1. LOSE YOURSELF TO LE MÉRIDIEN MALDIVES RESORT & SPA
The gentle thud of a drum signals your arrival to the island of Thilamaafushi. Enveloped by the beauty of the Lhaviyani Atoll, this picturesque islet that is a 35-minute seaplane journey from Malé’s Velana International Airport, welcomes you to escape from it all with Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa.
A stay here is to journey into the essence of Indian Ocean escapism, where the crystal-clear lagoon sprawls in every direction, extending an invitation for you to explore its waters that are teeming with rays, kaleidoscopic fish and resident turtles. Back on terra firma, gather the family and experience an array of exciting activities. There’s an outdoor cinema for cinephiles, quizzes for trivia masters and karaoke for those wishing to test their vocal cords. You can indulge your competitive side with a game of padel and enjoy a treatment at the overwater Explore Spa, before boogieing down to the DJ’s beats at that Au Soleil pool party.
The resort’s eco-credentials are spotlighted by The Greenhouse, one of the largest in the Maldives, and the Family Foraging programme, which offers you interactive culinary experiences and education on the island’s sustainable living. The Marine Conservation Hub also provides a glimpse into the conservation work that takes place on the seas.
For gastronomes, the resort is home to five restaurants and bars catering to every palate—think Japanese and Teppanyaki at Tabemasu, Mediterranean meals at Riviera and an international buffet spread at Turquoise. And when appetites have been sated, retire to your overwater or beachfront villa that blends mid-century modern aesthetics with Maldivian charm.
Rates start at $285++ for bed and breakfast for two adults excluding seaplane transfers.
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2. REST, RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
We all have our reasons for saying goodbye (temporarily) to our daily lives, but ultimately, we are looking to hit that reset button to reinvigorate mind, body and soul. Nestled in the heart of the Baa Atoll, you will find the rejuvenating sanctuary of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.
Immersing travellers into its brand pillars of wellbeing—Sleep Well, Move Well, Eat Well, Feel Well, and Play Well—regeneration begins in one of the 69 villas dotted all over the island. Savour a good night’s rest upon the signature Westin Heavenly Bed, with little ones encouraged to drift off with the guidance of the The Westin Maldives Kids Sleep Manual.
When the sun rises, the property invites you to harness your new-found energy across a spectrum of activities. There’s WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio that operates 24 hours-a-day as well as the Gear Lending programme that provides Hyperice, which soothes muscle stiffness and tension. Exercise your mind with The Lost Art of Lacquer workshop or engage your sense of adventure by diving into the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, which is brimming with more than 250 species of coral and marine life.
Nutrition is taken care of across four enticing restaurants and bars. There’s Asian street food at Hawker, Kaiseki-style dining at The Pearl, delicious cocktails and light bites at Sunset Bar and the all-day dining experience of Island Kitchen, where you can catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the sea at breakfast.
Rates start at $350++ for two adults per night, or for the ultimate in convenience, book the Premium All-Inclusive Around The Clock package for a minimum of four nights and you will receive seaplane transfers, three daily meals with unlimited premium beverages and a host of spa treatments, classes and excursions.
3. A RESORT FOR EVERYONE
Lost among the vivid blue waters of the pristine Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a haven of tranquillity, where luxury meets holistic wellbeing. An idyllic Maldivian hideaway, this multigenerational resort woos families, couples and discerning travellers in equal measure, with a seamless blend of world-class hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty.
Peppering this postcard perfect island are 60 commodious beach and over-water villas that each come replete with a private swimming pool and wooden deck. Boasting airy interiors, the villas showcase minimalism at its best while the personalised ‘Thakuru’ butler service is on call to service your every whim and want. You can elevate your experience and stay in the Duplex Overwater Pool Villas, where the upstairs lounge affords the most stunning views of the Indian Ocean, or choose to bed down in the Two-Bedroom Duplex Beach Pool Villa, where tropical greenery surrounds you and the gorgeous blue lagoon is only moments away.
When stomachs begin to murmur, allow yourself to be tempted by a collection of exceptional restaurants and bars. Connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine can indulge at Hashi, while Shio invites you to delve into the world of fine dining, where the finest meats and fresh seafood take centre stage. Authentic Maldivian fare can be sampled at Aailaa, whereas treetop Thai dining can be enjoyed at the beautiful Kaashi.
However, if you are craving something more bespoke, allow the Destination Dining team to curate a special evening, where you can travel on a culinary journey with RIHA, or immerse yourself into the local culture with a Malafaaiy dinner that sees you dine on the beach while listening to the rhythmic sounds of traditional Boduberu drumming. Or why not relax in the tranquil space of JW Garden and embrace some delicious farm-to-table delights? You can also learn some tasty new recipes with the Garden to Table cooking class as well as showcase your skills behind the bar with Garden to Glass mixology sessions.
For a more sedate experience, a visit to Spa by JW is guaranteed to rebalance body and mind. Featuring a hair and nail salon and six couple’s treatment rooms, each equipped with a private steam room, the spa invites you to indulge in a signature treatment after enjoying one of the spa’s complimentary wellness activities including yoga and meditation. While mum and dad relax, little ones are kept occupied by Family by JW Little Griffins Kids Club that features a 43-foot pirate ship and more than 100 adventures to enjoy. For older kids, the Teen Lounge offers a space to unwind and features pool tables, air hockey and Playstation 5.
Book a stay at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa where the starting rate begins at $500++ per night, for two adults, including bed and breakfast. Children under 12 can stay and dine for free.
