Patina Maldives

Not that we’re complaining, but resorts in the Maldives have more or less stayed with a tried-and-tested formula when it comes to design. So when Patina Maldives opened—designed in a moody tropical minimalist style by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan—it was a breath of fresh, ocean-kissed air. Wood, linen, rattan, paper cord, stone and natural fibres in muted colours extend from the interiors to draw the outside world in. Its one- to three-bedroom villas, alongside 20 studios and a luxe two-storey, three-bedroom Beach House, feature custom furniture by leading designers such as BassamFellows and Studio MK27. It’s also home to Amarta, a light installation by American artist James Turrell; and a spa rooted in water-based healing, including a watsu pool, treatment suites with couples’ hammam beds, saunas and sensory deprivation tanks.