W Maldives Retreat & Spa

By Mary Scoviak, Design Editor -- Hotels, 2/1/2007

W Hotels Worldwide opened its first Retreat & Spa, W Maldives in September 2006. Set on the private, exotic island of Fesdu, in the North Ari Atoll, W Retreat & Spa-Maldives features 78 private villas-each with its own plunge pool and sundeck; six gourmet eateries and cocktail bars, including 15 BELOW, the region's only subterranean grotto bar, literally located 15-feet below Island surface; and an over-water AWAY® spa for ultimate rejuvenation.

Guests arriving at Male' International Airport are invited into an exclusive W Lounge where they will begin their journey before boarding a seaplane and flying to the private island of Fesdu. Upon arrival to the Retreat, guests are greeted with a Ceremonial Welcoming Cocktail, a special initiation to the exotic island featuring W's signature passion fruit-fresh mint iced tea and uniquely flavored ice cubes.

"With the launch of W Maldives, the first of many of our retreat product, W continues to extend beyond the boundaries of everyday travel, offering a magical mix of sexy destinations and sublime design," said Ross Klein, President, W Hotels Worldwide. "From Minneapolis to Milan, Hoboken to Hong Kong, W Hotels is going global as the influential and innovative lifestyle authority."