Hotel Reviews

First ever Retreat from the world’s prestige lifestyle brand

(revised, first published in April 2010)

Mmm… Maldives. At last! Did you not also ponder going there? Well, here’s our take on this dream destination that might get you started with the travel plans to visit this, for most of us, once-in-a-lifetime must.

Yes, the price tag starts at a relatively high level, but what you get is from exclusive to extraordinary on these Indian Ocean islands/atolls. And the choices are many – but the following one is certainly in the top category and, sort of, in a league of its own: W Maldives. Upon launch it constituted their very first showpiece for the ‘Retreats’ to come from W Hotels, and is probably the retreat of all the retreats they will come up with onwards (or at least this one will be hard-to-beat).

One of Maldives strongest Wow factors is that it has been outfitted with a W Maldives on one of its 1,190 islands. No, seriously, except of course its ubiquitous features like the turquoise water, underwater wonders and over water villas.

Excuse our favouritism and praise here, and we could certainly go on with superlatives about many resorts on the Maldives, but W stands out with its proposition. There are few places that are so beyond your expectations as this one!

Here is why…

The scenario: Playtime can consist in the sunset cruise DREAMSCAPE; or coming from down under to enjoy revitalizing après-dive service on the (W)UNDER – DIVE LIMOUSINE; over to the over-water SIP for cocktails and nibbles, while contemplating the sunset over the Indian Ocean on divan sofas and taking in the chill out sounds from the live DJ; and bringing the night to a close at the underground night club venue 15 BELOW with entertainment from resident and internationally acclaimed DJ:s!

This is also when the philosophy of Whatever/Whenever marketed by W resorts begins to find its true meaning…

Situated on the tiny island island of Fesdu, W Maldives is located just a short 25-minute seaplane ride south-west of Male.

Since 99% of its surface area is covered by the sea, the plane lands on an airstrip practically in the middle of the sea, near the capital island of Malé. And we literally get to land on water on the continuing journey to the destination.

More than many other destinations, flying to the Maldives reminds of how precious everything is on this planet, how rare these islands are, and that going there it is a monumental part of one’s lifetime experiences. This belongs to the Wonders of this world.

Improvements in standards and sophistication, with the entire world’s top luxury hospitalty brands having come on board begins already with the arrival experience to the islands.

Maldives is like a lifestyle hub which shows when it is time for the exciting seaplane trip necessary to get to the W resort. Like many of the upscale brands W offers its own transfer lounge on the seaplane airport. In the W Lounge one can relax and listen to W tunes while having a cappuccino, fruit juices, bakery and gourmet bites. For sure the most comfortable transit aside any business lounge and the perfect way to Wind down further!

Then, a remarkable world waits where you get to see from above those islands and atolls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean. You see a darker tone and a brighter blue – turquoise pools appears anywhere in the middle of the ocean (seemingly) but of course part of an atoll. Eventually the seaplane lands… on the water surface of course.

Then comes the first of many Wows – like coming to a club of sorts: an arrival deck with a huge W logo and all staff lined up, Waving the new guests Welcome (the same takes place on departure). Doing this meet-and-great certainly enhances those first impressions further… What a Welcoming to the island Fesdu!

Then guests are quickly whisked away to their respecive rooms (island bungalows or on-water villas) via golf carts, with a quick stop at the lobby and a host introducing the facilities during a drive around the island, which takes only a minute or so. All around the island the almost indescribable water colour and the white, hourglass-fine sand and dense vegetation on land abound.

So, why naming a hotel brand W? Well it’s about this ‘Whatever, Whenever, Wherever’ thinking, the W brand’s signature concierge service as a vehicle to fulfil every guest’s dreams.

W Hotels has established itself as an iconic lifestyle brand, offering guests access to a world of “Wow” experiences through fashion, nightlife, celebrities and entertainment. And as we can already conclude the experience starts with a Warm Welcome.

Where am I, why and what for? Is this for real? Let W solve any such questions you might get just as an effect of being here. “One push of the Whatever/Whenever butt on your phone, we promise to make all of your dreams a reality.” I think I am dreaming already but do not find it hard to believe here that they can deliver on their promise.

