Replete with turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches, and authentic Maldivian food, VARU by Atmosphere—a coveted private island resort in the Maldives—offers a truly luxurious holiday away from the hustle-bustle of city life. By Bayar Jain
The feeling of ‘dreamy’ underscores every offering at VARU by Atmosphere. Nestled in Malé Atoll, this island hideaway is a short 40-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport. As you set foot on the resort’s shores, you’ll be warmly greeted with a spirited Bodu Beru drumming session and blowing of conch shells, courtesy a jovial team ready to help every guest segue into the festive mood. A refreshing welcome drink on arrival further amps this cheery vibe.
With 108 luxurious villas across eight categories—on the beach or over the lagoon on one of the island’s three wooden jetties—VARU by Atmosphere has something in store for each guest. While the exclusive villas are designed to recreate the signature Maldivian fantasy in close contact with nature, the sprawling overwater decks or private gardens are ideal to soak in the summer sun while savouring wine from a minibar that is replenished twice a day. Those planning a family vacation can choose from any of the three lavish Majlis Suites, which come equipped with two bedrooms; a central courtyard and pool; an ocean-front dining and living room; and a nanny’s bedroom. Lovers of the ocean can opt for the one-of-a-kind Water Suite, while those with younger guests can enjoy a stress-free vacation at the expansive Family Villas, which is inclusive of kid-friendly features.
With the VARU Plan™, every stay here transforms into an immersive experience. You can indulge in speciality cuisines, embark on oceanic excursions, enjoy snorkelling with your family and more.
When here, you can indulge in a generous buffet with finest creations from Europe, live cooking stations, fresh seafood, and themed nights at Lime & Chili—the main all-day-dining restaurant nestled by the beach. For a more local yet progressive affair, Kaagé—the first of its kind in the nation—enthrals. Designed to showcase local architecture with a serving of Maldivian culture, this restaurant offers regional delicacies like snapper in coconut gravy and crisp tuna cutlets with a classy modern flair. Interestingly, Kaagé is the traditional word for dining house, which, during the days of yore, served as a large shared dining hall where multiple families would gather for meals and socialise—a forgotten tradition that VARU by Atmosphere tastefully resurrects today.
At Charcoal, a boho-chic vibe sweeps over along with aromatic beachside grills to bite into. Dig into delicious Sirloin Steaks or Bourbon Baby Back Ribs while dining barefoot under the twinkling starlit sky for a truly sensory affair. Nü, the romantic overwater restaurant, crafts similar memorable meals, courtesy fresh seafood and the best of Mediterranean, Italian, and French cuisines. Wash it all down with exclusive wines and champagne, all blended within the VARU Plan™.
Between meals, magic sweeps the powdery soft sands with endless possibilities to choose from. Take the ELENA Spa for instance, where you can unwind with a rejuvenating Maldivian sand massage while little ones enjoy games and guided activities at the lively kid’s club, On The Move. At sundown, lounge around with a glass of bubbly by the private infinity pool. On the other hand, adventure-loving folks can dive into the clear waters to gaze at the marvellous reefs that seek refuge here, explore lagoons by parasailing overhead, set sail on a traditional dhoni, chase the setting sun on a cruise, give line fishing a go, or skim over the Indian Ocean by jet-skiing and kayaking. Irrespective, trust the resort’s bespoke hospitality to make it a surreal holiday straight out of a fairytale.
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