TREETOP DREAM
At first glance you could be forgiven for thinking that the newest Maldivian resort Amilla Fushi, is the standard island-paradise offering, as your sea plane touches down on perfect azure waters, the staff wait attentively on the jetty, and the over-water villas extend down the arm of the lagoon.
But soon you notice the differences in the details: the unbuttoned sense of fun, for instance, inherent in a sprawling main pool that has been filled, much to the delight of children, with giant inflatable pink flamingos and gleaming white swans; or the giant sofas arranged for an open-air screening of Castaway, which lend the resort a relaxed clubby vibe. There is also the very un-resort feel of the cool grocery stores, filled with fresh produce to buy for preparing meals in your private villa. And what a villa! A romantic’s fantasy tree house suspended in the jungle canopy with its own eight-meter pool. Best of all are the staff; enthusiastic and friendly, they seem like part of the family. Special boat trip can be arranged to nearby deserted islands – a blissful option for honeymooners but also to satisfy one’s thirst for adventure. Amilla Fushi’s Tree House Villa sleeps up to six;
OUT OF THIS WORLD
The owner's villa, the Maldives
Located on its own private island this CHEVAL BLANC RANDHELI villa comes with a 25-meter black slate pool, a grand piano, a private GUERLAIN spa and the use of Cheval Blanc’s 101-foot yacht. Azimut. Sleeps up to 8;
Pointe Sud, Sri Lanka
This five-bedroom, cliff-top villa with library, yoga studio, infinity pool and a 260-year old Buddhist temple stands on a private estate in MIRISSA and leads directly onto a wild and empty beach. Sleeps up to 10;
Cousine Island, Seychelles
The Presidential Villa, the island’s grandest residence reopened in April. Its two bedrooms – all slated shutters, open rafters and whirring colonial-style fans – are literally steps away from the balmy INDIAN OCEAN. The Presidential Villa sleeps 4.
