Dubai Delights & Maldives Magic
Combine Dubai’s soaring skyscrapers and innumerable attractions with stays at two of the Maldives’ most glamorous and architecturally stunning resorts.
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Days 1-3
Dubai
Arrive and transfer to The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai for a three-night stay, a low-rise Mediterranean-style hotel set on one of the most sought-after stretches of sand in Dubai. Spend the next couple of days unwinding at the resort or exploring local attractions.
Cruise down Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow; follow the smell of saffron, chilies and frankincense to the Spice Souk; take a guided tour of the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque; ascend to the top of the Burj Khalifa; or head out into the desert for off-road adventures and wonderful opportunities to learn about Bedouin culture. Shoppers can head to the glittering Gold Souk or the vast Dubai Mall. Foodies should book ahead for one of Dubai’s growing number of Michelin-star restaurants. While families will find fun and excitement at the city’s many waterparks, or at indoor skydive centre, iFly Dubai. -
Days 4-7
Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Transfer to Dubai airport for your flight to the Madlives. Upon arrival in Malé, you’ll be met and transferred by Bentley to the seaplane terminal for your onward flight to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, where you’ll stay for four nights. Sandwiched between two house reefs in the Dhaalu Atoll, the resort occupies its own private island of lush rainforest and white-sand beaches. On the lagoon, villas open out onto sweeping wooden decks with opalescent plunge pools and hammocks strung out above the water. Beach villas are A-frame with soaring ceilings and outdoor showers shaded by swaying palms.
The ocean, of course, takes centre stage here, with everything from snorkelling and diving to windsurfing, kayaking and deep-sea fishing available through the watersports centre. Back on dry land, the Iridium Spa offers an incredible range of massages and body scrubs, with tennis, yoga and jumping fitness available for those keen to stay a little more active. Come evening, head to the iconic Whale Bar for sundowners – which looks like the enormous mammal it’s named after, mouth gaping wide towards the sea – before dining at one of the resort’s many exquisite restaurants. We especially recommend the Japanese Kaiseki-style cuisine at beachfront restaurant T•Pan and the freshly made pizzas served at Crust & Craft. -
Days 8-11
North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Return by seaplane to Malé and enjoy a speedboat transfer to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, one of the most strikingly designed resorts in recent memory. It’s part of the ambitious Fari Islands project – a four-island, man-made archipelago in the North Malé Atoll that includes another Lusso favourite, Patina Maldives. In a destination where visitors are usually confined to magnificent but isolated retreats, being able to hop between islands via a complimentary shuttle service is a major USP.
Other draws include The Ritz-Carlton’s halo-shaped spa that floats above the lagoon at one end of the resort, and the gorgeous beach and overwater villas, which shun the Maldives’ usual thatch-roof aesthetic in favour of circular designs with half-moon decks and teardrop-shaped plunge pools. Fabulous dining options include Cantonese restaurant Summer Pavilion, whose food stands shoulder to shoulder with its Michelin-starred, Singapore-based namesake, and Arabesque, where full-flavoured dishes from across the Middle East are served in outdoor booths inspired by Bedouin tents. Take a speedboat back to Malé on day 11 in time to catch your flight home.
