Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives

Lux* North Male Atoll

"Set the scene.There you are, coasting through the empty ocean, and suddenly there's this shining, floating city of white, modernist South Beach cubes. Utterly, dumbfoundingly unexpected. What's the story?The Maldives needs more of this slick architecture. In place of rustic thatched huts are sophisticated whitewashed villas, their curves emulating yacht hulls. A genuine first. It’s from the Mauritius-based Lux* group, which has developed a reputation for doing things a little differently since being newly invigorated in 2011, bringing cool urban touches and a pop-up ethos to its beachside hotels. What can we expect in our room?Overwater villas have a beach-house-deluxe vibe, with a nice balance of ocean-themed folk art and high design. There are expansive sun decks, infinity pools, and rooftops decks for barbecues and sundowners. Huge, comfortable beds have lagoon views; modern bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor showers. How about the food and drink?After a scoop of coconut ice cream, it's onto a feast of small plates. Ceviche at Japanese-Peruvian INTI, or oysters and everything else at Beach Rouge grill and cocktail bar. The Saltbush dukkah lamb burger with beetroot relish—big enough for two—is incredible. Breakfast's best served while you’re floating in your private pool. Anything to say about the service?Pretty seamless. Any filament-thin cracks (setting up the hotel’s mobile phone; Wi-Fi dropping off) and the villa butler swiftly papered over them. He also arranged dinner for two on a neighboring sandbank—surreal and splendid. Who comes here?The jet ski elite. Muscled, tanned, bejeweled, and born to ride small recreational vehicles. How does it fit into the region?There’s a Maldives hotel for everyone—this is far more dress-down than, say, Cheval Blanc Randheli or Reethi Rah, and has a bubbling party sensibility. Anything you'd change?Bluetooth speakers in the villa would be ideal. Anything else we should know?If you're up early enough, grab a flat white (or breakfast ice cream) and head to the sunrise platform. The Maldives does it best. Is it worth it—and why?Yes. It's just preposterously good fun." - Chris Allsop