Raffles Maldives: outpost with legendary service

There is now a new outpost for Sir Stamford Raffles, or rather for those who wish to travel in his spirit, to a place as remote as Singapore used to be. The journey goes to one of the world’s largest and most remote island atolls – Gaafu Alifu – in the Maldives, where Raffles Maldives Meradhoo brings a new level of luxury and of course offers the genuine Singapore Sling to its discerning guests, along with Raffles’ legendary service.

Launched in 2019 Raffles Maldives Meradhoo offers 16 exclusive overwater villas, complementing its palm tree-peppered private island’s 21 villas and residences, a sublime spa, beachside restaurants and world-class dive centre with an on-site marine biologist.

Gaafu Alifu atoll is one of the world’s largest and deepest atolls and the astoundingly clear, blissfully warm waters immediately surrounding the resort teem with a kaleidoscope of colourful fish. Guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for Apollo, one of the 20 resident hawksbill and green turtles that regularly swim by to say hello.

Beach, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is a haven for beach lovers, where a Marine Butler is available to every guest and will happily lead snorkelling tours of the resort’s two remarkable and endlessly fascinating house reefs. The sophisticated Nikkei restaurant Yuzu and sunset-facing Yapa pool bar provide unparalleled luxury to those who dream of a life spent on the water. Yapa’s world-class mixologists create signature cocktails inspired by the spirits from South America and Japan. Paying homage to its namesake at Raffles Singapore, guests can enjoy the signature Maldives Sling at the Long Bar which features a special concoction of gin, grapefruit, coconut, cinnamon and clove that mirrors the Maldivian evening sunset.

At fine-dining restaurant Yuzu, Peruvian chef Anibal Torres serves the authentic Nikkei cuisine with a refreshing blend of Japanese and Peruvian influences using sustainable seafood from local sourced market. Bespoke dining experiences include a sunrise breakfast on a private sandbank or relish in an exclusive Champagne and sashimi by the cruise deck with the company of playful dolphins.

The Firepit is an outdoor barbecue restaurant where hearty seafood and meat specialities such as spicy lobster with green papaya and tender beef tenderloin are flame-grilled over the charcoal fire. The tables and chairs carved from the sand are set directly on the shore for uninterrupted views of the starlit skyline. Starting with healthy smoothies and freshly baked pastries, breakfast is a highlight at the all-day international restaurant Thari.

Raffles Spa combines Eastern practices with age-old local influences and offers highly personalised facials by Biologique Recherche; rejuvenating body treatments from Aromatherapy Associates; and signature manicure and pedicure services by Margaret Dabbs London.

An expansive gym caters to all fitness levels; yoga sessions are held on an ocean-facing deck; a jogging route winds its way along gardens abloom with hibiscus and bougainvillea; visiting practitioners will lead practise sessions in tai chi, mindfulness and more.

Gaafu Alifu atoll is one of the world’s largest and deepest atolls and the astoundingly clear, blissfully warm waters immediately surrounding the resort teem with a kaleidoscope of colourful fish.

Royal Residence, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

The Maldives resort also offers the Raffles Royal Residence that melds the brand’s respect for tradition and timeless elegance with the Maldives’ unique maritime beauty and relaxed, restorative approach to luxury.

Occupying an unblemished stretch of the resort’s blissful Beach Island, the vast six-bedroom villa is perfect for groups of friends gathering for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, as well as families who want to kick back and take things easy. Stretching comfortably over 1,700 square metres and accommodating up to 15 guests, the Royal Residence’s heart is the three consecutive reception rooms that border its 40-metre pool and look towards the property’s private beach. Whether savouring a fully catered barbecue, enjoying a boisterous pool party or simply admiring unimpeded views of another staggering sunset, everything the property offers can be enjoyed in absolute exclusivity.

Raffles’ distinct colonial style is seen in the property’s striped monsoon blinds and louvered doors – the signature grey-blue shade visible throughout was in fact created especially for the residence and the resort more generally. The spectacular seascapes to be found immediately beyond the resort are affectionately referenced in the coral patterns that are embedded on upholstery; contemporary furniture inspired by sea life; and ecologically friendly decorations that replicate the can’t-be-bettered shapes organically produced by nature, from turtle shells to sea urchins to starfish.

The Royal Residence Butler will be available at any time of day or night to facilitate private boat trips, hearty feet-in-the-sand meals under the shimmer of flickering tiki lights at barbecue restaurant The Firepit, or indulgent treatments at the resort’s overwater spa.

Deck, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

With so much space entirely and solely at their disposal, guests might simply while away days without leaving the Royal Residence at all. Spa treatments can also be arranged on site; a team of Children’s Butlers can be enlisted to entertain younger visitors; and a multitude of special events, from surprise birthday parties to decadent anniversary dinners, can be happily facilitated. Up to 24 guests can gather for a show-stopping meal to remember in the villa’s kitchen and dining room. Overlooking the lagoon and with its private bar stocked with rare spirits and the finest cigars, the expansive roof terrace works just as well as an intimate eyrie for evening sundowners as it does for morning yoga sessions sound-tracked by gently lapping waves.

Wherever guests spend the night, they will reside in some of the largest villas in the Maldives – each featuring a large marble bathtub, private pool and outdoor shower. Surrounded by lush foliage, the beach villas offer a sunrise or sunset view while the overwater villas overlook the dazzlingly turquoise water.

“For couples looking for an unforgettable romantic hideaway, our exceptionally spacious villas and the discreet expertise of the Raffles butler service redefines the resort experience. From intimate dining with our private chef service to snorkelling and diving in the world’s most breathtaking coral reefs, we create a place where guests can enjoy the best of both worlds in a destination known for its stunning surroundings,” said GM Oliver Larcher upon its opening.