There have been several new villa openings recently. We’ve rounded up the accommodations to keep on your radar in far-off, tropical destinations.
Maldives
Large families or multiple couples can stay together, in the Maldives, at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas in the new Three-Bedroom Beach Pool Residence. This new residence has more than 11,000 square feet of space. Even with all this room to move around, we suggest congregating at the infinity-edge pool complete with daybeds that actually float over the water. There is also a wooden deck that is a perfect place to soak up some sun. Note: A sunken dining cabana and a Jacuzzi pool add more elements.
On arrival (by seaplane), guests will be escorted along a white-sand path that cuts through dense jungle to the residence’s private entrance. All three bedrooms have a king bed and a two-person bathtub, which makes the villa perfect for couples traveling together. However, families will be happy to hear that the space can sleep six adults and six children comfortably. If there is a need for even more space, a garden pathway winds to a connecting door, which leads to an adjoining Beach Pool Villa. The Pool Villa will add another bedroom, another infinity pool and a dining pavilion.
A private Villa Host, think butler, will be available 24/7 to meet the needs of guests. Ask the Villa Host to plan a manta ray excursion or a snorkeling experience.
Hawaii
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort recently introduced three new oceanfront residential-style villas, bringing its collection of partial and full ocean view villas up to 10.
The 3,234-square-foot villas at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, with up to three bedrooms, include such modern touches as private lanais for admiring Maui sunsets, baths with ocean and garden views, showers and luxurious bath amenities.
Architectural elements inspired by the island’s natural beauty – Ambrato marble tile and white lava stone floors, wooden white-washed oak screens, and warm walnut finishes throughout – are blended with modern enhancements such as luxury Miele appliances and custom Bianco Versace marble counters in each of the kitchens, oversized basket-like chairs and Cappellini teak chaises.
LEED construction and retractable low-E glass walls open up to 1,000-square-foot lanais.
Each villa at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort has custom-made furniture, a private outdoor plunge pool or hot tub, Viking range barbecue grills, and lounge areas accented with ottomans and platform beds.
Villa reservations start at $1,750 a night and are inclusive of round-trip airport transfers or valet parking for one vehicle for a guest’s duration of stay; daily breakfast in Ka’ana Kitchen; resort credit; and access to the activities and amenities available at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.
Villa guests are also connected with a personal VIP concierge prior to arrival who can arrange a custom itinerary including everything from coordinating a private Chef’s dinner or mixology class on the lanai to stocking the refrigerator upon check-in, arranging bespoke adventures around the island, and more.
Agents should e-mail [email protected] and visit www.maui.andaz.hyatt.com.
Bali
Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay completed renovations on the Premier and Deluxe Villas. The new style of the accommodations at Jimbaran Bay, located in Bali, is still inspired by Balinese culture. Guests will notice distinct touches like hand cravings and a relaxing, muted color-scheme. The bedroom in these villas is also 50 percent larger and is combined with a new indoor living room. Nice Touch: The living room has sliding doors that open completely to a garden and pool. (The plunge pool is also now bigger in the Premier villas only.) Outside, both villa options have a new thatch-roof bale with direct access to the infinity-edged pool.
We suggest that young families book the Family Premier Villas, which are included in the renovations. The new villas come with a separate room for the children complete with a daybed and trundle, along with its own television and writing desk. Meaning, families don't have to necessarily book a two-bedroom villa.
Guests who book by June 30 will save 30 percent off the newly-renovated Premier Ocean Villas, Family Premier Villas and Deluxe Villas. This includes daily breakfast. The offer is available on a two-night stay for travel until December 20, 2016.
Looking forward, guests will be happy to hear that the two-bedroom villas are also set to get revamped by May of this year.
And don’t forget, that Jimbaran Bay also opened a new Yoga Bale, allowing guests to experience yoga in a covered environment. The lotus-petal inspired, open-air facility is created with Balinese bamboo. We suggest trying the AntiGravity yoga class. Travelers will be supported by bespoke hammocks as they stretch into inverted positions. The Bale also offers 16 other complimentary yoga and meditation classes each week.