The steady popularity of the feel-good soul-searching holiday can be attributed to one woman – Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat Pray Love. However, when one hankers for a holiday that can swing between YOLO and taking it slow, these four resorts can fulfil his primordial needs.
Pictured Above: Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
The first in a series of InterContinental luxury resort destinations, the list of activities one can do in the day or night reads as long as its name. Featuring over 81 beaches, lagoons, and overwater villas, each of the latter offers an overwater view with direct access to the beaches and lagoons, as well as private infinity and jacuzzi pools.
Keeping in line with its mission of top-notch service, the resort has introduced an All-Club Intercontinental experience where guests can opt to snorkel alongside whale sharks, swim with groups of reef manta rays in underwater coral gardens or drink until the sun rises at The Retreat – an adults-only private bar that features an infinity pool.
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Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Gold & Spa Resort
San Jose del Cabo is a popular tourist destination because of its 18th century Spanish colonial architecture and laid-back vibes. However, this also means that it is overrun by overenthusiastic tourists.
A 15-minute drive from downtown, the Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort is thankfully strict on the adults-only rule – a 24- hour concierge is on standby to provide amenities like towels, robes, and alcohol alongside grown- up activities like rifle shooting, wine and tequila tasting, as well as casino-themed nights.
When one is tired from the aforementioned activities, he can opt to soak in two different pools – one that has an all-hours bar and the other has an outdoor whirlpool – for some rest and relaxation. In our books, it is ideal for revelry and replay.
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The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives
The Standard in New York is famous for many things – its celebrity clientele, its grand views, and the video of Solange Knowles’s alleged assault of Jay-Z in one of its lifts. Thankfully, its first property in Asia is big on experience and small on drama.
Situated between the Raa and Baa Atolls on a naturally protected island (the island boasts its own lagoon coral nursery), the resort features over a hundred beach-front villas, six farm-to-table restaurants (opt for Maldivian cuisine with grilled seafood), as well as a bar and club with see- through glass floor above a beautiful ocean view.
When one is done soaking up the sun, he can opt to catch a movie screening at the floating outdoor cinema, before hitting the dance floor where local DJs spin breezy Maldivian inspired-beats.
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Excellence Playa Mujeres
The “Excellence” in the resort’s name is experienced the minute one steps onto the property – a cold towel and a crisp glass of champagne are served. Once one has finished raiding the mini bar, continue with the day’s activities that range from volleyball, jet-skis, wind-surfing and parasailing.
There is plenty of blue waters to swim in, but if one is tired of the salt and surf, the Excellence club boasts beach-front beds and cabanas for tanning sessions. Before one delves into the nightlife options, the Millé spa offers private relaxation rooms with heated waterbeds, Swedish saunas, steam rooms, and back massages – a service best appreciated after an overnighter at any of the seven various poolside bars situated around the resort.
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This story first appeared in the December/January 2020 issue of Men’s Folio.
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