Trip Advisor, the well-regarded independent travel Web site, has named the Hilton Maldives as its best luxury hotel in the world for 2007. The unique resort, located about 300 miles from the southern tip of India, is also an excellent and private honeymoon destination, with private over-water bungalow, secluded white sand beaches, and spectacular ocean vistas in every direction.
The Hilton Maldives is set on two islands and is reached via a half-hour flight from the Maldives’ capital city, Male. (Male – pronounced mah-lee – is accessible via connections from major European airports, including London’s Heathrow airport.) The accommodations here are private, overwater bungalows, connected to the shore via cedar plank walkways. These thatched units boast luxury amenities, such as a round, rotating bed with water views from three sides; air-conditioning; a flat-screen TV; a Bose stereo system; a kitchenette; a full living room with a glass-bottom floor; and a round, ocean-view Jacuzzi tub for two. Did I mention the view?
Features of the Hilton Maldives Resort include the world’s first underwater restaurant, Ithaa, a full spa, a fitness room, tennis courts, a boutique and jewelry store, and miles of pristine, white powdery sand beach.
Rates at the Hilton Maldives Resort start at $500 per night. See the hotel’s Web site (http://www1.hilton.com/) for more information.
Note: the Hilton Maldives Resort is changing its name to the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort in December of 2007. Conrad is the premium brand of the Hilton hotel chain.