A resort in the Maldives that allows physical distancing and offers private pools and roof decks

The recently reopened Lux North Male Atoll in the Maldives lets guests stay in luxurious overwater villas that come with their own pools and roof decks.

A stay at the luxury resort – which began taking reservations again on July 15 after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic – starts at around R8,239 per person per night depending on the season, based on a search on the hotel’s website. Guests can also rent the entire 15-acre resort for R3.2 million per night, according to a press release from the resort.

It’s important to note that although the Maldives’ borders are open, many countries are still discouraging nonessential travel – including the US, where the Centers for Disease Control warns against it – so it’s best to check before booking any trips.

The Maldives welcomed back visitors on July 15, after the nation’s Ministry of Tourism published 27 pages of health and safety guidelines. These include guidance for resorts on handling guest luggage, requiring staff to wear masks, and having a resident medical officer on site who is trained in COVID-19 management.

Representatives for the resort did not immediately respond for comment when asked about what precautions it’s taking to keep guests safe during the pandemic.

Keep scrolling to see what Lux North Male Atoll looks like, and what it offers guests, according to the same press release from the resort.

The Lux North Male Atoll, a luxury resort in the Maldives, is 60 minutes by speedboat or 15 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport.

Unlike most overwater villas in the Maldives, which often have thatched roofs and are made with bamboo, these are modern and minimalist.

MIAJA, the design group behind the hotel, described it in the press release as inspired by superyachts, with “a vibrant South Beach pulse.”

The 67 villas range in size from having one to three bedrooms and are either two or three stories high.

Each villa has a private infinity pool, an outdoor shower, and a 1,300-square-foot (121 square-metres) roof deck.

The massive roof deck is ideal for doing yoga, watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean, or for having candlelit dinners and movie screenings.

Every villa has a spacious living room and all beds are king-sized.

The bathrooms are enormous, with double-sized showers and standalone tubs.

Some villas come with a private dock where guests can park their yacht.

Some of the resort’s villas are on land, and give guests access to their own stretch of private beach.

Lux North Male Atoll also has a sauna, spa…

… as well as a state-of-the-art gym and tennis courts.

Guests can also snorkel, dive, surf, kayak, or water ski.

Speedboat, yacht, sailing boat, and catamaran excursions are available, too.

There are four restaurants and bars …

… as well as a coffee shop and ice cream parlour.

Guests can also book a “destination dinner,” a private dining experience with a scenic backdrop …

… whether that’s on their roof deck …

… on a private dock jutting out into the ocean …

… or even in their pool.