So, what are the good reasons for choosing something in the upper range of price categories like this W Maldives? Villas on water is a standard feature on the Maldives, but who has heard of a nightclub underground existing on an island that one can circumvent in a mere 5 minutes!?

They must have thought: ‘How can we accomplish one of the planet’s undisputed dream world existences; what do we need to be groovy and hip? Well, a real sophisticated night club underground for the selected few visiting our paradise island, wouldn’t that be cool! An underground waterhole with a dance floor and international disc jockeys – wouldn’t that do the trick!?’

And you should take notice that this is not exactly on any tourist enclave – rarely the island get outside visitors.

On this extraordinary retreat resort this is reality, so this is definitely something extraordinary where they have gone the extra mile to create the experience of a lifetime.

Actually, you will probably find many ground-breaking things at this retreat, but let’s leave that to your own judgment…

The writer of this review felt amazed, though, and thought: ‘I really wish I had all my best friends here too!’

Should I press that ‘Whatever/Whenever’ button to get assistance in getting them here? A tough one, but for sure they can cater to most other offbeat requests.

Clearly, W Maldives fits the bill extremely well as the ultimate and, with emphasis, sophisticated castaway club – its venues permeated by coolness and the cool and lounge-style sort of music mixed with dance tunes.

Should you ever want to go on a dream trip along with your fellow friends/couples – this could be the ultimate one!

Appreciate this chance to live an elegant life in a sort of James Bond tropical island environment. How suitable wouldn’t it be, by the way, with some James Bond high speed action and tropical adventure here – with the revolutionary SEABOB, SEADOO scooters; the fast 150 horsepower Gulfcraft Swan 20 speed boats; and –picture this – A W night celebration: Dreamscape around the island and gasp as the sun slowly melts into the Indian Ocean. We toast to you – Roger Moore!

Mellow moments, underground nightclub 15BELOW

As for the villas there are 78 retreats in five categories with plenty of attention-grabbing Wow details. Among the 28 land-based, the spectacular Beach Oasis is a perfect meld of location and design; bungalow-looking with thatched roofs, and an upper level outdoor lounge area for dining and mixing drinks while gazing at the blissful sea and from this one particular retreat also the canvas-roofed spa rooms on the water are visible (like illuminated ships at night.) This intimate sanctuary also comes with its private plunge pool and “day beds for lolling in the lap of luxury”. And each Retreat has its own short footpath through the surrounding greenery on to the beach.

The retreat also has outdoor tropical showers, his and hers bath areas and a bathtub large enough for two. Inside the air conditioned zone of course ample wardrobe space for the lady and the W signature bed takes centre stage. And the 42’ Plasma TV, BOSE Sound system, wine fridge, mini bar and Munchie Box – W’s reinterpretation of the hotel mini-bar – keeps the satisfaction on a high.

This must be among life’s greatest pleasures, and having sunset dinner – ‘In Retreat Dining’ – on the private patio or up on the terrace becomes irresistible; just as the sumptuous food choices on offer: Tarragon-marinated grilled chicken with strips of napa (Chinese) cabbage, toasted Almond slivers, fried wonton shrimps and ginger-soy dressing; Maldivian yellow fin tuna with black olive tapenade, basil vinaigrette and shaved fennel; or Olive tuna tonilla melt with crunchy lettuce, black olives, marinated artichokes, chilli mayonnaise, potato wedges and melted cheese becomes our W Retreat favourites – not just delivered but served by the butler on your dining table. MouthWatering – hey? And do note that there is a 24 hour in-retreat-dining menu!

What to have next? Refreshments like tonic water, coke – and ice cream! – are available complimentary at any time from “tank stations” not far from outside the villa along the island’s walkway.

Where to go next? Snorkelling? Morning dive? Unwind at Away Spa? Water exercising at Wet with a swim up to the pool bar for a light lunch and drinks?

There is or course plenty of leisure pleasure; day-to-day activities here can keep anyone busy, no matter if being a diver or not (diving is a chapter in itself where of course exceptional opportunities abound to take dive trips catered for by the Down Under dive centre.)

