Villa Park, Sun Island

Overview

Days at this hotel are spent scoffing down fruit-loaded acai bowls, dining in the treetops (we said what we said), and bathing in a bubbling cauldron of petals and herbs known as a 'pot tub.' And no, that isn't a typo for 'hot tub' - it's known as a kawa bath - a deeply-restoring ritual to calm the mind and ease muscle aches. There's also a mini club for the kiddos with a big, open space that puts the usual shed/tent-like clubs to shame, and even workouts are fun at this place - with LED-lit studios and thumping beats for the ultimate cardio-rave sesh. That's the kind of holiday workout we can get behind.

Location

• Directly along the beach, and it's a good'un (we know our beaches)

• 20 minutes from Velana International Airport, via domestic flight

Rooms

• There are 13 different villa types to pick from, and they're all super-spacious, super-fancy and super-comfy, so you'll probably never want to leave. Well, until you see what's outside, that is...

• Villas come with at least one of the following:

  • Sundeck

  • Ocean access

  • Beach access

  • Sunset view

• General amenities include air conditioning, FREE Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee facilities.

Food and Drink

• Maaniya - a place for Beach Villa guests to dine in the open air from morning 'til evening

• Sun Star Thai Restaurant - overlooking the peaceful lagoon with an authentic Thai menu - open from 11AM 'til 10PM

• Al Pontile - an Italian-style menu (yep, pizza, pasta and all the good stuff), served with a side of sunset views to die for

• Southern Star - a place to eat right along the beachfront, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner

• ZERO - a unique treetop dining experience hidden deep in the tropical jungle with wooden decks and rope bridges

• La Tropicana - head down the beach for a healthy alternative to a buffet breakfast, with vibrant bowls of fruit, smoothies and acai bowls, open all day with a daily-changing menu

• Teppanyaki Restaurant - we like to call this place a 'food theatre,' because it's part-restaurant, part-show, when you watch your food get cooked on the grill right in front of you. Oh, and the beach is right there, too. What a combo.

• Main Bar - the 24-hour poolside bar where all the action happens, with live music and entertainment in the evenings

• Coffee Shop - get your caffeine fix in a jiffy at this 24-hour coffee shop, with ethically-sourced products and Deluxe Coffeeworks beans

• Beach bar - a place for the sun-worshippers and watersports enthusiasts to refuel

• Garden Bar - Monty Don would be all over this place. It's right near the gold course and the 'Green Fingers' garden, perfect for a quiet cocktail or a bite to eat

• Pool Bar - swim up, order your fave drink and enjoy!

Sports and Entertainment

• Outdoor pool - dunk in, practice your breaststroke or just flop down on one of the surrounding sun loungers to soak it all in

• Land sports - from basketball and beach volley to badminton, table tennis, billiards, darts, football, tennis and golf!

• Watersports - when in the Maldives, right? Try your hand at diving, windsurfing, canoeing, waterskiing, sea-bobbing (as cute as it sounds - dive beneath the water with a hand-held scooter) and more

• Kids' club - there's a splash pool for the kiddos and a bright, airy play centre with games, craft stations and even a 'nap lounge'! We're jealous.

• Fitness centre - decked out with LED lights and thumping beats for a workout you won't forget

• Spa treatments - take a deep breath and enter pure relaxation mode with one of the hotel's traditional treatments

• Pot Tub - wander down the secret path, and then sit back and relax in a hot tub filled with petals and herbs - the perfect way to put your body and mind at ease

• Coconut Craft Hut - join the neighbourhood coconut craftsman for a workshop that'll have you turning  a classic coconut shell into kitchen utensils, candle holders and even jewellery!

• Gardening - over at Green Fingers garden, you can get involved by planting your very own coconut palm or mango tree, to help the hotel with its eco-friendly journey. Who knows, if you come back in a year's time, you might be able to check in on your little leafy friend!

Transfers to the Maldives hotels are from Male International Airport via either domestic aircraft, seaplane, or speedboat. Luggage allowance varies depending on transfer type:

• Domestic aircraft (20kg hold luggage and 5kg hand luggage)

• Seaplane (20kg hold luggage and 5kg hand luggage)

• Speedboat (No luggage restrictions)

Immediately upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by either airport or hotel staff, who will escort you to your transfer departure point, and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding transfers and timings. Please note that other flight arrivals or sudden changes in weather might mean you need to wait up to 3 hours before boarding the transfer.

If you’re travelling via seaplane, flights can only operate between 09:00 and 15:00. If you land in Male after 15:00, or if there are any sudden weather changes, you’ll need to stay overnight in an airport hotel. Don’t worry – if this is the case then we’ll be in touch to make the arrangements. It’s also worth noting that, like most holiday transfers, seaplanes will stop at multiple resorts on the way.