Review: A blissful break at Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa

The facts: Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa joined Crown & Champa Resorts’ nine-strong portfolio of Maldivian properties in November 2020. It features 50 identical pool villas in three locations across the island, including 22 ocean, 18 lagoon and 10 beach options. Each has a dedicated host available via WhatsApp to cater to guests’ needs. At the centre of the resort sits a two[1]storey pavilion, home to relaxed buffet restaurant Noo Faru, poolside snack bar Ufaa and Italian venue Nonna. My favourite restaurant is Ke-Un, which serves a fusion of dishes from the countries surrounding the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’. It’s near impossible to choose from the medley of bold, fiery flavours spanning east Asia to South America. At the Spa Corner, expect goodness galore with light, nourishing plates such as the sunshine salad, made with bee pollen and spirulina, and citrusy ceviche, washed down with an electrolyte chia lemonade. This eatery is housed in the Baani Spa – Kagi’s headline attraction – which has four treatment rooms, a gym, a yoga and meditation studio, and a boutique.

Through the building’s ringed roof, sunlight pours onto a wooden courtyard, bathing it in a warm, honeyed glow. One morning, I enjoy a yoga class in this very spot, basking in the soft morning light and peaceful atmosphere. A weekly programme offers two classes a day – one in the morning and another in the evening – ranging from sound healing and guided meditation to Zumba. Guests can also play a game or two on the pickleball court – reportedly the first in the Maldives. An array of watersports is available at the Dive Centre, including glass-bottomed kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, snorkelling and scuba diving. There are also guided fishing excursions that offer guests the chance to enjoy their catch of the day, prepared to their liking, during a special dinner. Kagi Resort & Spa will close over the summer for a design refresh before reopening in October.

Ideal for: There’s a feeling of intimacy at Kagi that couples will love. The resort also caters to younger guests, with a games room and kids’ snorkelling sessions, but it is not as family-friendly as some other Maldivian resorts.

Explore: The underwater world surrounding Kagi beckons. One day, I leisurely kayak around the whole perimeter of the island, gliding across a mirror-like lagoon. The water shifts between a melange of turquoise and sapphire hues as schools of colourful fish dart beneath the surface. Turtles have made their home on the island since the resort opened and, during my visit, four nests are waiting on the shoreline to hatch, promising exciting snorkelling for future guests. Nurse sharks can also be spotted.

Wow: Given Kagi’s wellness focus, I anticipated that the spa would be impressive, but it surpasses all my expectations. On stepping inside, guests are hit with a delicious cocktail of chamomile, sweet orange and lavender, which also invades the senses during treatments. I have a glorious Balinese massage that my therapist tailors to soothe my sunburn, slathering me in cooling aloe vera, which works wonders.

Book it: Rates start from £875 per night for a Beach Pool Villa with breakfast included.
kagimaldives.com