PICTURES: The Maldivian resort inspired by James Bond
LUX* North Male Atoll is ripping up the rule book with innovative nautical forms inspired by Hollywood’s favourite spy.
Designed by Singapore-based Miaja Design Group and inspired by James Bond, it’s certainly fit for a movie star with its crisp, contemporary white design, setting off the glittering blue of the ocean beyond.
Here’s a rundown of what guests can expect.
Penthouses in paradise
‘Awestruck’ is the word the first guests used when describing their reactions as they stepped off speedboat and seaplane. In true LUX* style, the warmest of welcomes greeted guests, along with Maldivian drumming and dazzling dancers in colourful sarongs.
Coconut palms gently arched over pathways leading to the beach and over-water villas, inviting a sense of exploration as discerning guests sought out their private hideaways hidden beyond the hibiscus.
Simple yet refined, LUX* North Malé is perfectly planned to offer guests an incredible amount of space, amid sleek pared-back decors in soothing whites, with tasteful touches. All 67 villas are outrageously spacious, with bathrooms as big as the bedrooms and stunningly spacious outdoor showers.
Expansive terraces await, heaven-sent for landmark celebrations – host your exclusive barbecues or a special-occasion party on your own penthouse rooftop. Having so much space to yourselves is the definition of true luxury.
A private view
Walk the outer loop in less than half an hour. Here on this idyllic isle, villas will feel like your own private world all over again within this soul-stirring tropical setting. Forward-thinking architecture sees windows flung open, tempting you to live life in the greatest outdoors.
Every rooftop promises a different perspective on Maldivian panoramas. Look out from up higher at that big blue expanse — the only movement you’re likely to see is birds swooping into the foliage or dolphins rippling the water’s glossy surface. The Indian Ocean’s palette is never predictable and always enthralling. In that always-summery sunshine, the sky and sea can be a deep, deep blue. In the evening, that same landscape is resplendent in pastels — snap a vivid orange sunset one night and the next admire purples and violets. Stroll pure white sandy beaches and beautiful shells insist you pause to admire them.
Step out from any edge and go snorkelling and tick off tropical fish from a lengthy checklist. Dolphins, stingrays and turtles are among the characters in this thriving reef, brought to life by the on-site marine biologist.
Dynamic dining
Float through a resort which celebrates nature at its purest, yet thanks to the LUX* spirit, you know this is an island which thrums with heart and soul. Never formal or fussy, the team presents a unique style of service, which demonstrates unswerving attention to detail and a dedication to anticipating every need in advance.
Healthy yet indulgent — that’s the theme of the eating and drinking at LUX* North Male Atoll. Breakfast is a tempting spread of colours, flavours and cuisines; lunch and dinner and everything in between, is gloriously à la carte. Much more than a place to pause for mealtimes, Glow gazes out at an awe-ensuring infinity pool, which melts into the lagoon. Here in the restaurant, culinary experts host masterclasses, sharing skills and secrets about the most special of ingredients from truffles to WHAT ELSE.
Inti too is utterly inventive, serving plates large and small of Peruvian-Argentinian-Japanese delights, blending Latin American flavourings with Asian seasonings. At Beach Rouge, splashes of red accenting the vibrant blue are a welcome surprise. Here’s where you’ll find the more sociable of our islanders, eating, drinking and soaking up that vitamin D from a sun lounger or swaying to the gentle basslines. It’s a dream scene for long lazy lunches and suppers under the stars. Let the live band or DJ to lure you onto the dancefloor later with Beach Rouge’s signature sets of upbeat house and gentle electro.
Nature enhanced spa treatment
Floor-to-ceiling windows and first-class therapists are features of the LUX* ME spa set along its own jetty. On the opposite end of the island to the buzzing beach club, it’s a corner of complete calm where views are only ever interrupted by elegant long-winged birds gliding across the horizon.
Flower-filled gardens are framed by trees stretching over as though in graceful yoga moves. Those who like their luxury served with kindness and care, be assured this resort is sensitive to the environment, conveying where it can that life us best lived with a conscience. There are no single-use-plastic shockers or disposable containers — we pride ourselves on refillable glass water bottles and ceramics for the highest-quality amenities. Check out the boutique and spy only sustainable fashion brands.
Go with the flow
Playful but sophisticated, fun but finessed — the world-renowned vibe of a LUX* resort is infectious. Time at LUX* North Malé Atoll is free of fixed schedules. Stand-up paddleboard when the mood takes you, or be whisked away to a secret sandbank for sunset cocktails. Pad around the island to find ICI for an exotic house-made ice-cream. Or charter a superyacht and let the captain chaperone you to Turtle Point, a sanctuary for marine life. Every moment here matters. Rates start from $1,456 AUD per double room accommodation villa per night on a Bed & Breakfast basis (excluding taxes, service fee & transfers).
Latest News
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.
NSW Central Coast wins global sustainability award for promoting ecotourism at ITB
NSW Central Coast jumped the gun on St. Patricks Day and got the green celebrations going early!
PHOTOS: RuPaul’s Drag Race stars hit Kings Canyon for Priscilla’s 30th anniversary
The stars have renamed the iconic spot 'Queens Canyon'. No name change to the adjacent 'Priscilla's Crack', however.
Air NZ to suspend Auckland-Chicago route amid aircraft troubles
Sorry Kiwis, your craving for authentic deep dish pizza will go unsatiated (or you could just fly with another airline).
Tasmanian Premier promises to build the world’s largest chocolate fountain if re-elected
If only sticky 6-year-old children could vote. Then the Tassie Premier would be guaranteed a victory!
The staggering amount invested in 2022/23 Australian tourism projects revealed!
Any guesses on how much it was? We'll give you a hint: It's between $1 and $9 trillion (hope this helps).
Marriott’s Bonvoy Lounge makes it a 5-peat at Formula 1 in Melbourne
If Formula 1 is so good, then why isn't there a Formula 2? Oh there is one... Never mind.
Virgin Australia posts $236m profit, but the outgoing CEO warns of turbulence ahead
Hrdlicka warns of tough times ahead, just after announcing she's leaving. We wonder if there could be a connection!
Ascott opens new 255 room property in Central Sydney
Bored of your bedroom and want 255 new ones to try? The new Ascott property is here to solve this very specific problem!
Work and play at the Radisson RED, Auckland
We aren't going to tell you what order to work and play in, just that you should be looking to do both at Radisson Red.
Swiftonomics 101: Just how much did fans spend travelling to see Taylor Swift?
Thought you'd heard the last of Swift, huh? Not in your Wildest Dreams could Swiftomania go out of Style!
Rex posts a $13.3m turnaround for 1H24, but still at a loss
Rex is slowly making its way back to pre-pandemic form. Much like us with our sporadic attempts at exercise.