When you think of Radisson Blu hotels, it conjures up a luxury-upscale brand that is synonymous with style and personalised service from a dedicated team of staff.

In August 2020, the group opened its first hotel offering a private island escape in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, the Radisson Blu Resort Maldives.

The pristine islet on the Huruelhi Island lies 105 kilometres from the main Male’s Velana International Airport. Guests can be transferred to the island by seaplane, or domestic flight from Male to Maamigili, where the team will greet and escort you to the speedboat for a ride to your new tropical home. Guests are welcome to tailor their holiday to their requirements, from a short weekend stay, extended holiday or destination for their wedding and honeymoon.

The Radisson Blu Resort Maldives consists of 128 pristine beachfront or overwater properties which range from 215 to 790 square metres featuring a wealth of luxury amenities from private pools, ocean views, and one, two or three bedrooms. For those looking for the ultimate in luxury experience, the Presidential Suite provides a two-story dwelling with alfresco living space overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Each villa is decorated to exacting standards using high-quality materials and finishes, ensuring that guests are provided with the salubrious surroundings that you would expect at a superior hotel property. Designers have chosen a calming mix of restful neutrals and hand-picked soft furnishings to add both style and layers of luxury.

All guests can take advantage of an impressive collection of water-based activities, from diving and water sports centre or recharging within the spa and yoga pavilion. A state of the art gym space can help work up an appetite before experiencing the diverse cuisines and dining experiences that the Radisson Blu Resort Maldives provides. For younger explorers, a kids’ club and games room will keep them entertained.

A carefully curated dining experience means that there are plenty of cuisines for guests to choose from.

The Raha restaurant provides breakfast and casual dining with flavourful and tasty meals created by a talented team of professional chefs.

Alifaan takes on guests on a culinary journey of Mediterranean fare created in a central show-case kitchen where guests can watch their dishes prepared. The design of this open-air restaurant allows guests to take in the view while dining in style.

Named after a Japanese form of drama, Kabuki has entertainment and good food at its core. Talented chefs use South American and European ingredients that are cooked using well-honed Japanese cooking techniques are prepared in front of guests. The interior of the restaurant represents its Japanese theme, with open wooden screens nodding at its heritage while providing guests a glimpse of the surrounding scenery.

The Lab is a contemporary space that provides an intimate setting for a carefully curated meal, paired with the finest wines, cocktails and champagnes. A private dining experience for up to fifteen guests is provided for those wanting to celebrate with friends and family or for that ultimate corporate event.

Mahurab is the resort’s wine, cocktail and cigar bar that overlooks the water with views of the sea. It provides the ideal site to experience a romantic date or late-night gathering to watch the sunset and take in the evening.

Think of an island escape, and you may think of the ultimate castaway experience. Crusoe’s is an adult-only site where guests can explore a range of drinks while relaxing by the pool and taking in the Indian Ocean.

Eats & Beats provides a leisurely spot to unwind. With freshly baked pizzas and beach club-inspired bar, it’s the perfect place to celebrate and relax with partners and friends.

While the Maldives provides the idyllic backdrop to any escape, the Radisson Blu Resort Maldives does not rest on its laurels. From the warm welcome afforded each visitor and the comfort of world-class accommodation, the Luxury Lifestyle Awards was impressed by the level of care and attention, from arrival to departure, that is afforded to each guest. Naming the resort as Hotel in Maldives 2021 in this year’s awards represents a true accolade and testament to the attention to detail Radisson Blu injects into this new destination for 2021.