SHORTLIST: THE RANIA EXPERIENCE, MALDIVES
You know that fantasy you have of leaving everything behind and flying away to a tiny private island so beautiful it would make computer screensavers jealous? The one where you’re just a spec in the middle of a far flung ocean and miles away from the stresses of the world. Well, it turns out that’s actually a real place, and it’s called The Rania Experience in the Maldives.
It could be called an experience of a lifetime, but chances are, if you can afford to go once, you’ve got enough in the bank to go again. But let’s not talk about price just yet, for now, let’s keep on dreaming.
Looking out to the horizon from this seven acre, private island paradise, you’ll see nothing but the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean — oh yeah, and an 86-foot yacht, which, like the island, is also completely and totally yours for the duration of your stay.
And like any good fantasy, The Rania Experience just keeps getting better. A team of private butlers will be on hand to tend to your every need and a team of chefs will prepare anything you want, whenever you want it. If all this relaxing is stressing you out, don’t forget about the spa counselors who are on hand to provide unlimited treatments.
If you get bored on land, you can island hop on your yacht, try big game fishing for wahoo, grouper, barracuda, jack fish, and sailfish, or go scuba diving with your very own PADI registered dive instructor.
If you were kind enough to bring your friends along, there’s a three bedroom residence with a plunge pool and three separate beach villas that, when combined, can house up to 12 people. After dinner, which is served in a surprise location around the island every night, everyone can gather in the entertainment pavilion where a home theater, pool table, and board games await.
But the feature of the island sure to provide you and your guests with the most enjoyment is the professional karaoke system (in which you’ll definitely not cover Mo Money Mo Problems by Notorious B.I.G.). Maybe try an ironic cover of Billionaire by Bruno Mars or after a few mojitos give Glamorous by Fergie a shot — your butler can do the Ludacris rap.
So what does it cost to actually live inside a stock photo representation of the words relaxation and paradise? The Rania Experience nightly rates range from $9,850 – $17,500 per night for two people with each additional person costing $800. A three night minimum is required.
Trevor Morrow
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