Malaika Arora Checks Into The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort

Launched last year, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort exudes luxury from every nook and cranny. From the overwater spa to the array of lavish villas, its offerings make this sun-kissed property dazzle in the Asian hospitality orbit like a diamond. We took our cover girl, Bollywood actor Malaika Arora, for a wellness-centric weekend to South Asia’s aquamarine paradise.

- Priyanka Chakrabarti

A 25-minute seaplane flight from Malé takes us to The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

The idyllic vibe of the island evokes a sense of lasting tranquillity. We are in the heart of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that encapsulates 75 small and large islands. The reserve is a significant region with habitats ranging from coral reefs to islands, sea grass beds to mangroves. In fact, the coral reefs of the Maldivian archipelago account for five per cent of the world’s reef area, supporting nearly 250 species of corals and 1,200 reef fish species, besides turtles, manta rays, whale sharks, and seabirds.

Located amid such riches of nature, the Westin resort is the perfect place for a holistic holiday. It spoils you silly with features like glass-floored villas standing over lagoon waters, sea-facing spa therapies, an all-purpose gymnasium, and restaurants that ring with the sound of gushing waves.

A buggy glides smoothly on the white sands of the private island, taking us from the jetty to our accommodation in a couple of minutes. Each of our beach villas opens to a private pool and deck, and a few yards farther, a gorgeous stretch of beach. Magnificent coral gardens and reef fish are merely steps away from the room. Malaika Arora opts for a Heavenly Beach Residence Pool accommodation; it is a two-bedroom villa that has amazing views of the ocean, easy beach access, and an open-air private pool. “I love this place. The property is gorgeous!” she utters in delight.