Unique Attributes

Yet even this elite group is getting crowded and it makes sense to have unique selling points — that is, particular aspects of a holiday that your resort does better than anyone else. Here, those aspects are the sensory pleasures of well-being and good living. Specifically that means the spa and the cuisine, both of which are world class.

There are, of course, other selling points which aren't quite unique. Anyone arriving on a long haul flight (and especially the night arrivals) will appreciate the fact that the resort is just a 15-minute luxury speedboat ride from the airport. This proximity also enables a special seaplane excursion, as well as easy access to Male for the historical tour.

A Quiet Life

Big Game Fishing can be arranged but other excursions are more along the lines of private sunset or starlight cruises, for Exotica is essentially a slow, ultra-calm place where people glide around in their own romantic couple space. The simplicity of the island and its surroundings work to accentuate this.

The huge, shallow lagoon with its soft, white base shines out a shade of turquoise that is at once uplifting and calming. Set in the middle of this vast seascape is the thread of sand and vegetation that is Embudu Finolhu, the island's native name. So narrow is it that one can often see water on both sides when walking along the path.

At the southern tip is the spa and nearby that is the speciality restaurant, Deep End, and the swimming pool. Then come the land rooms, the bar, the reception and jetty and finally the main restaurant, 24 Degrees, all looking west to the sunset. On the other side is the library followed by the water bungalows running the length of the east side.

Appropriate Grandeur

56 of the 62 rooms in total are water bungalows, split between Lagoon Villas (24), Deluxe Lagoon Villas (21), Deluxe Lagoon Villas with plunge pool (10) and one Presidential Rehendhi Suite. They vary in size and detail but essentially share the same design and furniture. The style is rich, substantial and refined but never overstated. The oatmeal and light yellow tones of the fabrics and walls offset the formality of the teak furniture and decor. The first of the Lagoon Villas have the hum and part-view of the service area, and a number of the Deluxe Lagoon Villas have the lights of Male on the horizon, but otherwise the views are unbounded.

The land rooms have the luxury of extra space, outdoor shade and an over-sized plunge pool with decking on 3 sides and the beach on the other. The path down the centre of the island runs behind the rooms though guests often prefer to stroll along the beach in front. The beach itself is broad, pure white and slopes imperceptibly into the lovely lagoon. Beach connoisseurs would note it is not the very softest Maldives can offer.

Haute Cuisine & Haute Spa

The truly sublime aspects of Taj Exotica are the haute cuisine and the spa. Individually they are in the top 3 or 4 in the country; together they make a compelling case to fly half the way around the world.

The Jiva Grande Spa is the premium spa product of the Taj Group. As such it eschews any pretence or window dressing. This is a spa with a thoroughgoing, Indian-based philosophy with integrated treatments, exercises and diets. It also looks great — under thatch by the sea, surrounding a floral courtyard.

The exercises are yoga and meditation with the in-house teacher (a glass-walled gym is over the water just outside). The diets and the treatments are worked through with the ayurvedic doctor. The treatments may be strictly ayurvedic for specific conditions or focused on relaxation, cleansing and beauty. The signature offering is drawn from an Indian bathing ritual and involves anointing with therapeutic clay, essential oils and Experience Showers.

A La Carte Mostly

Breakfast and lunch and evening meals at the Deep End restaurant are a la carte. For the ideals of presentation, integrity and freshness the single plate precisely prepared by the chef is the only way. Beyond this, there is a line at the bottom of the menu that says if you have a dietary preference the chefs will be happy to take care of it. This takes the options to infinity. If you would like a complicated lobster menu for dinner, just mention it at lunchtime. At the 24 Degrees restaurant dinner is a themed buffet for five nights a week. These are Seafood and Maldivian Grill, Indian, Asian, Barbecue and Taste of Maldives & Indian Ocean.

The Deep End restaurant serves ‘progressive world cuisine’ in a delightful, partially al fresco setting over the sea. It is the only restaurant in the country that has been featured in Conde Nast ‘Hot Tables’. The resort’s sommelier has a large list to draw on for his recommendations and also leads guests in specially arranged Wine Trails around the world.

The Equator Bar is one of the best looking in the country. Its cocktail menu is as varied, inventive, and thoughtful as any cuisine menu. The library is one of the best in the country, with large, expensive, fascinating editions.

No Much Call For Action

Unfortunately the massive, shallow lagoon means that there is no snorkeling of note in the lagoon and no access from the beach to the reef edge. There is a ferry to a pontoon near the reef edge but it is much better to get away to another reef for quality snorkeling. Yet it is in the nature of this resort that guests don’t seem to miss the snorkeling nor concern themselves with diving. This is truly a place for lovers and honeymooners.

For the sensual pleasures of the body and the mind, Taj Exotica is the place to come.
 

Review written 8 June 2011