Island Hideaway was my first experience of a “high-end” resort in the Maldives and at it's best, really has the secluded white sand, wooded panelled, getaway-from-it attitude that people perhaps dream about finding in the Maldives. With it's own island harbour in which guests can moor their yachts up to – for an additional lease fee – the resort sets out its stall as such. Think a sort of a desert-island oasis with a good cellar and that is all you may need to know. Rather than rich with activities and entertainment, the emphasis is on guests to escape into their own properties and personal little plots of beach – albeit with the assistance of an individual trained butler serving each property on the island. The staff - for the brief time I spent there - were very helpful, even offering to bring and serve freshly prepared meals from a great a-la-carte within the comfort of your own properties. The resort does have special evenings such as on the beach buffet evenings with specific themes like Mediterranean or “Maldivian” and the community sense among the staff I met was quite strong, with special post-breakfast beach clean ups for employees – as well as an opt in muffins and coffee service free of charge that is brought to your door for those who prefer breakfast in bed.

Accomadation

The accommodation as perhaps shown in it's price of around US$800 – US$1000 is top-end and ranges in size and scope, though effectively serve as air conditioned, light breezy homes – replete with dining rooms and bedrooms – all hidden away in the large amount of vegetation. The More grand accomadation, which comes with a bar and serving area within it's own pool, has a very old world sense of luxury, trying in to the close to nature-design of the overall resort. The private beach areas, though beautiful and sandy are next to the island's impressive lagoon, meaning the waters can be uncomfortable for those looking to frolic around in rather than snorkel. The resort can however boast specially equipped spa rooms situated over the sea that are designed to allow guests to view the clear blue waters as they are massaged.

Strengths in weakness

That said, it's strengths may also serve as Island Hideaway's weaknesses for some. Requiring a domestic flight of around an hour in duration from Male', it is a great way to see the local waters and feels really far from civilisation and even other islands. This adds to the feel of luxury and seclusion, though the resort is extremely quiet and tranquil – activities are therefore limited. With a fine selection of foods and drinks, it is by no means a budget option and it is perhaps best suited for people with a strong capacity for restful indulgence.