W Retreat & Spa Maldives

In the luxury hotels enigmatically called “W” the Starwood Group’s emphasises a confident, youthful brand—focused on fun, recreation and music. For us, the conscious service and attention to the smallest of details define the W Maldives’ experience.

At W the brand augmentation is impressively consistent. The Futura-typeface-inspired letter W’s ubiquitous presence extends from the iconic sculpture which adorns the resort’s welcome jetty, to a stamp pressed into freshly folded toiled paper rolls and a shape sandblasted on window panels. But the resort’s attention to detail goes well beyond the “W”.

Sensory indulgence

Everything you expect from a top Maledivian resort is here: infinity pool, gorgeous villas, excellent restaurants, fully equipped water sports centre, beautifully designed spa (which also has a hair salon), fitness centre… the list could go on.

But W has also things not many other places can boast: a luxury two-cabin yacht, one of the best house reefs in the Maldives (trust us, we checked out quite a few by now), underground nightclub—or even a small private island, which can be yours alone for a night.

Our smallest faves were kiosks scattered around the island—”Sweet Spots”—stocked with ice cream, drinks and sun lotion, free to grab whenever we liked (which fits the W’s Whatever/Whenever promise of fulfilling guests’ wishes at any time).

Art of the villa

It needs to be said that the resort’s water villas (Ocean Oasis) are simply gorgeous. Set in wonderfully blue shallows, their decks indulge with a private pool, beautiful daybed and gazebo while inside, a glass section in the floor let guests enjoy marine life even at night-time.

All villas though enjoy a great deal of space, comfy king beds and gadgets with entertainment system—and the Beach Oasis villas have an added benefit of a first-floor lounge.

Our experience

This self-described “luxury playground” serves an exquisite Maldivian dream: fun, games and sports offered in a package of natural beauty, amplified by meticulous maintenance and cutting-edge design. It’s a perfectly fine-tuned experience.

W spoiled us and indulged our senses, to the point that, for the precious few days, we felt as if there was nothing else in the world but this tiny island, with swaying palms, beautiful design and architecture… and ice cream.

in our opinion

Marketed as for couples only, W Maldives is perfect for anybody who appreciates a young vibe, good design and fashionable music. It's sexy, seriously indulgent and eminently luxurious: the Editor's Pick is well-deserved.

Photos by T+S

What we love

• Uber-stylish design and strong brand, permeating—and in many ways defining—the entire hotel experience. Every detail here is thoughtfully designed and planned, including hip names and quirky ideas (like “Meet your match” on branded matchboxes);
• Chic over-water sunset bar—a perfect example of the fun and happening, but not overwhelming approach from W;
• Music everywhere—and of the most excellent blend, mixed by the resident DJ. As all other elements of W, it is yet another carefully planned element of the experience (the mood of the tunes suits time of the day);
• Fesdu is a small island but it is hard to get bored, especially if you are into diving and snorkelling. The house reef is fantastic, one of the best in Maldives—certainly the best we snorkelled over;
• Very professional yet relaxed personnel, all with a can-do attitude;
• Very well kept, maticulously maintained grounds;
• Just wonderful villas, especially the over-water ones;
• Fantastic overwater spa and great toiletries by Bliss in the villas;
• Underground club—the space is somewhat limited, but it's the real thing!
• Great breakfast buffet selection—and tables sunken in pool! That's not a gimmick mind you, it really does feel great to have feet cooled by water in the morning heat;
• The hotel has more great ideas. Underwater wedding, anyone? Followed by an overnight stay on a tiny private island just for the newlyweds? Yep.

What you should know

• This is an adults-only hotel, so families with young children are not admitted (“not suited for guests below the age of 13”);
• The “music everywhere” concept might not be for people who go to Maldives seeking tranquility;
• There is 24/7 doctor on site;
• Transport is dependent on the weather and there are no night flights to Male. It also means sometimes long wait in the W's private transfer lounge. It's pleasant enough though!
• The beach villas are less private. A neighbour can peak to your courtyard from the upstairs lounge area.