Paradise now comes with private pool and underwater restaurant

Described as “the epitome of every tropical paradise fantasy you’ve ever had” by Elle Magazine and runner up for “Hotel of the Year 2004” in British Tatler Magazine, the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa is already known and loved for its luxurious over-water villas and spectacular glass-floored spa set over coral reefs on Rangali island.  In April 2005, the resort will re-open sister island Rangalifinolhu, which has been undergoing a massive re-construction since April of this year.  The US $25 million building works have resulted in the demolition of all existing buildings on the island to make room for a stunning six-star resort that will include 79 luxurious beach villas, four new restaurants and spa.

The re-opening of Rangalifinolhu Island, which is linked to Rangali Island by a 1/2km footbridge, will enhance the resort’s reputation as the premier hotel in the Maldives and will boast superlative facilities including the world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant; the country’s largest and most luxurious beach villas and an entirely over-water spa village with 21 villas, restaurant and treatment rooms, which will be the first of its kind in the Maldives.

“Once the renovation is complete, we will offer the most luxurious and the widest choice of accommodation and dining in the Maldives,” explains the resort’s General Manager, Carsten Schieck, “We will have three distinct resort experiences across the two islands giving guests the option of staying in Water Villas, which are on stilts over the water; in Beach Villas with private pool and beach views, and of course the Spa Village.”

Beach Villas

Scattered throughout the tropical gardens on Rangalifinolhu Island, the 79 stylish new beach villas, most of which have private pools, are located just steps from the powder-white beach. Up to 300m2 of elegant living areas are arranged around courtyards with a cascading fountain, while enormous glass doors substituting for walls open up the room to the best of tropical living. Intelligent landscaping in the villa gardens ensures total seclusion. In the huge outdoor garden-bathroom, a thatched-roof bathing pavilion offers views of the sea and the glorious outdoor shower nestles in the shade of banana and frangipani trees.

Spa Village

At the tip of the island, the Spa Village is a brilliantly innovative ‘resort within a resort’. A spa aficionado’s paradise, the entire village is set on stilts over the lagoon and consists of a full service spa with nine treatment rooms offering holistic signature therapies designed for mind, body and soul; a spa restaurant and 21 Spa Water Villas, each of which has its own separate treatment room, where guests can indulge in every therapy available. The restaurant will be home to spa cuisine that is both healthy and delicious, using ingredients sourced from organic or bio-dynamic producers.  The Spa Village is a destination in itself and will be open as a day spa for all other guests at the hotel. 

Underwater Restaurant

The resort’s seven restaurants and three bars will prove to be a gourmet’s paradise; offering an outstanding choice of cuisines in memorable settings: by the water, over the water, and from April, under the water when the resort opens the world’s first aquarium style restaurant. Called ‘Ithaa’, meaning pearl in the local language, the restaurant will be six metres below the ocean waves, surrounded by a coral reef and will combine 180-degree underwater views with innovative contemporary Maldivian cuisine.

For total relaxation, the resort’s two spas will pamper guests into a state of total relaxation, while water sports, superb diving, tennis, yoga, an excellent gym and a huge yacht for island hopping and cruising will keep the more active believing they have found paradise.

For Additional Information, Rates and Reservations:

Contact: Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa, Tel: 00 800 44 45 86 68 (toll free number) Fax: +960 450 659

E-mail: [email protected]
Visit: www.hilton.com/worldwideresorts
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