Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
Maldives, Maldives

Name: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives
Address: Emboodhu Finolhu, Maldives, PO Box 2117, Maldives

About the hotel

Style

Resort

Rooms

"Phenomenally located in the middle of one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa boasts postcard-worthy villas, romantic dining and myriad ways to explore the surrounding wonderland."

Despite being only a fifteen-minute speedboat ride from the airport, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa feels a world away. The far-off paradise effect is probably a result of the resort’s stellar location, which is smack in the middle of one of the Maldives’ largest lagoons. Nicknamed “Three Coconut Isle”, Emboodhu Finolhu island is a dreamy getaway for those seeking a little piece of heaven in an exquisitely beautiful setting.

You can’t go wrong when selecting your accommodations, as each and every one of the resort’s 64 postcard-worthy villas have views of the brilliant sea. That said, we’d recommend skipping the beach-based villas and instead go for one that’s perched on stilts above the water, as direct access to the deliciously warm lagoon is an irresistible perk. Beneath thatched roofs, the villas are open and airy with plenty of rich hardwoods, a nature-neutral colour scheme and a simple-yet-stylish vibe. Floor-to-ceiling windows nearly take up entire walls, ensuring constant views of the vibrant surroundings. Many have private pools and a select few up the ante with their own private beaches, which make it feel like the entire island is all your own.

Seafood at the resort is spectacularly fresh (no surprise there), whether it’s in the form of Mediterranean cuisine at the romantic Deep End Restaurant or Pan-Asian delights at the beachfront 24 Degrees. Dine at the latter if you want to enjoy a meal with the sun on your face or at the cheerful Poolside Bar and Restaurant for finger food and an upbeat social scene. Equator Bar’s patio has unbeatable views at sunset and an impressive vintage wine list alongside cocktails, cigars and shisha.

Paying a visit to Jiva Spa should be high on your to-do list once you’ve gotten yourself settled at the resort. There, a lengthy menu consists of numerous time-honoured Indian traditions that soothe and reinvigorate, alongside an ample list of Ayurveda therapies. A number of the spa’s treatments also incorporate a yoga component, making for truly holistic experiences.

The aquatic wonderland surrounding the island begs to be explored, and there are seemingly infinite ways to experience it both above the water and below. An engaging kid’s program keeps the resort’s littlest guests entertained while their parents parasail, scuba dive and snorkel in the crystalline waters. Of course, you can also choose to spend your days merely lounging on the picture-perfect beaches – in a setting as pretty as this one, who could blame you for doing just that?