Located in the pristine South Ari Atoll, LTI Maafushivaru Maldives will be reopening its gates on March 2020, after an extensive luxury refurbishment.

A five-star Indian Ocean gem offering small island charm perfectly matched with contemporary architecture and bespoke finishing touches, Maafushivaru Maldives is the first long-haul lti hotel to launch in 16 years and will do so across Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the UK, as the resort joined Europes DER Touristik Hotels & Resorts.

Maafushivaru will be exclusive to DER Touristiks tour operator brands (DERTOUR, Meiers Weltreisen, ITS Reisen, JAHN Reisen, Kuoni UK and Switzerland as well as Manta Reisen in Switzerland).

With its small island charm, lush vegetation surrounded by powder-white soft sand, and a house reef that a myriad of tropical fish call home, Maafushivaru is just over 350 metres in length and can be walked in just 10 minutes and a bit.

Just a 25-minute seaplane journey from Male', Maafushivaru features 81 brand-new villas spread across 5 room categories. The island itself is corralled by 3 categories of land rooms; Beach Villa, Beach Pool Villa and Duplex Pool Villa. Each nestled under a canopy of palms, these beach front sanctuaries provide luxurious intimacy, finished with chic touches and must-have mod-cons. The entry-level Beach Villas feature private sea facing sun decks and semi-open garden bathrooms with rainfall showers; whilst those wanting their very own hideaway can opt for the Beach Villa with Pool which includes a private plunge pool overlooking the cerulean Indian Ocean.

For guests looking for the ultimate beach escapes, the resort offers the 184sqm Duplex Pool Villa, a two-story villa with an upstairs bedroom and balcony. Downstairs, unwind in your own private living room that can be converted in to a second bedroom if required, making this room category a perfect option for families.

The overwater villa categories of the lti Maafushivaru spread over 2 jetties on the north-western side of the island. The Water Villa and Water Pool Villas offer the best of the lti Maafushivaru Maldives overwater experience, with private decks, spacious bedrooms and stunning views of the lagoon. All rooms are fully furnished with amenities at hand, enabling guests to enjoy a relaxing break right next to nature.

Dining is a definite focus of the resort, with 7 bars and restaurants. Highlights include Moodhu Grill, lti Maafushivarus signature restaurant offering fresh meat and seafood with a range of dishes from its tandoor oven, Umi provides an over water teppanyaki experience, Cielo an all-day dining restaurant with a Mediterranean-feel menu, while Water Bars poolside Tapas menu will present lighter lunchtime bites and Cuisine Gallery offers Mediterranean cuisine infused with local and regional flavors. The island offers Half Board, Half Board Plus* and Dine Around All Inclusive.

By day, guests can relax by the islands perfectly placed beachfront infinity pool, next to the bar with comfy chic sofas for lounging. Those looking for adventure can explore life below the waves. The marine world that surrounds the lti hotel can be best described as utterly sublime, with an array of flourishing and vibrant marine life. Its easy to spot a shark or two, and you might just bump into a gentle giant whale shark during one of the snorkeling expeditions organised by the island. Diving is spectacular around lti Maafushivaru Maldives, with several dive sites promising big fish encounters, colorfully complete with coral gardens, in warm temperate waters that provide excellent visibility. Private trips can be arranged, as well as activities on the water including windsurfing and kayaking. Other excursion options include visiting local island Dhangethi, taking a sunset cruise or island hopping for the day.

At lti Maafushivaru Maldives, the Spa blends architectural magnificence with the natural beauty of the land and seascape, peacefully situated on a quiet corner of the island on its own jetty, over the Indian Ocean. Each treatment is bespoke and unique with facilities including 5 treatment rooms, consisting of 1 couples room, 1 couples suite, 1 aesthetic beauty care room and 2 massage rooms. Guests can also make use of a fully equipped gymnasium, with panoramic sea views, to ensure individuals feel their best on both the inside and out.

A truly unique jewel in this Maldivian treasure is Lonubo, the resorts private castaway island. Found just 500 metres from the shores of the hotel, Lonubo encourages guests to escape reality in an authentic Maldivian island experience. This miniature white sand isle is ringed by a vibrant coral reef with towering palm trees concealing a private beach villa for two.