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Checking in: Dusit Thani in Maldives

There’s no denying that Maldives is one of the world’s most luxurious destinations, hence my excitement to finally visit this tropical gem. When I went there in June, I was blown away by the five star hospitality of Dusit Thani. Get ready for a trip to paradise!


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Entering paradise 

“So, how’s it really like?!” people kept asking me when I returned from Maldives earlier this summer. Anyone who has ever been there would quickly agree with me that it’s one of the most paradisiac places on Earth. It is all about turquoise-colored water, amazing coral reefs and soft sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, but my stay was completed by the hospitality I experienced at Dusit Thani. Last-mentioned is a five star luxury resort located on Mudhdoo Island in Baa Atoll, which is the lushest, greenest island in all of Maldives. Yes, Maldives is generally a dream coming true for hedonists and luxury travelers alike, but the graceful Thai hospitality of Dusit Thani simply takes it up a notch!




Arriving in style…

Welcome to Dusit Thani!

Although it’s not in particular difficult to reach the resort, it takes some time. We flew directly from Sri Lanka to the capital of Malé,  and from there by sea plane to Dharavandhoo Airport (the domestic airport in Baa Atoll). And from there we had the pleasure of traveling by speed boat to Mudhdoo Island - a trip of approximately 10 minutes. If you like adventure and speed (like I do), I’d definitely recommend going by speed boat, however traveling directly to the island from Malé is undoubtedly more comfortable and less time consuming.
Upon arrival, the friendly staff of Dusit Thani welcomed us with a proper Thai welcome, wet towels and cool drinks. We were gracefully transported to our own private beach villa by our butler Abdul, who made sure we had everything we needed. On the first night, we ordered room service and enjoyed the view to the sparkling ocean from our terrace.

Fancy a beach villa for a couple of days?

The epitome of natural luxury

Dusit Thani offers several villas to suit the needs of any guest. There are 26 regular Beach Villas (like the one we stayed in) and 10 Beach Villas with Pool - all of them are 122 m2 offering a terrace, a private beach space and a heavenly bathroom with an outdoor tub and tropical shower. This was almost my favorite part! If you want the full package, go for the Water (or Ocean) Villa with pool, which gives you direct access to the beach, lagoon and coral reef. On top of that, you’ll have your very own pool area. While this is definitely something I’d like to experience someday, I was very content with our Beach Villa, which gave us the same feeling of staying in a topical paradise. We had lizards, hermit crabs and bats just outside our door and free bicycles to use whenever we wanted to.

Biking in paradise…

Speaking of bicycles. This is definitely the best way to explore Mudhdoo Island, which offers anything you might expect of a tropical island. It only takes about 15-20 minutes to go around it, but that’s also part of the charm: you’re far away from everything yet it all seems within reach. If you get tired of relaxing in your beach villa, go underwater to explore some of the world’s best preserved coral reef. The island region of Baa Atoll is Maldives first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and that’s not to be missed! The island’s own Diving Center offers anything from complimentary snorkeling equipment to a program of different water sport activities. Or what about morning or evening yoga to make you completely relaxed and in balance?

Snorkeling in Maldives is like a dream coming true!

Chilling by the Indian Ocean

Dining under the stars 

One could think that the restaurant selection on a secluded island is quite limited, but Dusit Thani offers some of the best cuisine in Maldives! There are five different venues to choose from whether you’re craving a fresh cocktail or the full gastronomical treat. For two nights in a row, we dined at the award-winning restaurant ‘Benjarong’ offering authentic Thai dishes created by a team of seasoned chefs. Benjarong is located on the water, which gives you full access to gaze at the stars and the moon on clear nights. Does it sounds like the most romantic dining experience ever? It is!
We always made time to enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the ‘Sand Bar’ before dinner, since it was simply the best place to watch the sunset. Next to it, we found one of Maldives largest infinity pools overlooking the Indian Ocean. Pure bliss!

Plenty of fresh fruit at the breakfast buffet!

Signature dessert at Benjarong: mango with coconut sauce and sticky rice

A stay at Dusit Thani requires some time in the ‘Devarana Spa’ - a treetop spa inspired by a mythical garden in heaven. If you need to get your pulse up, book a session with a personal trainer in the fitness studio - or go play tennis in the floodlit tennis courts! Guests will also find a free diving center, a medical clinic and a couple of shops on the island.

Dusit Thani will undoubtedly remain one of the most serene and luxurious hotel stays I’ve ever had. There’s plenty of luxury in Maldives, but if you crave a little bit more, unparalleled service for example, then this resort is for you! Its combination of natural luxury and irresistible grace makes it the ultimate honeymoon destination, but even single travelers or nature lovers will find it overwhelming (in the best way possible). I know one thing’s for sure: I’m counting the days until my next visit…

For more information, go to www.dusitthani.com. 


 

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