If you’re someone who likes to indulge in a spot of shopping whilst travelling – whether for local souvenirs or exotic, luxury items – the following resorts have taken your travel style (pun intended) into consideration. And while most private island resorts have in-house or pop-up boutiques, selling a range of goods from sunscreen to high-end clothing, we personally gravitate to the following four resorts for our shopping needs whenever we’re in the Maldives.
JOALI
Take home a souvenir of your magical time on Joali’s island of joy from the resort’s stunning boutique, Maison De Joali. This boutique offers a selection of artisanal teas, distinctive textile products, decorative objet d’arts by local and global artists, and works created at the Joali Art Studio.
Patina
At Fari Marina Village, socially and environmentally conscious travellers connect through a journey of beauty, creativity and discovery. The beating heart of the Fari Islands, guests can gather to share the experience of restaurants and bars, art immersions by renowned international names, the freedom of music, and boutique shopping featuring curated artisanal finds. Here, impulse is devoted to the sensation of fun. Browse the boardwalk boutiques such as modern men’s boutique, the Rake, or take in the ambitious art installations at James Turrell’s skyspace pavilion.
One & Only Reethi Rah
A favourite amongst celebrities, One & Only Reethi Rah is home to a huge boutique, NEO, with a global fashion showcase. Guests staying here will have access to beautiful designer goods, including resort wear, jewellery, artwork, and scented candles. From floaty Camilla Australia kaftans to colourful Missoni Mare swimwear, coveted Zimmermann dresses and laidback-luxe pieces from Frescobal Carioca, you’ll find the perfect holiday wardrobe here. The resort staff will happily help arrange transport for larger items too!
SONEVA
Both Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani are home to tempting gift shops, aptly named So Soneva, that sell everything from designer clothing – perfect for your island stay – and accessories to locally-made handicrafts, international jewellery brands, and iconic resort memorabilia such as glassware (blown onsite at So Glasscycle) and decorative wooden items for the home. Soneva Fushi boasts the first and largest barefoot bookstore in the Maldives, where you can find the perfect read for your relaxing getaway.
In true Soneva style, the resorts are also updating their offering with pop-up stores and exhibitions, with recent collaborations including a partnership with Good Earth, which celebrates the heritage of India and Asia through its unique design stories that focus on India’s ancient craft traditions.
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi
Embodying the luscious surroundings and breezy aesthetic of the Maldives, The Edition by TLE Boutiques at Waldorf Astoria invites guests to discover an array of exceptional resort wear, menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, accessories and jewellery from around the world.
