When discussions of globetrotting to faraway places turned into travel “bucket lists,” there were few who didn’t make mention of a romantic sojourn in the islands of the Maldives.
By Caroline Tapp-McDougall
Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the 1,190 palm-fringed Maldivian islands are known for their sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs.
In days gone by, the islands were a safe haven for those working the eastern trade routes. Today they’re home to about 350,000 people who live on just 200 of the islands, a quarter of them in the capital city of Malé.
Jean-Luc Naret, the recently appointed general manager of the One&Only Reethi Rah, has invited us to his new home, which occupies one of the largest islands in the North Malé Atoll. By luxury yacht (10 minutes by seaplane), it’s just over an hour from the Malé
International Airport to the 109-acre island with its lush tropical coconut forests, six kilometres of coastline, and a dozen soft sandy beaches that slope gently into the clear waters of the lagoon.
Four unique restaurants, a vibrant pool and bar scene, and small groupings of private guest villas with concierges make the One&Only Reethi Rah one of the most coveted destinations in the region. Respected international brands Espa and James Duigan run the spa and the fitness studio. Also ours to enjoy: turtle-viewing and snorkel-ling excursions, world-class scuba diving and a variety of supervised water sports.
Come dine with me
One&Only chefs work only with the finest and freshest ingredients from around the world. Restaurant kitchens are equipped with everything from a Beijing duck roaster, dim sum steamer and sizzling woks, to Indian tandoors and a wood-fired pizza oven. Fish is local, and many of the herbs and spices come from the chef’s private organic garden.
At the sommelier’s invitation, we’re able to visit the exceptional wine cellar, which is stocked with a unique collection of more than 10,000 bottles from over 500 labels. Selections hail all the way from South Africa boutique growers to notable fine and rare wines from Europe and other parts of the globe. Not bad for a remote island in the Indian Ocean!
Before and after dinner, bubbly champagne and captivating cocktails are served with elegance and sophistication at the Rah Bar, and paired wine recommendations are available at a moment’s notice wherever we choose to dine.
The alfresco factor
Dreamy outdoor settings that offer both variety and style are a One&Only hallmark. It doesn’t take long to find our favourites here at Reethi Rah!
Chef’s Garden is an inspiring outdoor garden-to-table restaurant set amidst organic vegetable and orchid gardens. Participate, or simply watch, as the chef picks ingredients from the gardens to prepare a sumptuous, wholesome feast right before your eyes. Of course, enjoy your meal with the sommelier’s choice of organic wine.
Fanditha’s beach vibe is exotic, boho-chic, with its carpets in the sand, giant cushions and inviting day bed. The name of the restaurant means “magic” in Dhivehi, the local language, and bears homage to the mythical Fanditha, who once graced a remote corner of the island. To this day her spirit and her legend remain as diners enjoy an eclectic mingling of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods cooked on simple charcoal grills and paired with meaaehs, sales paella, grills and dips.
Tapasake As its name suggests, Tapasake delights with cleverly curated Japanese fare. Modern, small portions with a tapas-style twist come as an order or a cocktail hors d’oeuvre. For the purist there are the finest ingredients from around the world for sushi and sashimi, and a wine list that revolves around an exciting collection of Rieslings and Pinot Noirs that complement the food particularly well.
The Maldives are sunny all year long, the sands are white and as the Visit Maldives website suggests, even the fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com
Photos: One&Only Reethi Rah
