Virtual Vacation: Maalifushi in the Maldives

1234567_52221792_Water_Villa_PoolWhen hotelier Christina Ong launched Parrot Cay in the late 90s she set the standard for the luxe island wellness retreat. Her latest property is Maalifushi, in the pristine Thaa Atoll of the Maldives . A 20-acre island with 66 beautifully serene rooms and COMO resorts’ signature Shambala wellness spa, it sounds like the perfect place for all the re’s– renew, revive, reconnect relax, recharge….

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1234567_53433548_Garden_Suite_Bedroom 1234567_52221800_Garden_Suite_Bedroom_and_Dining Japanese designer Koichiro Ikebuchi made the rooms into serene escapes with a soft palette and natural materials.

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The Garden Rooms have lovely plunge pools set against a lush backdrop.

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Plunge pools on the decks of the overwater bungalows.

1234567_53433911_spa_treatment_room_b_FINALOne of the 8 overwater spa treatment rooms. Probably one of the most amazing places to get a massage anywhere.

1234567_57275921_Madi_All_Day_Dining_RestaurantTheir take on dining?  “local seafood that’s so fresh, we serve it as sushi and sashimi at our Japanese restaurant, Tai, as well as organic produce rendered in healthy, all-day dining at Madi, Thila, and on our COMO Shambhala menus.”

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All images Courtesy of Maalifushi. The hotel opens officially in June 2014.