship with its billowing white sails and bleached timber decking. There’s maximum flotation guaranteed whether it’s drifting into a dream-world during an exquisite massage, finding some inner peace on the yoga platform, or just dozing on the sprawling lounges under the Dhow-inspired sunshades. Myriad exotic treatment options are available including Away’s ‘celebrations menu’ featuring couples’ packages with five hours of indulgence, followed by a secluded dinner on the spa deck after closing. For those keen to speed up the metabolism after the gourmet fare and spa relaxation, going for a run won’t be an option. Fesdu Island itself is only the size of a small sports field. No sweat, head to Sweat. W’s 24-hour fitness centre let’s you get physical if you must. W Hotels are the youngsters of the Starwood clan – which boasts Sheraton, St Regis, Le Meridien, Westin, Luxury Collection among others. They are contemporary, clever and chic, and calculated to catch a young market and the young at heart. This hip newcomer is no exception; the kid’s definitely got class. Details: Singapore Airlines flies multiple times daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and daily from Adelaide with daily connections to Male from Singapore. Business Class customers are able to pre-book their main course and enjoy flat sleeper beds. Details, 13 10 11 or visit www.singaporeair.com.au. Transfer from Male to Fesdu Island is 30 minutes via seaplane (operates only during daylight hours). Beach Oasis Room at W Retreat & Spa Maldives from $1,165 per night. Details, +960 666 2222, www.Whotels.com | |||||
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