Groundbreaking Island Concept Opens in The Maldives

Dhoni Mighili resort in the Maldives is offering a brand new concept in island indulgence, seeing a pairing of luxury boat accommodation with a secluded island, offering guests complete freedom to sail within the Ari Atoll and to enjoy time on land.

Based in the Ari Atoll, south west of the capital of Malé, Dhoni Mighili is the first project of the newly launched Per Aquum Resorts & Spas in the Maldives.

Destined to appeal to the international jet set, the concept is based around 65 ft Dhonis, handcrafted according to age old tradition, yet offering every extravagance imaginable on land and sea, alongside luxurious marina facilities on a secluded island. Upon arrival at Malé airport, guests have a choice of transportation for the stunning journey to Dhoni Mighili: a 30 minute seaplane flight or, by far the most decadent and pleasurable option, aboard their private Dhoni, stopping wherever or whenever they please.

Each Dhoni has been sumptuously fitted out with every conceivable luxury, including a king size bed complete with goose down duvet, Frette linen, Philippe Stark bathroom fittings, SMEG kitchen appliances, Bose surround sound and a 20 inch LCD screen. Guests are assigned their own crew - their very own Thakuru (butler) - to sail wherever and whenever they want. Their butler is on call 24 hours a day to spoil and indulge the senses, whether it is taking guests to specially selected snorkelling spots, finding the freshest local papaya or, at night, transforming the deck into a sensual setting for dining under the stars.

Included in the luxury Marina facilities of Dhoni Mighili are six beach bungalows in total, two with private plunge pool. To contrast the aquatic experience with time on land, each Dhoni is partnered with its own luxuriously appointed bungalow, complete with private bar, outdoor bathroom, waterfall showers, Espresso machine and L'Occitane en Provence amenities for the exclusive use of Dhoni guests.

In order to offer ultimate privacy, Dhoni Mighili only accepts a maximum of 12 guests at any one time, unless booked exclusively. For an exclusive booking a maximum of 24 guests, or a minimum of two, can be catered for.

A highlight of Dhoni Mighili is the Aquum Spa, certain to become an integral feature of future Per Aquum Resorts & Spas, with specially designed health and beauty treatments, from a blend of eastern and western philosophies and concepts.

There are simply no set times at Dhoni Mighili. With a personal chef assigned to each Dhoni, guests can wine or dine wherever or whenever they want, whether it's a secluded part of the beach or sailing under the stars. The chef can suggest a menu using the freshest ingredients available - the choice is yours. Guests can also help themselves to a 24 hour bar featuring a fine selection of boutique Champagne, wines, spirits and beers, specially selected by the Master of Wine, or enjoy a cocktail mixed by one of the hosts.

Tom McLoughlin, Managing Director, Per Aquum Resorts & Spas, says: "This pioneering concept which has been developed by Universal Enterprises, the pioneers of tourism in Maldives, is just the beginning of what will establish Per Aquum as the finest operator of specialist resorts in the Maldives and eventually, though gradually, throughout South East Asia. Nowhere else in the world will guests experience such a perfect blend of local tradition and sheer luxury on both land and sea."

Per Aquum's Second Island in the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi, will be completed by March 2004. This 44 room resort will showcase the world's first Underwater Spa and every room will boast its very own private pool.