The island is long and narrow so you can see the sea clearly on both sides of you wherever you are on the island. You arrive via a long jetty which has the dive centre at the far end. The reception leads off to the bar on the right, boutique & activities room straight in front and then one of the island's two restaurants to the left.

The accommodation then runs the length of the island facing both sides of the lagoon, along with the swimming pool, second restaurant and at the far end of the island the resorts outstanding spa.

ACCOMMODATION

The resort has 66 bungalows in total. 24 of these are semi detached Lagoon Bungalows which run along the shore of the island with one side leading out onto the sand and the other with a ladder down into the sea.

Then on a specially constructed circular pontoon at the far end of the island sit 31 Deluxe Lagoon Bungalows which are totally surrounded by water. 10 of these bungalows have private plunge pools.

At the head of the pontoon sits the superlative Rehendi Presidential Suite. The Rehendi Presidential Suite, built over water, unfolds sheer luxury and privacy in its spacious and beautiful interiors. The 450 sq ms tastefully appointed villa has a living room; a master bedroom with attached his and hers bathrooms, a private balcony; a guest bedroom; a glassed bathroom with an infinite view of the Indian Ocean; a 15 ft fresh water pool with a private sundeck, two `salas’ for relaxing and dining; and a beautiful suspended deck filled with powder soft sand.

On the opposite side of the island there are 4 Deluxe Beach Villas (89 sq metres) and a couple of two bedroom Villa Suites. Each has private plunge pool, veranda with sun beds, a tropical outdoor shower and a private walled garden. The large floor plan/multiple bedrooms make the villas ideal for small families or a group of friends wishing to share villa style accommodation.

All the bungalows and villas are palm-thatched, built of finest natural wood finishes on the exteriors and floors and are delightfully appointed in classic Maldivian style. Amenities include air-conditioning, personal bar, LCD television with satellite channels, safe, tea/coffee-maker, satellite television, DVD/CD player, MP3, Media Centre, Internet connection, international dialling, Electronic safe, double vanity, bathtubs overlooking the ocean (in lagoon villas ) and rain showers in the bathrooms, and hairdryer. Some of the villas have a private plunge pool.

FOOD & WINE

The island has two restaurants. 24 Degrees & The Deep End. We sampled mulligatawny soup followed by fillet steak at 24 Degrees, both of which were superb.

24 DEGREES - The charm and conviviality of this informal and inviting all day dining restaurant is enhanced by a display kitchen and indoor and al fresco beach dining. The menu features a variety of Pan-Asian and Continental fare and a selection of fine wines.

THE DEEP END - The elegant Mediterranean restaurant offers an extensive a la carte menu with a choice of flavourful meats, game and seafood, along with vegetarian specialities, complemented with fine wines from the cellar. The menu also features a choice of deserts and cigars.

EQUATOR BAR - Unwind to soulful music and the rustle of the wind, waves and palms with a choice of innovative and refreshing beverages including sundowners, ice cold margaritas, wine coolers and cocktails. The bar also serves a variety traditional vintages and New World wines, and cigars.

FUN & GAMES

Without doubt the highlight of Taj Exotica is its outstanding spa. With tropical-inspired interiors and splendid ocean views, the Taj Spa, located at the far end of the resort, is the epitome of privacy and quiet. Fanned around a central courtyard garden, each over-water Spa Pavilions has a private Sundeck and Relaxation space.

As well as the spa you can enjoy on the island:

The fresh water Infinity Swimming pool
PADI certified Dolphin Base Dive and Water Sports Centre
Fitness Centre
Billiards
Catamaran Sailing
Water Skiing
Banana Riding
Sea Kayaking
Windsurfing

Or for a change of scenery you can leave the island on a day excursion to:

Visit Historical Male
Take a Seaplane Photo Flight
Enjoy a Maldivian Fishing Village Experience
Island Exploration
Sunset Cruise
Sunset Fishing
Big Game Fishing and Casting

ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

The Taj is just a 45 minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport. Transfer cost $160 per person.

Children of all ages are welcome at The Taj and rooms can sleep a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child.

Check in time is 14:00pm. Check out time is 12:00am.

7 nights minimum stay for all room categories apart from Suites - 24th Dec 08 - 9th Jan 09. 10 nights minimum stay for Beach Villa Suites and Rehendhi Presidential Suite - 24th Dec 08 - 9th Jan 09. No check-outs allowed on 30th December, 31st December and 1st January for all room categories apart from Suites.

In case of late departures until 2100hrs, a day use room will be provided at an extra charge of 75% of one night's bed & breakfast rate. Late departures beyond 2100hrs will be charged as one extra night on bed & breakfast rate.

Click for more information on: Sri Lanka Holidays, Sri Lanka Villas, Sri Lanka Hotels, Sri Lanka Tours. Better still give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email srilanka@fleewinter.com for free independent advice on the best places to stay.

Key Features:
Pool - Yes
Restaurant - 2 Restaurants
68 double beds
66 bathrooms
66 en-suite
Sea Views