What to expect at the new Hilton Amingiri Resort and Spa
There is a Maldivian proverb that roughly translates to “If you’re going to eat, don’t make it a small coconut” in English. In other words, you either go big or go home. And when it comes to tropical island destinations, the proverbial coconut worth eating could lie unassumingly in the middle of the Indian Ocean — just a four-hour flight away from Singapore — arguably eclipsing regional alternatives in Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Nestled in the North Malé Atoll, the brand-new Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa is a 20-minute scenic speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport. The resort occupies the entire Amingiri Island and features 109 expansive beaches and overwater villas, each offering private pools and gorgeous views of the surrounding teal-turquoise lagoon.
Owned by Maldivian company Amingiri Holdings and managed by Hilton, the new hotel is the fourth resort under the company’s portfolio of brands in the Maldives, adding on to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Hilton’s Asia Pacific president Alan Watts says: “The expansion of our flagship brand here underscores our commitment to bringing our world-class brands to key locations, and we are confident Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa will build on our legacy of delivering an exceptional stay to delight and inspire our guests.”
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Watts adds that the Maldives remained one of the “most desired” holiday destinations for travellers worldwide, seeing a continued pace of bookings throughout the last two years when it was the first country to open its borders to international travellers during the pandemic.
Stunning views
Limited destinations aside, it is not difficult to see why the Maldives has continued to be a tourist favourite. The new Hilton hotel leans heavily into the natural beauty of its location, with each villa featuring a unity of both Maldivian and contemporary touches, inviting an abundance of natural light through its floor-to-ceiling windows. All of this is enhanced by accents of the bright and dark blue Hilton colour palette that fittingly mirrors the azure sea and sky.
The design connects guests with the stunning natural Maldivian seascape. For example, the overwater
pool villas are outfitted with stairs that lead directly from the outdoor patio and into the island’s lagoon. In contrast, beach villas are attached to white sand backyards that feature deck swings and gazebos with direct access to one of the island’s several private beaches. With water a central theme to the hotel, all villas boast generously-sized bathrooms with ocean-facing bathtubs and indoor and outdoor rain showers that complete the experience.
Larger groups, like extended families, have the six-bedroom Amingiri Residence to look forward to when it debuts later this year. It is the ideal escape for travellers after true privacy on holiday. The residence is set apart on a landscaped cove to welcome guests with a private arrival pier and a dedicated sundeck with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Maldivian horizon.
On the hotel’s array of villa offerings, Gaurav Thakur, general manager at Hilton Maldives Amingiri, says: “Hilton has introduced an inclusive resort for all visitors, whether it’s for solo travellers, couples on their honeymoon or larger families.”
Unlike other resorts in the Maldives that may target specific demographics, Thakur says the new Hilton hotel is not “picky and choosy” about its clientele and welcomes diversity in its visitors. Thakur says the hotel was designed with family-friendly amenities like the Krakengiri Kids’ Club — one of the largest children’s club in the Maldives. It features an outdoor children’s play pool and mini splash park, with dedicated babysitting facilities so parents can enjoy the rest of the luxuries.
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Those old enough and trusted to be left to their own devices have also very thoughtfully been included with Re:Fuel, a rooftop bar with a hidden entrance designed exclusively for teenagers. Their very own tranquil retreat, all while they imbibe the milkshakes and smoothies.
Thakur adds that these amenities’ concepts and necessities are simple. “When you go to such a beautiful destination, you want all your needs to be taken care of, from food and drink to activities, and perhaps even to have your children looked after.”
Activities are aplenty
With kids out of the way, parents — or child-free travellers — are free to explore and unwind at the range of unique attractions scattered across the island, whether on foot, with the provided bicycles stationed outside every villa or on buggy rides provided by the friendly Hilton Guest experience makers.
From indulging in an extensive menu of rejuvenating treatments and purifying hammam (steam bath) rituals at the sanctuary that is the Amingiri Spa to sampling from modern tea house Sip Tea Lounge’s extensive collection featuring a plethora of rare flavours and perennial favourites from around the globe, guests will not be found wanting for means of relaxation.
For thrill-seekers, the dive centre offers no shortage of offshore activities, including jet skiing, big game fishing, dolphin cruises on traditional Maldivian boats and even the chance to search for turtles on snorkelling adventures.
Guests can choose from one of the hotel’s six distinctive restaurants and lounges, each with unique themes, such as speciality seafood and beachside barbecue. From Origin, a dining experience that celebrates sustainability with its seafood sourcing, ageing techniques and food-upcycling approach, to rustic Beach Shack with its feet-in-the-sand dining experience, the resort’s dining offerings are thoughtfully prepared to satisfy every whim.
Adults are invited to discover overwater bar Eden’s carefully selected range of champagne and gin in its intimate setting. At the same time, those more involved can even try their hand at mixing their own drinks at Aura, the hotel’s beachside cocktail lab. And to paraphrase — if you are going to drink, don’t make it a small piña colada.
