Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives
When you conjure up an idyllic, tropical escape, chances are your fantasy getaway resembles Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives. This secluded private island comes with starched white sands, thatched-roof overwater villas, towering palm trees and impossibly blue waters.
Perched on Emboodhu Finolhu island, the retreat rests in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives and feels adrift from the world, an oasis where your main stress is choosing whether to float in your private pool or sway in a hammock.
While it’s tempting to spend your days lazing in the island sun, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa offers myriad activities for the restless. Take to the water for windsurfing, jet skiing, waterskiing, kayaking and wakeboarding. The Ocean Dive Center provides a range of PADI courses catering to everyone from beginner divers to rescue divers. Or you can just snorkel the pristine Indian Ocean on your own.
- The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are the main attraction. We recommend staying in one of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives’ overwater villas so you can just slip off your terrace down into the lagoon, where all manner of colorful marine life awaits.
- Make time for the simple things at this Maldives hotel. Strolling the white sands as palms gently sway overhead and the Indian Ocean stretches off into the distance is sublime.
- Jiva Spa helps soothe travel-weary muscles with treatments based on traditional Indian therapies. A resident Ayurveda physician is also on hand to give further insights into your health and wellbeing.
- Don’t skip a sunset cruise out to and around Hembadhu Island, where, if you are lucky, your sundowner will be accompanied by a dolphin sighting.
- The specialty dining experiences can make a stay — Tree Top Dining features a starlit feast with a view, Dug-out Beach Dining is a romantic candlelit affair in the sand and the Ocean Pavilion arranges a unique overwater feast out in the lagoon. Ask on arrival about Sandbank Dining, which is possible when the ocean reveals a sandbank at the island’s southern end.
- Take advantage of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa’s yogi. We recommend an alfresco sunset session overlooking the lagoon for a yoga class you will never forget.
- For snorkeling around the private island hotel, it’s best to take a guide from the dive center who will show you the best spots, including the fantastic coral gardens. Return later on your own to explore at leisure.
- The Explore Taj Kids program keeps younger visitors entertained. A spread of complimentary and paid-for activities allow parents extra time for water sports, spa services or simply relaxing on the beach.
- The64 sea-view villas and suites are awash with solid hardwoods and windows designed to maximize lagoon views and natural light. Calming colors in the décor complete the relaxed ambience.
- All accommodations have rain showers and soaking tubs stocked with Molton Brown toiletries.
- The overwater villas and suites are the most sought-after, though the accommodations on the island have private pools and direct access to the beach for extra fun in the sun.
- The vast two-bedroom Rehendi Presidential Overwater Suite is a tropical paradise. Swim in its huge pool, soak in the glass-walled bathroom with epic ocean views or simply swing in the suite’s overwater hammock.
- It’s only 20 minutes by speedboat to the Maldivian capital of Male. Alive with exotic sights, sounds and smells, the bustling city is a good day trip destination. While there, be sure to sample the local dishes, such as fish curry.
- The best way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Maldivian archipelago is on a thrilling sea plane flight. Discover a different world as scores of islands and reefs unfold below.
- The luxury hotel organizes dedicated trips to Male's 17th-century Old Friday Mosque, the oldest mosque in the Maldives. This striking religious gem is fashioned from local coral stone and has been in continuous use since it opened.
24-hour room service 
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
