The W retreat, Maldives

A sophisticated luxury playground with the “ “Whatever-Whenever-Where ever” W attitude.

Your experience begins at the W lounge at Male International airport before boarding your seaplane to the pristine Island of Fesdu, a retreat from the rest of the world and renowned for its dive sites.

The “W” features six gourmet eateries and cocktail bars, an overwater rejuvenation spa with indoor and outdoor treatment areas and a fantastic variety of ocean adventures.

The “retreats” are bi-level beachfront and overwater villas that let indoor and outdoor mingle; roofs with peek-a-boo views of the sky and glass-panelled floors that reveal lagoon fauna below. Each features state of the art sound system, plasma screen, indoor & outdoor living area, plunge pools and day beds for lolling in the lap of luxury.

08 Nights:

01 Night Holiday Inn Male

07 Nights The W Maldives Ocean Oasis Lagoon View Retreat with breakfast
Economy airfare Sydney/Male/Sydney via Singapore
All transfers from airport to Hotel & return in Male
Sea Plane Male to The W and return

Our Editor interviewed our concierge client, Mrs Stephanie O’Connor about her experiences at The W Retreat in the Maldives.

The decision?

• This was left to friends with whom we have travelled previously and whose taste we trust implicitly. The aim was a rejuvenating and sociable break.

Arriving?

• Getting to the resort was not so straightforward, but sometimes getting to a place where there are no crowds must involve a little effort. We used an airline that offered us an excellent deal and an acceptable schedule. We never put price over convenience.

The accommodation?

• Our suites were the best located on the reef, sumptuous and private. 146 square metres of bliss that exceeded all expectations.

The Spa?

• We made fairly regular use of the spa. The set up was simple but effective and relaxing.

Other facilities?

• The yoga sessions were well run and a real tonic whilst the gym was reasonably well-equipped but small. Four of us were granted a private gym session at a time to suit us. There were diving facilities but that was not our cup of tea.

The food?

• All the meals I would rate as world class. In fact, breakfasts were unbelievably good. Happily we could sometimes shun company and eat privately in our room.

What did you most enjoy?

• The most memorable elements of the holiday were the staff, their consistently high level of service, the sumptuous suite facilities and private decks. Then there were the “sweet spots” around the resort where you could top up your drinks and have a “treat” at any time.

A return trip?

• We would return in a heartbeat, and perhaps stay half the time at this resort and half at Taj Exotica. Both resorts were a cut above anything similar we have experienced in the Pacific region. The Taj Exotica spa facilities seemed to be another notch above the W. From the welcome to its sophisticated ambience, it remains a lure for our next visit to the Maldives.

Just how relaxing ?

• All of us in the group intended to do some work during the 10 days away but only half of us really made an attempt. That says something about the quality of the experience.

Was this trip value-for-money?

• I can say unequivocally that the resort was excellent value for money and I have already talked some friends into substituting the W and the Maldives for a planned New York sojourn.

For information & package details for the W retreat, Maldives please contact Guy Batten on 1800 047047 or email him at: gbatten@conciergetraveller.com.au

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