Six Senses Laamu, Maldives

Not every journey that takes 13-hours from origin to destination ends in paradise. Thankfully, ours did. Owing to non-direct flights from Mumbai, after several changes (two domestic, one international) and a speedboat transfer, we finally made it to the only resort in the Laamu Atoll in the far south of the Maldives – the Six Senses Laamu.

Greeted by the resort’s representative at the domestic terminal at Kadhdhoo Airport, a 40-minute journey from the capital of Male, we were whisked away by speedboat in the moonlight. On the boat transfer, we removed our footwear in accordance with Six Senses’ barefoot policy (never enforced, but highly recommended to follow), and were given a bag in which to keep them for the remainder of our stay.

As it was already dark, real exploration of the resort and the island would have to wait until the next morning. Upon disembarking, the entire front of house staff was at the arrival jetty to welcome us, including the General Manager and our personal Guest Experience Managers, who would take care of any requests for the duration of our stay.

We checked into our beach villa, measuring about 220 square meters with an emphasis on outdoor space, featuring a tropical garden and lounging area leading to a private beach, an expansive outdoor bathroom (a Six Senses signature) and an upper deck with lounging sofas. In typical Six Senses style, the interior was rustic, using light woods and natural materials such as stone, perfect for the barefoot rustic luxury the brand is known for. The nod back to village-style simplicity was welcomed, as experienced in the soothing long walks to the restaurant and other areas of the resort, all with bare soles embracing the sand and the earth.

It’s with the simple things that the resort best defines its ecological commitment to the island. Golf-carts are available for exploring but each villa gets a number of bicycles – with personalized name plates. You are actively encouraged to make use of them or to walk, rather than requesting a buggy.

As with any Maldivian resort, the overwater villas (particularly those with private infinity pools) are a highlight.  One of the key developments here is that the overwater villas are not crowded onto one jetty, but split among three, providing maximum privacy and a secluded ambiance.  On the flip side, recently added is a public swimming pool and its neighboring restaurant-cum-bar, SIP SIP, provides a cooling watering hole with excellent casual international cuisine.

Restaurants are aplenty at Six Senses Laamu. From Leaf (the signature restaurant serving primarily Western cuisine), to Longitude (a breakfast hub, where pods of dolphins congregate and regular themed nights are hosted), to Chill Bar (soothing sunset drinks), to ZEN (my personal favorite) serving a modern Japanese menu with sushi and sashimi, the choices are expansive. Plus the resort has its own herb garden, all used in the preparation of the daily menu’s dishes. To chill out, a highlight is the ice cream bar, serving a multitude of gelato flavors, including many I’d never heard of, all in an elaborate presentation.

The resort has no shortage of activities, and both the lazy traveler and the adventurer will find numerous ways to pass the time. For the lazy (or tired) traveler in need of a rejuvenating experience, the Six Senses group is generally renowned for their spas, utilizing the outdoor spaces well and in picturesque environments. The spa here does not disappoint. You are not led to a spa room or a spa suite, but to an open nest – literally – woven from vines and wire mesh, a spectacular sight that makes incredible use of the best of nature. There are several of these and a mixture of single and couples treatment rooms. While most of the nests are set within the island’s lush jungle vegetation within proximity of the beach, a few also face the beach and the turquoise sea beyond. The energetic traveler will find activities ranging from snorkeling, diving and surfing (the resort is particularly known for its excellent surf break) to water skiing, windsurfing and night diving.

For both types of travelers and for romantic couples, there are private picnics on deserted islands, private romantic dinners on the island’s nearby sandbank, a trip to local Hithadhoo Island and a full day of island hopping around the Laamu Atoll.

To use words like idyllic and heavenly, and phrases such as ‘soft white sand’ and ‘crystal clear turquoise waters’ would sound clichéd, but the Six Senses Laamu is truly special. Not just for its location but for its approach to true resort living – simple and rustic, but still offering the greatest of luxuries – great service from a team of staff who truly care, fantastic food that focuses on the quality of ingredients without being too pretentious, and finally a team and brand with a distinct concern for its surroundings and environment.