South Male Atoll, Maldives
Taj Exotica Resort And Spa
Luxury in the Lagoon
What it is
An over-the-top hideaway of 64 overwater villas in an activities-rich Maldivian lagoon.
What it isn't
Urban. You’re 15 minutes by breezy speedboat ride from the airport, but may as well be an entire world from...well, the world.
What we think
Paradise isn’t lost, not when Taj Exotica Resort & Spa exists. This is undoubtedly a screen saver come to life, #nofilter necessary. Even the most basic villa is opulent enough for any member of the world’s royal families, with soaking tubs and rain showers overlooking the Indian Ocean, Frette linen-topped Posturepedic beds, flat screen TV’s tricked out with DVD players, and personal sundecks meant for lazing around with the latest dog-eared thriller and something cool and bubbly from the curated minibar. We particularly love that, even on this extremely remote island, service is top notch; everything, including room service, laundry and butler assistance is available 24/7.
You're here because
You’ve always wanted to scuba, and Taj Exotica has that plus so much more, from snorkeling to parasailing. In other words: pack your sunscreen, you’re not going to spend too much time vegging before the TV.
The Moment
No spa back home could hold an aromatherapy candle to this one, especially once your chosen treatment—the Pada Snana Pedicure—begins. After bathing in their own copper bath dotted with flower petals, your road-weary feet are exfoliated and then massaged with a housemade mask that’s good enough to eat: spearmint, peppermint and eucalyptus, so refreshing you feel like you’re walking on water. Which, given this stilted over-water resort, you are.
Restaurants & Bars
24 Degrees - Journey of flavors from the Far East to the Western front
Teppanyaki - Japanese live kitchen in 24 Degrees
Pool Side Restaurant - Light snacks, crispy salads, and pizzas
Deep End - Upscale grill & seafood
Pool Side Bar
Equator Bar
Location
On the island of Emboodhu Finolhu, a.k.a. “Three Coconut Isle.” The airport is just 15 minutes away—by speedboat.