Constance Halaveli
At Constance Halaveli in the Maldives, the sea is as blue as the sky and the sand is as white as the marshmallow-shaped clouds. The only visual interruptions are the coconut-brown villas. Halaveli is an exquisite island retreat located in the North Ari Atoll, about a 20-minute seaplane journey from Male. The hotel exudes an idyllic and tranquil atmosphere and is surrounded by a gorgeous lagoon. The very private beach and over-water villas blend Maldivian design with a contemporary flourish.
Accommodation
Constance Halaveli is small compared to many of the island resorts in the Maldives, with just 28 beach villas, but it triples in size with the 57 water villas laddered along an extensive 856m jetty from the beach, one of the longest jetties in the Maldives, elegantly standing over a remarkably tempting turquoise lagoon. The result is a tranquil stilted village of peaceful, spacious and very private dwellings. The water villas all offer outstanding privacy and comfort. The villas are creatively designed with high ceilings that represent the shape of Dhonis, the local Maldivian boat.
There is ample space with a large bedroom, a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and separate rainforest shower. Outside, there is a private sundeck that leads onto an infinity plunge pool dropping off into the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. On the island are the beach villas, which are all shielded by well-grown tropical plants and trees, offering immense privacy. To the front, the gardens offer a quiet retreat for morning breakfast or evening in villa dining next to an inviting plunge pool. To the rear, the villas have large open-air bathrooms with sunken bathtubs and rainforest showers.
Food and Drink
The island has three restaurants, ‘Jahaz’, the main restaurant serving international cuisine, whose ceiling is strung with rainbow-coloured lanterns, and ‘Meeru’, the beach grill which serves a wide selection of seafood in an al fresco setting. For a more romantic choice there is ‘Jing’, which is located half-way down the overwater jetty, and serves adventurous fusion food in a stunning turquoise and dark-wood dining room. For drinks you have a couple of options, there are two open-air pavilions by the pool that make up the ‘Jahaz’ bar, or for spectacular sundowner views then go for the bar on the jetty next to ‘Jing’.
What to do
The island has an exceptional spa, offering an extensive range of treatments. You will be slathered in fragrant Ila and Valmont products in the over water treatment rooms for the ultimate in blissful relaxation. Otherwise take advantage of being in one of the best atolls for diving in the Maldives by visiting the dive centre. You can sign up for a diving course, there are plenty of specialty options on offer, simply go snorkelling with whalesharks, or take a dolphin cruise on a dhoni.
Constance Moofushi
At the tip of the South Ari Atoll, rich with underwater creatures, and a 45-minute seaplane from Malé, is Constance Moofushi. This barefoot resort is situated on a manageable-sized island, but there is plenty of space for escaping other guests on beaches that are pristine yet still feel as though they have been left to nature. The marine life is superb, out in the water villas you will have black baby reef sharks lapping at the stilts of the jetty.
Accommodation
Villas are simple, well-made thatched wooden bungalows. Inside they have a carefree spirit, with natural materials, giant travel chests for wardrobes and beachcomber-inspired fittings, in forms that resemble waves or shells. A Mac mini hidden inside a mother-of-pearl desk brings things up-to-date. The large decking that stretches out on stilts over the sea has steps down into the shallow lagoon below for snorkelling. Beach villas keep your feet on the super soft white sand, with front terraces that lead onto the sand, made private by palms and bushes.
Food and Drink
British head-chef Stephen produces a variety of dishes, grills and confectionary at the main buffet style restaurant ‘Mantra’. Indulge in some of the finest cuisine from around the world with your feet in the sand, overlooking the clear blue water of the ocean. Or for a more casual meal then ‘Alizee’ is located a few meters from the sea on white sandy beaches. The beach grill features a menu of grilled fish & meat according to the selection of the day, cooked to order on the show charcoal grill. Imaginative smoothie combinations are served during the day and romantic sundowner cocktails in the evening at ‘Totem’, a driftwood-style bar, situated right on the beach behind the pool and under a heavy canopy of indigenous trees.
Relaxation
Constance Moofushi’s inviting pool is curved to mirror the shape of the beach, resulting in spectacular views from all sunbeds. Tucked away close to the spa, this peaceful spot has sun loungers scattered on the surrounding wooden deck and beach below. Otherwise in the spa next door, lie back and enjoy a Balinese massage or natural wrap, while overlooking the peaceful ocean waters.
