The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives

Not so very long ago the Maldives were where you went to spend an unthinkable sum on an extravagantly luxurious overwater bungalow, while the Standard hotels were who you called if you wanted a stylish night out in one of a few major American cities. In other words, the opening of a Standard Maldives is big news, heralding a change not just for the Standard brand but for the Maldivian hotel scene as well.

Not to say the Standard Maldives lacks anything that’s essential to the experience: there’s the island, the lagoon, the villas — some on the beach, others on stilts over the water — and the feeling of total desert-island isolation (though in truth you’re just a 35-minute seaplane flight from Malé airport.) While the villas are perhaps not as opulent as some, they’re certainly more than luxurious enough. There’s plenty of absolute tranquility to be had here, but what makes it different is that tranquility isn’t the only mood on offer; there’s also a glass-bottomed, overwater, adults-only nightclub, featuring a sunset drumming ceremony and local DJs as the night goes on.

There’s also an embrace of the local cuisine that’s above and beyond the norm — the restaurants include not only the expected juice/smoothie café and international-casual venue, but also the relatively self-explanatory BBQ Shak and Guduguda, a restaurant devoted to authentic down-home Maldivian cooking. If you’ve stayed at a Standard in New York or Los Angeles or Miami, then the intent of the Standard Maldives is clear enough: an attainable, accessible brand of luxury for those who are still young enough, either in body or spirit, to enjoy it.

Booking Details: The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives requires additional information from guests to ensure the best stay possible. As such, reservations can only be confirmed through our customer service team. Contact us for assistance. Rates begin at 500 USD per night.