If on a short visit – a minimum of four-five nights for this resort is recommended – planning the itinerary from morning to night can feel almost overwhelming: there are so many exciting things to do!! But what about relaxation? It is easy to forget allowing yourself time…to be at peace with yourself here means finding yourself in a state of blissful awareness! Let ‘When, What, Where?’ come naturally…and the good thing is that no matter the time of the day, there is plenty to do – plus: “Anything you desire, any time of the day, anywhere on the island… we’ll be ready to indulge your every whim,” W Maldives promises.

Do allow yourself time to peer intently into the trees on Fesdu and you might – astonishingly on this tiny island – spot those flying foxes! And listen to the Cicadas and bird-life providing the soundtrack in addition to the waves on shore.

Getting acquainted with the fish on the reef could get you into that right kind of mellow mood. Time to test the world below water and just steps into the lagoon-like water you’ll find corals with small aquarium-fish and a bit further out realise that the house reef is more than satisfying – a favourite area for a multitude of Technicolor fish. Now here is when to shout ’Wow’! A wave breaking rim further out also slows down the waves reaching shore. A highlight is the baby sharks, which at first scared the living daylight out of my wife until she understood they were harmless… Those babies can be seen even from the beach since they are swimming so close to the shore.

One begins to wish for clouds to keep the strong sun away – so that snorkelling can be the main activity during daytime.

One of the greatest places to Wind down actually turns out to be SIP – where Guests congregate on divan sofas and bar stools to relish the extensive cocktail and wine menu, as well as live DJ performance six days a week! Of course with sunset view this is really a beautiful moment when the mood from the sounds is also just right for the occasion. Catch the cool breeze over the undisturbed ocean view. A fresh oyster anyone? Slip into yet another WOW moment…

Looking at those Retreats perched on stilts above the sea is also mesmerizing – especially at sunset.

Another surprise on the programme taking place 17.30 – 19.00. You’re in the mood for something sassy, sexy and soothing? This is what DESTINATION DELUXE is all about: To put you in the right state of mind, to add another level to your island experience, to do it in style. Not to be disclosed any further…

When done with the drinks – walk right over to, or return later, for dinner at FISH, the nearby restaurant. To reach this venue you will encounter romantic mood lighting – on a walking path seemingly on fire out into the dark ocean.

Get seafood galore at the over-water signature seafood restaurant FISH! Ocean-fresh fish? You bet…The setting is over the water and under the stars, with many blue lights as décor. The chef’s creativity is unleashed when the fresh catch and a wide selection of seafood are transformed into delicacies flirting with subtle Asian flavours. The special request to get something extra spicy for the Asian person in our party is catered to – and to her liking; which means REALLY spicy… The wine menu is extensive, boasting a selection of premium wines from around the world.

And so… to our astonishment – there was this nightclub and, unbelievably, positioned underneath the sand/ground so definitely below sea level… Who conjured up this? Amazing! 15 BELOW is the “only true nightclub in the Maldives, with its own resident DJ and set underground” – and who can object to that? “15 BELOW is a venue like no other… a respite, a contrast to the leisurely calmness experienced in the other restaurants and bars within the resort,” is the description. Walk down the circled stairs nearby Fire – another outdoor BBQ and tandoor beach-front restaurant – and enter the club room with the oval-shaped bar counter in the centre, stocking more than 95 varieties of vodka (!), a mind-bending range of spirits and whips up creative cocktails for those who like mixes. Bottles are part of the interior wall décor and the exciting menu keeps you just as busy as the DJ.

The KITCHEN should be mentioned too; the rustic all day dining bistro which is also the venue for an extraordinary breakfast – served only by men, we noticed. Choose your own tee or coffee cup for the duration of your stay! Furthermore, the servant introduced himself by name and demonstrated the breakfast buffet for us. One surprise to disclose was that when two boiled eggs were ordered one of them were hidden inside the egg cup!

An unbeatable mantra for a state of mind; amidst the brilliant turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, W Retreat & Spa – Maldives awaits you. Preconceived expectations were exceeded. Wow that special person at this place!

And yet somewhere in the back of my mind, the reminder of a flight… back to crazy civilisation… Where to go next? AnyWhere there is a W hotel…