LUX* North Male Atoll, Maldives

We were intrigued when the LUX* Collective announced the opening of a brand new 5-star luxury resort in North Male atoll. From our experience, LUX* usually delivers quality in terms of accommodation, dining, service and of course the signature touches found at all of their 4-star and entry-level 5-star properties to date.

LUX* North Male Atoll is a brave next step, both as a challenge in the fiercely competitive high-end luxury segment, and as a statement property bringing, in their own words, ‘a mixture of superyacht panache and a South Beach vibe’ to the Indian Ocean.

The resort is about as far from traditional Maldivian as it’s possible to be - not a thatched roof in sight. Instead guests can look forward to a selection of large, white, penthouse style residences (on island and over water) with one, two or three bedrooms, perfect for families and couples alike, each with an innovative rooftop deck (although perhaps not great for your neighbours from a privacy point of view) as well as a main ground deck and private pool. An Island Host will be assigned for the stay on a shared basis.

The island of Olhahali on which LUX* NMA is built was originally only two hectares so land was reclaimed on both sides to create a larger six hectare site. As such, the centre (original land) is still lush with mature vegetation and palms. Elsewhere the vegetation is pretty thin and sparse as is common with a new resort. Extensive landscaping and planting in these areas will help with proper privacy levels between the villas, and improved aesthetics overall, in the months to come.

Pretty lagoons stretch away from both sunrise and sunset sides of the island, with the house reef drop off on the Eastern and Southern sides offering plenty to see (we spotted sharks, turtles, octopus and a rich variety of other marine life). Note that the location near to the atoll rim mean that currents can be strong in the channels, so as always, take advice from the dive centre and always buddy-up. Less confident snorkellers will find lots to enjoy amongst the coral gardens in the lagoon, or in company on the daily dhoni excursions.

The food is high quality, as we’ve learned to expect from LUX*, whether dining in Glow main restaurant, Beach Rouge or INTI the signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant (we recommend the ceviche selection platter). The wine selection is reassuringly extensive.

Beach Rouge has top international DJs mixing the tunes at lunchtimes, late afternoon and evening, contributing to the very chilled, dress-code free, barefoot, beach chic vibe.

The spacious villas, and dining options are further enhanced by a large range of facilities - trademark Cafe LUX*, overwater gym, yoga pavilion, PADI dive centre, water sports, billiard beach lounge, boutique, photo studio, art gallery, a floodlit tennis court and of course the signature LUX* Me Spa. For guests with their own yacht or arriving by private boat, the resort also has a marina.

Whilst not for the Maldives traditionalists, those who can afford it, who love contemporary design, style, and a touch of glamour, are bound to be wowed by this impressive offering from LUX*.

With a marketing strapline of 'minimal travel, maximum luxury', LUX* North Male Atoll will disrupt the Maldivian mould - instead of traditional thatched villas, the resort will offer over-sized one, two and three-bedroom penthouse-style residences with a vibrant South Beach influence.

Elegantly styled by Singapore-based design group Miaja, each curvaceous pavilion promises its own private pool, breezy indoor-outdoor living spaces and wraparound decking. All of the double-storey beachfront and ocean villas will boast a living area of at least 350sqm and, on top, a 120sqm private deck/terrace elevated at 5 metres above the island or lagoon. Five of the Overwater Residences will also have a private yacht-docking facility at the villa terrace!

Consider this setting a new benchmark for pampering Indian Ocean holidays and honeymoons; this lavish one-hotel island retreat forms part of the most significant developments since the group’s rebranding a few years ago, creating a different kind of luxury; hospitality that is Lighter. Brighter.

Construction of the new five-star, 67-villa luxury fantasy-island resort started in September 2014 and the resort opened in February 2019. The original LUX* Maldives resort is now named LUX* South Ari Atoll.

Resort features include an overwater spa, PADI dive centre and watersports, an ocean-view rooftop bar, big-screen cinema, SONOS sound and streaming, and a yoga plinth.

Two world-class restaurants, signature LUX* Beach Rouge, Café LUX*, the bar and wine cave complete the offering.

Just an hour by speedboat from Malé and its international airport, LUX* North Malé Atoll is only 31 nautical miles (56 kilometres) north of the capital.