A group of islands stretching some 600 km in length (similar in size to a country like Portugal) make up a tourist paradise where soft white sandy beaches combine with an ocean that can change color from sky blue to turquoise on a whim and unmatched natural beauty. We are describing the Maldive Islands, to the south of Sri Lanka in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

There is no better way to enjoy all of this than in one of its most luxurious resorts, the One&Only Reethi Rah, which is 35 km from the capital of Male, and has a unique and exquisite style. It is set in a landscape of such breathtaking beauty that the designers were at pains to ensure that it can be appreciated from all parts of the complex, whether you are in one of its 130 villa style rooms, the restaurant, bar or pool.

However while the One&Only Reethi Rah’s charms owe much to the views of its surroundings, they naturally do not end here. How could you fail to be entranced by the abundance of natural species, crystal clear water, a temperature of 24°C and a sky of permanent blue? Other hotels can offer similarly spectacular attractions to its visitors but the Reethi Rah has ambitions to go even further, to offer its guests the very essence of luxury and tropical elegance within its walls, spoiling them with a unique experience for both body and spirit.

All of the hotel’s areas and each of its services were created in order to fulfill this objective. This starts with the villas, discretely distributed so as to ensure privacy for the hotel’s guests. 98 are located on the beach itself, while the 32 remainders face onto the lagoon which is incorporated into the hotel’s design. They are all exquisitely appointed, offering not only spacious accommodation, which appears to open up onto their natural surroundings, but also decoration of the most exquisite detailing, where each element is both useful as well as making its own contribution to the finished masterpiece.

Each villa provides sleeping accommodation as well as a living area equipped with the latest entertainment technology. In addition they boast a balcony that is perfect for sunbathing, and a bathroom cleverly located on the terrace. Imagine taking a refreshing shower, while feeling that you are the only person on the planet – something like Robinson Crusoe, but with more style!

Some of the villas have additional attractions, some with their own private pools and others laid out as duplexes, ideal for couples travelling with children and which also have separate dining and living areas.

The One&Only Reethi Rah’s other charms lie beyond its accommodations and in first place without any doubt comes the pool, which reaches towards the horizon and at some point appears to become one with the ocean. Its 30 meter length offers more surprises for guests relaxing in its refreshing waters. These include a bubble bed where words like “relax” or “sunbathe” take on a whole new meaning, a generous Jacuzzi and some small islets that all combine to make this a pool like no other that you have ever swum in.

As we continue with this tour focused on refreshment for body and spirit, the next stop has to be the spa. Like the pool, it boasts unique styling. Where else could you find a 9,500 square meter facility surrounded by tropical gardens and covered with turf that gives the impression of walking on a luxury carpet? Eight villas house facilities providing luxury treatments with natural healing therapies.

Even the architecture of the villas contributes to the relaxation of the guests, as they are built using materials local to the islands such as straw, bamboo and wood. They are surrounded by terraces laid out in Batu Chandi stone, where Ayurvedic inspired therapies can be enjoyed.

This exotic and relaxing environment is complemented by the rooms where crystal therapies are offered, by the saunas, stimulating ice fountains and showers that give the feeling of being embraced by a tropical downpour. The final touch is provided by the exclusive spa menu offering only the healthiest delicacies, and the relaxing shelters on the beach. All of these facilities combine to make the spa at the One&Only Reethi Rah one of the most popular attractions for travelers who enjoy luxury, reaching the point where last March it was named the best in the world by the English version of Traveler magazine.

The hotel itself was also similarly recognized in 2007, thanks not only to its rooms and spa, but also to its restaurants which are able to meet the most varied of tastes. The Reethi operates an open kitchen, so that diners can enjoy watching the chef preparing dishes that combine the flavors of Asia and the Mediterranean. The Tapasake pays tribute to the best of Japanese cuisine and offers a menu of dishes prepared with ingredients that arrive daily from Tokyo and Osaka. The beach side Fanditha, guarantees an exotic atmosphere featuring Arab style sofas and bamboo hammocks from where guests can enjoy a wide variety of meats and salads. Meals served in each of the restaurants can be enjoyed with wines from California, Austria or South Africa. The One&Only Reethi Rah boasts an 18,000 bottle wine cellar which is ready to delight the noses and palates of the most discerning diner. However, do not worry; if you are not a wine connoisseur, the hotel has seven sommeliers ready to advice on the best choice to accompany your meal. This is just one more proof that the Hotel One&Only Reethi Rah is the ultimate expression of luxury and style, available to you for only US$780 per night.

For more information visit the web page www.oneandonlybrand.com