No other place on earth is like the Maldives. It is no coincidence that this destination has become a byword for exotics, luxury, tranquillity and privacy. All the elite hotel brands are represented here – for every taste and every pocket. However, there are those who do not rely on clichés, but give freedom to fantasy by slightly changing the concept of “holiday in the Maldives”. With flair and imagination, The Standard hotel chain gives a new interpretation of the luxury experience here. Freshness, freedom and friendliness – that is the feeling at this beautiful and picturesque resort that pleasantly surprises its guests.
The beautiful five-star resort completely redefines the romantic clichés of a Maldives holiday. It redefines their meaning by giving its own interpretation and option on how to have a great time in this tropical paradise. Originating in the US, the brand has stellar Hollywood roots, conquering cities such as New York, Miami and London, The Standard brings a rare sense of unusual cool to the Maldives. The resort is for those who prefer a bath with a big disco ball on top, rather than candles and rose petals in the bath or bedroom.
It is a tradition for hotels in the Maldives to welcome guests with fresh coconut to drink. Certainly not at The Standard. Instead, coconut ice cream is handed out on arrival, packaged in red ice cream tubes branded with an inverted hotel logo. Naturally, this is a Maldives resort doing things differently – the typical cream and thatched roofs of the region have been replaced with brightly coloured wall paintings and floats in neon pink. This playful atmosphere attracts an international mix of not only couples and families, but also groups of friends and partygoers. Everyone gathers on the beach in the evening to drink orange and cinnamon piña coladas while a DJ plays cool house music, awaiting the dramatic floral sunset over the island.
The first The Standard hotel opens with fanfare and A-list stars, and a reputation for sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, on LA’s iconic Sunset Strip in the late 90s. Andre Balash was the driving force behind the project, and Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz were among the original investors. Since then, the boutique brand has expanded to the liveliest locations – The High Line and East Village in New York, Miami, London and Ibiza, Thailand, Vietnam, and soon Brussels, Lisbon and Dublin. In 2019, the brand is unveiling a fresh-faced resort in the centre of the natural island of Huruwali, in Raa Atoll, as New York-based Matthew GoodRich transforms an old hotel through vibrant colours and large-scale artwork by the emblematic artist, calligrapher and designer Rostarr.
Approaching the villas over the water from the island, each exterior features different shades of sunset – yellow, orange and pink. As you leave the villas, the exterior walls are cool tones of blue and green. This clever trick is just one example of The Standard’s exuberant temperament. Another is found in the villas’ outdoor bathrooms, where a large disco ball stands over a large bathtub that looks more like a round kiddie pool. Glass-bottomed floors in the over-water villas mean you can wave to the friendly reef sharks. The beds, on the other hand, with neon pink lining are backed by an ‘activity wall’ including white snorkels, life jackets and a matching neon pink life belt. Instead of the typical sandy-toned decorations of shells, clams and crabs – typical of the region – the rooms have a cheerful sunny-yellow wall and a white ukulele table. Outside, the infinity pool, with Jacuzzi, looks out over the ocean or lagoon – for total privacy, choose an ocean-view villa. The beach villas also offer good privacy, nestled among palm trees.
Mornings start with freshly cooked eggs, tropical fruits and proper coffee covered in exquisite foam at the cool waterfront all-day restaurant Kula. Or you can order at your villa, or more accurately, at your villa’s pool, a full breakfast served on a floating breakfast tray. For dinner, the options are equally colourful – either on the beach or over the water. At the waterfront BBQ Shack restaurant, tables are set right on the sand and under the stars, with lanterns strung between palm trees adding to the magical atmosphere. Expect exceptionally fresh tropical flavours – coconut meat salad, beef brisket and Cajun tiger prawns cooked to perfection over coconut coals. On the other side of the island, Gudagudaguda – boldly named after the sound the hookah makes – sits over the water and offers an authentic Maldivian experience. Opt for one of the traditional low tables outside with seats with floor cushions. Menu highlights include reef fish cooked in banana leaves, coconut chapati with tuna and a whole range of curries with just the right level of spice.
Adults-only, over-the-water and very colourful, The Standard Spa takes a DIY approach to wellness that’s perfect for the hotel’s fresh brand and island location. Guests are free to use the communal hammam, cypress-scented steam room and spa terrace – complete with comfy loungers, swim-up bar and hammocks on the floor. Facials use Organic Pharmacy products, while massages offer a choice or oils to suit your mood. The spa is also where you’ll find a full program of yoga and mediation, ranging from aerial yoga to tai chi and even sound healing sessions.
Relax, in all the right ways. From the restaurant staff to the hosts, everyone tries to approach in a genuinely friendly and helpful way without feeling forced. The butler at our villa, made a point of checking in with us regularly, whether to greet us at breakfast or to share options for daytime activities – yoga classes or movie nights – via Whatsapp..
All villas come with two alcoves in the living room that easily convert into cots. Two-bedroom options are also available with overwater and beach villas. In the kids’ club, hidden among lush tropical gardens, children aged four and up can gather for a daily array of fun activities including kids’ yoga, coconut painting and volleyball games. Club rooms are comfortably air-conditioned and decorated with vibrant wall paintings. Outside, the playground has multiple slides plus a trampoline, ball pit and kiddie pool. In the restaurants, young guests may order from a special three-course children’s menu, with their meals intelligently prioritised to avoid any moments of hunger and fussiness.
All the usual sustainable efforts typical of the region have been made at The Standard – single-use plastic-free rooms, glass-bottled drinking water that’s been purified on the island, plus the use of solar panels and low-wattage LED bulbs. The property also operates a composter on nearby Vadhoo Island to help reduce waste and enrich the soil for the hotel’s fruit and vegetable gardens.
Moreover, there are disco balls… the largest in the Maldives, in fact, which rise above a transparent dance floor in the overwater Beru Bar. Come for the amazing sunset views and stay for dancing and late-night sushi.
Disco vibes, gorgeous white beaches, delicious food, chilled cocktails and pamper time in the overwater spa – the options for enjoyment and fun are endless. The Standard’s team knows how to create unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful and romantic places on earth with the most enchanting beach of the Maldives.
standardhotels.com/maldives
