w retreat: alifu alifu atoll

From the moment you arrive at W Retreat, you know you’ve come somewhere very different to any other beach resort you will have ever stayed at.  Situated in the Alifu Alifu Atoll around 40 minutes sea plane ride from Male, it is a small but perfectly formed island offering beach and over water accommodation and a stunning reef surrounding much of the resort, for snorkeling on tap.

Rooms:-

On entering the Ocean Oasis rooms, you immediately get the feeling that this is one of the sexiest rooms you will ever have the pleasure of occupying.  From the viewing glass in the floor of the room, the BOSE gadgetry and the 42” plasma screen to the private BBQ on deck, the wine fridge and professionally mixed tunes on the stereo, this is uber-cool at its very best.  However, it’s not only the flashy edge that catches the eye. They have done the basics of good hospitality a great service by providing one of the most comfortable beds in the industry, hypoallergenic or down pillows to suit and the finest cotton sheets to induce a prolonged and refreshing sleep, which is the essence of a good holiday in the first place – rest and relaxation.  The view from the bed looking over the decking out to sea is serene and sitting in the plunge pool set within the decking even more so. The bathrooms are very large with separate shower (glass floor) and bath and windows that open to the sea. The quality of fixtures and fittings is exemplary and finished stylishly with plenty of cool and a lot of class.

Top villas:-

Undoubtedly the star of the resort as far as rooms goes is the 492m2 Ocean Haven. This 2 bedroom over water suite sits at the far end of the walkway with uninterrupted views over the ocean. The infinity pool is huge and and the decking around it adorned with relaxation features such as sun loungers, Jacuzzi seats, and circular day beds. Steps lead off this directly into the turquoise sea making this the ideal chill out party pad or a honeymooners paradise.

Spa

If James Bond was going to have a pedicure, W Spa is where he’d come, while sipping a glass of Dom ‘65. The partially open pavilions with conical roofs house cool and breezy treatment rooms right on the sea overlooking the house reef a few feet in front. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the 2 male reef sharks that frolic in front of this particular spot and if you let yourself go completely (which is likely with these magical spa therapists) you may just see Octopussy’s Palace rise from the ocean in the distant. This is pure relaxation in a fantasy setting.

Dining

The choice of dining styles and food here is enough to satisfy and palate. If you want burger and chips, its yours at The Kitchen or Fire. If on the other hand you fancy Japanese quality Sashimi and other high grade seafood, then head for Fish. Sip and Wet provide more casual bar dining and 15 Below is probably the most quirky club you’ll ever go to and the only one of its kind in the Maldives.

Whilst the concepts here are simple, as their names suggest, the food is far from it !

Other

Whatever/ Whenever ….. This is really W’s motto and here is not exception. The concept is simple – dream up the most outrageous demand and they will deliver (providing its legal!) . Ok, if you ask for a belly dancer who is the top Turkish pedigree, then it may take a few hours while they fly her over, but it will happen. You get the picture - rather like our own motto – Anything is possible.

Aside to making your own fantasies come to life, there are more conventional activities such as diving, sailing, wakeboarding, kite surfing and water skiing. If you feel inclined after over indulging, then there is a state of the art gym.

Final word

Quite simply, W have redefined the beach holiday in the most magical setting in the world. Not only will you get a first class beach holiday with unbelievably sexy rooms and service, but also the opportunity to create your own world away from home.  More Aston Martin than Rolls Royce….

FEATURES

Who wants to play? WAVE our water sports facility will outfit you. Unwind at AWAY® Spa. Go DOWN UNDER and get geared up with the latest diving equipment, then go on a reef or wreck tour. Get physical at Sweat® Fitness Center or simply take in the tropical paradise where every effort has been made to preserve the natural beauty, marine life and delicate ecosystem.

HOTEL FEATURES

SWEAT® Fitness Center

Get pumped with extensive state-of-the-art Technogym cardio, strength and free-weight exercise facilities overlooking the beautiful blue expanses of the Indian Ocean.  More >

AWAY® Spa

Where can you escape? Visit our award-winning AWAY Spa. Tranquil yet sleek, relaxing yet invigorating – let our therapists lead you on a journey of bliss in one of our four private overwater treatment rooms. Just say “SPAaaaa”  More >