Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa*****

The new Hilton resort brings to the Maldives management expertise and a sure feel for design. There is little that can be done about an island’s natural assets, but with Rangali Hilton have two islands that are among the best in many, but may not be in all aspects.

As you would expect the resort looks terrific. The interiors are outstanding. The reception, bar and restaurant are at once informal and very stylish. The sunny colors of the textiles coordinate perfectly with the wood, cane and woven textures, all on a white sandy floor.

The interior of the beach rooms is light, airy and minimalist, where the decoration comes from the look and texture of the materials used. These are beautiful rooms, but not everything worked as it should (a lamp without a plug, a noisy a/c) These and other teething problems will surely be overcome.

The water bungalows have a tendency to minimalism as well, but as the whole thing is made of wood the feel is warmer and cozier, somewhat like a beautifully made tree house. The 30 bungalows, including too much larger suites, are arranged at one end of the second island. The main island has the one hundred beach rooms, with their steadily improve gardens.

The only drawback is the lack of descent snorkeling. The lagoon is sandy and the reef edge is far off, as you could see from the left-side picture. To snorkel one must walk across the bridge or take the ferry Dhoani and go to the only place, on the other side of the main island, where the reef edge comes close to shore. It is not a large area but the reef formations are varying and the fish life is excellent. There are several resident eagle rays, jacks, tunas, turtles and, once, a passing whale shark.

A luxurious yacht is available for sunset and sunrise cruising. A top professional team runs a sport fishing boat offering the chance to catch the really big fish in the deep waters of the Indian Ocean. And the diving in the region is as good as anywhere.

Other activities include swimming, tennis, a gym work out and luxuriating in the spa. Operated by clarins, the accent of the spa is on beauty treatments. The evenings are generally quiet. A quality snooker table and table tennis are free to use, but there is no karaoke, disco, crab races and such like. An occasional live band and dances are part of the developing plans.

An a la carte grill restaurant "in the round" rests on wooden pillars in the lagoon. A romantic sets for fine food. The main restaurant serves all buffets. A Western section opposite the eastern section, with the deserts in the middle. The food is good, but not that good. And the deserts were disappointing.

Indisputably good are the beaches. Wide but with plenty of shades the sand slopes gently down into clear water. And no part of either island is without a good stretch of beach. On the other hand, the many white plastic sun loungers scattered along the beach is unattractive and not very "Hilton".

Top class also is the internationally experienced management. In a short time they should turn this place into a faultless, stylish resort, which offers the opportunity to have an active or completely relaxing holiday. One step to this end is the well-balanced list of nationalities. No one country dominates at any time and the result is friendly, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

For those who wish to be pampered and rejuvenated "Clarins Health & Beauty Spa" is the perfect solution. Offering a variety of outdoor and indoor massage rooms, body and beauty treatments and fitness programmes, the Clarins Health & Beauty spa helps to enhance your holiday experience.