< PreviousDANCE OF NATURE At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa , the mind, body and spirit are the guiding lights behind every memorable moment Maldives An uber-relaxing immersion into gorgeous vistas awaits at JW Marriott Maldives’ duplex overwater pool villas HBI_060_120-121_Escape Maldives_13206306.indd 12019/03/2024 14:17121 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/Culture/Interiors Spring 2024 The ESCAPE WORDS BY A YESHA SHEHMIR, IMAGES COUR TESY OF JW MARRIOTT MALDIVES RESOR T & SP A Before travelling to the Maldives, I was convinced it’s overrated – until staying at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, that is; the property’s vibrant and warm welcome may have been the fi rst thing to change my mind. Th e island is just as the Instagrammers the world over portray: pristine blue water, overwater lagoons and eternal sunshine – zero fi lters needed in this land of picture-perfect beauty. But it’s not just the expected scenery that made this resort so special: it’s the service, the design, attention to detail, the scenic late-night buggy rides, the way the sky peers at the water at sunset, rare sightings of one-of-three stingrays that circle the property; all coming together to create a state of bliss where time, in a good way, stands still. Th e resort, situated on the Vagaru Island, marks the debut of Marriott International’s iconic JW Marriott brand in October 2019 in the secluded Shaviyani Atoll. Encircled by undisturbed natural beauty and marine life, this picturesque place is contemporary in design with spacious and airy interiors. Each villa has its own generously sized private wooden deck with a pool, outdoor shower, and modern amenities. Eclectic dining is highlighted throughout the resort’s fi ve restaurants and three bars. Relax in a treetop location with the fresh fl avours of Th ailand at Kaashi or opt for the poolside Fiamma – serving up a taste of Italy with on-site, signature brick-oven pizza and refreshing beverages amidst panoramic vistas of the Indian Ocean. One of my favourite options was the destination dining off er; we had a private table on the beach with a chef-crafted menu. Th e vivid pink and red rays at sunset were breathtaking. Th e evening was complemented with a traditional performance of drums and singing, a symbol of unity in Maldivian culture. Beware of the army of snails that may venture out in the night (they’re harmless, I promise) – they most likely come to enjoy the music. And if staying at one of the most peaceful destinations in the world wasn’t enough relaxation, there’s an unmissable, award-winning overwater spa, too, where the priority is to align and rebalance physical and mental energies. With six treatment rooms, the space off ers everything from body scrubs and wraps to couple’s massages and mani-pedis. “At JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa, our mission is to foster holistic wellbeing by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, allowing guests to reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and nature,” says Mohit Dembla, General Manager, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. “We achieve this by providing immersive experiences at Spa by JW, off ering meticulously crafted treatments focused on four distinctive benefi ts – calm, indulge, invigorate, and renew, to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.” One thing I’ll remember forever is the open-air, holistic sunrise yoga session by the ocean, where all that could be heard were the waves dancing against the rocks; centred around Prithvi – the Sanskrit term for ‘earth’, the concept revolves around disconnecting from the outside world and truly reconnecting with Mother Nature. It was a journey of oneness and utter tranquillity, one that perfectly enhanced the serenity felt all around us. Mohit adds, “Our resort also off ers opportunities to reconnect with nature and loved ones, from enriching activities at Family by JW and Little Griffi ns Kids Club, to the serene escape of JW Garden to Table, where guests can indulge in the multisensory pleasures of harvesting fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients.” Th anks to a personal butler, or thakuru (ours being Terry), the whole experience was seamless. If there’s one thing you’ll take away from a stay here – other than a holiday tan, keepsakes and countless pretty portraits – it’s memories of a lifetime. jwmarriottmaldives.com From left: Treetop dining venue Kaashi serves up Thai cuisine in the lap of nature; Organic tones and forms meld design elements with the scenic surroundings The interiors are swathed in honey and wood tones which warm up the cool blue water views for perfect balance, while soothing neutral white accents permeate peace An aerial view of the resort showcases the ultimate picture-perfect beach HBI_060_120-121_Escape Maldives_13206306.indd 12119/03/2024 14:17 Design DNA Italian architect and interior designer Teresa Sapey on life’s little inspirations, her unforgettable trip to Japan, and an indescribable love for design I constantly seek inspiration from the strangest things: a crack in a wall, a mysterious shadow, a fallen leaf on the ground, a crooked hat, a memorable meal, the imperfection of a slightly misshapen carrot. Everything can be inspiring, along with the classics like great works of art and museums, or what happens politically every day. In the end, we write history through spaces, the same way a newspaper writes it through the news. At this point in my life I want to have fun. I have always wanted to have a good time, laugh at myself and grow, and I continue to do so. I have reached a wonderful point in life; I feel like a young adult. It’s great, fantastic! I am most proud of the results of my work throughout the years. I am very proud of my children, my twins. My daughter Francesca, who is also my business partner and who I collaborate with daily. My home is much more than a home. It’s a container of my whole life, the diary of my past, present and of course, my future. It’s the attic of imperfections, relationships with friends and clients, the memories of my travels. My house excites me, it’s a beating heart. I’d love to travel to Japan during cherry blossom season again. My last trip to Japan was so exciting; I loved it. Th is overwhelming wave of pink in all diff erent shades, sizes and scents. A feast of pink, of seeing the world from above and below, that fi lls my memory. And it is a chromatic memory, that I would love to repeat. Design is an important part of my life because just like art and all forms of creation, it fi lls my life. I really don’t know how to do anything else, nor can I imagine myself doing anything else. I was born for this, I have lived for this, and I will die for this. IMAGES COUR TESY OF TERESA SAPEY 4 2 3 DNA 5 1 TERESA’S TOP DESIGN PICKS: 1. Nami sunbed for Talenti by Teresa Sapey. We have made this exclusive design to relax and have fun. It transforms into a wonderful seat. 2. Venini Gio Ponti 99.80 suspension lamp. This Murano glass chandelier designed by Gio Ponti fascinates me for its neo-classical mixed design. 3. Belle Vivier by Roger Vivier. A classic that never goes out of style, it is a must-have in the wardrobe of a cosmopolitan woman. 4. Polka dot pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama. I’ve always had a passion for pumpkins, maybe because of the magic of Cinderella’s fairy tale. 5. Adan planters for Vondom by Teresa Sapey. The only man who will be by your side for the rest of your life. HBI_060_122_Design DNA_13179730.indd 12221/03/2024 12:51www.harpersbazaararabia.com @ h a r p e r sb a z a a r a r a b i a h a r p e r s b a z a a ra ra bi aNext >