The Maldives is a destination synonymous with off-grid relaxation and unabashed luxury in a desert island setting. But the Indian Ocean’s bravest new opening, Lux North Male Atoll, truly breaks the mould.
With not a traditional thatched roof in sight, this swanky penthouse paradise is more Art Deco Miami glamour than cosy castaway village, and signals a new era of hotel design for this Indian Ocean honeymoon heaven.
Situated just a 60-minute luxury speedboat journey from Male International Airport, guests arrive at the resort to scenes straight out of a Hollywood movie.
The Maldives is a destination synonymous with off-grid relaxation and unabashed luxury in a desert island setting, but the Indian Ocean’s bravest new opening, Lux North Male Atoll, truly breaks the mould
After passing numerous typical Maldivian bungalows on stilts, Lux emerges in all its contemporary glory – traditional villas have been replaced by huge two-storey penthouse residences, each one complete with a private infinity pool and a sprawling personal roof terrace.
Taking inspiration from the style of superyachts, Singapore-based design group Miaja aimed for a look that made the most of the naturally stunning island paradise, combined with ultra-modern elegant interiors with a distinct South Beach vibe.
The white of the 67 villas stands in stark contrast against the crystal clear turquoise ocean and the picture-perfect palm-lined beaches. Seeing is truly believing.
With not a traditional thatched roof in sight, this swanky penthouse paradise is more Art Deco Miami glamour than cosy castaway village, and signals a new era of hotel design for this Indian Ocean honeymoon heaven
Taking inspiration from the style of superyachts, Singapore-based design group Miaja aimed for a look that made the most of the naturally stunning island paradise
Situated just a 60-minute luxury speedboat journey from Male International Airport, guests arrive at the resort to scenes straight out of a Hollywood movie
Lux revels in its breathtaking contemporary aesthetics. This is genuinely Instagram heaven
Villas are situated either on the beach or over the lagoon and offer huge living spaces, including king-size beds, private sitting rooms, standalone bathtubs in sprawling bathrooms and even outdoor showers.
Their private rooftop deck five metres above the lagoon, meanwhile, afford guests various tantalising options – to enjoy spa treatments while gazing at the stars, big-screen cinema nights and romantic in-villa dining in front of a pinch-yourself panoramic view.
They are also pretty handy for getting that all-important Instagram snap of the pool below!
Here to help facilitate in-room activities and much more, is your very own personal Island Host. Assigned for the duration of the stay, the villa butler can assist with booking excursions and even picking you up for dinner in a golf buggy in case of a sudden tropical downpour.
There are pinch-yourself panoramic views from the villa rooftop decks, writes Louise
The white of the 67 double-storey villas stands in stark contrast against the crystal clear turquoise ocean and the picture-perfect palm-lined beaches – seeing is truly believing
Rooftop deck options also include spa treatments while gazing at the stars, big-screen cinema nights and romantic in-villa dining experiences
The thoughtful service goes above and beyond with all the ‘little details’ accounted for, whether it’s remembering your favourite blend of Cafe Lux coffee, having a hotel representative accompanying you to departures at the airport or your Island Host ensuring you have plenty of coffee and pastries to keep you going at a 5.30am wake-up call.
If rest and relaxation in your private paradise becomes a little tiresome, Lux offers a wide variety of activities to cater to every taste.
Those keen to experience the best of the area’s extensive ocean life can snorkel in the house reef, enjoy world-class Padi diving in the private lagoon, choose from a huge selection of watersports and even surf in one of the only natural surfing areas in the Maldives.
Villas are situated either on the beach or over the lagoon and offer huge living spaces, including standalone bathtubs in sprawling bathrooms and outdoor showers if a double-sized indoor one doesn’t take your fancy
Comfort is key with every villa featuring king-size beds, private living rooms and expertly designed interiors
Seeing more Maldivian island life is also possible via luxury speedboat, sailing boat, catamaran and dhoni (multi-purpose sailboat) excursions, as well as private yacht charter.
Guests in need of pampering can choose a luxurious treatment from the atmospheric over-water Lux Me Spa, complete with ocean views, while gym bunnies can head to the state-of-the-art fitness centre, opt for rooftop yoga at sunrise or work up a sweat on the island’s tennis court.
Foodies certainly won’t be disappointed either, with Lux offering world-class restaurants, beach bars, a coffee shop and even an ice cream parlour.
Glow offers an all-day menu of island specialities and a creative take on world flavours, including a delectable list of a la carte breakfast options and a sprawling buffet.
Here to help facilitate in-room activities and much more, is your very own personal Island Host. Assigned for the duration of the stay, the villa butler can assist with booking excursions and more
The thoughtful service goes above and beyond with all the ‘little details’ accounted for, including remembering your favourite blend of Cafe Lux from the resort’s coffee shop (pictured)
If rest and relaxation in your private paradise becomes a little tiresome, Lux North Male Atoll offers a wide variety of activities to cater to every taste
The chic Inti restaurant exudes Nobu vibes and offers a mouth-watering fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine, while Beach Rouge gives St Tropez beach club glamour in the day and transforms into a low-key steakhouse at night.
Those wanting a special dining experience can choose a floating breakfast or lunch in their villa’s infinity pool – beware though, it’s very much a case of style over substance.
A private rooftop barbecue or a candlelight dinner on the sand can also be arranged and guests keen to push the boat out even further can book the opulent chamber of Barium dining room for a truly secluded date night.
Lux North Male Atoll offers a truly new take on Maldivian luxury, pushing the boundaries of glamour and style and breaking the mould of island life. Exclusive jet-set chic at its absolute finest.
Your Lux in: Those keen to experience the best of the Maldives’ extensive ocean life can snorkel in the house reef, enjoy world-class Padi diving in the private lagoon or choose from a huge selection of watersports
Foodies certainly won’t be disappointed, with Lux offering world-class restaurants, beach bars and even an ice cream parlour (pictured – St Tropez glamour at Beach Rouge)
Lux North Male Atoll offers a truly new take on Maldivian luxury, pushing the boundaries of glamour and style and breaking the mould of island life – exclusive jet-set chic at its absolute finest
Pier we go: If you fancy having a romantic dinner at the end of the jetty in front of the sinking sun and gently lapping waves, just say the word
TRAVEL FACTS
Rates at LUX* North Male Atoll start at £925 per night on a B&B basis, based on double occupancy in a water villa.
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For more information visit: www.luxresorts.com/en/maldives/hotel/luxnorthmaleatoll.
This YouTube video explains the hotel’s health and safety protocols.
Travel rules for the Maldives, effective July 15: 1. Visa on arrival facility will restart. 2. Passengers traveling as tourists must have a hotel reservation confirmation for the entire stay in a registered tourist facility. 3. Passengers and airline crew are subject to medical screening. 4. A completed Health Declaration Card and Immigration Arrival Card must be presented upon arrival. Source: IATA.