The best luxury hotels off the beaten track

Looking to explore further afield on your next superyacht holiday? Get some travel inspiration from our round up of the best luxury hotels in the world's most remote, exotic and far-flung destinations, from the Maldives and Sri Lanka to Thailand or The Seychelles...

Kuda Villingili Resort

North Malé Atoll, Maldives

The pristine atolls of the Maldives are usually more associated with smooching honeymooners than adrenalin junkies, but this new opening is set to draw an adventure-hungry clientele to the island chain. Located in the North Malé Atoll, Kuda Villingili offers easy access to Chickens, one of the world’s top 10 surfing spots. First discovered when Australian surfers Tony Hussein Hinde and Mark Scanlon were shipwrecked nearby in the 1970s, this roping, high-performance “left” (a good wave, for those who don’t know the lingo) still attracts surfing aficionados from across the globe.

Back on dry land, the 16-hectare island’s resort, which was originally slated to open as a Chedi, does have some of the hallmarks of a traditional luxury property in the Maldives. At its heart sits a 150-metre pool encircled by palm trees and cream sun loungers, and its sprawling spa features eight overwater villas, with free-standing bathtubs filled with tropical flowers. However, Kuda Villingili’s ethos is deliberately different. The island’s bevy of activities – ranging from lobster and champagne nights to sunset DJ sessions – and millennial-friendly interiors (think local Maldivian textiles and rugs manufactured from recycled plastic bottles) are testimony to its intention to draw in a decidedly cooler crowd.

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L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa

Mahé, Seychelles
Credit: Elsa Young

The latest boutique resort to open its doors on Mahé, the Seychelles’ largest island and home to the country’s capital of Victoria, is a must-visit for any superyacht cruising this part of the Indian Ocean. Owners are likely to find L’Escale Resort Marina & Spa ticks a lot of boxes; after all, its architects, none other than Winch Design, know a thing or two about yachts. This boutique property is the first hotel project completed by the firm, who sourced bespoke furnishings from across South East Asia, including materials such as local tropical hardwood Nyatoh, teak from Indonesia, drift oak and renewable rattan. A light, neutral base palette is enriched with shades inspired by the verdant surroundings, woven and printed on fabrics of contrasting textures. Hints of turquoise, coral and bright yellow are a nod to the sea and to the rich marine life. The room to book is the Royal Suite, with its own private deck and infinity pool, or opt for the entire two-bedroom, two-storey Presidential Villa. Mooring won’t be an issue thanks to the marina, which is able to accommodate yachts up to 100 metres. Head straight to the Eden Holistic spa for a relaxing Rasul cleansing ritual, which combines the benefits of heat, steam and mud. After that, head to the pool for a swim and sundowners and enjoy the view of neighbouring Eden Island. End the evening with a Creole-inspired feast (and more cocktails) at the resort’s restaurant.

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Kempinski Hotel Muscat

Muscat, Oman

Not every yachting destination can juxtapose the open ocean with a backdrop of majestic mountains. This Middle Eastern outpost of European brand Kempinski, however, boasts panoramic views of both from its sweeping infinity pool. In keeping with its surroundings, the magnificence continues as you enter the cubic hotel; a vast white marbled lobby is decorated with pillars that echo the architecture of the Sultan’s Palace.

The beachside retreat, handily located just 15 minutes from Muscat International Airport and a short stroll from Al Mouj Marina, is the perfect base for exploring Oman’s adventure-packed coastline. Within a couple of hours you can find yourself kayaking through a craggy canyon or trekking across the rugged terrain towards an unspoilt oasis like Wadi Tiwi. Once you return, dine like royalty in one of the hotel’s eight restaurants, with cuisines ranging from Indian dishes to Thai street food. For local delicacies, including citrus-infused Omani Gulf lobster, head down pathways shaded by date palms and frangipani trees to the shoreside Zale Beach Club & Lounge. Afterwards, return to nest in one of the hotel’s four palatial suites, with your own plunge pool.

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Anantara Maia Luxury Resort & Spa

The Seychelles

The hushed villas at this Seychellois hideaway are so discreetly tucked into the native flora that the only person likely to wander past your door is your private butler. But in the crystal waters around Mahé island it is as busy as a city-centre rush hour (for fish). Take out your boat, or one of the many sportsfishers for charter here, and once you’ve landed your catch, the resort’s chefs will prepare it in any style you like, from barbeque to sashimi. It can be served in the restaurant, on the beach, on the helipad or back in the sublime quiet of your villa. Maia is also home to one of the best luxury spas in Asia so make sure you also book in some time for some serious pampering.

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Baros Maldives

North Malé Atoll, Maldives

Lying in the pristine southern waters of the North Malé Atoll, this Maldivian-owned escape is a natural Eden. Its splendid 300 metre house reef is a nursery to blacktip sharks, while shimmering white beaches and foliage-lined pathways peppered with exotic flowers lead to its 75 private villas.

You can dip your toes into the vivid waters surrounding this coral island less than 30 minutes after touching down in Malé, as the hotel’s powerful private speedboat will whisk you directly from the airport. For the ultimate dining experience, sail on a traditional Maldivian dhoni to the island resort of Baros and its pop-up restaurant on a secluded sandbank, located just outside the electric blue lagoon. Enjoy a lantern-lit dinner under the stars and try Maldivian favourites like reshmi prawn kebabs or indulge in the fresh sushi station, while the sandbank sommelier will be on hand to suggest perfect pairings.

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