Alila Kothaifaru Maldives opens in...

The all-pool-villa resort is surrounded by marine life

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, a private island retreat located in the Raa Atoll at the northern edge of the archipelago.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives can be reached via a 45-minute seaplane journey from the Maldives capital, Malé.

As one of the deeper atolls in the archipelago, Raa Atoll offers snorkelling and diving among colourful corals, manta rays and sharks. The resort offers easy access to the famous Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and is close to Vaadhoo Island, one of the best spots to witness the ‘Sea of Stars’ phenomenon in which billions of phytoplankton micro-organisms generate light in the water.

The resort’s elegant minimalist architecture by Singapore-based Studiogoto encompasses terraced pavilions, villas and a treetop spa that are all carefully integrated into the existing landscape to immerse guests in the natural surroundings.

The resort comprises 80 pool villas, with 44 along the beach and 36 perched overwater

Where to Eat
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers a variety of culinary experiences including Umami, serving Japanese-inspired dishes featuring organically grown vegetables, Wagyu beef and sustainably sourced seafood; Seasalt, the resort’s beachside all-day dining restaurant, serving coastal Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern influences, and Mirus Bar offering drinks inspired by the spice trade routes and made with ingredients from the resort’s own herb garden.

Mirus Bar

Romantic Excursions
Guests dreaming of an ultimate castaway experience can set sail in a traditional Maldivian dhoni on a two- to three-hour journey around the Raa Atoll before returning to the resort’s private sandbank, The Shack, for a gourmet picnic, a sunset barbecue or a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars.

Island Wellness
A wide range of water activities and excursions organised through the expert marine guides at the resort’s Water Sports and Dive Centre are available. The resort’s wellness offering also includes a complimentary daily yoga session, a 24-hour fitness centre and a beachfront infinity pool.

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Nestled just above the treetops, Spa Alila features four double treatment suites, all with private bathrooms, where guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and beauty rituals that put a contemporary spin on ancient healing techniques with natural ingredients.

Play Alila, a dedicated play and learning space aims to keep young guests entertained with toys, games and supervised indoor and outdoor activities.

Future Prospects
Speaking about the launch, Hyatt Asia-Pacific group president David Udell said: “As countries continue to open up and travel confidence grows, we look forward to welcoming guests to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives for a memorable getaway in what we hope will become the centrepiece of Raa Atoll.

“We’re delighted to add this beautiful resort in the Maldives to our growing Alila portfolio, with new Alila hotels opening in sought-after destinations such as Suzhou and Shanghai in China and Nha Trang in Vietnam coming in the future.”

For more information www.alilahotels.com/kothaifaru-maldives#