The Standard Maldives – a hotel that’s anything but standard

The Standard Maldives is anything but standard. The first island escape from the boutique hotel chain that likes to do things differently, The Standard is bright, colourful and upbeat, and manages to create an atmosphere that’s both social and relaxing.

Set on Huruvalhi Island in the Raa Atoll, a short seaplane ride from the Maldives’ capital Malé, the 115-villa hotel is great for a romantic escape (where isn’t in the Maldives?), but where it really comes into its own is visiting with a group of friends.

It has six dining options, including the beach-front BBQ Shak, a naturally-protected house reef, and the hydrotherapy oasis that is The Standard Spa, but what really sets it apart is The Standard’s style of nightlife. Found at each of its hotels, here in the Maldives it comes in the form of a tribal beats at Beru Bar, its overwater nightclub with a glass-bottomed dance floor.

The underwater world plays at big role at The Standard Maldives. Surrounding the resort’s island is a tropical sea that’s home to several friendly sea creatures, including baby sharks, stingrays, turtles and manta rays.

Above the surface, things are equally special, starting in the villas. Whether you stay in an overwater or a beach villa, with views of the ocean or the lagoon, they all feature a private infinity plunge pool and have direct access to those crystal blue waters. They also all have private sundecks and, above the soaking tub and shower, a disco ball. Bath time will never be the same again.

There are several different types of villas but if you’re visiting with friends then stay in either the two-bedroom lagoon overwater pool villa, the two-bedroom lagoon beach pool villa or the two-bedroom ocean beach pool villa. Of these, the lagoon beach pool villa is one of the largest villas on the island, with 306sqm of floorspace, a large sun deck, luxurious king-sized beds and access straight on to The Standard’s stellar white-sand beach.

If you really want to go to town, book into The Standard Residence. The resort’s flagship villa, your closest neighbours are the fish, rays and baby sharks that call this atoll home. Within its haven, you’ll find a glass-floored entryway, living room with bar counter and dining room table, private deck with loungers and a hammock, and an oversized infinity pool.

Authenticity comes as standard at The Standard Maldives and the food and drink is inspired by the bounty and beauty of the Indian Ocean. With its own agricultural island nearby to grow the freshest ingredients on, local and global dishes are designed to respond to the hotel's surrounding ecosystem and landscape and each menu has authentic flavours woven through it.

With six places to eat and drink across the resort, there’s plenty of choice for all tastes. Kula is a breezy and bright dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual setting. Kula means ‘colours’ in Dhivehi, and colourful is what you’ll find on the menu. For something playful, spend the afternoon at Todis Bar next to the pool deck, which serves cocktail bar favourites with a local twist. Don’t miss the custom-made ping pong table.

Joos Café is the place to head for an easy breezy all-day hangout, where you’ll find fresh smoothies, sweet and savoury breakfasts and salads, wraps and sandwiches. Sit by the pool or lounge among the library of vintage books and magazines. For the most authentic taste of the Maldives, book a table at Guduguda where the menu is full flavourful coconut curries, aromatic rice dishes and perfectly cooked breads. Relax on the indoor or outdoor cushions, or drop by the adjoining lounge for some fresh shisha.

At the southern end of the island you’ll find BBQ Shak, a casual, feet-in-the-sand and supremely fun beach bar where fresh seafood and meats are grilled to perfection under the stars, while Beru Bar is where the late-night actions happens. Serving creative cocktails and bar snacks at the edge of the lagoon, the overwater setting, oversized disco ball and DJ decks create an unforgettable dance floor. Lastly, in The Standard Spa is the Tonic bar, an adults-only, wellness-focused swim-up bar serving nourishing drinks in the ocean breeze.

At The Standard Maldives there’s everything you’d expect from a world-class resort – pool, spa, kids club, gym, tennis court and complimentary bicycle hire to name but a few – plus a whole lot more above the standard. Check out the latest Happenings for the Standard Pool Parties, karaoke nights, traditional Boduberu dance nights, beachfront movie screenings, cookery classes coconut fishing demonstrations taking place throughout your stay.

As you hopefully have come to expect by now, The Standard Maldives curates one-off dining experiences that are above and beyond the standard too. If you’re in the resort over the full moon, the Huruvalhi Moon Experience is highly recommended. A magical evening to embrace and celebrate the lunar energy, join for a special ritual and communal dinner on the beach.

Or opt for a private dinner on the resort’s powdery white sand, or take it up a notch and have dinner on your own private island, with surf & turf prepared by your own chef at the grill, beside the sea and a bonfire. If you’re craving some solitude with your loved one, book the Castaway Island picnic, where a boat takes to you the private island of Kuda Vilingilli and leaves you with a picnic basket to enjoy beneath the pergola.

Then take your pick from the huge menu of activities on offer. Top of the list is a turtle expedition to the outer reef for – hopefully – the chance to swim alongside the sea turtles and other marine creatures, closely followed by a snorkel safari – either in daylight or under the stars, when the marine life really comes alive – to see the delights of the 98 types of coral that are home to over 220 species of marine life.

Boat trips are also available, including a sunset dolphin cruise and a local island hopping tour to meet the different island communities in the atoll. And of course you can take your pick from water sports, such as jet skiing, tubing, kayaking and catamaran sailing, and board sports, including SUP, windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, mono skiing and flyboarding. Last but not least are dozens of diving opportunities among the pristine house reef.

Rooms at The Standard Maldives start from approximately $500 a night.