Highlights of the Month: North Island, Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island & Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

By Marilyne Morin, Founder of IMPACT M, Marketing & PR Consultancy.

About the author: Marilyne is a purpose-driven business leader with more than 15 years’ experience in Marketing, Public Relations, Branding, Digital and Corporate Communications. Having worked for a wide range of businesses in the fields of hospitality and tourism, arts and culture, events, entertainment, beauty and healthcare, she has a vast expertise and is driven by connecting emotionally brand personalities with their audiences. Her creativity, passion, and the unique stories she can unfold have allowed her to conduct successful communication campaigns worldwide.

Handpicked island getaways 

A unique selection of some of the best Indian Ocean retreats and what makes them so special…

North Island

A secluded tropical paradise in the Seychelles

Located 30 kilometres away from the main island of Mahé, North Island is a secluded exclusive private island where luxury meets sustainability. Its pristine white beaches surround a tropical interior of coconut palms and takamaka trees. North Island is a testament to environmentally friendly architecture, harmoniously blending with its surroundings.

Its 11 Villas, individually handcrafted from wood, local stone, and glass, capture the essence of “barefoot luxury.” Each spacious Presidential Villa, measuring 450 sqm, boasts a master bedroom, a second bedroom/lounge, and a kitchenette.

The fully retracting sliding doors open onto private plunge pools with sala, offering a private outdoor sanctuary.

The Piazza on East Beach is the natural focal point of the island and the hub for land and marine activities, from scuba diving in the world’s longest coral reef system to snorkelling and sea kayaking.

Adjacent to this vibrant centre is a charming library built from coral blocks and the lounge and dining areas offering breathtaking views of the sea and mountains, while a walkway leads to the wine cellar and a private dining room.

The culinary experience at North Island spans Créole, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, and English influences, with daily menus based on the latest island harvest.

Further up the mountain, the 45m long pool offers magnificent views. The island’s spa, set against the backdrop of turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, provides unique treatments tailored to guests’ needs.

North Island’s commitment to sustainability is exemplified through its “Noah’s Ark” concept, which aims to rehabilitate natural habitats and reintroduce critically endangered Seychelles fauna and flora.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

A Stunning Contemporary Island Retreat

This all-villa luxury resort stands out for its spectacular location, tucked away in the crystalline turquoise waters of the North Malé Atoll, just 55 minutes by speedboat, or 15 minutes by sea plane from Malé Airport. The Jumeirah Maldives resort’s panoramic architecture and calming interiors create an elegant contemporary ambiance in harmony with the natural environment, echoing modern Mediterranean chic – a design that sets it apart from the rest.

Each of the 67 residences are bathed in natural light with floor to ceiling windows framing the panoramic views of the palm fringed beaches and endless ocean vistas.

These contemporary island retreats offer spacious luxury living starting from 350sqm for a one-bedroom villa.

A first for the Maldives, each residence is crowned with a 120sqm roof terrace – a magnificent private deck overlooking the lagoon, from which guests have a unique perspective to marvel over the island’s beauty.

Guests can indulge in flavour-packed menus across a range of culinary experiences around the island. Shimmers, a Mediterranean gem, offers alfresco dining with ocean views and live music.

KAYTO tantalizes taste buds with a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese ‘Nikkei’ cuisine, while Glow serves international dishes in a stunning oceanfront setting.

The globally renowned Talise Spa, with its six overwater treatment rooms, is a haven for wellness with a range of therapeutic and re-energising treatments.

For active pursuits, guests can experience a wealth of water and land activities at the resort, from paddleboarding to waterskiing, or tennis to beach volleyball, and an indulgent infinity pool. Families can enjoy a waterpark, indoor play area, and beachside cinema.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

A Twin Island Of Authentic Barefoot Luxury

Nestled in the picturesque South Ari Atoll, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers a secluded paradise accessible via a 30-minute scenic seaplane flight or a short domestic flight followed by a speedboat, or a chartered yacht transfer. The resort offers three villa locations across the atoll, each featuring indoor-outdoor living that harmonizes with the environment.

Villas and suites with infinity pools, personal spa rooms, and Indian Ocean views provide utmost privacy.

Dotted above the waves or tucked amongst the tropical greenery, with beach, water or spa locations, each setting allows guests the opportunity to connect with nature and the Maldivian culture.

The iconic Muraka is the world-first undersea residence with a dedicated tunnel viewing theatre and three bedrooms including a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below the Indian Ocean.

Gastronomic excellence awaits with award-winning restaurants, including the world’s first undersea dining experience, Ithaa, with panoramic coral garden views and fusion menus matched with fine wine.

Guests can indulge in beachside dining events like the Fisherman’s Barbecue Dinner and the Lobster & Champagne Night.

The resort also boasts the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar where 18,000 bottles of wine are expertly preserved, offering the perfect setting for a six-course paired degustation menu. The Spa Retreat offers nine treatment rooms, some with private pavilions, saunas, steam rooms, and Jacuzzi.

Poised over the pristine waters surrounding the twin islands, the Over Water Spa is the epitome of the resort’s barefoot luxury philosophy. Conrad Maldives also offers unforgettable active experiences, including diving courses and excursions, with an abundance of fish, coral, turtles, rays and sharks waiting to be discovered.