Opening of NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort
Leaving behind the city life for a tropical paradise, the renowned hospitality brand NH Collection is celebrating its first foray into island living with the opening of NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, an all-villa hideaway in the Indian Ocean combining underwater exploration, barefoot romance and holistic wellness.
Nestled on an untouched, palm tree-blanketed island that is part of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, and one of the closest Maldivian islands to the equator, the resort offers pure escapism in an exceptional setting encircled by a house reef teeming with turtles and tropical fish. Right in the crystalline lagoon waters, experienced and aspiring divers will find an idyllic underwater playground with thirty world-class diving spots, while the resort’s proximity to the equator promises almost 12 hours of daylight year-round, ideal for vitamin D-induced contentment.
Sunny stays
The crashing waves and the soft rustling of the palm trees provide a peaceful playlist for guests staying in 120 beach and overwater villas, each with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Perfect for the early risers and sunrise yoga lovers, the 95-square-metre Sunrise Beach Villas boast a sundeck fronting the beach and an open-air bathing pavilion. Inside, thatched roofs, vaulted ceilings and natural timber floors offer a contemporary reimagining of the traditional Maldivian home.
Similarly-sized Sunset Beach Villas, with their sunset-facing decks, will delight the romantics, while those staying in Beach Pool Villas will be cocooned in an added layer of privacy afforded by lush vegetation between the villas. All villas come with alfresco bathtubs, indoor and outdoor rain showers, pillow menus, direct beach access and Nespresso machines. For a classic Maldivian experience with direct lagoon access, holidaymakers can opt for the dreamy Overwater Villa or the supersized Overwater Pool Suite that offers dreamlike panoramas from every angle and a choice of several cosy sunset-watching nooks.
Island dining
Making the most of the ocean’s bounty, NH Collection Maldives Havodda offers a delightful combination of fine dining experiences with three restaurants and two bars. At Reef, the all-day-dining venue, sizzling stalls showcase fresh flavours from around the world; at signature grill-house Surf succulent steaks and crustaceans take centre stage; while Pizza Kaage serves perfectly blistered margheritas poolside. Open all day, Thari Bar is a collection of comfortable sun loungers and cabanas for guests to enjoy a steady flow of smart cocktails, light bites and afternoon tea in breezy comfort. For a daily dose of sunset magic, Iru Bar is a movable feast that follows the sun and serves cocktails with a spectacular view.
Wellness and recreation
At the foliage-shrouded spa, guests will find four spacious treatment villas, two treatment suites with private gardens, and a dedicated nail salon. Towering palms, lotus ponds and powdery sand underfoot invite guests to immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of nature while unwinding with a jacuzzi soak, indigenous massage or rejuvenating facial.
Vacationers can keep up their workout routine in the spacious gym, do laps in the adult pool, practice sunrise or sunset yoga, as well as playing tennis, futsal and basketball at a multipurpose court, while youngsters can make new friends and pick up new skills at the kids’ club or splash about in the family pool. A wide range of activities means there is always something new to experience, from Maldivian Nights with national BoduBeru dance to cinema on the beach and cooking classes. At the water sports and dive centre, a dedicated expert team is on hand to arrange dolphin safaris, sailing expeditions and private island picnics, and to share tips on spotting spectacular sea life.
To celebrate the opening, NH Collection Maldives Havodda is also offering a collection of exclusive stay packages. NH Collection Maldives Havodda offers complimentary 10-minute speedboat transfers from Kaadedhdhoo Airport.