Experiencing The Maldivian Dream At Alila Kothaifaru

5 months ago

Secluded, romantic, and heavenly

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The quintessential Maldives experience, Alila Kothaifaru exudes the Alila brand’s understated luxury with some seriously sleek villas, a collection of six dining experiences and a plethora of activities to keep you occupied.

C&TH Guide to Responsible Tourism

Hotel Review: Alila Kothaifaru, Maldives

STAY

The best time of the day to arrive at Alila Kothaifaru is during golden hour, when the wind-bent palm trees are silhouetted against the brilliant candyfloss wash of the sunset. Located on a secluded and unspoilt private island in the Maldives’ northern Raa Atoll, the resort is a minimalist dream, fringed by a ribbon of white sand beaches and beyond that, bright turquoise waters.

The 44 beachfront villas are private havens nestled within lush greenery, but for a true Maldivian experience, plump for an overwater villa where the creamy, understated interiors flow seamlessly into an expansive outdoor deck and pool. In other words, the perfect spot to be lulled into relaxation against a peaceful soundtrack of the gently lapping lagoon waters.

Water Villa

DO

While many people think the Maldives is a fly and flop destination, for those who don’t want to sunbathe, eat and swim on repeat, there’s actually quite a lot to keep you occupied. The resort, of course, offers the usual experiences such as dining under the stars, sunset dolphin cruises, or snorkelling, but Alila Journeys – the brand’s curated experience offering – goes one step further with activities such as vegan cake baking, The Art of Touch, which is a massage learning workshop, and A Day In the Life of a Maldivian, a cultural excursion where guests visit a local inhabited island and immerse themselves in Maldivian life.

For those who just want to tap out and rejuvenate, the tranquil treetop spa sits cocooned within the lush canopy of trees, and has an extensive menu to keep you occupied during your entire holiday. Don’t miss out on the full-day package, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and starts with an early morning yoga session followed by a range of treatments from foot reflexology to meditation.

EAT

With six drinking and dining venues, there’s a chance you might feel permanently stuffed during your stay at Alila Kothaifaru. This being the Maldives, it would be remiss not to enjoy at least one floating breakfast in your villa’s private pool. Follow this with lunch at Seasalt the all-day dining restaurant, which serves everything from pastas to Asian dishes like the fish curry, using freshly caught seafood delivered by local fisherman.

For a hit of Japanese flavours, there is Umami, where signature sushi and sashimi platters are served, as well as the open-air Yakitori Bar, which sits suspended over the lapping beachfront and is the best spot to enjoy a variety of chicken skewers and Asian-inspired cocktails against lovely sea views.

For a truly special experience, enjoy a sunset barbecue cooked by your personal chef at The Shack, which is located on a private sandbank and can be reached by the resort’s dhoni. And if you really want to lay low, the expansive in-room dining menu is a treat.